NATIONAL10 [RELIGION (Spotlight Weelky)]

‘My Success Is The Result Of Hard Work’

— DEEPTI R.L. RANA

DEEPTI RAJYA LAXMI RANA heads the sales and marketing division of the Gokarna Forest Golf Resort. Born in 1977 in Kathmandu, Deepti finished her schooling from Little Angel's school and graduated from Tribhuvan University after receiving a diploma from International Polytechnic in Delhi. She was only 18 years old when she joined the project. Five years down the line, she is making news as much with her professional success as with her beauty. She says she is tired of giving interviews to journalists who, more often than not, concentrate on her personal rather than professional life. Deepti talked to SANJAYA DHAKAL solely on her profession and her success. Excerpts:

What led you to join the marketing sector?

I didn't think about joining this sector when I first joined the company five years ago. I just started this profession and, as it moved on, the project got interesting. It was a unique project to work on. That's why I am here now.

What are your responsibilities?

I look after sales and marketing, enrolling new members. I promote golf both locally and internationally. Basically, I concentrate on local membership.

How do you enrol members?

We started enrolling members two and half years back. When we started, I used to do site visits, one-to-one site visits, organize lunch sessions in Gokarna and concentrate on golfers, because it was a new designation which I was starting. I did a bit of PR also.

What kind of members do you have?

We have three kind of members - life, corporate and term memberships. Life and corporate memberships are valid for 25 years. Life membership costs Rs 500,000 while the corporate one costs Rs 550,000. The third one costs US$ 1,500 per year. The memberships cover the family.

How is the market for golf here?

It has really picked up now. We already have more than 100 members. In the beginning, it was a new thing for Nepal. There were not many golfers and we had a new standard golf course in the park. It was very hard to make members at first. But now I am happy it's picking up.

How are the facilities available at the Gokarna Forest Golf? Are they at par with international standards?

Yes, we have everything. There is a total underground drainage system. The grass has been brought from abroad. All our equipment, including the mowers and sprinklers, are world class.

There is a lot of hype about golf tourism. What do you say?

It's basically targeted for golf tourism in Nepal. I think Gokarna Forest Golf Resort is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. It is inside the jungle and we have lots to boast about. We have also organized some international tournaments, which are going to help tourism in a big way.

What measures have you taken to attract foreign tourists?

We are also doing international marketing. We are tied up with the Le Meridien, which is an international chain. They are also doing the marketing for us through their international network of hotels.

Do you have plans to organize major international golf tournaments?

Oh, yes. We are working on that. Let's hope it materializes in the near future.

What do you think of the success you have achieved at such a young age?

It's the result of my hard work. I believe in God and working hard. I just put both these things together.

What are your plans?

I don't know. I have been here for five years and it has become like my own project. I am involved emotionally to this project.