Introduction to the Event
Every month, Glocal Pvt. Ltd. organizes an inspiring event called “Coca-Cola presents Youth Dialogue.” It is not just a talk show, it is a powerful platform where stories transform into motivation and experiences turn into lifelong lessons. Young minds gather with the purpose of connecting with passionate leaders who openly share their journeys, struggles, and the mindset that shaped them into who they are today.
This Month’s Session
This month, the event was held at Kathford College, Lalitpur, where the guest speaker was none other than Er. Arvind Shah, Co-Founder and Director of Khalti by IME. His life story deeply touched every heart in the room, leaving the youth filled with energy, hope, and inspiration to pursue their dreams.
He began his session with a personal reflection: “I came to Kathmandu at the age of 18. When I saw Sundhara for the first time, I felt completely lost and wondered where I had come.” He emphasized how fortunate today’s students are to have the opportunity to study in Kathmandu, a city filled with endless learning possibilities. “Wherever you turn your head, you will find an opportunity to grasp,” he expressed, highlighting the abundance of resources around them.
Humble Beginnings to Computer Engineering
Sharing his humble beginnings, he mentioned that he was born in Bara district, near Gadimai Mandir village. In his childhood, he often studied sitting on plastic sheets, which doubled as a raincoat during storms. Despite such struggles, his determination to learn never wavered. Eventually, he came to Kathmandu and completed his high school studies. Later, he secured a full
scholarship in Computer Engineering at IOE, Pulchowk Campus. Remarkably, he had never touched a computer before joining the program. His first exposure to a computer was in his C programming class. While his friends were busy writing codes, he spent much of his early days just trying to find the cursor on the screen. With persistence, he learned computer skills and C programming simultaneously, a journey that eventually led him to become the Co-Founder and Director of Khalti.
Founding Janaki Technologies
He recalled the early days of Janaki Technologies, which he and his team registered without much planning, purely driven by passion and intent. During his bachelor’s studies, he also worked on projects for various companies and even created opportunities by offering online jobs to people. He reflected on how, at that time, 1 USD was equal to NPR 70, and how drastically times have changed since then.
Turning Problems into Opportunities
Mr. Shah stressed the importance of problem-solving, saying: “There will always be problems and challenges when you are working. But if you truly intend to solve them, those very problems will turn into opportunities, and opportunities will shape you into someone who can stand at a higher level.” He emphasized that in the global market, not every idea or innovation is immediately accepted. Sometimes recognition comes quickly, while other times the market may reject your ideas. What matters most, however, is persistence and intent.
Launching Khalti
When he and his team started Janaki Technologies, they never asked their families for financial support. They built everything on their own from scratch. Later, they invested the earnings from Janaki Technologies into launching Khalti. At the beginning, Khalti processed transactions of only about NPR 6,000. Today, however, the platform handles transactions at an entirely new scale, with millions of users across Nepal.
The Power of Intent Over Money
Continuing his session, he emphasized that while money can sometimes be a challenge, it is not the ultimate barrier. “When you have intent and determination, nothing can stop you. Money might be a problem for a while, but intent makes you unstoppable. And when you look back after years, those struggles will bring you the deepest satisfaction.”
Interactive Q&A Session
The event also featured an interactive Q&A session, where students eagerly raised questions. One of the most engaging discussions centered around whether resources are more important than mindset. In response, Mr. Shah shared that resources can make things easier, but it is mindset, resilience, and intent that truly drive progress. With the right mindset, resources will eventually follow; but without mindset, even abundant resources may go to waste. This answer left a deep impression on the audience, reinforcing the idea that the power to succeed lies within one’s determination.
Closing and Reflections
The session concluded with heartfelt applause and admiration from the students. They not only listened to his journey but also absorbed the powerful message it carried, that success is not measured by the resources you start with, but by the mindset you cultivate along the way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Coca-Cola Presents Youth Dialogue once again proved to be a source of energy and enlightenment for young minds. Mr. Arvind Shah’s story became a reminder that struggles can be stepping stones, intent can transform challenges into opportunities, and mindset will always remain the strongest resource of all.
