Journey towards NCATS, NIH

I was born in a remote village in Nepal, where the idea of attending school was met with reluctance. A traumatic incident with a teacher led me to stop going altogether. Concerned, my father attempted to persuade me to return, but it wasn't until a private school opened near our home that I rediscovered the joy of learning. At the age of seven, I officially began my schooling journey.

My exceptional performance allowed me to skip grades, and soon, I found myself facing a challenging decision. A turbulent period of political unrest in Nepal, marked by a Maoist insurgency, forced the closure of private schools. With this shift, I transitioned to a nearby government school. The quality of education was markedly different, with classes often held outdoors. The weather played a significant role, as extreme conditions could cancel classes altogether.

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In the seventh grade, I relocated to a city school, a journey of 25 kilometers undertaken daily with my sister on a single bicycle. Negotiating forest paths and even a river, these trials were a testament to our determination.

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The pinnacle of my early education was the SLC (School Leaving Certificate) examination in the tenth grade. Despite a prevalent lack of dedication from fellow students and teachers, my personal commitment to learning remained unwavering. I embraced self-study and maintained top-ranking status, earning recognition as the most diligent and disciplined student.

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In a village where no student had previously passed the SLC exam, both my sisters and I achieved this milestone. My father's role in the healthcare sector exposed me to pharmaceuticals, sparking my curiosity about their intricate workings. His explanation that subtle differences in ingredients made significant distinctions fueled my interest in the field.

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This fascination led me to pursue a three-year diploma in pharmacy, where I excelled, securing merit-based scholarships. Financial challenges were met with resourcefulness; my mother even pawned her gold earrings to support my education. Despite these hurdles, I completed my diploma, a testament to my determination.

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The transition to undergraduate studies in pharmacy was marked by a newfound appreciation for chemistry. This passion was further fueled by courses in medicinal chemistry and name reactions. The realization that medicinal chemistry was my true calling prompted my dedicated pursuit of the subject.

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Upon completing my undergraduate thesis defense, I took a bold step: I moved to the capital city, Kathmandu, and assumed a position as a marketing manager. Leading a team of seven, I traversed the length and breadth of Nepal, forging connections with countless businessmen. However, I soon yearned for a deeper application of my pharmaceutical knowledge.

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After a period of introspection, I left my job, facing uncertainty and financial strain. It was during this challenging period that an opportunity to pursue a Master's in Pharmacy in South Korea presented itself. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, where I met a mentor who would prove instrumental in my academic journey.

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Under his guidance, I completed my Master's, even securing a USA patent. Subsequently, I pursued a Ph.D., navigating challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing the demands of academia with personal responsibilities, including impending fatherhood, required immense resilience and dedication.

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The culmination of my Ph.D. was met with the challenge of transitioning back to Nepal. Hindered by bureaucratic processes, I sought opportunities abroad. It was during this search that I discovered the NCATS/NIH antiviral program. The belief shown in me by my mentors at NCATS, who offered me the chance to learn and grow, remains a source of gratitude.

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Today, as I celebrate my one-year work anniversary at NCATS, I reflect on the incredible journey that brought me here. From a reluctant schoolgoer in a remote village to a dedicated researcher at world largest biomedical research centre-NIH, every challenge has shaped my path. I owe my success to the unwavering support of my mentors, my unyielding determination, and the opportunities that life has presented.

Thank Phil Sanderson for trusting and hiring me. I am trying my best.

Would like to summarize in poem form.

From fields of green to lab's embrace,

A journey started, a daring chase.

A Nepalese dream, a fervent call,

To scale the heights, to conquer all.

Born 'neath Himalayan sky so wide,

Where terraced fields and mountains bide,

A farmer's child, the humble start,

With dreams that pulsed within their heart.

The soil, their canvas, seeds their ink,

They plowed and sowed, they dared to think.

In rustic lands, where wisdom grew,

The spark ignited, knowledge drew.

Through winding trails, o'er rivers rush,

They sought to quench their thirst for much.

From village school to halls of lore,

The quest for learning, to explore.

In foreign lands, they spread their wings,

A journey grand, where knowledge sings.

Culture's clash, adaptation's art,

They faced each challenge, played their part.

In labs aglow, with molecules dance,

They delved into the drug's advance.

Biology's secrets, chemistry's key,

They wove a tale of discovery.

From bench to bedside, a bridge so wide,

They turned the tide, with science as guide.

Translating truths, from lab to life,

A mission fierce, to conquer strife.

Innovations bloomed, impact spread,

A legacy born, as dreams were fed.

Patents and papers, a mark so clear,

In drug development, they steered.

Back to their roots, they found their place,

To serve with grace, their homeland's embrace.

Building bridges, fostering might,

Scientific collaboration's light.

Challenges met, resilience shown,

Triumphs celebrated, seeds were sown.

Inspiring minds, igniting flame,

They paid it forward, left a name.

A testament bold, to human might,

To dreams pursued, to knowledge's light.

Farmer to Pharma PhD, a tale so grand,

A journey scripted by their hand.

If you've read this far, I would like you to please contact me at [email protected]. Thank you for being a part of my journey.