Binod Chaudhary, born on April 14, 1955, is a prominent figure in Nepal, distinguished as a billionaire businessman, politician, and philanthropist.

He holds the esteemed positions of chairman and president within the Chaudhary Group (CG).

In February 2013, Chaudhary emerged as Nepal’s wealthiest individual and sole billionaire, boasting an estimated net worth of $1 billion. Over the years, his fortunes have ascended, reaching $1.7 billion since 2013.

Charity

Beyond his corporate endeavors, which span distribution, retail, leisure, and manufacturing sectors, Chaudhary is recognized for his charitable contributions, literary pursuits, and involvement in filmmaking.

Early Years Binod Kumar Chaudhary was born into a Marwari family in Kathmandu, Nepal.

His entrepreneurial lineage traces back to his grandfather, Bhuramal Das Chaudhary, who initiated a textile venture. Building upon this foundation, Binod’s father expanded the family enterprise.

Despite this heritage, Binod initially prioritized academic pursuits over joining the family business.

Chaudhary attributes much of his inspiration to his forebears and holds figures like Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor in high esteem.

Additionally, he admires the legacy of Nelson Mandela for his role in South Africa’s liberation and businessman J. R. D. Tata for his exceptional corporate leadership.

Business Trajectory Early Ventures The Chaudhary family’s entrepreneurial journey began when Bhuramal Das Chaudhary migrated from Rajasthan, India, to Nepal in the 19th century, establishing a textile business.

Following the devastating Nepal–Bihar earthquake in 1934, the family ventured into formal clothing manufacturing, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s business landscape.

Binod’s father, Lunkaran Das Chaudhary, continued this legacy, expanding into international trade and construction. In 1968, he founded Arun Emporium, a retail success story.

Binod’s transition to business leadership came unexpectedly at the age of eighteen, prompted by his father’s health issues. Despite harboring ambitions for further education, familial responsibilities compelled him to take the reins of the family enterprise.

His entrepreneurial spirit flourished with ventures like importing Japanese Suzuki cars and establishing the thriving Copper Floor discothèque in 1973.

Chaudhary Group

The Chaudhary Group, established by Binod’s grandfather, epitomizes the family’s business acumen.

Notably, Wai Wai instant noodles, introduced to Nepal in 1984, emerged as a flagship product under Chaudhary’s stewardship. Reflecting on his early experiences, Binod acknowledged the invaluable lessons learned from rejuvenating Arun Emporium.

The genesis of Wai Wai noodles stemmed from Binod’s observation of the popularity of Thai noodles, leading him to forge a collaboration with Thai Preserved Food Factory Co. Ltd., despite initial skepticism.

Binod Chaudhary’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to business excellence, propelling him to the zenith of Nepal’s corporate landscape while leaving an indelible mark on its socio-economic fabric.

Witnessing Chaudhary’s fervor, he imparted the art of noodle-making to him. Reflecting on this collaboration, Chaudhary expressed his deep admiration for Thailand and the company that elevated his group’s stature.

In 2013, Chaudhary’s ascent to Nepal’s billionaire elite was acknowledged by Forbes, marking a historic milestone.

Forbes’ Billionaires of 2019

By March 2019, he secured the 1,349th spot on Forbes’ Billionaires of 2019 list, underscoring his enduring financial prowess. Reacting to the accolade, he humbly likened it to a Nobel Prize, attributing it to four decades of relentless dedication.

Featured prominently on the cover of Forbes Asia in 2015, Chaudhary’s fortune continued its upward trajectory, swelling by $200 million by 2018.

Embracing this recognition, he celebrated the collective effort of the 7,000 individuals associated with the Chaudhary Group (CG) across 19 nations.

Diversifying his interests, Chaudhary acquired the Dubai government’s controlling stake in Nabil Bank in 1995 and established Cinnovation Group in Singapore in 1990, a pioneering multinational enterprise from Nepal.

With investments spanning hospitality, tourism, FMCG, real estate, cement, and financial services, Chaudhary champions Nepal’s potential as an investment haven.

Navigating the political landscape, Chaudhary’s alliances traversed ideological boundaries. From supporting Surya Bahadur Thapa’s campaign in 1979 to engaging with the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), his political journey mirrors his commitment to fostering economic growth and national interests.

An accomplished author, Chaudhary penned his autobiography, “Binod Chaudhary: Atmakatha,” in 2013, offering insights into his remarkable odyssey. Renowned for his philanthropy, he spearheaded relief efforts during the 2015 Nepal earthquake, embodying the ethos of the Chaudhary Foundation, dedicated to advancing Sustainable Development Goals.

Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Asian Man of the Year and Frost & Sullivan Growth, Innovation, and Leadership Award, Chaudhary’s legacy transcends business acumen, resonating with a commitment to societal upliftment. In his personal life, he finds solace and purpose in his marriage and three children, underscoring the holistic ethos underpinning his remarkable journey.