Janaki Bist’s Journey: From the Hills of Baitadi to Citizen Life’s MDRT Circle

Kathmandu – In a region long defined by poverty, hardship, and underdevelopment, Janaki Bist from Baitadi has written an extraordinary story of determination and transformation. Once a shy woman with limited formal education, she now stands as a leading insurance agent in Nepal’s Sudurpashchim Province and a proud member of Citizen Life Insurance’s Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) 2025.

Janaki who was born in 2053 BS in Dilasaini Rural Municipality-6, Baitadi, began her insurance journey in 2070 BS with Gurans Life Insurance. Encouraged by then-branch manager Ram Bahadur Bista, she took her first steps in the insurance field despite facing multiple personal and social challenges. In 2080 BS, she officially joined Citizen Life Insurance through its Dadheldhura branch, where her professional transformation began in earnest.

Currently working as an agency manager at the Dhangadhi branch, Janaki has emerged as one of the top-performing agents in the Sudurpashchim Province. She is known for her gentle demeanor, confident communication, and deep understanding of financial products and has successfully insured more than 150 people in just two years—many of them in remote and underserved hill regions.

But Janaki’s journey has not been without struggle. From dealing with societal skepticism to overcoming her own insecurities, she has navigated every obstacle with quiet resilience. “Even now, when I approach ten people, maybe one or two agree to insure. The rest turn away with excuses,” she shares.

Her success is built on more than just hard work. She credits the structured training, attractive bonus rates, and consistent mentorship provided by Citizen Life Insurance for empowering her growth. The recognition she’s received—including selection to multiple professional clubs and the MDRT circle—has only fueled her passion further.

A resident of Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, Janaki balances her professional life with her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and daughter-in-law. She has used her earnings to provide quality education to her children and improve her family’s living standards. She reflects that her career has not only changed her life, but also the lives of those around her.

Despite her achievements, Janaki notes that insurance awareness remains low in many rural areas. “People still believe insurance only gives money after death. They don’t understand that it also offers savings and protection,” she says. “Even my relatives have insured with other agents. Most of my clients are strangers who trusted me, not just the company.”

Her fieldwork—walking long distances across rugged terrain to meet clients when it suits them—demonstrates her personal commitment. She continues to break down social stigma and misinformation around insurance in village communities where agents are still viewed with suspicion.

Janaki believes that trust, honesty, and consistent engagement are the most important qualities in an agent. “People buy insurance not just from companies, but from individuals they believe in,” she says. “I listen to them, understand their needs, and offer solutions they can trust.”

From being hesitant to speak in public to becoming a confident insurance leader, Janaki Bist has not only changed her own life but also inspired many others to believe in the possibilities that the insurance sector holds. Her journey with Citizen Life Insurance is a powerful reminder that with purpose, persistence, and support, even the most remote corners of Nepal can bloom with opportunity.