Ana Newsletter Jan 2008

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Newsletter of the Association of the Nepalis in Americas– ANA

ISSUE 1, YEAR 2008

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2007—09 Executive Board

Presidential Message, January 2008

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President Naveen Dutta, CO Vice-President Simon Dhungana, VA General Secretary Medini Adhikary, VA Treasurer Dhiren Gurung, TX Information Director Roger Adhikari, CA

Season’s greetings and a very happy new year to everyone from the Mile High City of Denver, CO. After a brief interruption in the publication of the ANA newsletter we are resuming this publication for our members . Due to unexpected circumstances and the change of the guards the publication was delayed a little bit this time. We apologize to our members for this interruption and assure you all that we will make this publication timely in the future.

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Please make acheck payable to “ANA” and mail to Dhiren Gurung, Gurung ANA Treasurer, 5743 Green Hollow Lane, The Colony, Texas 75056

Editor, ANA Newsletter 2761 E. 138th Pl. Thornton, CO 80602

Executive Committee Abhijeet Shrestha, CA Abish Ghimire, CA Ajib Shrestha, MN Anjan Shrestha, TX Anup Srivastav, CA Bijaya Shrestha, MD Bindu Choudhary, NJ Hira Bahadur Bhandari, MD Kshitij Sharma, NC Kumar Deuja, VA Mahendra Poudel, TX Mohan Thapa, MD Prahlad KC, MA Sirish Bhojpure, CO Surya Thapa, MA Sushma KC, NB Past Presidents Hari Sharma, NY Kunjar Sharma, ONT Kamal Pathak, NY Amar Giri, PA Pramod Sharma, FL Shyam D. Karki, MD Krishna Nirola, MD Amrit S. Tuladhar, AZ

In this edition of the newsletter you will find all about the progress that we have made in the last six months or so. First of all, the 25th annual convention in Los Angeles was a grand success. (contd. on Page 2)

Inside this issue: President’s Message

1

Trip to Nepal

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Strategic Objectives of ANA Meet the New ANA Executives

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The Contemporary ANA

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Dharma

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Tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary

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HHN Medical Emergency Endowment

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ANA Convention 2007 Financial Details

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ANA Financial Report

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“Taste of Nepal” Wins Prestigious Award

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Climate Change and What It Means to us

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Editorial—Exploring New Horizons

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Our partners at Friends of Nepal, Los Angeles put their heart and soul into this convention and were able to set a new standard of ANA convention. It was not only a well attended convention but also a very well managed event. Politicians, philanthropists, government officials and artists from Nepal were invited to attend this convention. They all contributed in their own ways to this convention and made it livelier. We would like to thank the organizers and volunteers who worked tirelessly for several months in making this convention a grand success. We have recently formed a new executive committee for the year 2007 – 2009. Members of the executive committee come from all across the United States and are leaders of their local communities with proven capabilities of serving their respective communities. These new and energetic folks have taken on new and challenging opportunities of their preference and are committed to work on the objectives of our organization. We are sure that under their leadership ANA will reach greater heights in days to come. In the middle of October I made a trip to Nepal. While I had hoped to make this trip a personal trip, I couldn’t stop myself from doing some organization related work. While in Nepal, I had an opportunity to meet with politicians, security chiefs, journalists and upper management folks of several organizations. It was good to talk with them about the situation in Nepal and make them aware of the activities of our organization. While the situation in Nepal seems to be grim there’s still hope. On the political front things don’t seem to be that rosy, however, it was quite refreshing to talk with management of several organizations who were very enthused about newer and better opportunities in Nepal. Each and everyone that I spoke with was hopeful about the peace prospects. It also came as a pleasant surprise that most of the folks that I spoke with were aware of our organization and its activities. We must be thankful to the forefathers of this organization who have put their heart and soul into it and made this organization what it is today. At the same time, it is the responsibility of the newer generations to keep that connection with our motherland alive and still serve us here in Americas. Within these last six months, ANA has established an emergency fund to help the community within the United States in times of urgent need. Our hope is to have enough money into this fund to alleviate the needs of individuals and communities during emergency situations. Individuals wishing to contribute to this fund should get in touch with ANA’s treasurer. Going forward, ANA’s website will have information about the status of this fund and online donation option. As you all know, the 26th annual ANA convention will be held in the city of Baltimore. Our partners, Baltimore Association of Nepalese Americans (BANA) have recently finalized the venue of the convention. The folks at BANA and ANA are working together in putting together committees and taking on the challenging tasks of hosting the convention. We are very grateful to BANA for being the host of the upcoming convention. We are

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EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS It is an honor to be coming back and helping out the ANA with its Newsletter after a gap of a decade and half or so. In last two decades our Annual Convention has grown in size about 15 times of previous records. Our standards, attendance, quality of the program have now leaped to newer heights. Truly finally now, we have passed the torch to a younger generation. A lot has been achieved and a lot more needs done to sustain and maintain the tradition and quality and a pursuit to reach newer horizons. We need to take lead in NRN Mission and its projects. We also need to respond to newer breed of Diaspora with their heightened expectations in this technologically driven generation. We need to come up with projects in Nepal that will strengthen our bonds with our roots. We need newer efforts on youth programs, emergency help, and create information centers for new members. Most of all we need to be able to attract the first generation Nepali Americans who continue to view ANA – their parent’s organization. Changing that image will take some more work. Youth Forum roundtables are excellent ideas and we need to make them more attractive in contents and ideas. I joined my friends in ANA with a sense of purpose, well defined objectives, and clearly established goals about two decades ago. We need to continue that with same vigor, inertia and strength for to-morrow’s needs. Most of all we need to continue to create new leaders who can take us to new century, break new barriers, create newer standards as we move along. There is no substitute for ideas-newer, bolder and far reaching encompassing generations. With that in mind I sincerely hope this new Team will take us farther than how far we come strengthening us as community maintaining stronger ties with our roots and each others. I am proud to be part this team with new promises. At the end, my sincere thanks and best wishes to President Naveen Dutta and this new ANA Team. Arun Sharma, Editor Phoenix, Arizona

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associated with increased human mortality. The extreme summer of 2003 in Europe which caused approximately 22,000 to 45,000 heat related death is a fresh reminder.

sure that this convention will be bigger and better than all of the past conventions.

The impacts of climate change can vary from place to place. Most rich nations are buffered from serious impacts because of their greater level of wealth and technology. Developing countries, on the other hand, are vulnerable to even moderate changes in climate as they lack sufficient political and economic capacity to avoid the negative effects climate change. In addition, their vulnerability to climate change comes both from being located in the tropics and economic, demographic, and policy trend limiting their capacity to adapt to change. In the interconnected world that we live in, the impact of climate change will affect everyone. It is no longer solely an environmental challenge; it has become political, economic and local. We as individuals can do many things to help address the issue. Understanding climate change is the first step in the right direction. _________________________________________________________________ 1

. Facts for this article have been derived from the recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007

ANA Annual Convention 2008, Baltimore Maryland As you all know, the 26th ANA annual convention will be held in the city of Baltimore. ANA and our partners at Baltimore Association of Nepalese in America (BANA) have finalized the venue. The convention will be held at the Hunt Valley Marriott which is located in the beautiful city of Hunt Valley, an upscale neighborhood/suburb in the county of Baltimore. Easily accessible from all major highways, the venue is a short distance from downtown Baltimore. Light rail station is within walking distance from the Hunt Valley Marriott. Light rail can be taken to/from the BWI airport and downtown. There are 900 free parking spaces at the Hunt Valley Marriott. The hotel also comes with all modern amenities. The discounted rate for this hotel is $89/night for convention attendees. The hotel will be available for reservation from 3 days before and after the convention for guests who are interested in staying longer. More information about the venue can be found at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/bwihvbaltimore-marriott-hunt-valley-inn/. Updates about the convention can be found at the ANA convention website at www.ana-convention.org.

