Prof. Dr. Raj Kumar Bhattarai stands out as a pracademic—a term that encapsulates his dual expertise as both a scholar and a practitioner in the realms of business, management, and socio-economic development. With a career spanning over forty years, Prof. Bhattarai has amassed a wealth of experience that cuts across a diverse spectrum of roles and sectors. From humble beginnings in cottage industries to spearheading large-scale construction projects, from retail entrepreneurship to navigating the complexities of international commerce, and from clerical duties to executive leadership, his journey reflects a remarkable versatility.
Prof. Bhattarai's eclectic career path has seen him don various hats—be it as a President, Executive Partner, Advisory Board Member, Consultant, Chief Executive, Professor, Senior Research Specialist, Principal Investigator, and Team Leader. These roles have afforded him profound insights into the nuances of human behavior within professional settings, the intricacies of regulatory frameworks, and the challenges of promoting innovation and inclusion. His contributions have extended to fostering social innovation, building an enterprising ecosystem, promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing youth employment opportunities, optimizing value dynamics, bolstering enterprise resilience, and driving transformative change and development initiatives, all of which have led to the creation of reciprocally interdependent socio-economic settings at the local level. To further strengthen these efforts, he pioneered a model known as RAJTHALI: Regional Action Junction for Trade, Heritage, and Advantage Linkage Initiative.
Academically, Prof. Bhattarai has fortified his practical knowledge with a robust theoretical foundation. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), with a focus on profit planning and controls. His intellectual curiosity led him to explore the concept of the organizational immune system and delve into change management for his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Complementing his formal education, Dr. Bhattarai has enriched his skill set through a series of information technology and professional development courses as well as publications and media conversations.
The trajectory of Prof. Bhattarai's professional life has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Yet, it is his resilient spirit that has consistently propelled him to achieve excellence and garner numerous accolades and commendations. His journey, characterized by resilience and perseverance, serves as an inspiration to many in the ever-evolving landscape of business and academia.