10 Minutes with the Mayor - Balendra Shah, Kathmandu (2022 - )

Summary

In an insightful interview, the Mayor of Kandu, Nepal, shares his vision for a more sustainable, community-oriented future. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and inspiring the youth to engage in politics and society. Addressing key issues such as air pollution, climate change, and cultural preservation, the mayor highlights initiatives like promoting electric vehicles and combating forest fires. He stresses that true quality of life goes beyond basic needs, focusing instead on cultural identity, education, and healthcare. His goal is to leave a legacy of non-corruption and societal well-being, encouraging young people to think beyond themselves and contribute to the greater good.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mayor values honesty above titles like musician, engineer, or mayor, aiming to be remembered for integrity and authenticity.
• 😀 The mayor emphasizes the importance of youth thinking beyond themselves, focusing on their society and surroundings instead of individual gain.
• 😀 In South Asia, the quality of life is defined by cultural richness, education, health services, and the ability to live within one’s community while preserving traditions.
• 😀 The mayor believes that quality of life goes beyond basic needs like food and shelter, and includes cultural events, rituals, and the preservation of heritage.
• 😀 The mayor is actively working to improve air quality by phasing out old vehicles and promoting electric vehicles, as well as addressing dust pollution from construction.
• 😀 Forest fires, often exacerbated by human activity, are a major source of air pollution in the country, and the mayor is collaborating with the central government to prevent them.
• 😀 Climate change is affecting Nepal, particularly the melting of glaciers and impacts from neighboring countries' pollution, so the mayor advocates for global resilience strategies.
• 😀 The mayor encourages youth to become involved in political life and city affairs, advocating for a balance between youth energy and the wisdom of older generations in politics.
• 😀 He highlights the importance of inspiring youth to be honest with themselves first, which will lead to greater honesty and integrity in society as a whole.
• 😀 Through his music, the mayor aims to inspire social change, using it as a platform to promote positive values like honesty, integrity, and social responsibility.

Q & A

What does the mayor consider to be the primary focus for improving the quality of life in Kandu?

The mayor emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage, providing proper education and healthcare, and fostering a sense of community. Quality of life in Kandu is defined by living in harmony with one's culture, language, and traditions, rather than just having basic needs met.

How does the mayor view the concept of quality of life in South Asia compared to other regions?

In South Asia, quality of life is not just about food and shelter; it's deeply tied to cultural identity. The mayor believes it includes maintaining traditions, language, rituals, and ensuring proper access to education and health services.

What is the mayor's approach to addressing air pollution in Kandu?

The mayor is working on eradicating old vehicles over 20 years old and replacing them with electric vehicles. Additionally, new technologies are being implemented to reduce dust from construction, and efforts are underway to control forest fires, which significantly affect air quality.

Why does the mayor consider forest fires to be a major air quality issue in Nepal?

Forest fires, often natural but sometimes human-caused, are a significant source of air pollution in Nepal. They contribute more to degraded air quality than vehicle emissions, and the mayor is collaborating with the central government to prevent and manage these fires.

How does the mayor view Nepal's role in global environmental issues like climate change?

The mayor acknowledges that while Nepal is environmentally responsible, it is disproportionately affected by pollution from larger industrialized countries, such as China and India. He advocates for global cooperation to combat climate change, especially to protect Nepal's depleting glaciers and mountains.

What specific actions is the mayor taking to combat climate change and its effects in Kandu?

The mayor is focused on reducing local pollution through the promotion of electric vehicles, controlling construction dust, and preventing forest fires. He is also advocating for international collaboration to address the broader issues of climate change and its impact on Nepal’s environment.

How does the mayor plan to inspire the youth of Kandu to engage in politics and civic life?

The mayor encourages young people to think beyond themselves and focus on their society and city. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity, urging youth to be honest with themselves and with their communities, which will ultimately inspire them to engage in political life.

What role does music play in the mayor’s approach to leadership and inspiring change?

Music is a powerful tool for the mayor to reach out to people and inspire them. As a musician, he uses his art to promote social change, convey his message of honesty and integrity, and connect with the community on a deeper level.

What legacy does the mayor hope to leave in Kandu?

The mayor hopes to be remembered as an honest leader who prioritized integrity, non-corruption, and social responsibility. He wants people to learn the value of honesty and apply it to their lives, ensuring a better future for Kandu.

How does the mayor view the role of experienced politicians in comparison to young people in politics?

While the mayor is one of the youngest politicians in Kandu, he believes that both young and experienced individuals have important roles in politics. He encourages youth to participate but also values the wisdom and experience that older politicians bring to governance.