Ep: 391 | The Untold Story of Army School Nepal & Hemant Sumsher Rana’s Journey as Principal | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

In this engaging podcast, we delve into the multifaceted life of Hemanta Sumsher Rana, exploring his significant contributions to Nepal’s educational landscape and his experiences within the Nepali Army. The conversation begins with Hemanta Sumsher Rana reflecting on his teaching career at Tribhuvan University (TU) during the 1980s, shedding light on the academic environment and the dynamics between professors and students at that time. He discusses the introduction of the 10-5 working hours in TU, highlighting the challenges and power dynamics that existed between faculty and administration. The discussion transitions to the political landscape within TU, where Hemanta Sumsher Rana shares his firsthand experiences with university politics and the complexities of teacher-student relationships. He provides insights into the sports and extracurricular activities that played a pivotal role in shaping the holistic development of students. A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to Hemanta Sumsher Rana’s instrumental role in the establishment and development of the Nepal Army School, officially known as Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya. He recounts the challenges faced during the inception of the school, the vision behind its unique educational approach, and how it differentiated itself from regular schools by integrating military discipline with academic excellence. The conversation also touches upon the Nepal Army Scholarship Issue, where Hemanta Sumsher Rana provides his perspective on the policies and implications of the scholarship programs within the army educational institutions. He narrates intriguing incidents, such as the theft of explosives during the construction of the Phulchowki road, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced during infrastructure development in Nepal. Further, Hemanta Sumsher Rana shares his experiences with prominent figures like DB Sahab and his involvement with the Nepal Police School, providing insights into the collaborative efforts in Nepal’s educational and security sectors. He also discusses his participation in the Teachers Union Elections, reflecting on the motivations and challenges of advocating for educators’ rights within the union. Towards the end of the podcast, Hemanta Sumsher Rana, an avid ornithologist, shares anecdotes about his bird-watching endeavors, including his encounter with the smallest bird he has collected, highlighting his passion for nature and wildlife.