- Age: 73
- City/ Country: Balagaon, Matatirtha, Nepal
- Past Occupation: Carpentry, construction and building
Current role in Ibasho: Construction/ Carpentry Leader
Mr. M is responsible for activities related to construction and carpentry by mobilising the community members and teaching them.
How does she/he contribute to community through Ibasho?
Mangal Lal Shrestha has set an example for the community by being actively involved in all Ibasho projects at the age of 73. He has played a pivotal role in the construction of Chautari, making signboard along with the shed in the vegetable farm. By creating these spaces he has contributed to make sure that the community members have access to them where they can follow, learn or contribute using skills, knowledge or expertise.
Why did you decided to involve in the Ibasho?
I decided to get involved in Ibasho for personal growth and also for my family’s benefit. After understanding the meaning of Ibasho I realized that it would be beneficial for me to live my present and also to create a sustainable future for everyone. I took on the leadership role because construction and carpentry is what I have been doing throughout my life and being able to continue contributing, makes me happy.
How would you like to see the Ibasho grow in your community?
I would like to see Ibasho giving platform to people who are unemployed and help to sustain their living. “Garera Khane” – Being self-reliant and working hard to earn one’s livelihood is what I believe in and that is how I see Ibasho grow in our community as well, where everyone contributes for everyone’s wellbeing.
I do not have any specific program that I want to initiate in mind but I would want the entire community to support the Ibasho projects. Though my body does not support me due to ill health, I can assure you that I will continue moving ahead and being involved with the Ibasho projects in a positive way.
Which cultural traditions and values you would like younger generation to carry on?
I would like to contribute towards teaching carpentry and construction work to the younger generation as that is where my expertise lies. Apart from that, I would also like to see the traditional musical instruments like Dha (a Newari musical instrument of cylindrical hollow wooden base with leather), Khin (classical membranophone used in Newar music) Flute and Madal (Traditional Drum) getting popular again among all generations in the community.
Which Ibasho activity are you most interested in participating?
As my interest lies in construction and carpentry, I am interested to participate in any activity related to it.
My role in Ibasho project has been totally focused on construction and carpentry. I have been involved in building the shed in the vegetable farm, renovating Chautari and making a path that connects the farm to the road, making signboard and also contributing by working in the vegetable farm. Overall, my role as a leader and community member is to contribute in whatever way I can.
Did Ibasho project have impact on you and your life?
Yes, Ibasho has had an impact on me and my life. Earlier, I never used to interact much with people, talking to new people was difficult to me. But now, I am able to interact and talk without hesitation to new people as well.
Did Ibasho project have impact on your community?
Till now, I have not felt or noticed any huge impact in the community through Ibasho. Those of us involved are doing whatever we can but we need to work on getting more people involved for visible results within the community
Did Ibasho project influence on your friendship?
Yes, Ibasho project did influence on my friendship in the community. Though I live a bit far from where the majority of the Ibasho community members live, there has been increase in my interaction with others along with building relations with those I work with.
Do you have any idea on what programs you would like to work on through Ibasho?
Since our village has enough land for farming the program focusing on vegetable farming should be good to the community through Ibasho.
What was your most memorable event/moment through Ibasho?
I have a few memorable moments through Ibasho but my favorite is meeting with Hiro, Emi, Kai and Sam. The event that I will never forget is travelling to Philippines in an aeroplane as I had never travelled in one. It was very exciting and scary.
What do you suggest Ibasho to do to make the project more successful?
I would like to see more community members engaging in Ibasho project. For that, we need to develop a feeling of ownership by giving them more responsibilities
Comments from the local coordinator: Any changes over time?
Mangal Lal has changed from a quiet person to one of the most active members of Ibasho. There is a visible sense of ownership within him for the projects he is a part of along with a willingness to learn and share. He was reserved and used to speak less but after being involved in different meetings, programs and trainings, he has become more open and vocal about his thoughts. His involvement in the projects and activities has made him more mobile, energetic and active as compared to before, when he used to spend most of his days at home.
I have a few memorable moments through Ibasho but my favorite is meeting with Hiro, Emi, Kai and Sam. The event that I will never forget is travelling to Philippines in an aeroplane as I had never travelled in one. It was very exciting and scary.
What do you suggest Ibasho to do to make the project more successful?
I would like to see more community members engaging in Ibasho project. For that, we need to develop a feeling of ownership by giving them more responsibilities
Comments from the local coordinator: Any changes over time?
Mangal Lal has changed from a quiet person to one of the most active members of Ibasho. There is a visible sense of ownership within him for the projects he is a part of along with a willingness to learn and share. He was reserved and used to speak less but after being involved in different meetings, programs and trainings, he has become more open and vocal about his thoughts. His involvement in the projects and activities has made him more mobile, energetic and active as compared to before, when he used to spend most of his days at home.
