Pokhara, 8 September | Shobha Gautam has created history by becoming the first woman to lead the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry in its nearly 70-year history. Gautam was elected president through the chamber’s 36th General Convention, marking a significant milestone for the business community and women entrepreneurs in Pokhara.
Gautam secured the historic victory by defeating three male competitors, Arjun Pokharel, Uttamman Buddhacharya and Balram Acharya. Her election is being viewed as an important moment in the history of the institution, where previous attempts by women candidates, including Bindu Koirala and Hira Bhattarai, to reach the presidency had not been successful. Gautam, who had been serving as the chamber’s General Secretary, will now take charge of the organisation’s leadership.
Describing her victory as more than a personal achievement, Gautam said she represents the voice of thousands of struggling women entrepreneurs. She has maintained that her identity is not limited to being an election candidate but is connected to the aspirations and struggles of women working to establish and expand their businesses.
Gautam’s business journey began 26 years ago with a small tea shop located near the office of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The experience gave her an opportunity to closely understand the problems faced by businesspeople, market conditions and customer behaviour. She later established Pushpanjali Beauty Parlour in Mahendrapul and gradually built her reputation as an entrepreneur despite social attitudes at the time that were not always favourable toward the beauty parlour business.
She is currently involved in several sectors through Supreme Suppliers, including lubricants, fashion, events, restaurants, agriculture and grocery businesses. Gautam joined the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a general member in 2073 BS and entered the organisation with encouragement from then-president Pawan Kumar Prajapati. She subsequently served as an executive committee member, Deputy General Secretary and General Secretary before being elected president.
For the current convention, Gautam presented a 14-point commitment under the slogan “Strong Chamber, Capable Leadership.” Her priorities include promoting agriculture and tourism, developing youth entrepreneurship, empowering women entrepreneurs, improving financial literacy and expanding skills development. She has also pledged to work for the effective operation of Pokhara International Airport, address parking problems in New Road, expand the “Made in Pokhara” campaign and connect local products with wider markets. Gautam’s leadership is expected to bring fresh energy and positive change to Pokhara’s business and industrial sector.
