In times of turmoil, leadership is not just tested - it is revealed. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Chairman of IME Group of Industries, stands as a beacon of strength, humility, and hope during one of the most challenging periods in Nepal’s economic history.

On September 9th, a storm unlike any before swept through Nepal. The youth-led Gen-Z movement, which began as a peaceful protest against corruption, was hijacked by destructive elements. The result was catastrophic: national landmarks such as the Parliament, Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, and private properties across the country - including leading business houses - were vandalized and reduced to ashes. Losses exceeded a staggering Rs. 240 billion.

Amid this chaos, President Dhakal did not retreat. Despite enduring personal losses - including damage to key IME Group infrastructure such as Chandragiri and Maulakali Cable Cars and Global IME Bank branches - he emerged at the forefront, offering support, solidarity, and vision to entrepreneurs and industrialists across Nepal.

He personally reached out to business leaders affected by the crisis, including Min Bahadur Gurung of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket. 12 stores were completely burned, 9 vandalized, jeopardizing the livelihoods of over 8,000 employees. Dhakal also stood in solidarity with Binod Chaudhary, Nepal’s only billionaire, whose businesses and private residence were targeted and torched.

A Voice of Hope Amidst Destruction

Dhakal's leadership is characterized not by loud proclamations, but by quiet determination and meaningful action. As FNCCI President, he led a high-level delegation to meet Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, demanding immediate restoration of law and order. He called for justice against those responsible for the violence and appealed for stronger coordination between local chambers and government bodies to protect the private sector.

“The private sector is not just about profit - it is the backbone of our economy. We employ, we pay taxes, and we build,” he stated, urging authorities to safeguard investments and livelihoods.

The recent devastation struck at the heart of Nepal’s economy. Over 60 banks and financial institutions were looted or torched. Major brands - Ncell, Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata, Suzuki - faced large-scale destruction. The Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu was razed to the ground. Media houses like Kantipur Publications were also attacked. The damage to public morale and investor confidence has been immeasurable.

President Dhakal emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible for vandalism, arson, and attacks on private property during recent protests. He stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for businesses to operate, given their significant contribution to national revenue and employment.

During the meeting, Home Minister Aryal assured that the government is committed to addressing the peace and security concerns of the public and the business community.

Despite the challenges faced by the private sector, President Dhakal remains optimistic and maintains a positive outlook. He believes in the power of positive thinking to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Yet through it all, Dhakal remains steadfast. "They may destroy our buildings, but they cannot destroy our spirit,” he affirms.The widespread destruction of public and private property, including key landmarks like the Parliament,

Singh Durbar, and the Supreme Court, has further exacerbated the challenges faced by the private sector. In this difficult situation, leading organizations like FNCCI and the IME Group require strong and effective leadership to navigate through the crisis and work towards rebuilding and recovery.

Guarding the Soul of Private Enterprise

Under Dhakal’s leadership, FNCCI has repeatedly emphasized the critical role of the private sector, which contributes over 81.55% to Nepal's GDP and generates 85.6% of jobs. However, recurring attacks and political instability have discouraged investment and weakened the trust between entrepreneurs and society.

“Entrepreneurs are being painted as villains. This narrative must change. We are nation-builders, not profiteers,” Dhakal has said passionately. He warns that unless business communities feel secure, economic recovery will remain a distant dream.

Many have echoed his concerns. Former FNCCI presidents, in urgent meetings, have demanded stronger security measures and legal accountability. Entrepreneurs fear that the next protest could burn down their life’s work. This fear has stalled new investments, jeopardized jobs, and could drive away much-needed foreign capital.

A Crisis Unfolding, A Leader Emerging

In times of calm, anyone can steer the ship. But as Publilius Syrus once said, “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” Real leadership is revealed in the storm - and Dhakal is proving himself every day.

Despite the chaos, he remains grounded and optimistic. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of positivity, he believes in transforming adversity into opportunity. “May light follow darkness and unite us all,” he recently said during an FNCCI meeting.

He has also encouraged business leaders not to lose hope and called upon them to stand united in rebuilding the nation - brick by brick, job by job.

Legacy of Leadership and Resilience

With over four decades of experience in Nepal’s business landscape, Chandra Prasad Dhakal’s journey is a story of grit, vision, and purpose. From founding IME Limited 25 years ago to expanding into banking, remittance, tourism, cable cars, hydropower, infrastructure, and manufacturing - his contributions to Nepal’s economy are profound.

Today, IME Group stands as one of Nepal’s most respected business conglomerates. It has created thousands of jobs, brought innovation to traditional sectors, and established a legacy of trust. On IME’s 25th anniversary, Dhakal expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank, regulators, partners, customers, and employees who have supported the group through every challenge.

In addition to his role as Chairman of IME Group and President of FNCCI, Dhakal also serves as the Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Nepal - strengthening Nepal’s ties in global trade and economic diplomacy.

Moving Forward

The road to recovery is long. The losses are deep, and the wounds - economic and emotional - will take time to heal. But Chandra Prasad Dhakal’s unwavering optimism, inclusive leadership, and belief in the resilience of the Nepali people light a path forward.

“Nepal’s private sector has weathered wars, political turmoil, and now this crisis. We are still here - and we will rise again,” he says with conviction.

As Nepal rebuilds, it will need leaders like Dhakal - calm in crisis, steady in vision, and strong in spirit.

The true leader is tested in the storm, facing various challenges such as economic crises, recessions, and recent political upheavals. Dhakal, President of FNCCI and chairperson of IME Group, is working to revive and recover the business sector, which suffered losses estimated at over 240 billion rupees.

Crisis doesn't create leaders; it reveals them. Challenges bring qualities like perseverance, resilience, and problem-solving to the surface, showcasing true leadership.

As the country gradually returns to normalcy, Dhakal is meeting with the leaders of the new government to address the concerns of industrialists and entrepreneurs. He is under pressure to boost confidence in the private sector and elevate their issues to the government level.

Nevertheless, There is Resilience

Despite challenges, Nepal's private sector has endured a decade-long Maoist conflict and numerous transitional periods. The determination endures. "Nepal's private sector still possesses the resilience and determination to bounce back. We just need government support and action against the criminal mentality driving these targeted attacks. We will overcome," Dhakal stated.

With over four decades in business and 25 years in establishing IME Limited, Dhakal has achieved significant progress. Expanding his ventures from banking, trading, and hospitality to cable cars, the IME group has also ventured into hydropower and manufacturing sectors.

He also serves as the chairman of IME Group, a prominent business conglomerate engaged in various industries such as banking, remittances, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. In addition to his role at IME Group, Dhakal, who has completed his two and a half years as president of FNCCI, also serves as the Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Nepal, playing a significant role in economic diplomacy and promoting trade and investment partnerships to enhance Nepal's global visibility. Dhakal is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's words on positivity and believes in the power of positive thinking to shape one's destiny."