From Chalkboard to Claim Forms: Padam Budha’s Inspiring Rise in Insurance

What started as a classroom dream has turned into a powerful journey of service, determination, and transformation for Padam Bahadur Budha, a former teacher who now shines as one of the top agency managers at Citizen Life Insurance in Karnali Province.

Padam who was born in Junichande Rural Municipality-6 of Jajarkot, devoted over a decade to educating students and leading schools, including serving as principal at Janata Secondary School in Kushe Rural Municipality. Though passionate about teaching, the struggle for financial stability eventually nudged him toward a new calling: insurance.

His journey in insurance began in 2065 BS, following advice from Kailash Devkota, then branch chief of Nepal Life in Surkhet. Starting out with limited knowledge of policies and claims, Padam leaned on his strong social network and the trust he’d earned in his community as a teacher. What followed was a gradual but determined transition into a field he barely understood at first—but came to master through grit and learning.

Now an agency manager at Citizen Life’s Jajarkot branch, Padam has built a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and client-centered service. Within a year of joining Citizen Life, he emerged as one of the top-performing agents in Karnali Province—thanks in part to the company’s attractive bonus rates and hands-on training programs.

“At first, I feared whether I would succeed,” Padam shares. “But I had the courage and determination to try—and that has made all the difference.”

His contributions go beyond selling policies. Over the years, he has helped around 500 individuals secure their futures through insurance. He’s also played a crucial role in resolving issues faced by policyholders of older insurance companies, assisting them with renewals, claims, and policy surrenders—work that has earned him deep respect and continued trust in the community.

A graduate of Bheri Gyanodaya Campus, Khalanga, Padam is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed) from Sheetal Multiple Campus, Rukum. He balances professional life with his roles as a father, husband, and son, staying true to the values of hard work and family commitment that have defined his path.

Padam believes insurance is not just a profession but a form of service. “There’s a lot of competition in this market, but honesty and support can make all the difference. For me, this profession has been about protecting lives and empowering people.”

With Citizen Life by his side and a clear vision ahead, Padam Bahadur Budha stands as a symbol of resilience and possibility—proof that a new beginning is always possible, even in the most unlikely of places.