Biography of Mahabir Pun
Mahabir Pun is a renowned Nepali social entrepreneur, innovator, and educator, best known for his pioneering work in bringing wireless internet connectivity to remote villages in Nepal. His efforts have not only transformed the lives of thousands of people in rural Nepal but have also earned him international recognition and numerous awards.
Early Life and Education
Mahabir Pun was born on January 22, 1955, in a small village called Nangi, located in the Myagdi district of Nepal. His early life was marked by hardship and struggle, as his village had no access to basic amenities like roads, electricity, or schools. Despite these challenges, Mahabir was determined to get an education.
In 1973, after completing his high school education in Nepal, Mahabir moved to the United States, where he worked various jobs to support himself while studying. He attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education in 1992. After his graduation, he decided to return to Nepal to help his community.
Career and Achievements
Upon his return to Nangi, Mahabir Pun began teaching at the local school. However, he soon realized that without access to technology, the students in rural Nepal would continue to be left behind. This realization inspired him to find ways to bring internet connectivity to remote villages.
In the late 1990s, Mahabir began researching wireless technologies and experimenting with different ways to bring the internet to Nangi. After much trial and error, he successfully connected the village to the internet in 2002 using a makeshift wireless network. This was a groundbreaking achievement, as it provided the community with access to information, education, and communication that were previously unimaginable.
Mahabir’s work quickly gained attention, and he went on to establish the Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP). Through this initiative, he extended wireless internet to over 175 remote villages across Nepal. The project has been instrumental in improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in these regions.
In addition to his work with NWNP, Mahabir Pun has been involved in various other social and technological initiatives. He established the Himalayan Innovation Center, which focuses on developing innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by rural communities. He is also a strong advocate for the use of technology to promote sustainable development and has been involved in various initiatives related to renewable energy, telemedicine, and e-commerce.
Awards and Recognition
Mahabir Pun’s contributions have earned him numerous national and international awards. In 2007, he was awarded the “Ramon Magsaysay Award” for Community Leadership, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Asia.” This prestigious award recognized his efforts to connect remote communities in Nepal to the global information network.
He has also received the Ashoka Fellowship, which is awarded to leading social entrepreneurs worldwide. Additionally, Mahabir has been honored with the Jonathan B. Postel Service Award, the Nepal Bidya Bhusan, and the ICT Pioneer Award from the Government of Nepal.
Personal Life and Legacy
Mahabir Pun continues to live in Nepal, where he remains actively involved in his various projects. He is known for his humility, dedication, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people in rural Nepal. His work has inspired many others to pursue innovative solutions to address social challenges, and he is widely regarded as a visionary leader in the field of social entrepreneurship.
Mahabir Pun’s legacy is one of empowerment and innovation. Through his tireless efforts, he has demonstrated the transformative power of technology and the importance of bridging the digital divide to create a more equitable and inclusive world. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the lives of countless people in Nepal and beyond.