Copy of the address

Address by the Rt. Hon. Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Prime Minister of Nepal, to the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 24 September 2011

Mr. President,

Mr. Secretary-General,

Distinguished Delegates,

Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on your election to the President of the Sixty-sixth session of the United Nations General Assembly.

I also take this opportunity to sincerely thank the outgoing President, His Excellency Mr. Joseph Deiss, for having successfully steered the Sixty-fifth session.

Let me also express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations for strong commitment and dedication with which he has been serving the United Nations. We wish him further success in his second term.

Nepal warmly welcomes the Republic of South Sudan as a newest member of the United Nations.

Mr. President,

It is a distinct honor and privilege for me to bring to this august Assembly the voice of the voiceless of the world. I have brought with me greetings from the nearly 30 million toiling but proud people of Nepal, who have recently liberated themselves from age-old feudal monarchy and autocracy. Nepal is an enchanting land of Mt. Everest, the top of the world. It is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the apostle of peace. And it possesses an unbelievable variety of natural beauty and diversity.

In recent years, a momentous transformation is taking place in Nepal. After a long and persistent struggle, a feudalistic and autocratic monarchy has been abolished. We have entered into a new historic era with the creation of a new federal democratic republic of Nepal. Today, the new state apparatus is striving to take into account the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural diversity of the country. Abolition of all discriminations and oppression based on class, gender, nationality, region and caste and creating an inclusive democratic system and a just society is at the heart of all our struggles for decades. Thanks to the ultimate sacrifice of the thousands of martyrs of the historic People’s War of 1996 to 2006, People’s Movement of 2006, Madhesh Movement and many other oppressed people’s movements that we have come this far to lay the foundation of a new Nepal. We have to consolidate these historic gains and institutionalize them in order to establish sustainable peace, justice and prosperity to all. My government is fully committed to doing that with the conclusion of the peace process and the writing of a new constitution through the Constituent Assembly at the earliest. The constitution will not only guarantee the fundamental democratic norms and values. But it will also ensure that our multi-party democracy is inclusive, participatory and life-changing for all, especially the oppressed laboring masses and the marginalized ones. As it is rightly said: ‘The highest measure of democracy is neither the extent of freedom, nor the extent of equality, rather the highest measure of participation’, we want to institutionalize a really participatory democracy for all, particularly the downtrodden ones.

In this context, I would like to remind this august Assembly of the poignant words expressed from this podium in 2008 by the Chairman of my party, Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the then Prime Minister, Com. Prachanda, about the landless peasants, downtrodden women, the so-called untouchable dalits and millions of exploited masses of Nepal who are aspiring for liberation from all forms of oppression and exploitation.

Nepal’s home-driven peace process and historic transformation are unique and could be a good example for drawing lessons. We believe that transformation has to be holistic to have its long lasting impact at the grassroots. Transformation in political, social and economic fields has to be brought about holistically. It is attainable with dedication, dialogue and consensus building among stakeholders. Like in any other countries, transitional pains and delays are there. But we are united in our vision and we intend to complete the transition process with consensus and cooperation of all the political parties and stakeholders. We are confident that with international goodwill and cooperation, we will achieve it at the earliest.

Nepal’s foreign policy is based on fundamental principles of the UN Charter, non-alignment and Panchsheel principles and promotion of regional cooperation through SAARC. We would like to be a vibrant bridge between our two neighbours and beyond. At a time when humanity is so much in need of peace, and we all are striving for it, we particularly appeal for the development of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, as the fountain of world peace through effective international support and cooperation. The International Committee for Development of Lumbini needs to be reactivated at the earliest.

I extend sincere thanks to the United Nations, especially UNMIN for providing invaluable support and assistance throughout our peace process. We are hopeful that we would continue to receive goodwill and support from the international community in our efforts to institutionalize lasting peace, equity and prosperity in the country.

The United Nations holds a noble vision of peace and security, development and justice and human rights for all. But if we look around the world, we have a long way to go to achieve this. We still face conflicts, deprivation and demeaning poverty all around us. How can we have sustainable peace in the world when there is so much of inequity, deprivation and marginalization around us? We have to deal with their root causes. How can one justify the spending of 1.5 trillion US dollars on war weapons every year while more than two billion people across the globe lack basic necessities of food, medicine, etc?

It is in that context, I appeal to the United Nations to come forward with a far reaching and comprehensive development package. We need a “new Marshall plan” for rebuilding and reconstruction of the post-conflict countries. Lip-services and symbolic supports are not enough. It is time for a bold visionary step to deal with the complex problems of today. This would be a most cost effective approach to deal with the global problems and ensure sustainable peace.

