The dawn of my vision and Prem Sekuwa and Bhojanalaya Center

The Childhood Beginning: The Fearless One Born in Sindhupalchowk, Lisangkhu, I spent my early years immersed in nature’s embrace. I and my loyal companion—my dog, Kale, a black retriever Labrador, would often venture out in unknown territories and be careless about how we would be able to return home. However, I never worried about getting lost with Kale by my side. No matter how far we wandered, he would always find my way back. Undoubtedly, Kale was my guide and protector whom I still cherish in my heart. Sindhupalchowk, however, was not without its challenges. The place would often find wildlife roaming freely at the settlement areas at night and carrying gruesome stories of conflicts with community locals leading to casualties on both sides. Suffice it to say, that I have led my life along the thin line of adversity and beauty that has come to build me the person I am today. Looking back, I realize that those experiences not only brought me immense joy but also shaped my fearless character—a trait I carry with me to this day. My childhood days have a lot to do with how I have grown up to become a wanderer willing to explore the unexplored pathways that I can lead my business ahead. As the Managing Director of Prem Sekuwa and Bhojanalaya Center, I seek to find ways to expand the business and become the beacon that shall redefine and set high standards for the hospitality sector in Kathmandu and Nepal. The student-professional My journey in the professional hospitality business began in 2008 when I graduated from United Academy and joined my father, Prem Lama, at our family restaurant, Prem Sekuwa, and Bhojanalaya Center. Observing my father’s remarkable ability to connect with customers and manage the restaurant ignited my passion for the hospitality industry. Picking him up every evening at 9 PM became a part of my daily routine, a ritual that taught me discipline and commitment. That same year, I enrolled at Silver Mountain Business School. Balancing my studies with a 9-hour daily work schedule became a way of life. Though it demanded a lot of time and energy, it also instilled a deep sense of responsibility in me. While I now regret missing out on exploring the beautiful landscapes of Nepal during this time, I focused on building my career and learning the nuances of business operations. In 2012, I completed my bachelor’s degree. After a two-year gap, I joined Ace International Business School in 2015 to pursue my master’s degree. This phase of my life was particularly challenging, as I juggled my studies with working 14-hour days. Despite the pressure, I persevered, driven by the determination to complete what I had started. In 2018, I proudly graduated, equipped with the skills and knowledge to expand our family business. The hospitality visionary Since 2018, I’ve dedicated myself to analyzing opportunities for growth and improvement in the business. However, I also realized that life isn’t just about work. While I’ve achieved milestones and tackled adventures, I often approached them as goals rather than moments of joy. This realization has inspired me to seek a better balance between professional success and personal fulfillment. Now, in 2025, I have set clear goals for the future. My vision is to expand Prem Sekuwa and Bhojanalaya into a franchise across key locations in Nepal. This will involve strategic planning, implementation, and, most importantly, preserving the essence of the hospitality that has defined our brand for years. To spare a few sentences about my business, Prem Sekuwa and Bhojanalaya Center embarked on its journey as a modest tea shop in the heart of Putalisadak, where we were deeply inspired by the vibrant community that surrounded us. By 1990, we made a strategic decision to introduce sekuwa to our menu, which proved to be a pivotal moment in our growth and development. Meanwhile, our commitment to authenticity and quality led us to expand our menu in 2001, adding the dal bhat masu-mutton khana set, which quickly became a customer favorite. Today, in 2024, we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of culinary creativity, introducing a range of fusion dishes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Our menu now features an array of exciting options, including trout fish, Taas, and bandel, carefully crafted to provide a memorable dining experience for families and individuals alike. -Prience Shrestha