By Dridhata Silwal 

Ram Bahadur Kurumbang’s journey began during his school days when he absorbed the invaluable lessons of moral education taught by his dedicated school teachers. These teachings stayed with him for a lifetime, ultimately shaping his core principles and placing integrity at the center of everything he does. 

This strong foundation later propelled him to take a stand against corruption and work tirelessly towards building a stronger, more transparent system. His remarkable transformation from a schoolboy learning about moral values to becoming an Integrity Icon award winner is a truly inspiring story. It highlights the importance of having a solid foundation, as it can bear fruit in later stages of life.

Finding Inspiration and Becoming an Inspiration

As Ram Bahadur pursued a career in government service, he found inspiration in senior bureaucrats who displayed an unwavering commitment to fighting corruption. In a room filled with people with corrupt mindsets, maintaining one’s integrity can be challenging. However, he drew inspiration from prominent senior officers who selflessly worked to reform the system. 

For instance, Lila Mani Poudel had no interest in monetary gains and could provide clear-cut decisions; Prem Rai made diligent efforts to track the project’s progress; and Krishna Hari Baskota possessed exceptional rhetorical presentation capabilities and innovative approaches to disseminating information. All of this proved to Ram that change was possible even in the face of widespread corruption. 

This realization strengthened his resolve to follow in their footsteps, regardless of the challenges he encountered. Ram Bahadur’s journey underscores the immense significance of personal integrity. It serves as a testament to the fact that an individual’s commitment to integrity and accountability can have a far-reaching impact, inspiring others to aspire to higher ethical standards.

Championing Change Through Actions

As Chief District Officer of Bardiya, Ram Bahadur faced his share of challenges. One such challenge was the transformation of a neglected road into a functional one despite local opposition. He took charge of the project and successfully revitalized the 42km postal highway from Raipur to Beluwa of Bhurigaun, turning it into a lifeline for the community.

His leadership also extended to overseeing the demolition of 703 houses in Gulariya, collaborating closely with the Mayor. Ram Bahadur’s proactive supervision of projects ensured that the quality of raw materials was not compromised, positively impacting the sustainability of these projects. The locals, initially skeptical, were won over by his transparent and people-centric approach. The road’s successful expansion not only improved transportation but also earned him widespread applause. This shows that integrity, combined with action, can pave the way for positive change.

Empowered by Integrity: Leading Through Crisis

Ram Bahadur’s unwavering dedication to upholding integrity and willingness to take risks led to an urgent transfer from Syangja to Banke as the Chief District Officer (CDO) in May 2020. He was entrusted with a leadership role and management during a crucial period of the pandemic outbreak. 

He credits his Integrity Icon title for landing him important roles and responsibilities and boosting his confidence. He managed one of the hotspots of Covid-19 with exceptional skill, mobilizing teams effectively and establishing Covid-19 wards during the first wave, which later proved crucial for the second wave. Additionally, he took personal responsibility for managing the handling of deceased bodies. 

Despite facing resistance from his family due to the risks involved, he remained focused on the greater positive impact. He skillfully navigated the crisis, overseeing disaster readiness, setting up oxygen plants, and enhancing their capacity, ensuring future preparedness. Empowered by the Integrity Icon award, he embraced responsibilities he once doubted, proving that integrity can empower us to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Leadership Through Ownership

Ram Bahadur’s impact is visible wherever he is posted. During his tenure as the CDO in Bardiya, the district was ranked first in an internal evaluation by the Ministry of Home Affairs, a testament to his leadership and dedication. He not only built a winning team but also led by example through ownership. He advised his colleagues to reject unethical proposals, attributing it to the team leader’s stance. Ram Bahadur advocates for leaders to shield their teams and embrace accountability instead of evading it. 

Ram Bahadur’s influence reaches far beyond mere ownership; he instills a profound sense of significance within each team member. His colleague, Narayan Dhakal, who has worked alongside him for the past seven years, attests to this impact. “His leadership has earned a commendable reputation within the civil service system,” says Dhakal. “People now aspire to work with him because he genuinely looks after his team members, demonstrating professionalism in every aspect of his work.”

Similarly, during his time in Sudurpaschim Province, when he was Head of the Office of  Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Kanchanpur, he noticed a lack of proper procedures to handle corruption cases. Undeterred, he took it upon himself to establish a system that effectively addressed these issues. As a result of his efforts, over 30 cases of corruption were officially reported, with many more in the process of being addressed by the capable team he had assembled. 

This commitment led him to a prominent position as the Head of CIAA Bardibas, where he continues to develop strategies to tackle corruption. Ram Bahadur’s approach to fighting corruption involves collaborating with civil societies, conducting sting operations, and building a reliable and sustainable system.

Ram Bahadur’s journey is a shining example of the incredible power of integrity, determination, and leadership. His story serves as an inspiration for all of us to aim for higher ethical standards, embrace responsibility, and actively contribute to positive change in our communities. 

People like Ram Bahadur elevate the Integrity Icon title to new heights. With a rock-solid moral foundation and an unwavering commitment to serving our nation, he held onto the thread of hope, proving that individuals with integrity can thrive in public service. He wove that thread into a web of integrity within the system.

His journey teaches us that tackling corruption is possible through proactiveness, an impact-driven vision, unwavering support for team members, and the skillful mobilization of effective teams. Ram Bahadur is an exemplary role model, showing us that one person’s dedication can create ripples of positive change that benefit us all.

Dridhata Silwal