After spending 16 years in foreign employment, Basantaraj Bhatt of Bedkot Municipality–1, Suda, has returned to Nepal and started a business in his own village, utilizing the skills and experience he gained abroad.
He has opened a grocery and daily-consumables store named “Aafno Bazar, Sastobazar” in his hometown. Bhatt, who worked for years in Kuwait in retail and supply-chain management, said he started the business with the aim of providing quality service in the village based on the expertise he gained abroad.
Stating that he always wanted to do something productive after returning home, Bhatt said he saw the potential for sustainable livelihood in Nepal and therefore decided to invest in a local enterprise.
With an investment of around Rs 1 million, he established a modern-style grocery store at his own residence. The shop offers a wide range of products—from daily essentials to fresh vegetables—making it easier for local customers to find everything they need in one place.
“While working in Kuwait, I learned how to arrange products, determine pricing, manage accounts, and deal with customers,” Bhatt says. “Now, I am using those skills to run my own business.”
Within a short period, the store has gained significant attention from locals. Affordable pricing, quality products, and efficient service have become its major attractions. “I keep only the necessary items based on customer demand and sell with minimal profit margin,” he says. “Because of good quality, I haven’t received any complaints so far—customers’ trust is increasing.”
The store offers vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, spices, rice, lentils, sugar, legumes, oil, kitchen items, sweets, and daily household necessities. With everything available under one roof, families, students, and office workers have been drawn to Bhatt’s Sastobazar.
Currently, the store records daily sales of Rs 10,000 to 15,000, generating a profit of around Rs 2,000 to 3,000, Bhatt shared.
“I could earn more if I kept higher margins,” he says. “But I want to serve my community by providing all items at reasonable prices right here in the village. That has earned me customers’ love and trust.”
Although he used to earn around Rs 100,000 per month in Kuwait, he says being away from his family for years pushed him to start something at home. Bhatt explains that long years abroad had made him emotionally distant from his family, which often left him frustrated.
Now, he feels happier working in his own store all day, spending time with his family, and interacting with villagers.
His wife and other family members also help run the shop. “I have now realized that with honesty and dedication, one can earn well even while living in Nepal,” Bhatt says. “I plan to further expand the store, improve customer service, introduce home-delivery based on online orders, and implement a modern billing system.”
He has also become an inspiration for youths returning home from foreign employment, proving that meaningful opportunities exist within the country.
