Pops,

Well said about the vicious cycle of the poverty and low science. It’s got to be broken somewhere. Stronger science and technology not only prepares the society for becoming innovative in future but also brings more progress immediately through indirect strengthening of all systems.

A poor country with stronger science has more chance to prosper than one with no science.

That said, I think the first priority for Nepal should be education for all, which is fundamental to all progress. I think we need a dramatically ambitious plan to educate all our children, if necessary by diverting resources from other sectors. Even if we come to a point between choosing a food and education, we must keep the following ancient Chinese wisdom in mind:

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”

Nepe