E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, AUG 21 -

Storycycle.com, a platform where people can get together to share their stories, organised an interaction program titled Talk-Talk with Dr Mahabir Pun at the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap on August 20. Talk-Talk, a monthly forum which takes place every first Monday of the Nepali month, is a shared stage where individuals from various backgrounds come together and share their thoughts as well as experiences. The programme is supported by Tude and Hamro Manch.

After completing his education from the University of Nebraska, Dr Mahabir Pun thought of doing something that would contribute to Nepali society. He returned to his hometown of Nangi in Myagdi and served as a teacher at the local school there before staring a wireless networking service that now reaches some of the most remote parts of Nepal.

Pun, who is recognised for his contributions to education, health, nature conservation and income generation, and was even awarded the prestigious Magsaysay Award in 2007 said, “it’s better to be crazy than to die,” as he shared his experience of turning his seemingly impossible dream of making wireless internet easily accessible in remote regions.

The village of Nangi is now equipped with a wireless distance-learning project which, in turn, is supported by income-generating ventures.  “I reject the philosophy of grants, and accept no funding for my project, “said Pun. “All my investments start with loans from various commercial sectors.” Speaking at Monday’s programme Pun also talked about how he now sees a need for some form of community-based trekking business that is locally sustained. This dream project would consist of a business run by local villagers and relates to the recent innovations he has made in ‘trekker tracking systems’ that use wireless technology to help track and locate tourists.

Pun’s team is also planning to set up a restaurant in Kathmandu which they hope will provide a condusive environment in which meetings, seminars and other interactive programmes can take place. The restaurant will be one of the many innovative steps taken by Pun and his team whose biggest hope is to create the ‘freedom of opportunity’ in Nepal.

Posted on: 2012-08-21 08:17

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