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BANDANA SHAH A little cycle hangs off his key chain, his wallpaper is a cycle and his ring tone is a cycle’s tring-tring. Being the August 2010 British Council’s Climate Champion and a student of Human Resource and Natural Resources studies at Kathmandu University, Shailendra is making significant contributions towards the environment and development as a whole, not only as an individual but involving various groups of people from friends to corporations under his initiation of KTM Cycle City 2020. What did you do as British Council’s Climate Champion? I carried out a project called Climate Corps in 2010, it involved 40 students from four different colleges. It included training programs that taught how one could proceed toward making their attitude, college, and community an environment friendly zone. I consider each of them as an agent of change, youth definitely are change agents if encouraged and showed how opportunities can be created rather than looking for them. Those students have reused huge oil cans as dustbins that can be seen around their college areas. They also carried out various awareness programs on environmental issues.
How did you become curious and conscious about the environment? Since childhood I was fond of watching Tour de France. I was fascinated by the smooth roads and the sceneries of France shown on television. I too wanted my city to be like that so it brought self-awareness in me. “Be the change you want to see in the world”, said Mahatma Gandhi. This line struck me but I desperately wondered what I could do. We tend to clean our house and throw garbage on the streets but the road is also ours since we pay tax for it. So let us keep that clean too. Wherever I go I keep my wrappers with me if a dustbin is not found. I also scold my friends at college for throwing stuffs in unwanted places. Describe your passion for cycling. I like playing football, basketball, swimming, and I enjoy outdoor activities like trekking. I have loved cycling since childhood. Although I commuted to school via bus during my school and college years, I often went on trips on my own. Cycling gives me a sense of freedom and fun brought by an adrenaline rush. I would cycle my way through the narrow lanes of Patan and even give rides to my friends and girlfriend. On weekends I cycle up to Nagarkot, Charikot, Nuwakot and other distant places too. I have already visited 47 districts but I desire to see all 75 districts of my country since I also get opportunities to explore. My family and others urge me sometimes to buy a motorcycle and they wonder why I stick to my cycle. Of course a bicycle is cheaper compared to a motorcycle, it needs no fuel, I don’t have to struggle in long petrol lines and a major pro is that it causes zero pollution. It is sad that traffic is not considerate toward people on cycles and they often remain dominated. However, it is amusing when I cycle with my helmet on I’m noticed and given space. Perhaps it is because they perceive me as a tourist or think that my cycle might be expensive. What is KTM Cycle City 2020 about? Along with my friends from Kathmandu University, we initiated this project in 2009. Our aim is to make Kathmandu cycle-friendly by 2020. We have been organizing discussions with students, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, and awareness rallies. We even carry our laptops on our backs while cycling to show that cycling is for everybody and to defy the perceived notion that cyclists belong to the lower economy range. We have been encouraging various corporate houses to use a cycle at least once a week which can drastically reduce unwanted emissions. Superintendent of Police told us in an event that if given a cycle, he would ride it himself and do his duty to promote it. The Resources Himalayan Group supports us immensely by lobbying with the government for a cycle lane to be made in the eight-lane Chakrapath project. We have been taking orders for hoodies and badges that promote cycles and we also provide information about availability, price range, and sustainability. Our fantasy is to see our prime minister and president on cycles which will be a landmark in the history of Nepal. Where do you see yourself in near future? I’m working with youth-led organizations such as International Climate Champions Network Nepal, Tourism Development and Endeavors, and Youth Engagement and Sustainability. I want to stay here and keep working for my country’s development. I believe in entrepreneurship rather than searching for a job. |
Ride With Pride.
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