Bishnu Adhikari, a 2010 CHOICE Humanitarian of the Year featured in the film Meet the Mormons, received a MS in International Environmental Policy from Monterey Institute of International Studies in California and another MS degree in Civil Engineering from Rostov on Don State Building Academy, Rostov, Russia. He has 20 years of work experience in civil engineering programs and project management. Rural infrastructure development and project management has been Mr. Adhikari's passion since he returned to Nepal in 1994. Today, he is focusing on rebuilding earthquake damaged public infrastructures, including schools, health clinics and private homes.
After the devastating 7.9 scale earthquake in Nepal in April of 2015, he assisted with providing shelter using tents and other local materials. While his model of humanitarian support focuses on sustainability, Mr. Adhikari knew that immediate relief was necessary. The model of ownership and using local leadership became invaluable in meeting the villagers’ immediate needs. He encouraged neighbors to help one another, Nepal’s government contributed aid for reconstruction, and local leaders helped identify specific villagers and their immediate necessities. He believes strongly in working with the local people, understanding their culture, and teaching self-sufficiency. Mr. Adhikari has worked to improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Nepalese.