Mahabir Pun, a scientist, educator, social entrepreneur, and activist from Nepal, is renowned for his impactful work utilizing wireless technologies to uplift off-the-grid regions in the Himalayas. It is said that he brought wireless Internet to rural parts of Nepal and is known as a pioneer in the fields of technology and research.
महाबिर पुन  |
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| Born | 22 January 1955 (age 69) Nangi Village, Myagdi, Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Father | Krishna Pun |
| Wife | Ommaya Pun |
| Mother | Purbi Pun |
| Education | Master's Degree in Educational Administration |
| Popular for | Introducing Wireless Internet technology in remote areas of Nepal, National Innovation Center |
| Profession | Teacher and Social Entrepreneur |
| Awards | Ramon Magsaysay Award[ |
Contents
Early Life
Mahabir Pun was born on January 22, 1955, in the mountain town of Nangi in the Myagdi district of western Nepal. He had a hard childhood because he had to help his family with chores around the house and take care of their animals. Even though it was hard on the family budget, Mahabir’s father put money into his schooling after he retired from the Gurkha regiment.
Early Challenges and Determination
Raghugram was the start of Mahabir Pun’s journey. There, he had trouble right away because he was sick and there weren’t many tools available. He was determined to go to school, even though the odds were against him.
Education Amidst Hardships: Mahabir had trouble at a neighbourhood school because he was sick and there weren’t enough resources for him. With only one copy, a pencil, and sheer resolve, he kept going to school, showing that he was strong even though he didn’t have much money.
Educational Pursuits
Mahabir worked as a teacher for 12 years, after high school, to help pay for his brothers’ education. He got a partial scholarship to the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1989 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science teaching in 1992. Later, he went back to Nepal and saw that Nangi needed a long-term school, so he opened the Himachal High School.
Overcoming Obstacles: Mahabir’s story is about getting through hard times. Even though he didn’t have much money, he went to college in the UK and the US, thanks to scholarships that recognised his hard work and promise.
University Journey: He completed his schooling by getting a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska. With this accomplishment, he started making important advances in education and technology.
Technological and Educational Contributions
Passion for Technology: Mahabir Pun was very interested in science and education, which drove him to make a big difference in the growth of his village and beyond. One of his many impressive accomplishments is setting up WiFi technology so that people in the Himalayas can connect to the internet.
National Innovation Centre: Because Mahabir was so interested in new ideas, he started the National Innovation Centre. His commitment to promoting technological progress and educational opportunities in Nepal is shown by this project.
Continued Efforts for Economic Development
Putting an emphasis on education and new ideas, Mahabir Pun is still working to improve the economy and stresses how important education and new ideas are. His life story is an example because it shows how hard work and persistence can change things.
When Mahabir Pun went back to Nangi in 2001, it was the start of his mission to improve educational prospects. He brought the village school up to date by teaching computers and starting money-making activities like farming yaks and rabbits, making cheese and jam, and running camping trips to pay for college and create jobs.
Nepal Wireless Networking Project
Mahabir Pun started the Nepal Wireless Networking Project in 2002 to help people in remote Himalayan villages talk to each other better. Even though there were problems, like the government not letting people have Wi-Fi gear because of security concerns, he was able to connect 13 mountain villages to the Internet and set up a Wi-Fi network in 2006. The project grew to include more than 175 towns and made e-learning, e-healthcare, local e-commerce, and other things possible.
National Innovation Centre
In 2012, Mahabir Pun registered the nonprofit “Rashtriya Abishkar Kendra,” also known as the National Innovation Centre. The centre aims to promote research and development for the nation’s economic growth. Mahabir is currently running a crowdfunding effort to help fund the center’s projects, such as building a 10 MW hydroelectric facility.
Awards and Recognition
Many awards and honours have been given to Mahabir Pun for his important achievements. He became an Ashoka Fellow in 2002 and received the Social Innovations Award in 2004. The Magsaysay Award in 2017 and his induction into the Internet Hall of Fame in 2014 further highlight his achievements. Mahabir Pun was also honoured with an honorary doctorate from the University of Nebraska in 2007.
Marriage and Family
In June 1998, Mahabir married Ommaya Pun. On September 20, 1998, in Pokhara, they had a girl named June Pun. Mahabir was committed to his vision of improving education in the remote Himalayan area, even though he had personal and professional obligations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mahabir Pun’s life is a story of triumph over adversity, characterised by tenacity, commitment, and a relentless commitment to having a positive impact on his community.
His path from the Himalayas to becoming a world-famous educator shows how education and new ideas can change things. Mahabir Pun is a symbol of hope because he shows that one person’s drive can make a big difference for the better.
On the National Innovation Centre website, you can learn more about Mahabir Pun’s work and accomplishments.
We can also learn from his story that any problem can be solved with hard work and new ideas. Because of this, Mahabir Pun’s life shows that even when things are hard, hard work and a desire for good change can lead to amazing results.
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