— ANA Convention 2008 Organizing Committee

Within the last six months the NECC project has made several strides as well. About 25 different organizations from Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC area have thrown their weight behind this project. They are actively involved in fundraising effort to bring our cherished project to completion. They are hopeful that with this fundraising effort, they will be able to buy a bigger piece of land and construct a brand new temple and community center to fulfill the needs of our community. We at ANA endorse the course of action taken by NECC-VAC and re-affirm our commitment to bring this project to closure as soon as possible. The technology team of our executive committee has put together a Google newsgroup to keep our membership informed about our activities. In coming days, all our members will be added to this newsgroup. If any of you would like to be added to this newsgroup please contact Mr. Mahendra Poudel or Mr. Kumar Deuja. We are continually looking for articles for our newsletter. If anyone is interested in sending their articles, poems, stories etc. please email that to the newsletter publication team. Also, if you have any comments and suggestions regarding this publication and the association in general, we would love to hear from you about that. Please feel free to reach one of the executive committee members via telephone or email with your concerns or suggestions. Finally, I would like to thank Arun Sharma from Phoenix, Arizona who volunteered to help out with this publication. Without his help and writing skills this publication would not have come to fruition. We look forward to his help in making this publication even better in the future. I wish you all a very prosperous and happy new year once again. Naveen Dutta President, Association of Nepalis in the Americas

Congratulations to Dhiren Gurung, ANA Treasurer

ANA Congratulates Dhiren and Samita Gurung, on the birth of their daughter Deeta Gurung who was born on January 8th, 2008 at 2.45 p.m. at Trinity Medical Palace Center at Carrollton, Texas. Congratulations are also due on the graduation of Samita Gurung. We wish the Gurung family all the best.

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My Trip to Nepal and IndiaIndia- the Colors and the Musings - Arun Sharma Phoenix, AZ It has been over three months since I am back after a hectic, somber, thrilling, excitingly loaded trip to Nepal. I went back to Nepal after nine years or so! After twenty plus years I entered Nepal via India (Delhi) similar to the old Pan Am route that I had flown a few times before when Pan Am still was alive and was a prestigious American flagship carrier. Things have changed so much since then and Pan Am is part of American history including one tragic crash in Ireland. Besides being held hostage by Delhi taxi-wallahs the trip to India via Air India was fabulous. My route was Los Angeles-Delhi with brief stop at Frankfurt. I fit in the ambiance of Air India quite well just I did in my student days in India even after such a long interlude. I was treated well with dignity, reverence, modesty and humility by all I encountered. I did not feel an outsider! We took a night train from Gorakhpur to Delhi, during our return trip from Kapilbastu. The entire cabin in the train was fully secured that we could lock and sleep. Even though we were a little late to the destination the experience in this train and its service was fabulous even though the cabin could have been a bit cleaner to our taste. So how much India has changed? It is a real question. Gur-Gaon looks quite western with many high rise towers, golf courses and American style shopping malls. Post cards and pictures routinely keep the nearby shanty huts out of focus. Noida is quite immaculate but then these are tiny part of massive Delhi amongst its smog and pollution, the noise and the dust, they are as suffocating as ever. India a nation of billion people that is trying to wake up that is very clear and poised for slow yet a profound change in the days to come. On the streets India still was noisy and polluted as ever. I saw Nepalis on the streets, in railway stations, restaurants, trains, planes and also inside quarters in Noida in many different layers and strata along with many with global aspirations and competitiveness. I spent one evening at Delhi with Nepali medical professionals with World Health Organizations. The topic of the evening was health policy and measurements. There were about 10-12 bright Nepali professionals. It was an excellent interaction! I arrived into Kathmandu on Navami! I instantly bonded with the land as always. A glimpse of white peaks during descent and reddish brown far reaching valleys in distance, green terraces as always added spectacular majesty to this land. Fabulously enticing, colorfully exciting mystifying Nepal I loved as usual. From the terraces, forest green and white peaks it is as beautiful, fascinating, inviting as ever. Once more it simply took my breath away.

Publication date: June 2007 For review copies and interviews, contact Tracy Liaw T: 212-685-4371; F: 212-779-9338; Email: [email protected] Order Dept: T: 718-454-2366; F: 718-454-1391; Email: [email protected]

Climate change and what it means for us1 Netra Chhetri Arizona State University Climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges in the 21st century. The Earth is unique in that it is the only planet in our solar system that sustains life. One of the many reasons for this is the presence of trace ‘greenhouse gases’ – GHGs - in the atmosphere. These GHGs act as a blanket trapping some of the solar radiation and keeps the average temperature of 150C. In order to maintain our ever-increasing demands for consumption and development, however, modern societies have been altering the Earth’s natural balance by adding GHGs such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. In essence, human activities such as burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other industrial activities we have been ‘thickening’ the Earth’s blanket, enhancing the greenhouse effect and therefore contributing to global warming. Thus the warming of the global climate is a new reality. Many aspects of climate such as air and ocean temperatures, polar ice and mountain glaciers, the sea level, length of crop growing seasons, and the patterns of rainfall are no longer following typical seasonal patterns. The temperature increase is widespread over the globe, and is greater at higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere. In fact, eleven of the last twelve years (1995-2006) have ranked among the warmest years since 1850, the first time temperature records started to be kept. Mountain glaciers and snow cover have declined across the globe and every decade the Arctic sea ice has shrunk by 2.7 percent. In other weather patterns, in the past 100 years, rainfall has declined in the Sub Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean, and parts of southern Asia. Increasing temperature and declining rainfall in the drier regions of the world are likely to result in some of the most profound and direct impacts of climate change over the next few decades, especially in food production. Higher temperatures and drier conditions in the tropics, where most developing nations are located, would mean shorter growing seasons for some major crops leading to more food shortage. The decline in crop production may lead to fears about global food security. Climate change would also affect the availability of freshwater and alter the frequencies of flood and drought. Exposure to both extreme hot and cold weather is also

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Awards. “Taste of Nepal” will be now competing against winner in the same category in other countries for “The Best in the World”. The result will be announced in April 2008 at the annual Gala Dinner in London.

Author Information – Jyoti (Pandey) Pathak is born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. She has degree in home science from the M. S. University of Baroda, India and taught at the National Vocational Training College (NVTC) in Sano Thimi, Nepal before coming to the United States. She has three grown children, and lives in Corning, New York with her husband Kamal D. Pathak. Contact Jyoti Pathak: [email protected]

Author Website: www.tasteofnepalcookbook.com Editorial Reviews Midwest Book Review: A 'must' for any serious international cookbook collection— —Diane C. Donovan collection California Bookwatch – September 7, 2007 Finally, a cookbook devoted entirely to Nepalese cooking which offers a range of classic dishes adapted for American kitchens and equipment. History, discussions of Nepalese cuisine, and introductions to each dish which offer serving tips and insights - as in a Spicy Stuffed Eggs, compared to Deviled Eggs and advised to serve at room temperature by itself - makes for a cookbook clear in instruction and approach. No color photos - but the easy recipes don't need them. Access to a spices shouldn't be a problem either, as most - ground cumin, chopped cilantro, ground coriander and fresh ginger, for example, are readily available in American markets. Highly recommended: a 'must' for any serious international cookbook collection: there's simply nothing like it on the American market."