Mr. President,

The principles and purposes of the United Nations as enshrined in the Charter represent the high ideals of the global community. Yet we live in an age of paradox. The gap between the poor and the rich is ever widening. Today the level of inequity between the states is the highest than at any time in the past. The Least Developed Countries, or I would rather prefer calling them Underdeveloped Countries, are facing the full force of negative side of globalization with their deep structural constraints. Jobless growth is a major challenge for all of us. In this integrated world, grinding poverty of the masses in billions is a recipe for disaster. The islands of prosperity amidst the sea of poverty are not sustainable. It is morally indefensible and economically undesirable. In a globalized and interconnected world, our destiny is inextricably intertwined. When my house is on fire, your house cannot be safe, and vice versa.

The recurrence of economic and financial crises, fuel and food crises and the deeper structural crises have vindicated the need to seriously review the current economic paradigm. I believe that this is the right time for deeper soul-searching and the creation of a new, just and scientific economic order. The new global economic order needs to deal with the current global volatility and the growing marginalization of the poor and the weaker economies. The financial capital-driven ‘globalization’ process is increasingly exposing its inherent structural deficiency and incompatibility. Unless the interest of labour, the basic source of human wealth, is duly integrated in this process, we may soon have to face the ‘globalization’ of unrest and upheavals. The United Nations should be the principal forum to look at it in a coherent, inclusive and holistic manner.

Mr. President,

The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face severe structural constraints in their development efforts. Their vulnerabilities have been further aggravated with multiple crises. Despite some good progress in achieving individual goals, LDCs as a group are most off-track in meeting the internationally agreed upon development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration. Rights based approach to development is a must.

It is quite disheartening that even today about 75 percent of the population in LDCs lives in abject poverty and hunger. This situation is unacceptable and must come to an end sooner than later. Business as usual is not a solution to the deep-rooted problems. The historically structured process of ‘development of underdevelopment’ needs to be structurally addressed.

The Istanbul Declaration and the Program of Action must be implemented in its entirety and in an effective and timely manner. In particular, financing for development should be ensured as per the commitment. Duty-free, quota-free market access and supply-side capacity must be ensured to LDCs. Investment, technology transfer and private sector development should be promoted in LDCs. They are essential to translate the legitimate aspirations of the LDCs. A renewed and strengthened global partnership is critical to its implementation. We do not want to see another missed opportunity for the LDCs.

Nepal, in its capacity as chair of LDCs, will make every effort, in cooperation with fellow LDCs to ensure that the issues and concerns of the LDCs remain high on the priority list of the UN development agenda.

Similarly, the special difficulties of the Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) should be recognized and the freedom of transit should be ensured to them as a matter of right. Together with this, support for trade facilitation and infrastructure development in these countries should be scaled up.

Labour migration is a global phenomenon. We must protect the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families to ensure that ‘globalization’ is fair to all. As Nepal’s economy is increasingly dependent on remittance, this issue is very crucial for us.

Mr. President,

Climate change has clearly emerged as one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. Global warming has precipitated melting of snow in the Nepal Himalayas, a source of fresh water for over a billion people living in South Asia. Therefore, we have taken the initiative of promoting sustainable mountain agenda in order to highlight their special vulnerabilities and fragilities. The industrialized countries should bear greater responsibilities for this.

There is an urgent need to make progress in climate negotiations and to ensure enhanced and predictable financing. The Rio+20 Summit scheduled for next year are critical to define a more sustainable development path and eradicate poverty for the LDCs. Sustainable development agenda should encompass all ecological considerations, including the crucial issue of sustainable mountain development.

Mr. President,

Nepal reiterates its call for general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction in a time bound manner.

Nepal strongly believes that regional mechanisms complement efforts to promote the global disarmament agenda. The Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament for Asia and the Pacific (RCPD) located in Kathmandu would be instrumental in revitalizing the “Kathmandu Process” to facilitate dialogues and deliberations for confidence building in the region.

Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and calls for an expeditious conclusion of the negotiations on a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. We should differentiate between terrorism and struggles for freedom.

Nepal’s commitment to human rights is deep and unflinching. We are fully aware that the protection and promotion of all human rights including the right to development and fundamental freedoms strengthens the sustainability of peace and progress. We have established an independent constitutional body – the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog institution. We are committed to build and strengthen this specialized national institution as a true custodian of human rights.

Mr. President,

The General Assembly, which is the only representative body at the global level, needs to be given commensurate power and authority to truly work as a ‘world parliament’. It should not remain toothless. Similarly, Nepal supports the expansion in the membership of the Security Council in both the categories. Reform must address all the interrelated issues such as representation as well as transparency and accountability in the working methods of the Security Council. The role and contribution of smaller states in the maintenance of international peace and security must be duly acknowledged.

