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Chandra
Maharjan
VSBK Pilot Entrepreneur |
Chandra Maharjan, is
a highly contended man now. He has already set the pace
in brick making by graduating to Vertical Shaft Brick
Kiln (VSBK) technology. He did that two years ago. The
result is Satyanarayan Brick Kiln (SBK). It is not only
the talk of the neighborhood, but also a symbol of technological
advancement. His status is enviable.
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Apart from being a businessman,
he used to be a popular public figure also. He
is still so although he has now apparently given
up aspiration for a public post. He had unsuccessfully
contested for a parliamentary seat from a constituency
in Patan after the restoration of democracy in
1990.
He may not have made much impression
in politics. But he indeed made a big difference
in the way bricks are molded and, importantly,
baked. While others in his trade are still weighing
options, Chandra Maharjan has successfully given
brick making a “clean face.”
The graduation to VSBK technique
has eventually changed the perception of the local
people towards brick kilns. No one resents the
fact that there is such a brick kiln in his /her
neighborhood. “I certainly have felt a rise
is self-esteem and prestige. The locals are looking
up to me as a father figure,” Chandra Maharjan
further says.
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| Potraits |
Raj
Kumar Lama
VSBK Fire Master [
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Santoshi
Thapa
Local, Immadole [
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Man
Bhadur Khadka
VSBK Metal Part Supplier[
read ] |
Man
Bhadur Udhas
VSBK Brick Moulde [ read
] |
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He also says that others were looking
forward to graduate to the new technology, too. He had
long aspired to do something new. The dream came true
when he got the opportunity two years ago. The results
are there for everyone to see in Gwarkhonear Patan.
Chandra Maharjan invested over the Rs.1.5 million to
set a new trend.
Of course, the technical assistance and necessary support
came from VSBK Technology Transfer Programme. He makes
it a point to say how the VSBK Technology Transfer Programme
not only encouraged him but also supported him in all
aspects of the undertaking. “Thank all, I have
done it,” he says repeatedly.
Predictably, switching over to VSBK
technology has ruled out protestations from local environmental
clubs. Billowing chimneys that spewed out black smoke
and particulates are a thing of the past. This is not
all. “The element of profitability has improved.
The kiln is fuel-efficient. The business now has a stamp
of social acceptability,” Chandra Maharjan says.
He says it took him 25 long years
to attain his current stature. “I was 25 years
old when I stepped out into business. I started with
construction. Then I drifted into brick making,”
Since he had not much cash with him he invited three
friends to join his venture. They, however, parted ways
in 1979 after the brief partnership faced a loss. “The
loss waked me up. I had to do something and did that
single-handedly until 2002. That incidentally is the
year when I first heard about VSBK technology and its
promotion,” says Chandra Maharjan. He said this
to shed light on his chrysalis years in business.
“Of course, I was backed
by the local association of brick makers and the VSBK
Technology Transfer Programme so much. It would not
have been possible without them,” says Chandra
Maharjan, with a streak of smile cutting across his
face. He says he does not have anything new in his mind
now.
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