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It was my home as always! The flow of remittance money and the individuals taking charge of themselves the Kathmandu is hugely bigger with uncontrolled, unplanned, unregulated messy development all over. This large urban sprawl without much planning is baffling to the eyes. The garbage needed picked, the streets need cleaned, the traffic and pollution controlled. Many urban areas in contrast of natural beauty of distant landscape were a real eye sore. The City of Gods needs some care and attention! It needs protected for future visitors as well as for natives. Next several days I was busy as my time was so precious. I just wished I could just seize and freeze the time and those moments and hold it in my fingers! I had focused extensive session with Ganesh Raj Sharma over looking the ranges of beautiful green mountains including Nagarkot ranges from his Sakhu weekend retreat at Pal-bari. The wealth of knowledge and information he displays on Nepal's history, along with democratic leaders pursuit for changing Nepal, the interaction was fabulous. We focused on history, nationalism and continuity of its traditions and protecting its sovereignty. The natural setting was intoxicating beautiful adding to the ambiance. Beyond imagination- it was breathtaking! Add to that a hot steaming Ilam “Chiya” and it becomes an unparallel feast for the tongue and the ever unquenched hungry brain. I had such a yearning to enjoy it quite alone, in solitude but just could not manage it. Such a lousy prisoner of time we were. I had three "ambas" (guava) ripe from this Sakhu tree without wiping or washing them-just as a little child I was overwhelmed! In an engaging interaction with SD Muni of JNU at Delhi over telephone on the topics of republican Nepal versus a ceremonial monarchy he retorted to me. “Nepal needs to know what it wants." On Madhes movement he said the issues (of Madhes) are genuine and real including the aspiration but there still is a need for a viable and respected leadership.

Andrew F. Smith

“So what does it (Nepal) want?" Of course is a loaded question.

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America

I went my home at Kapilbastu via Bhairahawa. I wanted to go by road but could not arrange road transportation. Quite safe it really was! Many people older folks, old friends, little kids came then decades ago all grown up came to see "Arun uncle" and "Arun-dai" and the same old, “Arun”. Bhairahawa had Prasant Tamang’s banner all over. It was quite interesting to observe how people connected with Prasant (of India!).

"I had no idea what the food would be like in Nepal, so I found it fascinating. I expected that it would be similar to Indian cookery, but it was really different."

Book Information: $27.50 hardcover; ISBN 13: 978-0-7818-1121-7; ISBN 10: 0-7818-1121-X 470 pages; 6 x 9; 2-color; line drawings

Many local folks with names like Pathak, Pandey. Mishra, Tripathi greeted me! It may be surprising to many; they all are local so called “Madhesi” names. Also Bajracharyas, Baudhacharyas, Gyawalis, Khadakas. They talked about Kapilbastu incidents. They said, "Coloring humans to communal issues will create an irreparable damage in future. We can not afford it."

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Deeply philosophical and so true! They were wise, smart, forward looking for viable solutions just as I was. I could not top this wisdom.

Jyoti Pathak (ANA Life Member) wins highly prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Award!

Local schools needs computers and books I was repeated reminded. Now I have one more mission!

Winner: Best Foreign Cuisine Book

I felt fully safe, secured, proud, and confident just as I was in my child-hood days. I roamed around town. How have things changed? I saw and felt the same way as I did before. In my brief conversation with PM Girija Koirala he said, "There will be CA election of course! I am making sure it will!" Deuba said, "There will have to be CA election. My brief conversation at his house in the courtyard on a bright sunny day! Sushil Koirala said, "Maoists are reneging on their promises. We have got to make sure their stick to their promises. They are giving us a lot of headache.” In spite of a few attempts and a few folks trying to help me I was not able to meet Prachanda, this mystifying man responsible for thousands of lives lost and yet a promising actor of Naya Nepal. Will he continue to keep the peace and progress a hostage or become an agent for it? It is a billion dollar question-not yet answered. MR Josse in a personal setting said, “Short answer to question on CA election, there will not be one and long answer is definitely NOT" “When is where communists have wished for a competitive election more so when they are so sure to loose it? Tell me!” He added.

2008 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards Influenced by the cuisine of neighboring India, China, and Tibet, Nepali cooking culture thrives through an oral tradition in which children learn to cook family recipes by watching their parents. As a result, the varied and healthful food traditions of Nepal have long eluded Western kitchens. Even most Westerners who visit Nepal for trekking and tourism have not experienced the culinary heritage of authentic Nepali home cooking. In Taste of Nepal, Jyoti (Pandey) Pathak unveils the cuisine of one of the most geographically isolated yet fascinating regions on earth, and brings the hospitality of the Himalayan Mountains to your own table. Decorated with charming illustrations of local life, the cookbook showcases 350-plus artful, low-fat recipes along with the history of Nepali cooking methods as well as details about fresh, Nepali ingredients and how to recreate their flavors from more available Western ingredients. Fans of vegetarian food will find classic staples like Roasted Cherry Tomato Chutney (Saano Golbheda ko Chutney) and rice served with vegetables and lentils (daal-bhaat-tarkaari). Exotic dishes like Goat Curry (Khasi-Boka ko Maasu) and Mustard Oil Fish (Sarsyun Maacha) can also delight enterprising home chefs. Taste of Nepal offers something for all palates and tastes.

Kathmandu needs some serious attention for controlling noise, pollution, dust and the dirt. The loss of "Shangrila" will be too dear for all humanity- a heritage for all! So precious it is! I hope every one remembers this.

Asked about the highly prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook award, Pathak says, “I am so humbled and delighted to have won this award. I am so glad to know that my book has become useful and I thank to those who made this book possible. I wanted to share and introduce Nepali culture, traditions and make cuisine available to wider audience. I hope this cookbook will fulfill the need for anyone who is curious about Nepali cuisine whether the interest stems from a desire to cook or a need to learn about a different culture of an Asian country. I wish that this book would serve a purpose for first generation Nepalese living abroad and will be resource for a number of people who have visited Nepal, returned peace Corps volunteers, and tourists who wanted recipes of the food they had enjoyed in Nepal. If I am able to introduce and help preserve Nepali culture and traditions even on a small scale, I will fee that this effort will be a great accomplishment! I hope the readers enjoy exploring the recipes from this book and will send me feedback which will be most welcomed as they will help me upgrade and improve my next edition”.

Drenched in nostalgia I came back to the USA as the time flew fleetingly fast! There are so many layers of fond memories I brought back with me, already looking forward to my next trip though still as always political uncertainty looms on this beautiful land, we continue to call “home” regardless of how far physically we are!

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards founded by Edouard Cointreau, the owner of International Cooking and Wine book distributor Gourmand Books, set out to discover the best of the 24,000 food and wine books produced around the world every year. In 2006, over 6000 books in 40 languages from 65 countries competed in the Gourmand World Cookbook

Reminding him of PM's statement, he quickly and reflexively said. "It does not matter what the PM says. It is not going to happen." There was "bandha" at Kathmandu for few hours (petrol price hike!) but I did not notice it. Things were functional. The "bandha" in reality was a political "nautanki" a staged drama. It lacked seriousness! Hilarious, I thought. On a very personal side, I did spend a few minutes all alone in total solitude in the room where Sushila Koirala had spent last many years. I gave Shashank Koirala my picture taken in the back ground of Grand Canyon when I was student at Phoenix in 1978. I requested him to put that in Sushila Koirala's room.

