Muni Bahadhur Shakya – Nepal’s 1st Computer Scientist and the Innovator Who Taught Nepali to Computers

 Introduction

Muni Bahadhur Shakya, is a remarkable individual who paved the way for technology in Nepal. Born in 1942 in Patan, Nepal, his love for electronics and knack for innovation led him to become Nepal’s first computer scientist. But his legacy doesn’t stop there – he achieved the incredible feat of making computers understand and display words in Nepali.

The Journey

Muni’s path began with his fascination for electronics, which led him to study radio engineering. His talents caught the attention of British engineers, earning him a scholarship to study in England in 1970. Afterward, he continued his journey by moving to France. During his time there, he worked on designing sophisticated devices, which paved the way for his future accomplishments.

In 1979, Muni created Nepal’s very first microcomputer. In 1980, Muni Bahadhur Shakya went to America for about 3 years. He joined a research team there and played an important role. With his help, the team successfully made a bigger floppy disk that could store 900KB of data. Before that, the disks available in the market could only hold 80KB of data. After that he return to Nepal and he designed systems that allowed computers to display words on Nepali language.

Innovations Beyond Borders

Muni’s creativity knew no bounds. He collaborated with doctors to develop a low-power computer for telemedicine, bringing healthcare to remote areas. He even crafted a Nepali-speaking robot that could understand obstacles. His work wasn’t just limited to Nepal – he built the country’s first 16-node supercomputer in 2006, showcasing his commitment to pushing the technological boundaries.

Challenges

He started his own company called Hi-Tech Pioneer Pvt. Ltd. However, his company didn’t make big computers. So, in 1995, he used all his savings and invested in his company for making computers. He bought things like conveyor belts, soldering machines, a special cleaner, and an oven from other countries. He needed a special permit for his company, but it was hard to get. There was 1% custom tax for life hazard cigrette but there was 15% custom tax for importing machinery from outside. Also, Nepal didn’t spend a lot of money on research and innovation.

A Lasting Legacy

For his incredible contributions, Muni received accolades like the Science Award in 1983 and the ICT Excellence Award in 2012. His legacy continues to inspire young minds to embrace technology and make a difference.

Conclusion

Muni Bahadhur Shakya’s journey is a true testament to the power of innovation and determination. His impact on Nepal’s tech landscape, from making computers understand Nepali to pioneering groundbreaking devices, is a source of inspiration for everyone who believes in the potential of technology to transform lives.