KATHMANDU: Dr Sushil B Bajracharya is Associate Professor at Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University (TU). He is the Programme Coordinator of Master of Science in Energy for Sustainable Social Development (MSESSD) at IOE. The guest lecturer at Tokyo City University, Japan, Dr Bajracharya is also working as researcher/trainer at UN Habitat Nepal. He has plans to continue research is sustainable housing. The

recipient of Nepal Vidya Bhushan Class A in 2015 and Mahendra Vidya Bhushan Class B in 1999, Dr Bajracharya gets nostalgic about his college days

MY ALMA MATER (S)

I completed Diploma in Architecture from IOE, TU in 1989. I was the topper of our batch, and received scholarship from Ministry of Education, Nepal. Then I completed my MSc in Architecture and received Red Degree (Degree with Honours) at Kiev State University, Russia in 1997. I completed my Ph D in 2013 from IOE, TU.

COURSE STUDIED

I studied Architecture and Thermal Performance of Traditional Residential Buildings of Kathmandu Valley.

COLLEGE LIFE

College life was the most enjoyable part of my life.

BEST OF COLLEGE LIFE

It was the best time of my life, enjoying and travelling with friends.

LASTING MEMORIES

While studying in Russia, one of my classmates was from Ukraine. Together with him, I went to attend a wedding at his village Karpati, that lies in the border of Ukraine and Romania. We were unaware of the fact that foreigners were not allowed at the border — refugees from Afghanistan used to illegally cross the Romanian border and enter this village. As I was a foreigner, a policeman took us to the nearby police station for enquiry. We managed to convince the police officer that I was not a refugee, and he let us go. We had walked only a few steps from there when the police called us back to station, and questioned us again. We had to convince them again before we could attend the wedding. This incident made me popular in that small village. The elderly ladies of the village used to tease me, asking not to get involved with the girls there.

LESSON LEARNT

Work hard and don’t give up. One day you will surely get reward in your life.

WORDS TO HEED

This is an era of globalisation, and the world has become a smaller place. So, don’t only focus on your text books, use Internet to gain knowledge — it provides more knowledge than books. No matter where you go or live, contribute towards your country and never refuse your responsibility towards your motherland.

HOW TO ACE IN COLLEGE

Work in group and be familiar with your professors. Working in group helps you to learn quickly and you will be able to enjoy free time in their company.