My Personal Story
In November 1988, Kathmandu made history by hosting the 1st World Congress on Engineering Education and Training (WCEE), the first such UNESCO-WFEO (World Federation of Engineering Organisations) event in a least-developed nation. While its official theme was "Non-Formal Methodologies," its true story is one of extraordinary grassroots mobilization.
My personal story reveals the untold narrative behind the landmark world congress.It details the journey from securing international approval as Secretary-General of FEISCA to founding the organizing committee in a small rented room with a personal investment of Rs. 4000, navigating royal protocol, and ultimately executing a globally acclaimed event inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
This account, i hope, transforms the World Congress from a historical footnote into a powerful case study in visionary leadership, resourcefulness, and national professional pride, offering timeless lessons for Nepali engineers on turning ambition into reality.
1. Introduction/Concept
The decision to bring the World Congress to Nepal was a bold strategic move by the Federation of Engineering Institutions of South and Central Asia (FEISCA). Under the leadership of its President, Prof. Amitabha Bhattacharyya (also Vice-President of WFEO) and myself as Secretary-General, FEISCA championed the cause to UNESCO and WFEO The goal was clear: shift the global engineering dialogue to the realities of the developing world. The central theme, "Non-Formal Methodologies in Engineering Education and Training," with sub-themes on Open Universities and Professional Programmes, was perfectly aligned with regional needs. The international mandate was secured. The monumental task of execution, however, had just begun on the ground in Kathmandu.
2. The Genesis: A Rented Room and a Leap of Faith
With no institutional funding, the genesis of the World Congress was an act of pure belief. I took a sabbatical leave in Jan 1988 from the Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, dedicating myself fully in organizing thecworld Congress. Alongside Er. Shanker Nath Rimal (NEA President) and Dr. Sriram Mathema (NEA Secretary-General), we pooled personal resources.
"We contributed Rupees 4000 and rented a small room in front of the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk campus to start our work."
This humble office became the nerve centre for planning a world-class event,symbolizing the grassroots spirit that would drive the entire endeavour.
3. The Palace Front: Courting the Crown and State
A key strategic aim was to secure the highest possible patronage to underscore the event's national importance. I and Mathema personally led this effort:
"We wanted King Birendra Shah to inaugurate the landmark event... myself and Sriram Mathe established contacts with Mr. Chiran Shamsher, the powerful secretary to the King. Regularly (at least 2-3 times a month), [we] met him and presented a written report."
While the King was initially very interested, palace protocol ultimately prevailed. In a final palace meeting, some Palace secreteries objected. Our cardinal mistake was that we did not contact other Palace secretaries. The team was informed that Prime Minister Marich Man Singh Shrestha would inaugurate, with a message from His Majesty. This experience highlighted the complex interplay of professional ambition and institutional palace protocol.
4. The Culmination: A National Triumph
As the dates (13-15 November 1988) neared, momentum built. The engineering community rallied, and the government of Nepal provided crucial financial and logistical support. The event was a resounding success:
· Scale: Approximately 400 participants from 40 countries.
· Rigour: Over 100 papers, rigorously reviewed by a panel of four Vice-Chancellors.
· Inauguration: Inaugurated by the Prime Minister with his full cabinet in attendance, signifying unprecedented state recognition for an engineering event.
The Congress concluded with the influential Kathmandu Declaration, a blueprint advocating for context-driven, socially relevant engineering education.
5. The Personal Cost: Sleepless Nights and a Narrow Escape
The human toll of such an undertaking was immense. The organizer's account is stark:
"I was extremely busy organizing the event, many sleepless nights."
The exhaustion culminated in a car accident on November 11,1988, just after the event, where I and my wife, Rita, was fortunate to escape with minor injuries—a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifice behind professional milestones.
6. Legacy and Lessons for a New Generation
The 1988 World Congress was more than a conference; it was a proof of concept. It proved that Nepali engineers could conceive, advocate for, and execute a project of global significance against formidable odds.
Thirty-six years ago, Nepal’s engineering community achieved a monumental feat: hosting a UNESCO-WFEO World Congress—the first ever in a least-developed country.
7. The Kathmandu Blueprint: Core Principles
The Congress’s outcome, the Kathmandu Declaration, established an enduring framework:
1. Appropriate Technology: Solutions must align with local resources, skills, and sustainability—not just technical complexity.
2. Social Relevance: Engineering is a social profession; success is measured by community impact, not just technical specs.
3. Rural Focus: Innovation must address the rural-urban divide, targeting water, agriculture, and resilient infrastructure.
4. Lifelong Learning: In a fast-changing world, a degree is only the beginning; continuous upskilling is non-negotiable.
The blueprint teaches that context is your competitive advantage. While global tech races toward scale, your unique insight into Nepal’s geography, challenges, and culture allows you to build what is truly needed.
8. A Lasting Global Legacy
The Kathmandu Congress ignited a lasting series of World Engineering Conferences—from Beijing (2004) to Kyoto (2015) to Prague (2023)—all debating sustainability, poverty reduction, and resilience. The themes set in Kathmandu have become the world’s engineering agenda. Nepal didn’t just attend the conversation; it started one.
9. Conclusion: Your Turn to Build
The 1988 Congress was a gift of foresight. It positioned the Nepali engineer as a context-aware problem-solver for the world. The “Kathmandu Blueprint” is not archived history; it is an active toolkit.
Call to Action:
Revisit these principles.Let them guide your projects, startup ideas, and career choices. Ask not just “Is it innovative?” but “Is it appropriate? Is it relevant? Does it serve?” The pioneers handed you a blueprint for impact.
For today's young engineer, the lessons are clear:
1. Vision Precedes Resources: Start with conviction, even if your first office is a rented room.
2. Leadership is Personal: It requires sacrifice, sabbaticals, and sleepless nights.
3. Persistence Opens Doors: Consistent engagement, as with the palace, is key to high-level support.
4. Community is Your Capital: The eventual success was built on the mobilized support of the entire Nepali engineering community.
(This account is based on the first-person narrative of Prof. Shrestha, former Secretary-General of FEISCA and co- chair of the Organizing Committee for the 1st WCEE)
