What is keeping you busy these days?

I live and teach in Dolpa in the summer and live in Kathmandu for the remaining five months of the year.

I am currently running a campaign called Solely Nepali Funded School and have been encouraging youth from Kathmandu to volunteer, in order to establish infrastructure for education and to engage in other educational activities involving kids in Dolpa. I think we Nepalis depend on foreign aid rather than working together to do things on our own. So, the idea is to use funds and resources from our country for development.

Other than that, I have been working with women in Kathmandu to collect spices for use in Dolpa.

You are a native of Kathmandu; how difficult was it to adjust to life in Dolpa?

For people who are accustomed to living life in the cities, Dolpa is like another planet. It still remains one of the most underdeveloped parts of the country. But for those who love adventure, it’s a must visit. During my first visit to the place, I realised that I was born to be there. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but I found home in Dolpa.

Do you look up to anyone as a source of inspiration?

I believe that compassion and the feeling of social service is within everyone. One just needs the right environment to let humanity flourish.

I think my parents have always inspired me and shown me the right path. Along with them, all the people who have worked for a better world, from the Buddha to Gandhi, are my source of inspiration.

What do you like to do when you have time for yourself?

I like to pray for Dolpa (laughs). The place is on my mind all the time and I’m always thinking of ideas for its development.

What kinds of films do you like to watch?

I like watching movies that are inspirational. Life is Beautiful and 3 Idiots are two of my favourite movies.

Are you a foodie? Is there a certain dish that people prefer in Dolpa?

Yes, but I’m not very picky. However, there’s nothing I love more than yoghurt and oranges.

In Dolpa, kids love Phemar. It’s a mixture of tea, ghee and saatu.

Do you enjoy travelling?

I love travelling. The Upper Mustang was the last place I visited.

In the future, I want to travel to all the rural areas of Nepal, especially areas in the Himalayan belt. I want to find out about and observe the development of other places and see how different they are in comparison to Dolpa.

Are you tech savvy? Are you obsessed with gadgets?

Technology is a need but I do not obsess over it. I prefer life in the wilderness. Nonetheless, Facebook has helped me connect with likeminded people and it has been the most important platform for the promotion of my initiative.

What is your worst nightmare?

My own death would be my worst nightmare. It’s not that I am scared of dying, but I’m fearful of the consequences—of how it would affect my parents. They have already sacrificed their only son to Dolpa and my death would be the end of the world for them. The very thought of it scares me.

Is there anything you’d want to change about yourself?

Not really. I’m quite happy with who I am and what I do.

If not in this field, what would you be doing?

I was studying fine arts before I left for Dolpa. Also, I have immense love for theatre and have also performed in plays a few times. If not a teacher, I’d have been an artist.

A word of advice for the young.

One should learn the difference between need and want. Always utilise your time to make positive changes and be responsible for your society.