Winner of the Magasaysay award Mahabir Pun on Saturday said the authorities concerned might have mistakenly selected him for the award.
"I am just a learner and I don't think I am the deserving candidate for such a big award," he said while addressing a function organised by the Nepal Magar Students Association to felicitate him.
Pun said, "I got no teachers when I tried to run a higher secondary school in my village," he said, adding that educated people hardly go to serve in remote parts of the country.
"My primary goals are to conduct vocational training throughout the nation and also improve the quality of education."
Stating that he spread wireless technology in remote districts though he had no licence to do that, he suggested the students to "dare opt for illegal' steps if they really benefit the society." He said he could have been arrested by the security forces along with the equipment because he didn't have a licence. He also suggested that lasting dedication is a must for success.