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ANA Financial Report 2007 -- Dhiren Gurung, ANA Treasurer The year 2007 has been a fruitful year for us when we look at our financial report. After a successful completion of 25th ANA convention jointly hosted by ANA and FON-LA, ANA received approximately Twelve Thousand dollars (US $12,000) as a surplus over expenses. Prior to convention, ANA and FON-LA had made a deal which would be sharing of revenue on a 50-50% basis. Additionally, ANA would give FON- LA $1000 more for hosting such a fantastic and financially sound convention. This year we really did not have to depend solely on revenue we generate every year from our annual convention. There are other sources of income and they are fourteen hundred dollars (US $1400.00) from Colorado Fund raise event where our president Mr. Naveen Dutta had shown a great leadership to make it a grand success, three hundred forty four dollars and fourteen cents (US $344.14) from Dr. Hari Sharma’s Cook book annual contribution, one hundred and twenty dollars (US $120.00) from ANA membership and one hundred and fifteen dollars and sixty cents (US $115.60) from advertisement. Our sincere thank you to all FON-LA members, our past president Dr. Hari Sharma and Our current president Mr. Naveen Dutta for helping ANA to grow financially. This year ANA has decided to help our Nepali brothers and sisters who are in dire straits. As a result of this, we have contributed five hundred (US$500.00) and three hundred (US$300.00) to Miss Sunita Pudasainee just to uplift their moral and also to show them our love and support. As we all know, advertisement plays a vital role to make any organization visible to the public for what they do and for the community. In the last six months, Margadarshan has been helping us out in that prospect so with the token of our respect; ANA has decided to contribute five hundred and ten dollars (US$510.00) to them for their sincere effort. As of today on 7th January 2008, we have eighteen thousand six hundred sixty nine dollars and seventy four cents ($18669.74) in our account. In the year 2008, we hope that our financial growth is even more and would like to see ANA in next level of success in years to come. Good luck ANA.

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Strategic Objectives of ANA executive officers of 11th ANA executive committee (2007(2007-2009)

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ANA Convention 2007 Financial Details Itemized Income

Amount ($)

Registration Sports Registration DJ Night Cultural Program Concert Banquet Sponsorships Reunion Food Vendors Movies/Kids Camp/T-shirts Misc Hotel Rebates Total Income

$5,600.00 $7,200.00 $14,000.00 $21,500.00 $13,500.00 $ 5,700.00 $ 21,150.00 $200.00 $2,100.00 $850.00 $2,832.00 $94,632.00

Itemized Expenses

Amount ($)

Registration (Stationary, Bags, T-shirts, Magazine)

$8,640.00

Banquet

$6,049.00

Cultural Program (Sound System) Cultural Program (Artists)

$16,140.00 $13,090.00

Sports Movie/Kids’ Camp

$11,272.00 $394.00

Security Arts Exhibition (Boards and Easels)

$2,800.00 $490.00

Subcommittees:

Food and Drinks for performers and volunteers Website (Software, web hosting etc.)

$1,542.00 $1,420.00

a. The executive member will head the subcommittees and form its members. There are no restrictions on the number.

Food Catering Charges Video Photography (Photography, Tapes)

$1,500.00 $910.00

b. The subcommittee member has to be an ANA general member within a month of being in the subcommittee if not already.

Bank Service Charges Magazine and Certificate Mailing

$1,697.00 $200.00

c. Subcommittee will be autonomous in operational decisions and consult with executive officers for overall direction.

Insurance Volunteer Recognition

$693.00 $1050.00

After the first meeting the subcommittee chair will report on the task specific goals and establish project milestones.

Printers Total Expenses

$325.00 $68,212.00

1. Membership- Strength of the association is in number of the members. Expand membership. 2. Services- Expand services in all sectors possible that concerns Nepalis in Americas. 3. Network- Solidify the organization by creating structures that reaches all strata of people of Nepali descent in Americas. 4. Super Organization- ANA should become the ONE organization everyone belongs to in the continental America with/without other regional affiliations.

Structure definitions ANA executive committee (2007(2007-09) Structure: a. Six elected officers whose duties are as defined in the bylaws of the association and additionally as decided by the executive committee. The President and Executive officers are responsible for strategic direction of the association by guiding and coordinating subcommittees to achieve the overall objectives. b. Subcommittee Chairs are the executive members nominated by the President and the officers. Each executive member will be responsible for heading the specific task assigned. They will nominate the subcommittee members. As the need arises further subcommittees might be added. The term of executive member is one year and can be renewed by the officers. c. Past Presidents will play at large roles and head subcommittees as needed.

Guidelines for reaching strategic objectives Extra income over expenses: $26,420.00 Each subcommittee will be given broad goals to achieve within the oneyear term. Subcommittees will further establish their own project goals as

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HHN invites you to take that important first step toward meaningful global humanitarian aid by making a commitment to this on-going life-saving endowment. 100% of your donation--a lasting legacy--goes into HHN's Medical Emergency Endowment. The principle is never spent. Working directly with Nepali doctors, HHN is effective and efficient. HHN is an all-volunteer registered 501.c.3 nonprofit #92-0175716, with 100% of all donations used for the designated Nepal project. HHN pays no salaries or facilities expenses. You can make a continuing positive impact in Nepal by lending a helping hand to alleviate suffering and poverty in one of the world's poorest countries. Please join with HHN to give the miracle of life and the gift of hope. To donate… Make a check out to Helping Hand for Nepal. Mail it to 2930 Brittany Drive, Anchorage, AK 99504. Make a credit card donation online at our website www.hhnepal.org. Click How You Can Help; follow the credit card instructions. This is a secure site. --Linda "Jay" Jackson

the need arises. The tasks include the following at the minimum. Subcommittees and their tasks (in random order): Membership SC

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Currently there are few hundred members of ANA. Devise and implement plans to attract and retain additional members.

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Recommend changes in current setup that might hinder in attracting new members.

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Create/maintain online database of all members.

Communication SC

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Craft message and image of the association.

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Publish Newsletter.

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Overhaul and update contents on the association’s web presence in conjunction with Technology SC.

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Develop relations with print and broadcast media in US and Nepal.

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Work with fundraising SC to raise funds for publishing ANA newsletter.

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Work with ANA Convention Printing and Publications Team in printing convention booklet/brochure.

HHN Executive Director [email protected]

Government Relations SC

HHN is an all-volunteer registered nonprofit. Please visit HHN's website at www.hhnepal.org to learn more. ©2008 HHN

“Satisfied with whatever comes by its own accord, tolerant of dualities, devoid of envy to others and while performing is equipoised in success or failure is never affected”.—Bhagwad Gita

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Develop relations with government institutions.

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Update members on new laws and ramifications.

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Devise plan to increase influence.

Student Affairs SC

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Establish network of all students of Nepali descent.

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Set up school coordinator in every school/university.

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Increase participation in ANA events.

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Make database of school representatives.

Financial Affairs SC

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Responsible for overall accounting practices.

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Responsible for auditing of the finances.

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Responsible for financial aspects of annual conventions.

Professional Networking SC

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Create an online database of professionals of Nepali origin in the Americas.

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Establish working relationships with professional organizations such as American Nepali Medical Foundation (AMNF), Society of Nepali Engineers etc.

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Plan and implement a professionals’ seminar every year aside from the annual convention.

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Tap resources from the professionals to help students achieve carrier objectives, find jobs and help Nepal.

Technology SC

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Devise and implement plans to use the latest technology to advance the objectives of the associations.

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Responsible for updating/ disseminating contents sent by Communication SC.

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Make the web presence dynamic and interesting.

InterInter-Organizational Relations SC

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Create healthy relations with all the local/regional Nepal affiliated associations/organizations in the Americas.

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Recommend beneficial alliances.

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Get representation from all such organization in annual ANA convention.

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Create a database of all Nepal affiliated organizations in the Americas and their representatives.

