Mahabir Pun (born January 22, 1955) is a Nepali scientist, social entrepreneur, teacher, and innovator best known for his pioneering work in bringing wireless Internet connectivity to remote villages of Nepal and for founding the National Innovation Center (NIC). His relentless dedication to technology-driven rural development has earned him national and international recognition, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award and induction into the Internet Hall of Fame.

Key Facts at a Glance

Full Name: Mahabir Pun Magar
Born: January 22, 1955, Nangi Village, Myagdi District, Nepal
Nationality: Nepali
Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education, University of Nebraska at Kearney (1992)

Master’s Degree, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Occupation: Scientist, Teacher, Social Entrepreneur, Innovator, Politician
Major Roles:

Founder, National Innovation Center (NIC)

Founder, Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP)

Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Nepal (2025–Present)
Awards and Honors:

Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (2007)

Inductee, Internet Hall of Fame (2014)

Ashoka Fellowship (2002)

Honorary Doctorate, University of Nebraska
Known For:

Connecting rural Nepal through wireless Internet

Promoting grassroots innovation and research in Nepal

Early Life and Background

Mahabir Pun was born in a small mountain village called Nangi in Nepal’s Myagdi District. The area was remote, deprived of roads, electricity, and schools with trained teachers. His father, a retired Gurkha soldier, moved the family to the plains to offer better education for his children.

From an early age, Mahabir displayed curiosity, determination, and a passion for learning. Despite limited resources, he excelled academically and later worked as a teacher for over a decade, funding his siblings’ education while nurturing dreams of improving his country’s education and technology access.

In 1989, he received a partial scholarship to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education. This period profoundly influenced his vision—he saw how technology could transform education and communities, a concept he later brought back to Nepal.

Return to Nepal and Vision

Upon returning to his home village in the mid-1990s, Mahabir was determined to bridge the digital divide between urban centers and rural Nepal. He began collecting used computers from abroad, powered them using local hydro sources, and started computer literacy programs for children and teachers in the hills of Myagdi.

His ultimate goal was not just to teach computers but to empower rural communities through connectivity, innovation, and education.

Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP)

In 2002, Mahabir launched the Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP), an ambitious initiative to connect isolated Himalayan villages through wireless Internet.

Early Development

The project began by linking Nangi and Ramche villages using improvised Wi-Fi antennas made from local materials.

Mahabir collaborated with volunteers and international supporters who donated used computers and technical guidance.

Expansion and Impact

By 2013, the network reached over 140 remote villages.

It provided e-learning, telemedicine, and e-commerce facilities to communities that previously had no access to communication or health services.

It enabled rural schools to access educational materials, teachers to conduct remote lessons, and health posts to consult doctors from Kathmandu.

Recognition and Challenges

The project gained international attention for its innovative, low-cost model.

However, sustaining funding and maintaining equipment in harsh mountain conditions posed ongoing challenges.

Founding the National Innovation Center (NIC)

In 2012, Mahabir Pun established the National Innovation Center (NIC) to foster research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nepal.

Objectives and Mission:

Support young innovators and inventors from all backgrounds.

Develop technologies that solve local problems in agriculture, health, education, and environment.

Create a self-sustaining research culture in Nepal through local innovation.

Key Projects:

Drone technology for rescue and delivery.

Medical equipment design during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agricultural machines and clean energy projects.

Mahabir raised funds for the center through crowdfunding and public donations, even appealing directly to citizens via social media. Despite minimal government assistance, he continued to run the center as a symbol of grassroots scientific progress in Nepal.

Leadership and Political Role

In September 2025, Mahabir Pun was appointed Minister of Education, Science, and Technology in Nepal’s interim government. His appointment reflected public trust in his integrity, innovation, and lifelong commitment to education reform and technological progress.

As minister, his vision centers on:

Integrating research and innovation in education policy.

Strengthening vocational and technical training.

Promoting digital literacy and STEM education nationwide.

Encouraging collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector to advance national innovation.

Philosophy and Vision

Mahabir Pun believes that innovation is not limited to laboratories—it starts with people’s needs. His life’s work embodies his core philosophy: empowering Nepali youths to think creatively, use technology to solve local problems, and make Nepal self-reliant in knowledge and invention.

He often emphasizes that Nepal’s development must be driven by brains, not donations, urging the government to invest in research instead of relying solely on foreign aid.

Awards and Global Recognition

Ramon Magsaysay Award (2007): Recognized for innovative use of wireless technology in rural development.

Internet Hall of Fame (2014): Honored for extending the Internet to remote mountain communities.

Ashoka Fellowship (2002): Acknowledged as a global changemaker.

Honorary Doctorate: University of Nebraska awarded him for his contributions to social innovation.

His work has been featured in global media including BBC, CNN, and The New York Times, inspiring technologists and social entrepreneurs worldwide.

Challenges and Criticisms

Funding Difficulties: Sustaining NIC and similar projects without strong government backing has been a continuous struggle.

Bureaucratic Hurdles: Mahabir has openly criticized Nepal’s slow, rigid bureaucracy that discourages innovation.

Overreliance on Donations: Despite his ideals, financial limitations often force him to depend on crowdfunding and philanthropy.

Yet, his persistence and transparency have earned him widespread respect among Nepali citizens and youth.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Mahabir Pun’s life represents the power of vision, education, and persistence. From a remote village boy to a global innovator and national leader, his journey exemplifies how determination can transform both personal destiny and national progress.

His contributions have:

Brought Internet connectivity to isolated Himalayan villages.

Inspired thousands of young Nepalis toward innovation and technology.

Laid the foundation for Nepal’s future as a research-driven nation.

Trivia and Cultural Notes

Mahabir Pun is often called the “Wireless Man of Nepal.”

He personally repaired and installed many antennas during the early days of NWNP.

He prefers simplicity—still wearing modest clothes and traveling to rural areas frequently.

His life story has been featured in documentaries and academic studies on rural innovation.

Conclusion

Mahabir Pun’s life story is a testament to how one individual’s vision can bridge the gap between isolation and innovation. Through education, wireless connectivity, and the promotion of local research, he has not only transformed his village but inspired a nation.

As Nepal’s Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, his ongoing mission is to turn Nepal into a country where innovation thrives—not through imported technology, but through homegrown ideas and talent.