Although he has been driving for the past two years, this was the first time he was driving officially amidst a huge crowd that had gathered from all over Banepa. He drove around Banepa´s old market and on the Araniko Highway and Banepa-Panauti road. [break]
Bhola Thapa, chairperson of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists Kavre, handed Ishan the keys of the van. Seated with him in the van was Vice-chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, Purna Kumari Subedi, her bodyguard and Ishan´s father, Samudrakaji Shrestha. During the five-kilometer ride, Ishan reached a maximum speed of 40 km/hr and shifted gears. “The road in the old market and the Panauti road were blocked by cars so I stopped and gave way to other vehicles first,” said Ishan, wiping sweat off his forehead.
Chief guest Subedi was highly impressed by the five-year-old. “He even drove around the potholes. If I had time, I would roam around with Ishan all day. He drives very confidently,” said Subedi and added that the government should honor his feat.
Ishan has been driving his father to Dhaneshwar Mahadev and to Chandeshwari every morning for the last two years. He also drove his mother during Teej to Dhaneshwar Mahadev, a two-kilometer ride. Ishan first learnt to drive a pickup but later wished to try an 800cc van. “Back then his legs could not reach the brake, clutch and accelerator pedals and we did not allow him to drive the eight-seater,” said Shrestha senior,“But now he is tall enough.”
Born on January 22, 2004, Ishan used to hang on to the steering wheel as a toddler and was ever eager to learn driving. The family had visited the Toyota showroom in Japan two years back, which was when Ishan insisted on the family buying a car. Ishan´s parents respect his prowess and are fully supportive. His seven-year-old sister, Isha, enjoys going around with him when he drives.
Ishan learnt to drive under his father´s guidance and keeps to the rules. According to Nepali laws, Ishan is not allowed to drive and he is always accompanied by a family member when he does drive. Ishan is currently in grade one at Kathmandu University School and wants to become a pilot when he grows up. Ishan´s father is a banker and his mother chairs a cooperative. His family is involved in various businesses.
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