Mahabir Pun was born in a small village called Nangi in Myagdi district. In his autobiography “Mahabir Pun: samjhana, sapana ra abiral yatra” he shares the ups and downs of his life. This book is not only worth reading, but it also clearly shows what we Nepalis need to do to make our country prosperous.
Purpose and Vision
Mahabir Pun dreams of keeping Nepal’s talented youth in the country and speaks openly about what needs to be done to achieve that. His journey toward making his dreams come true is truly admirable.
Most of the productive-age youth in Nepal go abroad in search of jobs. As a result, there’s a shortage of skilled workers within the country, and in many places, you only see the elderly and children. Mahabir Pun is one of the few people who truly worries about this issue and is working to bring light to the future of Nepal.
Personal Reflection
While reading this book, I got a chance to closely understand the struggles he has faced and how he has studied the development journeys of other countries. It becomes clear that we all need to work together to improve Nepal’s economy.
Government & Public Engagement
He has tried to convince top leaders in Nepal about the importance of research, innovation, and invention. Although he faced many challenges, on Asar 29, 2073 B.S. (July 13, 2016), he was invited by students to speak. There, he talked about these issues and mentioned the idea of starting a National Innovation Center. With the first donation of Rs. 20,000 from Tanka Prasad Regmi and many more afterward, funds started to build up, and the center began moving forward with the help of the public. Even small children helped by donating money from their piggy banks.
Initiatives and Challenges
Mahabir Pun established the National Innovation Center with the aim that talented youth shouldn’t have to leave the country for jobs. But he knows that public support alone isn’t enough for long-term sustainability. So he created several plans to keep it going.
One such plan involves reviving a farming tool factory in Birgunj that had been closed for 30 years. Repairing the old tools there is a big challenge, but Mahabir Pun is facing it and continuing his work.
Message to the Nation
Through different means and by directly reaching out to the government, he has tried to explain the importance of research, innovation, and invention. The book clearly shows the kinds of support and obstacles he encountered from the government.
Let us all wish that his tireless efforts will soon bear fruit. If we, the Nepali people, support him with our heart, actions, and words, we won’t need to go abroad for jobs. There will be enough employment opportunities here in Nepal, and our country can become prosperous. Our financial problems will be solved too.
If you’ve bought Mahabir Pun: Remembrance, Dreams, and a Tireless Journey and just kept it at home, please read it. You’ll learn a lot and get a close look at a life full of meaningful struggles.
A Call for Understanding
If even the little kids are willing to support Mahabir Pun’s mission, when will our leaders truly understand his vision and help make it easier to achieve? I sincerely hope his dreams come true. I believe Mahabir Pun is a true hero of Nepal, and the sooner our leaders realize this, the better it will be for Nepal and its people.
–A review by Kabita Subedi