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Create sister organizations in different cities.

Fundraising SC

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Devise and implement plans on raising funds for the association.

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Look for continuous source of funds aside from membership.

Arts and Literature SC

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Devise and implement plans to promote Nepali arts and literature.

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Solidify relations with other arts and literature organizations.

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Create database of all the Nepali arts and literary organizations and their representatives.

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HHN Medical Emergency Endowment Minimum goal: $1 million Our daughter has battled heart disease for ten years. Now she will die within two months if she does not receive double valve replacement. Can you help us? the newspaper article read. Unable to pay for the surgery and having exhausted all their possible funding sources, the family publicly sought help. After verifying the story, Helping Hand for Nepal discussed possible solutions with Dr. Bhagawan Koirala, Executive Director of Gangalal National Heart Center/Kathmandu and a member of HHN's Board of Directors. HHN immediately began an emergency fundraising effort on the young woman's behalf, simultaneously applying for a heart valve donation from Medtronics on humanitarian grounds. Successful on both counts, Khil Kumari was then able to have her life-saving surgery performed at Gangalal by Dr. Koirala in time, and now leads a normal life. Working with Dr. Koirala, HHN made possible six additional life-saving heart surgeries for indigent Nepalis with no other possibility of affording such a surgery. Discussion with Dr. Koirala and other medical professionals in Nepal inspired HHN to found the HHN Medical Emergency Endowment. Earned income from this endowment funds life-saving surgeries and procedures for those with no other hope. Several dedicated Nepali doctors determine those patients with the greatest medical and financial need. Dr. Shashank Koirala, Nepali ophthalmologist, also serves on HHN's Board of Directors. Famous for being home to Mt. Everest and eight of the world's ten highest peaks, Nepal is also one of the world's poorest countries. In the past twelve years Nepal has suffered a Maoist insurgency, political instability, a Royal Family massacre, loss of human rights, bombs, landmines, strikes, droughts, floods, village-burying mudslides, and food shortages. But Nepal is also rich in culture, spirituality, tradition, and natural beauty. HHN feels one of Nepal's greatest assets is its sweet people, forever positive in outlook despite any and all adversity. When visiting Nepal, you experience hospitality on a level never before experienced.

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Establish a national sports network.

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Give guidelines to local organizers of the annual convention.

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Devise and implement plans to promote sports.

Unfortunately few Nepalis have access to life-saving medical care. For example, a congenital heart surgery can be done for as little as $1500, but that is more than five times what many make in a year. Nepal does have modern dialysis in Kathmandu at the National Kidney Center with a treatment possible for less than $50. However, few can sustain a series of treatments; women especially are under-treated. Kanti, Nepal's children's hospital, has a cancer ward, but only 14 beds to service an estimated pediatric cancer population of 2400.

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Increase participation of players in other aspects of ANA.

The list goes on…

Sports SC

Have you considered what will be your lasting legacy?

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met and made there came back. Meeting Sir Edmund Hillary is just one of the many fond memories ANA has given me and my family. - Amrit Tuladhar, ANA President 2005 - 2007 My wife and I attended one ANA function held in Sir Hillary's honor at the Sheraton Hotel, Tyson Corner, Virginia. This was way back in 1987.

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Nepal SC

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Devise and implement plans to increase ANA’s apolitical involvement in Nepal.

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Recommend on NRN issues.

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Channel ANA members’ resources aimed at helping Nepal.

Emergency Solutions SC

I would say that Sir Hillary happened to be the greatest person we have ever met in our lives.

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Create a bank of information relating to all possible emergencies and their solutions.

Aside from his adventures, the humility he has shown for the poor and forgotten--and the amount of assistance he mobilized for improving the lives of those who had never known life's amenities beyond what they can afford with very meager resources available locally--was nothing less than a divine act of compassion and caring. Even after he lost his wife and his daughter in a plane crash in the Everest region some decades ago, his zeal for carrying our his humanitarian work for the Sherpa community never dimmed.

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Create a network of professionals willing to help who should be contacted in case of emergency.

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Set up non-financial help resources.

Culture and Entertainment SC

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Devise and implement plans to promote cultural identity.

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Coordinate and leverage recognized artists.

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Coordinate ANA Convention Cultural Program.

By his acts of heroism and benevolence, Sir Hillary helped place Nepal on world's map and made mountaineering a respected pursuit. Simon Dhungana Nepal and humanity immensely benefited from this opening of new horizons. I deeply mourn Sir Hillary's death. - Sukhdev Shah, Fiji Islands I also join to mourn the fall of one of the strong pillars of Nepal. I was fortunate to meet him couple times in Hotel Soaltee. He was a down to earth gentle man. I remember him waiting in the Lobby for three hours without any complain, that the room assigned for him wasn't ready. He was the counselor General for India and Nepal then. I was also fortunate to coordinate the 50th anniversary celebration of the accent of Mt. Everest with the DC community and Everest Accents. He introduced Mount Everest to the world and Nepal got recognition from Mount Everest. He will always live in the hearts of Nepalis and his name will remain immortal with Mount Everest. Each Climber to the Everest will take that daring step, called Hillary Step. A tribute is due to his great soul.

Vice President, Association of Nepalis in the Americas

Meet the new ANA Executives Abish Ghimire San Jose, CA Abish Ghimire is currently working for Ericsson as a senior engineer in Santa Clara, CA. He has held other engineering positions within Texas Instruments in San Jose, CA. He completed his B.S from the University of New Hampshire in 2002. Currently, he is enrolled at Stanford University towards his Graduate certification in Electrical Engineering. For the last 3 years, he has been the career and college counselor for CPS 10+2 in Kumaripati, Lalitpur. His role has been to advise students applying overseas and guide them in choosing the right career path. He has also been the founder of 360 Biz Solutions, an IT outsourcing company located in San Jose, CA. Abish leads the Fundraising Sub Committee.

- Bishnu Thapa

Abhijeet Shrestha Los Angeles, CA Abhijeet Shrestha is a professional stock trader with a bachelor's degree in Economics, Accounting and Finance from Graceland College, IA. Past work experience include two years as a financial analyst at Salomon Smith

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Barney (now Citigroup) in New York City. He is also involved in venture investing in various projects in the US and Nepal. His community service includes:

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President – Friends of Nepal, Los Angeles

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Co-chair and host of ANA Annual Convention, 2007

Vice Chair – North America Coordination Council, Nonresident Nepali Association (NRNA)

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Abhijeet leads the Financial Affairs Sub Committee.

Ajib Shrestha Minneapolis, MN Ajib is currently the President of the Association of Nepalis in Minnesota.

Anjan Shrestha Dallas, TX Anjan is a young entrepreneur and a community activist from the Dallas metro area. He is also one of the Vice Chairs of the North America Coordination Council, Non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA). Anjan leads the Emergency Solutions Sub Committee.

