Memoir of Citizens Bank ex-CEO Bhandari hits market

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July,1: Afailai Niyalda (Scrutinising Oneself), a memoir of Rajan Singh Bhandari, who has spent over four decades of his life in Nepal’s banking sector, was released amidst a function on Saturday. 

An Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Bhandari had resigned from his job at the central bank was about to make a foray into the academic sector. However, he got involved in the establishment of Citizens International Bank and took important initiatives for it. And he ended up spending 17 years in the bank, heading it as Chief Executive Officer and then Chairman of the board of directors. 

The book chronicles notable events that he experienced and noticed during those years. Hence the book is a first-hand account of a significant period in Nepal’s banking sector by an observant witness of the developments that unfolded. 

“This book is markedly different from the common memoirs or collection of personal essays that you come across in the market,” said Prakash Rimal of Minute Media that published the book. “This is because in this book, the author presents himself not only in a positive light, but also dwells on his weaknesses and shortcomings. Authors normally hide family feuds, but Rajan Singh Bhandari does not fall into this category of writers.” 

Another strength of the book is that it sheds light on how the affluent industrialists and traders take advantage of business opportunities, how the business houses come up with new ideas, and what strategies they embrace against each other, Rimal further said. 

Commenting on the book, former minister Sharat Singh Bhandari called the book an authentic expression of a seasoned professional. Former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr. Tilak Rawal, said the book reflected the author’s daring attitude and professional efficiency.

Divided into 13 chapters, the 312-page book is priced at Rs. 1,000. It was informed at the book launch that a certain portion of the sales proceeds would go towards funding scholarships to deserving students from poor families through Shivachandra Memorial Foundation.