Savoury Success

Binod Chaudhary must have more than his share of detractors like any "made in one generation" tycoon, as the book will indeed reveal. However, none can deny he is a phenomenon in Nepal. Many may not endorse his ways of getting ahead in life or even differ on the details of these accounts. But this is a story of a man who transcended many boundaries - his own conservative community, hostile peers and, finally, the geographic borders of his homeland to where he has reached today. For this aspect alone, Making it Big: The Inspiring Story of Nepals First Billionaire in His Own Words should be a recommended read for aspiring young entrepreneurs - not only in Nepal (a country of immense untapped potential), but South Asia at large.

Chaudhary's life story is also about his own inner journey. He was not willing to remain limited by the successes of his business ventures, but continuously strived to grow and evolve as an individual. This is, therefore, not just a typical 'rags to riches' tale of an immigrant (what else can one call the Marwaris or 'Maade' as they are referred to by the chauvinistic ethnic Nepalis, who consider all people originating from the plains as outsiders). It is a chronicle of the adventures of an intrepid soul from hawking sarees in the by-lanes of Kathmandu to the high tables of world leaders from politics and business.

That Chaudhary commissioned an autobiography (probably, the first Nepali businessman to do so in English, aimed at an audience beyond Nepal) is itself a testimony of his innate desire to rise above his contemporaries, who have been held back by their petty politics and myopic pursuits. His decision to tie up with an international chain like the Taj Group of Hotels speaks not just of his overarching ambition, but also the ability to think big. He also does live life King size - with the self assurance of a man who has truly "earned" it - but without flaunting his wealth like the "nouveau rich" (an expression he freely uses in the book, probably playing it back to others who may be referring to him by the same term).

A good part of Chaudhary's book is devoted to how the Marwari community in Nepal has always remained an "outsider" despite its contribution to the economy, industry and nation building at large. It is also an account of how he felt discriminated against by Nepal's traditional trading class - who tried to thwart his rise by co-opting some from his own ilk (other Marwaris). True to his spunky nature, Chaudhary does not pull his punches or shy short of naming the rivals.

This reviewer was living in Nepal in the late 1990s and early 2000s - when he witnessed first hand the shenanigans at the FNCCI (Federation of Nepal Chambers of Commerce and Industries). This ultimately led to Chaudhary checkmating the others, forming the parallel CNI (Confederation of Nepal Industries) along with our mutual friend Narendra Basnet (popularly referred to as the "Tarun Das" of Nepal), quite similar to the saga of FICCI and CII in India. In doing so, Chaudhary proved once again to his fans and critics alike - he would rather change the rules of the game than accept defeat tamely.

He takes obvious pride in narrating his tryst with international political leaders and does not hide the fact that he freely used those contacts to his advantage in business. He is, understandably, more discreet about his role in playing matchmaker or "deal-maker" (depending with whom one talks to) between politicians (and at one time even the "Palace" - as the Royalty is referred to in Nepal) on both sides of the Indo-Nepal border.

He ends the book with his mantras for success that can work equally well for business and personal life. One major takeaway for the reviewer from the book has been to always finish packing the bags on the previous night while travelling. It helps in getting a restful sleep the night before travel and avoids stress in the mornings.

However, there is just one question Chaudhary leaves unanswered in this otherwise highly readable and lucidly written book - much better than the bloated memoirs of many business doyens: what is the MSG content in his Wai-Wai noodles?

The reviewer is a marketing professional and practising life coach for young professionals