Anup Srivastav Davis, CA Anup Srivastav is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Graduate Group in Epidemiology at University of California at Davis. He has a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from Tirbhuwan University, Rampur Nepal and a Master’s degree in Preventive Veterinary Medicine from University of California, Davis. He has served as the president of Nepalese and Friends Cultural Association, Davis (www.nafcaonline.org), Vice-President of Nepal Public Relations Committee, Northern California and Member of Literary Committee, Association of Nepalis in America. He is the Northern California Peer Advisor and ex-President –Epidemiology Graduate Group Students Society (EGGS), UC Davis. He is also the member of the following organizations:

• • • •

Emergency Fund Committee, Northern California Nepal Veterinary Association Nepal Veterinary Student Association, Rampur People against Hunger and Disease (PAHAD), Pokhara, Nepal

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giant man who came with a huge smile on his face and spoke very gently to each of us as we each offered him a Namaste. I find it difficult to offer enough words to express my honor for this great man. So many people have climbed Everest for different reasons but Hillary is the only person who returned to help the people living in the region. He set up a trust and raised money through speeches all over the world. With this money, he built 26 schools 2 hospitals a dozen medical clinics, numerous bridges and water systems, and an airstrip at Lukla. All the people of the region benefited from his generosity, and not only the Sherpas. His schools have been staffed by dedicated teachers with superior facilities and thus the students thrive and pass their SLC exams. Those who come from financially struggling homes receive funds in the higher grades and students who live far away are provided with accommodation. In every way, Sir Ed gave his best effort to provide a basic education for mountain people. This one person made a difference to thousands of peoples’ lives. He spent the greater part of his time on humanitarian work. While he was helping to build a hospital in Phaplu, a tragedy struck when his wife and daughter were killed in a plane crash after taking off from Kathmandu. Even with such a huge loss, Hillary continued on with his work. He was a simple man who never wanted to be in the limelight, but his compassion drove him to help our people. He also served the Government of New Zealand as an ambassador to India and Nepal. This is such a brief summary the difference he made to so many lives, and my words don’t even begin to express the affection and honor we feel for him. He is a true hero inspiring the world through his actions. Sir Ed's life exemplifies all the spiritual teachings by living with compassion and service. He has left the world a better place through his example to us all. His smile will always stay in my heart.

Memories of Sir Edmund Hillary “We met, shook hands and took pictures with this living legend Sir Edmund Hillary almost 20 years ago in Virginia at ANA’s Heritage Night. The poster he autographed still hangs on the wall in my family room. Many of the kids that were there and participated in the cultural program have grown up to become medical and PhD doctors, lawyers, national news anchors, Peace Corps volunteers, and parents themselves. Hearing about his passing this January 11th, I remembered running into him at Tribhuban Airport in Kathmandu when I was returning home from a visit to Nepal in April of 2007. He kept close ties with Nepal even after all the years that had passed since he and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest as young men in May of 1953. As they wheeled him to the plane (he had recently suffered a fall) memories of ANA’s Heritage Night and friends we

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Free Students Union, IAAS, Rampur

Anup leads the Student Affairs Sub Committee.

Bindu Choudhary, New Jersey Bindu Chaudhary is a Social Worker (M.S.W.) having substantial working experience in the areas of human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, persons with developmental disabilities, and children in difficult circumstances. She is associated with a couple of Social and Human Rights Organizations and is also a Journalist for Human Rights. Bindu Choudhary leads the communications SC.

Bijaya Shrestha Baltimore, MD Bijaya has a bachelor’s degree in Science and is a businessman. He is the founder treasurer of Baltimore Association of Nepalese in America (BANA) and the Vice President of Nepal Pasa Pucha Of Amerikaye (NPPA). ANA Night with Sir Edmund Hillary: In the picture are Krishna Nirola, Amrit Tuladhar, Sir Edmund Hillary, Kiran Chhetri & Kunjar Sharma

Bijaya leads the Government Relations Sub Committee.

Hira Bahadur Bhandari “Prabhat” HB Bhandari “Prabhat” was born in Nepal and studied at the Tribhuvan University, where he later became Assistant lecturer and earned his recognition as young writer, critic and academician. For his exceptional quality and acquisition, United States granted its permanent resident recognizing him as a person of extraordinary ability in the field of literature and Education on August 2006. Mr Bhandari is published author of dozen school text books, two books of critical commentary, and many creative and critical articles. He, moreover, is one of the founders of a postmodern critical theory ‘Labyrinth Labyrinth Conscience’. Conscience’ Mr Bhandari, who served as High Schools’ Principal in Kathmandu Nepal, currently teaches English Language and Literature at the homeland Security Academy, and Baltimore Community College in Baltimore (MD) USA. In the mean time, he has been doing community work as an ANA executive member and INLS (international Nepali Literary Society) Maryland Chapter President. He has propounded a postmodern critical theory Labyrinth Conscience in collaboration with his two University friends. His interest lies especially in the area of Diaspora studies along with community service. Hira leads the Arts and Literature Sub Committee. Sheila Nirola, Benjamin Sharma, Parag Pathak, Sir E. Hillary, Sapana Pathak Adhikari & Preeti Tuladhar

Kshitij Sharma Charlotte, NC Kshitij is currently employed as a Managing Consultant at IBM’s Business

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Consulting Services. He has a degree in Information Systems and Business Administration from University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska. His recent community services include:

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Founding secretary of Rocky Mountain Friends of Nepal ( RMFN) based in Denver,

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Convener: ANA Convention 2003,

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ANA Executive Member 2005-2007,

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ANA Liaison at NAC (2005 – 2007) and current Board Member at RMFN.

Kshitij leads the Sports Sub Committee.

Kumar Deuja Mr. Deuja is the Chair of IT sub-committee, lives in Virginia, holds a degree in Information Technology and works for The National Pension Fund as Sr. System Engineer. He is a very common household name in DC metro area as a young and dynamic leader. He has demonstrated his abilities and dedication to the Nepalese community over a decade. An outgoing young gentlemen, always delivers excellence on every opportunity he gets. He is also the co-founder of Ihelpnepal.org, a charity-driven organization, which has over seven thousand members in its database. Kumar along with Mahendra Poudyal leads the Technology Sub Committee.

Mahendra Poudyal Dallas, TX Mahendra Poudyal completed his bachelor's degree in Computer Science from New Delhi, India, and worked as a computer consultant for several institutions, including Save the Children USA in Nepal. He launched a website named VisitNepal.com in 1997 that would help Nepal to tap its tourism potentials and would help millions of people around the globe to get up-to-date, accurate, and authentic information on Nepal. This website was recognized by Time Magazine in 1999, 2001, and 2003. He is currently managing the VisitNepal.com. He migrated to USA in April 2002. Currently, he has served as a president of Dallas Everest Lions Club for 2007-2008. It is the first Lions Club in USA formed by Nepalese Community. Also, he was nominated as an Information Technology Co-chair of Lions Clubs International, District 2X-1 for 2006-2008. International President's Certification of Appreciation is awarded to Mahendra on 2007 in recogni-

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ANA salutes Sir Edmund Hillary Born in 1919 in New Zealand, Sir Edmund Hillary became interested in mountain climbing at an early age.. He climbed the mountains in New Zealand, the Alps and of course the unconquerable Mt. Everest “Cholungama” ( Goddess Mother of earth) as locals call the peak, in May 1953 along with Tenzing Norgay. After conquering the Everest, he became very attached to the Sherpa people and established a trust called the Himalayan Trust for helping the Sherpa people. Deeply connected with Nepali soil, he was there for the poor and the children giving them love, affection and materials to the most needy in the region. He helped build bridges, two hospitals and 30 schools in the remote areas of Nepal through this trust. ANA saluted this hero with foresight in mind on June 7, 1988 in Sheraton Premier, Tyson corner, VA. It was a fund raising dinner for Nepal Education and Cultural Center (NECC) which was started in 1983 when Dr. Hari Sharma was president of ANA. Hillary was welcomed by then President Dr. Kamal Pathak, first President Dr Hari Sharma and Dr Amar Giri. Foreign Minister Shailendra Upadhyay had flown all the way from Nepal and a high profile Indian Jaswant Singh an Ambassador from India (who became the defense minister of India later on) was part of a large crowd of 300 attendees Other ANA friends, Nirakar Thakur, Mohan and Vijaya Shrestha, Ram Malakar, Krishna Nirola, Dr. Shyam Karki, Drs. Bishnu and Pramila Poudel were also present. There was a fashion show, cultural program and informative talk about NECC project. The entertainment was provided by Sunil Parajuli and Professor P. K. Verma was the Master of Ceremony. A young Sachin Sharma played violin to entertain the audience, now a grown up young man and a doctor. Sir Hillary presented the slide show of Mt. Everest conquest and his school project in Solukhumbu. ANA presented Sir Hillary with a plaque. In 1996 he told TIME magazine, “ I would like to see myself not going to (Nepal) quite so often. But, at the moment … responsibility is there.” He never shrugged away his self given responsibility. Sir Hillary passed away on January 11, 2008 in his home in New Zealand. ANA salutes this mountaineer, explorer and philanthropist.

