Serving People, Shaping Cities: A Life for All | Mr Chiri Babu Maharjan | TEDxPremier Intl School

Quick Overview

Mr. Chiri Babu Maharjan recounts his early life in Nepal, detailing the extreme poverty he experienced, including having to walk barefoot to school and failing Sanskrit exams, which ultimately motivated him to pursue a career in social services and public trust, leading him to become a successful Mayor.

Key Points: The speaker, Mr. Chiri Babu Maharjan, grew up in extreme poverty in Phulchowk, Kathmandu, Nepal, lacking shoes and having only 100 Rupees (approximately 2024 equivalent of $0.75 USD) when he received a second prize in a competition. He failed his Sanskrit examination, which was mandatory for advancement, prompting him to dedicate himself to working for the nation and people. His early work involved serving the community as a junior clerk at Tribhuvan International Airport and later working on public service projects like establishing libraries and free clinics. Maharjan emphasizes the principle from the Bhagavad Gita, 'Karmanyevadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana' (You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action), as a guiding philosophy. He recounts that he was a consistently top student (scoring 50/60 in SLC exams) but struggled with English, which was considered a difficult subject then. He notes that the economic situation was poor, forcing him and his siblings to walk barefoot to school, but this hardship fostered a strong work ethic. His ultimate goal became to do jobs that are 'trustworthy' and 'doable' for the nation and its people, which he achieved by becoming the Mayor.

Context: This video features a TEDx talk delivered by Mr. Chiri Babu Maharjan at TEDxPremier Intl School. Maharjan shares personal anecdotes from his challenging childhood in Nepal, contrasting his early struggles with poverty and academic difficulties (like failing Sanskrit) against his later success in public service, culminating in his role as Mayor. He frames his journey using philosophical principles, particularly the concept of focusing on duty (karma) without attachment to results.