KATHMANDU: Prof Dr Bijaya K Shrestha teaches Urban Design and Conservation at Khwopa Engineering College. In the last 27 years, he has worked as an architect for the Government of Nepal, researcher for United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), Japan, and consultant for Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and UN Habitat.

The recipient of various awards including Calcutta Convention National Award 2006 and Mahendra Vidhya Bhushan, Prof Dr Shrestha gets nostalgic about his college days

MY ALMA MATER (S)

I attended University of Roorkee (now Indian Institute of Technology), India and completed Bachelor of Architecture in 1988. I completed Master of Urban Design from Hong Kong University, Hong Kong in 1994. I received PhD in Urban Engineering from the University of Tokyo, Japan in 1998.

COURSE STUDIED

I studied Architecture, Urban Design and Urban Engineering.

COLLEGE LIFE

It was a combination of hard work, fun and commitment.

BEST OF COLLEGE LIFE

The oldest and famous institution of India combined with best facilities in terms of logistic and extracurricular activities including dedicated faculties and committed students were the best part of being at Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee.

LASTING MEMORIES

Securing first position in the B Arch programme and doing practical training in New Delhi for a semester were enjoyable moments. Equally memorable were the days when I had to stay alone in the hostel even in long holidays, to complete the assignments due for submission. I would work till mid night or early morning and eat the ‘bun and omelette’ at Bhatiya Dhawa in front of the Century Gate.

LESSON LEARNT

Dedicated faculty combined with best school facilities and student’s commitment will yield the best result.

WORDS TO HEED

College life is the best time of your life. So, utilise it in the best way possible, understanding the value of time. No one is intelligent by birth. It is your growth, societal background and education that matter. You can be the best out of the best if you are committed, disciplined and work hard. And contribute to you society and nation.

HOW TO ACE IN COLLEGE

Learning can be joyful if one knows the techniques. One can become innovative and creative through participation,

discussion and debate including critical observation of society and city rather than just focusing on library books and class notes.