Remembering Sir Edmond Hillary By Kenji Sherpa I was a 5 year old Sherpa girl when I first met Sir Edmond Hillary in Khumjung School, the first of his public schools. We were all lined up to offer rhododendron flowers and khata scarves to him. I will never forget this

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ever, a yogi has to learn from all the sources and yet stay unattached. It is to think and question bravely. Let no body, no religion, no scripture, no tradition, no ideology imprison the intellect. In every statement there are inherent assumptions. Each of the assumptions, like ‘God exist’, are also to be examined. The yoga is about keeping the mind free and to progress, guided only by truth.

tion of distinguished achievements in fulfilling the service mission of Lions Club International.

Truth is one, sages call it by different names – ‘Ekam Sat Vipra Bahuda Vadanti’

Mahendra Poudyal along with Kumar Deuja heads the Technology SC.

Non-violence is the highest virtue – ‘Ahimsa Paramodharma’ Peace, peace and heavenly peace - ‘Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi’

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Mahendra and his wife, Pushpa, have two sons Prashant and Susant. His hobbies include music, traveling & learning more about human psychology.

Mohan Thapa Baltimore, MD A resident of Baltimore, Maryland, Mohan is a student of Business Management and an entrepreneur. He owns two restaurants; Kumari restaurant and Bar in Baltimore and Kumari restaurant in Japan. He is a life member of America Nepal Society (ANS) and NRA. He has served as the president of Baltimore Association of Nepalese in America (BANA) for about 10 years. He is also a member of Baltimore City Mayor’s Office. He organizes the city’s International Festival every year. Additionally, he is a member of International Nepali Literary Society (INLS). Mohan is also a culture lover and has done many culture shows with popular singer Prem Raja Mahat in many places. Mohan leads the Inter Organization Relations Sub Committee.

Prahlad KC Boston, MA Mr. Prahlad KC, President of Nepal America Foundation is an active member of Massachusetts Democratic Immigrant community, especially in the programs geared toward improving quality of life for the immigrant communities. Mr. KC is an international development management specialist with extensive experience leading international economic development projects and associated multi-national staffs. His skills include institutional capacity building, strategic planning, program design and evaluations, training, and technical assistance, having led projects with the UNDP, international and local NGOs, and government ministries. In addition, Mr. KC has a hands-on background in assessing the constraints of the private sector, assisting the public sector and semi-public institutions to address those needs through policy reform and program development, and developing sustainable projects managed by NGOs in the health, credit and adult raining sectors. Mr. KC also has significant expertise in establishing an effective network with decision-makers at all levels and in building the capabilities of international staffs to assume full project management responsibilities.

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Prahlad has diploma in architecture from Harvard University, Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Wentworth Institute and a MBA degree from Anna Maria College, Massachusetts. His community activity includes the following:

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terity, study and devotion. D. Behavior\attitude (Byabahar) of respect for parents, teachers and others; cheerfulness, positive thinking and enthusiasm.

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Honorary Trade Consular of Nepal NCC to the USA.

3. Breathing exercise (Pranayam) for better oxygen input, cool thinking and concentration.

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Board Member IHO (International Health Organization)

4. Meditation (Dhyan):

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Member, Massachusetts Governor's Advisory Council on Refugees and Immigrants

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Member, Selection Committee for Massachusetts Governor's Annual New American Appreciation Award

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Director, Board of Greater Boston Nepalese Community

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Regional Life Member, Association of Nepalese in America (ANA)

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Honorary Life Member, Boston Museum of Science

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Council member, Boston Museum of Science

Prahlad leads the Nepal Affairs Sub Committee.

Sirish Bhojpure Denver, CO Sirish is a manager at Deloitte Consulting. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration from University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska. Sirish has been involved in the following community service.

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Organizer of the cultural programs in ANA annual convention in Denver, 2003 and Los Angeles 2007.

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Cultural Secretary – Friends of Nepal New Jersey

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Organizer of more than 20 cultural programs for different organizations in Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska and California

•

Numerous program organizations with Rocky Mountain Friends of Nepal and Friends of Nepal New Jersey

•

Major contributions in the inception of Rocky Mountain Friends of Nepal and Friends of Nepal New Jersey

Sirish leads the Culture and Entertainment Sub Committee.

Sushma KC Omaha, NB Sushma KC is a graduate of Bellevue University, Nebraska with a degree in BS. Ever since she graduated she has been working with the same company (just different departments), First Data Resources, owned by global

Part A: For longer attention span, critical thinking; and amelioration of ego related mental handicaps like passion, anger, greed, infatuation, pride etc. It leads to freer mind. Part B: It is to observe the passing thoughts and stay unattached; and to go beyond thought process. 1. The ‘way of love and devotion (Bhakti)’ will stress on compassion, prayers, singing hymns, dances, rituals, pilgrimage etc. A simple rule of thumb to follow is ‘be good’ and ‘do good.’ The ‘way of love’ component does not require the belief in God. Mere love of all the humanity and the nature suffice. The ‘way of devotion’ component assumes the existence of the divine being. God created the universe including humanity and loves it. The divine being can be approached through love and devotion. 2. The ‘way of selfless duty (Karma)’ will look at the labor as the selfless prayer on to the lord. According to the theory of Karma, like the Newton’s third law, whatever you do will come back to you. We human beings will be acting one act or the other, and consequently we are always bound by the resultant karma. According to the Karma Yoga, when an action is committed by an ego, the karmic reaction is attached to the same ego. However, if you do your duty as if you are merely a conduit of Lord then the karmic reaction will go to Lord, not to you. Thus even when you act, you are not bound by Karmic law and remain free. 3. The ‘way of meditation & self-realization (Raj)’ will practice meditation of the very nature of self. It is about the age old question, ‘Who am I?’ The ‘resume’ answers deals only with the ego part of it. If we study the self in depth, then like layers of onion we will find body, mind, thoughts and emotions, awareness or consciousness. So far we are within our human faculties. Deeper meditation is required to go beyond human faculties and individual ego. It may merely be pointed out that it is possible to meditate beyond memory of personal ego. It will lead to the understanding of the underlying character of the awareness itself and erase the distinction between the meditator and the object. That will lead to the realization of our very essence or the soul (Atma) or the state of Nirvana. 4. The ‘way of knowledge (Gnan)’ is about critical thinking, following knowledge and sticking to truth. The human suffering is due to the ignorance of reality. One way to achieve liberation is through understanding of our own true nature. There are many ‘Darshan’ or metaphysical views to learn. A few paradigms are: scientific, empirical, duel, and non-duel. How-

