Himanchal Education Foundation: 2025 Newsletter
For over 25 years, HEF has proudly supported Mahabir Pun's visionary work to bring quality education, technology, and opportunity to rural Nepal, starting with the growth of Himanchal Secondary School (high school) in his home village of Nangi. From pioneering wireless internet in remote Himalayan communities to founding the National Innovation Center, Mahabir’s vision has transformed lives, including through projects we've helped fund together.
Updates
We are thrilled to share that on September 22, 2025, Mahabir was sworn in as Minister of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) in Nepal's interim government under Prime Minister Sushila Karki. He resigned as Minister on January 20, 2026 to run for a seat in the House of Representatives, Nepal’s lower house of parliament. In his short tenure, he has: Led by example on transparency: Upon taking office, Mahabir immediately rejected traditional ministerial perks. He has emphasized living simply and fighting corruption at its roots, including publicly criticizing political favoritism in job appointments—a bold stand that echoes his lifelong commitment to merit over connections. Built expert advisory teams and opened public dialogue: Mahabir quickly formed specialized advisory committees focusing on cutting-edge fields like space technology, nuclear technology, biotechnology, and AI/information technology. He has also actively solicited public input, receiving thousands of suggestions to ensure rapid, inclusive reforms before the March 2026 elections. Modernized technical and vocational education: He issued targeted directives to the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), including a multi-point plan to overhaul curricula with innovation and emerging technologies. Key steps included making computer teachers mandatory in schools nationwide to boost digital literacy from the ground up. Championed depoliticization and economic impact: Mahabir has aggressively pushed to remove political interference from education and research, advocating non-political, merit-based leaders for universities (including ending the Prime Minister's automatic chancellorship in 18 institutions) and warning against politically affiliated teachers. At the same time, he has stressed directly linking scientific research to economic growth, ensuring ongoing projects contribute to national prosperity. An HEF grant provided funds to complete the project with brick walls, doors, and windows. The space will be used as a meeting hall and teachers’ room. HEALTHCARE An oral hygienist has been hired with funds from the Huguenin Rallapalli Foundation. The staff working at the clinic are: Rabin Adhikari (Clinician), Smriti Baruwal (Dentist in charge) and Ajit Thajali (Lab technician). Thanks to all who have contributed in the past to the building, equipment, and staffing of the Nangi Health Clinic ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Five bedrooms and two restrooms were added in Nangi Tourist Lodge with the support of the Rallapalli Foundation. A new water pumping system was installed for the Mohare Tourist Lodge. Since the lodge is on the top of the mountain, the water is pumped from a small spring about 1,050 ft below the lodge. A new pump was needed because the existing pump was not pumping enough water to meet the needs of the lodge. AGRICULTURE The village nursery committee is planning to grow different types of fruit trees in the nursery in Nangi and surrounding villages. One person has been hired as nurseryman, and he is paid by HEF grant. Persimmons, kiwi fruit, and English walnuts grow well in Nangi’s climate. They will be planted on idle land.
Golf Tournament
Congratulations to the winners of this year's HEF Charity Golf Tournament. 1st Place: John Johnson – Score: 78 2nd Place: Jiban Giri – Score: 86 3rd Place: Indra Rai – Score: 88 The new team award this year for the lowest average score went to Group 4: Surendra, Jiban, Resham, and Sudip A special thanks to Resham Thapa for sponsoring the team prize. Thanks to our 19 golfers, donors, and sponsors. This year's tournament raised $1,641 plus direct donations to HEF. These funds will support the Himanchal Education Foundation's mission to provide quality education and technology access for rural youth in Nepal, Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's tournament: Resham Thapa and Netra Pokhrel: For sponsoring breakfast and on-cart snacks Bhim Rai: For coordinating the event and recruiting new players Ajay Rai: For sponsoring the individual trophies Ajit Adhikary: For providing Little King sandwiches.
Himanchal Secondary School, Nangi Village
On the roof of the existing school building a metal structure has been built with metal sheet as roof. The district education office provided funds for the frame. (right) An HEF grant provided funds to complete the project with brick walls, doors, and windows. The space will be used as a meeting hall and teachers’ room. HEALTHCARE An oral hygienist has been hired with funds from the Huguenin Rallapalli Foundation. The staff working at the clinic are: Rabin Adhikari (Clinician), Smriti Baruwal (Dentist in charge) and Ajit Thajali (Lab technician). Thanks to all who have contributed in the past to the building, equipment, and staffing of the Nangi Health Clinic ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Five bedrooms and two restrooms were added in Nangi Tourist Lodge with the support of the Rallapalli Foundation. A new water pumping system was installed for the Mohare Tourist Lodge. Since the lodge is on the top of the mountain, the water is pumped from a small spring about 1,050 ft below the lodge. A new pump was needed because the existing pump was not pumping enough water to meet the needs of the lodge. AGRICULTURE The village nursery committee is planning to grow different types of fruit trees in the nursery in Nangi and surrounding villages. One person has been hired as nurseryman, and he is paid by HEF grant. Persimmons, kiwi fruit, and English walnuts grow well in Nangi’s climate. They will be planted on idle land.
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