EPITOME OF HARD WORK AND PERSEVERANCE

Hum Ale is a financial expert and an investor. Photo: LB Thapa

By LB THAPA

We have all heard stories of individuals who achieve extraordinary success in life despite starting with nothing. These people are remarkable because they continue to work hard even when there is no sign of success on the horizon. Such individuals are often called by many names—crazy, foolish, and even stupid. They stand apart from ordinary people because they are hell-bent on achieving what they want. 

Today, I am going to share the story of a man who is now a successful entrepreneur and a respected literary figure. His life stands as testimony to the fact that one can achieve whatever they dream of, even if they come from the humblest of backgrounds. 

I am talking about Hum Ale, Chairperson of Miteri Savings & Co-operative Pvt. Ltd. He is a well-known name in the financial market of Pokhara, having financed substantial capital for several popular projects. 

He earned a Master's degree with a specialization in Finance from Tribhuvan University. He taught at various colleges for some time but left teaching when he got the opportunity to work with The Asia Foundation and South Asia Partnership-Nepal in the fields of social research and financial management—a position he held for nine years. 

But his story doesn't end there. His interest in literature has placed him in a different league altogether. His first poetry collection, Moment, was published in 1999 and became an instant success, receiving glowing reviews from many literary figures both in Nepal and abroad. The overwhelming praise encouraged him to write yet another book of poetry. 

However, a glimpse into his humble beginnings stands in stark contrast to the success and achievements he enjoys today. He was born into a simple farming family in Pullung village, Tanahun. 

"We did not have enough land to grow crops that could feed us for even a few months," Ale recalls, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "During my early childhood, I experienced scarcity, hunger, and hopelessness. Despite these hardships, I attended a primary school that was about an hour's walk from my home. I still remember going to school without slippers on my feet. My parents could not afford a pair of slippers for me, and a pair of shoes was an unimaginable luxury." 

Many people, when faced with such adversity, refuse to fight and surrender to fate. But some choose to swim against the tide and put all their efforts into achieving their dreams. 

"I wanted a good education, and I wanted to be rich," Ale says firmly. "Though my family lived in absolute poverty, I made a vow that one day I would earn enough wealth to give my parents everything they had ever wanted. Even as a young child, I understood that without a solid education, I would never succeed in life. So I never missed a class—whether I was hungry or had eaten only half a meal, I was always regular in my studies." 

Hum Ale's initial interest was in science, but since his village school did not offer science subjects, he moved to Damauli to continue his education. After passing his SLC examination with distinction, he went to Kathmandu, joined Trichandra College, and completed his Intermediate in Science (I.Sc.). 

Soon, however, Ale realized that pursuing science without financial support from home was impossible. Faced with this reality, he made the difficult decision to switch from science to commerce. As it turned out, it was not a bad choice at all. 

While studying commerce in Kathmandu, Ale took on various odd jobs to meet his expenses. 

"During those difficult times, I never slept more than four hours a night," Ale recalls. "I was juggling more than four part-time jobs, including home tuitions. My knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, English, and commerce made me a successful tutor." 

Through sheer hard work and perseverance, Ale passed his MBA examination with flying colors. "Earning an MBA degree in first division was a major achievement for me. Holding that degree in my hand, I realized that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to." 

A major turning point came when he decided to go to the United Kingdom for higher education. 

"Over the years, I worked extremely hard and saved enough money to fund my higher education in the UK. My primary goal was to study Chartered Accountancy (CA), and I applied to a college there. With all the necessary documents in order, I applied for a student visa and was granted one. That was another milestone success for me—it felt like a dream come true." 

Unfortunately, the cold weather in London took a toll on his health. He suffered from pneumonia and persistent colds. As if that were not enough, he also began to experience severe migraines. These debilitating attacks left him incapacitated, and he had no choice but to leave London and return to Nepal for further treatment. 

"I still feel a deep sense of regret that I could not obtain a CA degree from the UK," Ale admits with a heavy heart. "It was an excellent opportunity to hold such a prestigious degree from abroad. But in that situation, I had to choose my health over a degree. I needed to get proper treatment for my migraines in Nepal." 

Soon after returning from the UK, Ale was presented with another opportunity to work with The Asia Foundation and South Asia Partnership-Nepal. It was here that he honed his skills in financial management. 

He worked with the organization for nine years, learning everything essential to running a financial institution successfully. In due course, he founded his own financial institution. His first venture was the establishment of Miteri Savings & Co-operative Private Limited in Pokhara. Today, it stands as one of the most successful microfinance companies in the region. 

While working tirelessly to expand his financial empire, Ale also continued writing poetry. 

"I have always been a voracious reader," he shares. "Ever since my high school days, I developed the habit of reading books. It is the one habit that brings me peace of mind and a sense of bliss. While reading, I began to feel an urge to write, and soon I started scribbling poetry." 

Ale says that his initial intention was to share his poems only with friends and relatives. However, it was his foreign friends who persistently encouraged him to publish his work, recognizing the literary merit and aesthetic beauty in his poetry. 

"Honestly, I had never considered publishing my poems," Ale admits. "But it was the intense encouragement from my foreign friends that eventually led me to publish my first poetry collection, The Moment, in 1999. The book was very well received by readers both at home and abroad. The scintillating success of my first book encouraged me to publish another, titled "A Journey Within." 

Interestingly, Ale received his early education in Nepali, but he took the study of English so seriously that today he finds it easier to express his thoughts and feelings in English than in Nepali. His command of the English language is evident to anyone who reads his poetry. 

In the foreword to his book, poet and professor Bob Williams writes, "There's a little bit of Pablo Neruda in Hum Ale's poetry, as nature is both transfigured and elevated. Sometimes his poetry presents itself to the reader in a heightened form of awareness—as an epiphany—where we can find ourselves closer to the clouds, riding on a winter breeze, in a valley in a shepherd's field, or striding atop mountains." 

Poet Christina Pelton adds her praise: "Hum Ale is the most humane and prominent young poet. In his new collection, he writes extensively with beautiful words and deep emotions. These magnificent, inspiring works came to me as a prestigious treat for the heart of readers. It is a delight to savor reading such a gem." 

The book contains fifty poems, each reflecting various facets of life and the experiences the poet has gathered along his journey. Every poem deserves careful reading, for they come straight from the poet's heart—each one a testament to the life he has lived and the world he continues to navigate.   

The writer with Hum Ale at a coffee shop in Pokhara, Nepal. Photo: PicLab

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