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1. Scientific: only objective methods. Most rigorous, but lesser scope. 2. Empirical: objective and subjective methods, within human faculty only. 3. Theistic: methods include faith and revelations. Less rigorous, but larger scope. Ways of spiritual growth: Yoga\Tao\Zen\Discipline\Way. The way or practice of ‘Yoga’ leads to healthy body and mind; and ultimately to the salvation or liberation. There are many ways of spiritual journey. They are broadly grouped into four. 1. Way of love and devotion (Bhakti Bhakti) Bhakti 2. Way of selfless duty (Karma Karma) Karma 3. Way of self-realization (Raj Raj) Raj 4. Way of knowledge (Gnan Gnan) Gnan Issues of social harmony: The insights, not social or legal rules, towards the social harmony. Justice is the first step toward harmony. The relationships are of two kinds – between individuals within a society, and between different societies. The secular issues like ‘democracy’, ‘socialism’, ‘human rights’ are also part of it. Insights e.g. –

Truth always triumphs - ‘Satyam eva jayate’ Goodness comes out of goodness - ‘Om mani padme hum’ World is one family - ‘Bashundhaiva kutumbakam’ Many paths to the summit - ‘Sarva dharma sambhava’ Cultural mosaic: The world mosaic of human dharmic\religious heritage. It’s evolution in different environmental, historical and philosophical backgrounds. The mutual appreciation between peoples of different dharmic\religious backgrounds and their colorful festivals. Practice of the Yoga: Students of ‘yoga’ begin with the practice of the following first set of discipline. These are the basics of physical and mental well being to be practiced by every body. After these basics, the students of different ‘yoga’ will specialize in different, though not exclusive, practices. 1. Basic physical exercise (Hatha yoga) for good health. 2. Basic ethics: A. Virtues (Dharma) to uphold are honesty, purity, goodwill, mercy, patience, forbearance, generosity and ascetism. B. Restraint (Yama) from violence (Ahimsa - non-violence) both physical and mental, falsehood, stealing, coveting, lust, anger, greed, infatuation and pride. C. Observance (Niyama) of cleanliness, contentment, continence, aus-

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electronic commerce and payment services leader, First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC). She is currently employed as a Finance Manager. Sushma has been involved in community work by participating in various events organized by Nebraska Nepalese Society. In 2007, she served on the Nebraska Nepalese Society board as an advisory member. She is the President of the Nebraska Nepalese Society currently. She has also been leading Nebraska's Nepalese Women's Basketball Team. Her goal, rather wish/dream, has always been -bringing Nepalese together, not just in the US but all over the world, regardless of their age, gender, caste, type, origin etc. By saying "bringing Nepalese together" she means being able to create and promote awareness and social sensitivity in people about our community/ society. In Sushma’s own words, “A common knowledge that there is one

[a society] that actually exists and that we all are a part of it no matter how hard we try to separate ourselves from it. So, we might as well come hand in hand to create an ideal society we all have in mind, if not for ourselves, for our kids and our future generation”. Sushma leads the Membership Sub Committee.

Surya Thapa Boston, MA Surya Thapa is a community activist in the Greater Boston Area and also the ex-president of Greater Boston Nepali Community (GBNC). Surya Thapa leads the Professional Networking Sub Committee.

The Contemporary ANA A handful of like minded people established “The Association of Nepalis in the Americas” in 1982, to provide a common platform for people of Nepali origin. ANA is derived of the community, by the community and for the community. It has already spent 25 golden years for the betterment of the Nepalis in the Americas. Since its inception, it has been taking on new challenges, creating opportunities, and reaching new milestones. In the last decade the demographics of the Diaspora has changed with a sizable younger generation to reckon with. Along with that the aspirations and expectations of the community has changed as well. While these new Nepali generation X are in the making, ANA needs to build bridges between these two generations meeting their needs. The new leadership of ANA comprises of almost all new faces. While on one hand, we have to preserve the established values, dignity and name brand of ANA, which our founders envisioned; on the other, we have to continue to address the need of the time and expectations of the newer Diaspora by responding with appropriate services. As a result, the new executive team has decided to make today’s ANA more action oriented, dynamic, focused, and determined for the better-

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ment of the community. ANA has already decided to establish a series of professional networks to bring people from every walk of lives into a national network. By organizing Mini Convention for business community, we want to bring all the Nepalis into one common platform so that news and views can be shared in a way that can have greater and lasting impact. Creation of national database will be one of our biggest achievements for the new team. Via this database we will be able to connect with our members and fellow Nepalis in a timely manner. We will be able to share information quickly and be able to respond to community emergencies faster. Establishment of sister organizations will also be a great way to keep in touch with our affiliates, which will provide a sense of togetherness and sisterhood. We will be able to raise our voice cohesively in issues like NRN with Nepal Government. Let us make a commitment together to act on these ideas because we are determined to bring positive changes. While it may not be easy to implement many program yet technology will help us get there faster. We have to be a little more aggressive, and sincere in our efforts. We should be able to ensure the community members that as a new team we are coming up with essential supports, tools and most importantly nationwide networking. We realize that ANA should step up, take a lead and make it happen now. The whole idea behind this is to integrate the Nepali community under a national umbrella with collective action. By doing all this we will also be able to complete our much cherished project NECC. ANA, in years to come, must be an information powerhouse, which can be considered as the perfect gateway to our ever growing community.

Medini Adhikari General Secretary, Association of Nepalis in the Americas

Note from the Newsletter Editorial Board The views and opinions expressed by authors of articles are strictly those of the authors. ANA reserves the right to reject or edit the articles. Any feedback about this newsletter will be greatly appreciated. Please send your feedback to [email protected] or [email protected]. Your comments good or bad will be printed in the newsletter from the next edition. — ANA Newsletter Editorial Board

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DHARMA’ - Tilak B. Shrestha, Ph.D. One definition of ‘Dharma’ (similar to, but not religion) is – a. the search for truth (Satya), and b. ways of spiritual growth (Yoga). Spiritual growth is transcending - a. first from individual ego, and then b. to the universal reality. Thus Dharma is mainly internal and personal issue. However, it also does express in external social level as – c. issues of social harmony, and d. cultures. Sanatana: To wonder about ultimate truth and to strive for spiritual progress are universal phenomena inherent in humanity. It is not limited by geography, history or culture. Sanatana is such universal principles and ways of spiritual growth, studied and practiced around the world. Dharma: It is a subset of the ‘Sanatana’ practiced by an individual or a group of people. Hinduism: The collection of all the Dharmas in the Indian sub-continent including Tibetan plateau. It is a geographic definition. It includes Shaiva, Vaishnav, Buddha, Jain, Sikh, Atheism (Charvak) and any other Dharmas evolved in the region. Dharmas mostly overlap. A Dharma practiced by one group differs from another merely by emphases in different methods or by cultural backgrounds. It is like going to college where each student chooses different but overlapping sets of courses to study. Dharmas, like different courses, are not hostile against others. Rather differences are recognized and appreciated – ‘Sarva dharma sambhava.’ However, it is not about blind acceptance of any doctrines. Each doctrine has to pass the test of - a. critical examination and b. time. Same principles apply in our perception of the non-Indic Dharmas. Dharmas are not rigid. On the way of spirituality many new ways are learned and many useless doctrines are dropped. Thus we have growth, not conversion. Most of the Hindus usually follow Dharma practiced in their family as tradition or ‘Parampara.’ Above parameters lead to the collection of wisdoms from thinkers of all races, regions and times; and to multi-culture, tolerance & mechanism for self-corrections. Buddha dharma: Dharma using methods within human faculty. Thus it uses only scientific and empirical techniques. Buddhism is a major break through within the long traditions of Hinduism. That is Buddha achieved Nirvana without depending on supra-humanity. Thus all of Buddha’s teachings and analyses are within rational self-examination of the world including one’s mind. Search for truth: The free examination and search for truth. The inquiry about the truth may be discussed within the framework of the following three paradigms.