Ujwal Thapa: The phenomenal man I knew

During the third year of engineering school, an intelligent friend of mine decided to drop out. What he sought for was advice and encouragement as he braved out to explore the world but found none. Instead, all he got from his friends and families were discouragement, “you will regret”, “you are a fool”. The friend told me he would like to meet Ujwal Thapa , who was my uncle and someone he idolised in building a successful IT startup and then hopping to politics to spark a change.

A dinner was arranged. I remember my friend’s hesitation as he told Ujwal “I — I… I have decided to drop out and start a venture instead”. I remember Ujwal’s face, no iota of expression, for I was looking at how he would react. I do not remember the exact conversation but I do remember my friend, with ease, overtly talking about his struggles with studies and frustration in this country. Ujwal’s encouragement was a stepping stone: Go for it, there is nothing to worry about, try to do something that will make you money, even while you are asleep. Period. No exorbitant motivational speech included.