Inspiration galore at Asian Science Camp 2015

The opportunity to represent one's country in the international arena is a matter of enormous privilege and responsibility. The Asian Science Camp (ASC) 2015 was held in Thailand from August 2 to 8, and that's when I got the opportunity to represent my country in an international platform.

The Camp was held on the occasion of the birthday celebration of Thailand's princess, and aimed at enlightening the scientific pursuit of youth through discussion and dialogue with top scholarships. It also aimed at promoting international friendship and cooperation among students from different countries.

Five of us were chosen to represent Nepal. While I am from British Gurkha Academy, the other Nepali participants were Muna Kumari Khadka and Bibek Poudel from Xavier International College; Suprima Pandey from Madan Bhandari Memorial College; and Pratigyan Bhusal from Nasa International College.

To be among the 275 representatives from 39 different countries was a great opportunity for each of us. The camp experience inspired us all. Besides the fun of travelling abroad, we were excited to meet young and dynamic science students from all over the world, and were eagerly looking forward to listening to the lectures from five different Nobel Laureates in the Camp. I got a chance to personally talk to Prof Hitoshi Murayama, Ada Yonath (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 2009), and Yuan Tseh Lee (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 1986). The most valuable piece of advice they gave me to explore for novelty, and strive for innovation.

We had to work in groups at the Camp. I chose 'DNA Modification Process' for research. After our study and research, we also had to present our findings. Each group consisted of five students from different countries. While engaging in the research with them, I also got an opportunity share how the education system functioned in our country. It was frustrating to explain how our education system still doesn't encourage thinking, research, experimentation and innovation. Our education system needs drastic change in the light of practicality, analysis, skill and creativity as per the time today demands.

On the last day, during the closing ceremony, our team won the bronze prize for our presentation. That day, I realized that hard work is the secret to success. In the farewell party held on the same day, we sang our National Anthem and performed Nepali dance which our international friends really enjoyed.

I felt equally proud as I got to introduce Nepal in a 30-second video. In the limited slot that I was provided with, I managed to mention that Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a fascinating mountainous country.

What touched me most during my stay in ASC in Thailand is that students there have deep sense of respect and responsibility towards their country. Of course they go to foreign countries to pursue higher education and to learn new skills, but after fulfilling their purpose, they come back to Thailand and serve their own country. However, many of us Nepali youth don't feel responsible towards our own country. We have developed an escapist tendency; frustrated with the instability of our country, we tend to escape to other parts of the world. But in the long run, will that help us in anyway? If we think of nothing but how to escape from our own motherland, who would lead her in the path of progress and prosperity? We should remember that all developed countries of today are the outcome of the labor of their own people. Therefore, it's absolutely important for us to develop a sense of responsibility towards our own nation. If we work collectively towards it, we can develop it to be the dreamland for people all around the world.

Participating in the Asian Science Camp has also inspired to respect knowledge, skill and cooperation. While it has made me realize how far we lag behind in terms of science and technology, it has also taught me how precious our culture and traditions are. Therefore, making use of the inspiration, knowledge and experience I've gained at the Asian Science Camp, I want to do something innovative for my own country. I hope I can make my fellow youth follow suit, too.

Terisa is a Class 12 student at British Gurkha Academy in Bansbari, Kathmandu.