Dr Aashish Sharma is a wonderful example of what it means to possess strength as a leader.

Passion Vista always strives to present the virtuous careers of the most influential personalities whose long list of accomplishments has been a stepping stone for the rest. This time also, Passion Vista has successfully showcased such individuals whose alacrity, amelioration, and affability will be remembered for years to come. The “Global Icons 2022” issue is one of the most noteworthy editions that features the profiles of their professional journeys, highlighting the challenges they faced and the perseverance and passion that led them to their current positions of prominence.

When 31-year-old Dr Aashish Sharma took the first step to start his beverage company, people were quick to remark: ‘You are an idiot to compete with the multinationals’. New to the beverage industry, each and every effort he put in risk and a ‘journey into the unknown’. Yet he persisted, experimented day in and day out, and worked out new policies in a very conservative and traditional economy.

Today, Singapore Beverages Nepal Pvt. Ltd. is the largest soft drink company in Nepal. “Every new thing we did, every step we took, every dogma we refused, has led to what we are today,” he says with pride.

Aashish’s accomplishment is significant against the backdrop of Nepal, which is heavily dependent on imports for non-basic products.

A patriot at heart, Aashish was born in a small town in Nepal where he pursued most of his education. After higher secondary, he went to Kathmandu to complete his undergraduation from the South Asian Institute of Management. In 2016, he travelled to Dubai for Masters in International Business from the University of Wollongong, following which he returned to his homeland.

Encouraged by his father to balance studies and work, Aashish started working in his family tea business at the age of 16. When he returned in 20017, he knew it was now time to work towards his dream of building a Nepalese Company at par with the best in the world.

“Nepal is a beautiful country. Its revenue is tourism and remittance. That is a strength as well as a curse. During my educational journey, I realised that everything we are known for is not made by us, it’s bestowed to us. This is a pending calamity, waiting to strike. I wanted to change this scenario. That led me to Singapore Beverages.”

Aashish successfully launched Singapore Beverages Nepal Pvt. Ltd. in 2017. As the largest soft beverage manufacturer in the country, they produce a long list of beverages like – Jeeru, Club soda, Mountain dew, Club cola, London dry tonic water, London Dry Ginger ale, Fancy, Right, Nimbu Pani, Naturals and Fruit gems. They have started exports to the USA, UK, Australia and 15 other countries. “This is just the beginning, we are actively involved in mining, distribution, farming, and other industries. We work to achieve the change the country needs,” says Aashish, who serves as the company’s Managing Director.

As a trailblazer in the Nepal economy, what challenges did SBNPL face upon launch? “We live in a developing economy with no benchmarks in the industry we currently function. Dominated by multinationals whose legacy is beyond the comprehension of our country’s economy. Yet we have to prove to every single person that our quality matches theirs. That local product is not ‘Local’. It’s qualitative and competitive. Removing this illusion is a mamothial task, and we do it every day. To create a phenomenon everything should match. The right product can only do its job if it’s put in the right place, at the right time, at the right cost, and in the right form. There cannot be a compromise because one mistake would drop you to Ground Zero. That’s our everyday job.”

With such a clear and concise vision, it comes as no surprise that Aashish has been the recipient of various global honours. Some of these include – Awarded Professional Doctorate in International Business and Marketing by European International University; Young Entrepreneur award; Fame Times International Excellence award; Emerging Company award by Indian Achievers Forum; Global Brands and Leaders 2021; and Top 10 Unstoppable Leaders 2022 by Forbes India. Recently the World Book of Records, UK, also recognized and facilitated him with a world record. To know more about Dr Aashish, check www.passionvista.com or to nominate email, [email protected]