Dhakal’s corporate experiences helped him a lot in his public life, from asking the right questions and evaluating performance metrics to remaining solution-oriented
Digital Desk: In the transforming political and administrative scenario of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Raju Dhakal, the current Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of BTR, has successfully switched his corporate background to public service. As the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) gears up for the upcoming 2025 Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, Raju Dhakal’s contribution to the region is remarkable. He is an example of a leader who brings impressive involvement in both the private sector and public commitment.
From Corporate Boardrooms to Administrative Corridors
Raju Dhakal’s social journey from the corporate world is inspirational to anyone. Before entering a social sevice career, he worked in an MNC in different positions and locations for 17 years. After graduating from Gauhati University, he decided to step into a corporate job in Guwahati. He has led medical giants like Allergan and Alcon at the global level.
Raju Dhakal served as Senior Regional Business Manager, Regional Manager – Central India, and Zonal Sales Manager in Alcon. He managed his operations in critical markets such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, MP, UP, and Chhattisgarh. His corporate journey took him from Dispur to Lucknow, Mumbai to Guwahati, leading a diverse team with his deep industry expertise. Even during his corporate career, Dhakal was involved in philanthropic activities such as supporting financially weaker sections. Till then, he never thought he would step into the political field in the future.
Transition into Public Service: A Turning Point
Raju Dhakal has been serving as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Government of Assam since April 2021. During COVID-19, he got an opportunity to understand the real meaning of life when he came across the COVID-19 victims’ families. Then, he realized that this was high time to work for people dedicatedly. Eventually, when the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) was facing critical political and socio-economic transitions after the historic signing of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) 3rd Bodo Accord, after the formation of a new government under the leadership of Pramod Boro in 2020, Raju Dhakal was appointed as OSD. It was a strong move by the government. Dhakal has been able to recognize himself as a public figure with his professionalism, efficiency, and results-driven mindset.
In his current responsibilities, he is closely involved in coordinating with the Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) office, working on project execution, stakeholder engagement, and strategic policy communication. He is bridging between the government's vision and grassroots realities. Dhakal ensures that the needs and aspirations of the people, including Kokrajhar to Baksa, are effectively incorporated into the planning and implementation of development initiatives.
Supporting the Vision of Peace and Progress
With its focus on unity and inclusive development, the UPPL is optimistic about securing a strong mandate in the 2025 BTC elections. The party works on peace, development of the region, youth empowerment, women empowerment, rural Infrastructure & connectivity. Raju Dhakal plays a significant role behind the scenes, implementing initiatives for long-term growth. OSD Raju Dhakal is committed to bringing peace after a conflict situation and creating a peaceful community that is free from the tensions that defined the past.
Raju Dhakal has been focusing on health, education, and employment generation, creating streamlining communication between departments. He is committed to improving grassroots outreach and ensuring accountability in project delivery, covering all departments.
A Mentor, Coach, and Strategist.
Additionally, Dhakal is also well-known for his dedication to capacity-building and mentorship. He also provides career guidance, interview preparation, executive coaching, and negotiation skills training. That’s his passion.
When we talk about youth empowerment, we can notice his massive contribution toward it. We can mention the Super 50 mission, which is one of the best initiatives that provide free coaching to underprivileged students to prepare for entrance exams in engineering, medical, and civil services. From each community, two students have been selected under this program, and everyone gets an equal opportunity. Although it is a government initiative, Dhakal’s efforts and dedication cannot be denied.
Reputation Built on Groundwork and Trust
As his corporate journey covered North Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Gujarat, Goa, Bhutan, and the Northeast, Dhakal can look at the regional issues from a national outlook and resolve issues accordingly. He can feel the locals from the bottom of his heart and is always enthusiastic to talk about it and brings a unique pan-India perspective with a regional heart.
Dhakal’s corporate experiences helped him a lot in his public life, from asking the right questions and evaluating performance metrics to remaining solution-oriented. He is recognized for his calmness, efficiency, and grounded nature.
Looking Ahead: The BTC Elections 2025
As the BTC Elections 2025 are near, Raju Dhakal is a prominent public figure in the current government. Although he is not involved directly in the campaign, he plays a vital role in past achievements.
This government has launched a land mission program named BWISWMATHI 1.0 to resolve land-related issues. This initiative has helped more than a million people from all communities by resolving long-pending land issues. Moreover, BWISWMATHI 2.0 is in progress and aims to cover all the issues that BWISWMATHI 1.0 did not address.
Moreover, the BTR community has not faced any major ethnic clashes in recent years. Over the past few years, they have been living a peaceful life due to the current government initiatives. The current administration offers mental health support as well as keeps some counseling services specifically for ex-militants, students, and women.
The BTC government under UPPL has made a massive evolution in the health sector. The party has improved the medical health centers in rural areas and established some mobile health care units in remote areas. Raju Dhakal’s, Bodoland Eye Hospital, has conducted thousands of free cataract surgeries for senior citizens and low-income families, which is noticeable. Raju Dhakal founded this eye hospital with the help of 17 years of experience in this sector.
The region has 26 different communities, and the party has introduced separate goals for different communities, focusing on one community for each group for the first time. If Raju Dhakal gets opportunities in the future to serve in these communities, he would be glad to work for them. He is committed to bringing happiness without causing any ethnic clashes among these communities.
A corporate professional like Raju Dhakal, leaving behind a high-paying job worth crores to dedicate his life to public service is truly admirable. His commitment inspires many young people to consider serving society as a meaningful and fulfilling path.
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