Soon after being recommended as the minister for education, science and technology, Mahabir Pun took to Facebook asking people not to congratulate him.

Known for his blunt remarks, he wrote: “Please don’t call me a minister. If you really want to, call me the scrap scientist minister.”

Pun, who has spent decades promoting innovation in Nepal, founded the National Innovation Centre in 2012 and has worked in fields ranging from drones and biomedical research to agriculture and education. During the Covid-19 pandemic, his centre helped repair malfunctioning ventilators when hospitals faced shortages.

Born in 1955 in Nagi, Myagdi, Pun studied locally until grade seven before moving to Chitwan. After teaching for 12 years while continuing his education, Pun received a scholarship to the University of Nebraska, where he got a postgraduate degree in science in 1989.

He returned to his village, launching initiatives in education, environmental conservation, entrepreneurship and technology.

Pun gained international recognition for introducing wireless internet in rural Nepal. His efforts earned him the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Internet Hall of Fame, and several other honours.

Pun often criticised the government for failing to support science and innovation. He even sold his awards and medals to raise funds for reviving the closed Agricultural Tools Factory in Birgunj, a project he pursued with proceeds from his autobiography.

Pun has long demanded that at least one percent of the national budget be allocated for research and innovation, a proposal that a past government agreed to in principle after Pun staged a sit-in for days in 2023.

He joins the interim Cabinet led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, formed after the recent Gen Z protests. Having spent most of his life in science and innovation, Pun now faces the test of leading the ministry responsible for the same field.