I had heard Malawi- “the warm heart of Africa” is well known for its benevolent people and the friendliness they share. After entering Malawi I felt it very closely. I felt the spirit of friendliness and co-operation of the people in Malawi and I was very much pleased. On the go I had a chance of meeting Honorable Justice Ms. Esme Chombo. She is one of the best people I have ever met. Her pleasing personality and her affectionate and kind hearted nature has increased my respect for Malawians much more.

It was a delightful moment for me to share my experiences with her. She was gracious while I was explaining my objective to make people aware about the global issues of environmental protection and sustainable development, and make people interested in doing good to the environment and the world. She helped me to meet the Chief Executive Officer of Lilongwe City Council and Deputy Minister for Environmental Affairs of the Government of Malawi.

I had a chance to meet Mr. Kelvin Mmangisa, the Chief Executive Officer, Lilongwe City Council on 8th May, 2012. I was highly motivated when he said- “When you finish, send us an email and say, I have done it.” It is always gratifying to hear such wonderful comments from my well-wishers.

In the meeting with Mr. Mmangisa, I conveyed the message of world peace and harmony and also shared my experience on the way to Lilongwe. I introduced my country and gave a brief on the culture and geography of Nepal. Furthermore, I stressed on the issue of global warming and arising pollution in the world; I urged him to make some efforts to address these prominent problems.

After welcoming me to Lilongwe, Mr. Mmangisa assured me to provide any help I needed, during the stay in the capital city of Malawi. He took my comments about the Malawi roads positively, he emphasized the fact that they are looking forward towards building international standard roads. He also assured me that he would take the matters seriously. I was honored as he said; I could be inspiration to many new cyclists to do something good for their country. Wishing me all the best, he motivated me to stay strong to accept any challenges on my way. After hearing my experience with people of Malawi, he also made me aware that there could be hostile places on my way, unlike Malawi. I was filled with joy of spring knowing his interest of hearing my achievement in the near future.

I am thankful to honorable Deputy Minister of Environmental affairs Mr. Ibrahim Matola and Deputy Director of Environmental affairs Dr. A M Kamperewera for sparing some time for me from their busy schedule on 10th May 2012. I was honored to share my experience with them. I was grateful to them as they were interested to hear me explain my objective of world tour in cycle, which, primarily, is to generate awareness among people to develop sustainable natural environment and friendly social environment. I conveyed the message of world peace and harmony to honorable minister. Furthermore, I raised the emerging issues of global warming and its effect to the ecological balance, primarily on the Himalayas. I stressed the necessity of appropriate management of natural resources for inter-generational sustainability. It was wonderful for me to explain him about my home country Nepal.

Honorable Deputy Minister assured me that the program regarding the issues I raised would be strengthened in near future by the Ministry of Environmental Affairs, which, I felt as a great achievement. He stated global warming and its effect to the Himalayas as global issues and we need to work together to protect the Himalayas and the ecological balance. He encouraged me to move ahead for the rest of the world.

I was gratified to know that Honorable President of Malawi would be notified about my presence in Malawi, and the issues I have been dealing with. Knowing that Honorable President also had a vision of maintaining a sustainable natural and social environment, I was charmed and filled with lots of energy to move ahead.

I must thank Ms Justice Esme Chombo and Mr. Daniel Chombo for their cordial support and people of Malawi for their warm hospitality and friendship.

Peace and Harmony

Furtemba Sherpa