Telling Stories To Transform Track Of Lives

How many of us are happy with our life? Surveys after surveys have indicated that very few people are satisfied with how their life is unfolding or what they have achieved so far. And fewer still take steps to change their destiny. But those who do, not only become successful and realise their full potential, but also serve as role models for others to emulate. Motivational speaker Sudhan Gnawali is someone who is gradually moulding himself into an inspiring personality, making difference in the lives of many within the country and beyond.    

Gnawali, through his storytelling and motivational speaking, helps people realise their true potential. He supports them in their personal and professional growth, encourages them to fight against social evils, and prepares them to make a meaningful impact on people and society. He motivates people to believe in themselves, their dreams and aspirations, and their potential to change their lives. His journey from a humble beginning in the mid-western hills of the country to being a Communication and Liaison Officer at the World Health Organisation (WHO), country office in Nepal, is really inspirational. Gnawali is a young and emerging motivational speaker who has worked for different agencies (United Nations, Universities, Government, Rehabilitation Centres and Business Sector) on a range of issues, particularly for the campaigning of ‘full immunisation’ and ‘art of healing—earthquake recovery’ throughout the country.

Gnawali was born in Rurukshetra Rural Municipality Ward No. 1 and completed his school education from Ridi Higher Secondary School in his hometown. He was a diligent student who excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He was very good at public speaking and debating. His clear, concise, and powerful voice convinced people. However, during his school days he could not identify his true calling, as our educational system prioritised grades over helping the students to explore their potential and identify their interest. “I never knew what I wanted to be in the future. Back then, students who stood first in class and scored good marks were supposed to opt for science in their higher studies. I did the same thing without really figuring out what my field of interest was. I never realised that pursuing my passion and strengths was imperative to make myself successful and happy,” said Gnawali.

Gnawali studied science at the higher secondary level in Butwal, scored good marks, and, as a ritual, started preparing for MBBS entrance exams without even evaluating if he really wanted to become a doctor. He attempted twice but could not clear the medical entrance examination. In the meantime, a colleague suggested to him that he had such a powerful voice and public speaking skills, so he had potential in broadcast media. He should explore hosting programmes and reporting. This made him realise that society’s narrow definition of success derailed him from pursuing his interests and talents.

Luckily, he got a job at Radio Nepal in 2062 BS. He joined as a News Desk Editor and Prime Time News Reader, which was a matter of pride because Prime Time News had a huge audience, and people loved his voice and style of presentation. While working there, he realised his shortcomings, particularly his lack of proficiency in the English language. Translating international news to Nepali language became a daunting task for him, but the nature of work demanded him to translate the news reports. He realised the factor that was holding him back, but he avoided working on it for years. Success in the media sector often requires proficiency in the English language as well, he said. He worked in Radio Nepal for nine years and established himself as a popular media personality in Nepal.

While working in Radio Nepal, he got an opportunity to participate in a training named ‘Appreciative Inquiry and Transformational Technologies of Life and Performance,’ which he considers a life-changing moment for him. During the closed camp in the training, a British trainer asked him where he saw himself after 10 years, and if any factor was forbidding him to achieve his goals. Gnawali replied he was weak in the English language, both written and spoken, and this was a major setback in his career and was holding him back from unleashing his full potential. The trainer required when he first recognised his weakness in English. Gnawali responded that it was about ten years ago, during his preparation for the medical entrance exam. He encountered difficulties because the science textbooks were in English and there were limited resources available in Nepali. The tutor then asked what steps he had taken over the past decade to address and overcome this shortcoming. She further added, ‘If you didn’t work to overcome your shortcomings for 10 long years, you probably never will’. This really jolted Gnawali. He came to understand that ‘only we have the power to transform our lives’. By believing in ourselves and putting in hard work, we can make a difference.

Gnawali resigned from Radio Nepal and worked as the press expert for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pradeep Gnawali, from 2018 to 2021. He assisted and advised the foreign minister with media, political, and policy expertise. This provided a leading role in mainstreaming foreign affairs-related issues in various countries.

Gnawali is currently working as a Communication and Liaison Officer, WHO, Country Office, Nepal. He has worked to facilitate a district-level campaign   through motivation and story-telling for the COVID-19 vaccination programme to reach 77 districts. He conducts regular follow-up activities to accelerate the immunisation programme in various districts towards full immunisation. His effort to eliminate vaccine hesitancy among people is praiseworthy, as people in the remote areas of Nepal still lack awareness regarding vaccines, their lifesaving abilities, and their schedules. He, through his motivational speaking, worked to convince people about the possible hazards of not immunising their children. This worked to bring about a positive change in people's behaviour. During this campaign, he got the opportunity to visit some of the remote villages of Nepal.  To eliminate the vaccine hesitancy, he worked to build trust with the community by engaging with them, hearing their stories. He spread awareness to the rural communities about the benefits of lifesaving vaccines.

He said he played an important role in increasing vaccine acceptance among people, especially the people of the far western region. He developed media strategies for the introduction of HPV vaccines. “During these campaigns, I realised how ignorance, poverty, and social evils have impacted people’s lives and had a profound impact on the community and people's personal lives.” Gnawali, through his motivational speech, offers new perspectives and ignites a sense of purpose among people. He provides practical strategies and encouragement to empower people to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals with renewed determination. He helps people unlock their true potential.

(Adhikari is a journalist at The Rising Nepal.)