Interactor to Rotarian at the age of 21
I am Rtn. Subash S Sapkota, proud to be one of the youngest Rotarians in Rotary District 3292, Nepal and Bhutan. Currently serving as the Club Admin Chair and Joint Secretary of the Rotary Club of Matribhumi Baluwatar. My story is one of transformation, community service, and discovering purpose through service.
I have a humble beginning, born to Mahendra Prasad Sharma and Sunita Sharma, shopkeepers in the Baglung district of Nepal. Growing up, I was a shy and introvert child; no one expected to see me on stage or leading a team. But my life took a different path in the year 2075 B.S. when I was in Grade 10. That year, I was elected as President of the Junior Red Cross Circle at Kaligandaki Boarding Secondary School. That moment changed everything; it was my first taste of leadership, responsibility, and purpose.
The Interact Years: Where It All Began
After completing my SEE, I moved to Kathmandu to pursue higher education at GoldenGate International College. There, fate introduced me to a friend who changed my life forever, Prashant Banjade. He was set to be the President of the Interact Club of GoldenGate International College for RY 2020/21 and asked me to be the Vice President. That was the true beginning of my journey in Rotary.
The first event I led was a Virtual Leadership Summit, where our chief guest was none other than Rtn. Bishnu Hari Dahal, a past president of the Rotary Club of Matribhumi Baluwatar. Later that year, I was honored to be awarded Best Interactor of the Year by our parent club. I then joined the community-based Interact Club of Newroad City Kathmandu, serving first as a board member, then becoming President in RY 2022/23.
From Interact to Rotaract – The Fire Still Burned
After my Interact journey, the passion for service was still alive in me. I joined hands with Charter President Rtr. Sushant Katwal and established the Rotaract Club of Himalayan Golfers, where I proudly served as the Charter Secretary.
At the same time, I got an unexpected yet life-changing opportunity to serve as the Executive Secretary of the Rotary Club of Matribhumi Baluwatar during RY 2023/24. I owe my heartfelt thanks to Rtn. Bishnu Hari Dahal and the entire Rotary family for welcoming me into the fold. Though I began as Executive Secretary, circumstances led me to take on the responsibilities of Acting Secretary for most of the year. It felt like a huge responsibility for someone my age, but I gave my all to it. When our club was awarded Best Secretary by Rotary District 3292, it was a surreal moment. That recognition marked a turning point in my life, from Interactor to Rotaractor, and finally to Rotarian at the age of just 21.
One of the youngest Rotarians of Rotary District 3292
I am deeply grateful to Charter President Nigam Humagain, Past President Binod Adhikari, Past President Bishnu Hari Dahal, Past President Baburam Acharya, Past President Subidhya Khanal Dahal, and President Nirmal Dhakal for believing in me. A special thank you to Immediate Past President Raju Shrestha for trusting me with the role of Secretary during his presidential year. Their support guided me from a student with big dreams to a recognized Rotarian.
This journey has introduced me to passionate youths across Nepal, connected me to leaders from all walks of life, and helped me grow professionally and personally. Now, as Club Admin Chair and Joint Secretary for RY 2025/26, I continue this journey with even greater enthusiasm. My mentor, Rtn. Nirmal sir has stood by me in my personal life as well, inspiring me to push forward and believe in what I can achieve.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I became a Rotarian while I was just 21, something I never thought was possible. I owe so much to my parents, Mahendra Prasad Sharma and Sunita Sharma, who gave me the freedom to chase my dreams and serve society. I thank my friend Prashant Banjade once again, and Rtn. Bishnu Hari Dahal, my first chief guest and one of the first people to believe in my potential.
Today, I proudly serve a club filled with mentors who care, guide, and support me at every step. And now, having been selected as the editorial lead for this year’s souvenir, I see it as another milestone and an opportunity to express gratitude and share stories that inspire others.
This journey taught me that it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress, persistence, and purpose. I believe in the process, and that’s what shapes a quality human being.
Thank you all for being a part of my Rotary story.
Regards
Rtn. Subash S Sapkota
Club Admin Chair & Joint Secretary
Rotary Club of Matribhumi Baluwatar
Former Secretary (RY 2024/25)