We underline the crucial role of the United Nations in promoting international cooperation for development. Its role in shaping policy debate on and establishing global norms in economic and financial matters must be strengthened. Nepal welcomes all efforts aimed at promoting system-wide coherence, including the operationalization of UN-Women.

Mr. President,

Nepal’s participation in UN peacekeeping is long-standing and consistent. We remain steadfast in our commitment to international peace and security. Nepal has already provided over 80,000 peacekeepers, out of which 62 of our soldiers have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Hence, we would like to call for equitable representation at the leadership level.

In recent times, we have witnessed the outpouring of the popular sentiments for change and freedom around the world. We believe that this is a sign of a new beginning, where people are asserting themselves to be the master of their own destiny. We applaud these changes. We should support them based on the fundamental principles of the United Nations. However, no one should hijack the agenda of democracy for its partisan ends.

The long-drawn-out peace process in the Middle-East is a matter of serious concern for us all. We must find a comprehensive and just solution to these problems. It is our principled position that we support a fully independent and sovereign Palestine State based on the UN resolutions. We look forward to its materialization at the earliest.

Mr. President,

Finally, let me reiterate, the UN principles be holistic, and all be pursued in a balanced manner.

The United Nations should not only be the custodian of its noble principles, it must deliver on its promises. Let it not be a mere umbrella of big powers.

In a globalized world of today, the UN has more responsibility than ever before to create an inclusive and just global order. Let it not falter on its historic duties.

Let the UN serve the larger interests of the poor and the weakest segment of the international community.

Let economic transformation of LDCs with a rights-based approach be on top of the UN Agenda.

Let the UN not fail the aspirations of the millions of people for freedom, equality and prosperity. Let its vision be translated into a visible change in the lives of the oppressed people.

And, last but not least, let us keep in mind, either we all reach the goal of global peace and prosperity together, or nobody will.

Thank you.

[via unmultimedia.org]

The University has also released a video on their YouTube channel featuring Nuraj under Authentic Student Portraits.

In the video Nuraj talks about studying computer science and explains how Texas A&M and his professors have helped him to be a better programmer within a year of studying at the University. Nuraj loves programming and plans to be a programmer or an analyst after graduation.

Congratulations to Nuraj on his achievements and good luck for a great career in the field of programming.

The group includes Ramesh koirala, Laxman Puri, Swapnil Baral, Dilli Raj Poudel, Janak Gaire, Santosh Adhikari, Madhav Neupane and Yogesh Koirala. They say the constitution they have prepared is a outcome of numerous researches, discussions, and thoughts for the better and prosperous Nepal. They have referenced previous constitutions of Nepal along constitutions of various countries like the United States, Japan, France, Iran, Turkey, Brazil, China and India. They have emailed a copy of the proposed constitution to various media agencies,The Constitutional Assembly, Supreme Court, Nepal Bar Associations, and Civil Societies of Nepal. They hope this will bring a public awareness among Nepalis by providing a platform for the would-be constitution of Nepal.

Download a copy of the proposed consitution

Update: All five contestants from Texas have made it to the list of 30 Finalist of Miss Nepal USA 2011. To view names of the final participants for the event please visit missnepalamerica.com/participate.php

There were five aspiring participants at the audition viz. Akriti Pokhrel, Ruby Adhikari, Sushma Bogati, Nabina Basnet and Fary KC. Judges for the audition included Bal Krishna Joshi (past journalist at various Nepali publications and coordinator of Denton Nepalese Family), Pasang Lama (local business entrepreneur and chief coordinator of ANA Convention 2012), Bachan Tiwari (executive member of Raksirakaam Production) and Krishna P. Neupane (Jackson) from New York who is also the international promoter of the Miss Nepal USA 2011. The audition was hosted by Nitika Pandey. Results for the selection of the contestants will be announced by Tuesday, August 2, 2011. For more information about Miss Nepal USA 2011 please visit their official website at missnepalamerica.com.

View more photos from this event at – texasnepal.com/photos

Video Highlights

[फोटो ठुलो बनाउन माथी क्लिक गर्नुस] Photos – Pasang Lama

श्रीमद्-भागवत महापुराण सप्ताह कथाको कार्यक्रम :

पुराण वाचन हुने स्थान – NST Center at 940 N Belt Line Rd #129, Irving, TX 75061 (Map)

श्रावण १५ गते देखि २१ गते तदनुसार July 31 देखि August 6 सम्म

· July 30, 2011 मा केरा बांस निगालो उखु,चंदुवा रंगीचंगी कागजका फुलहरू मालाहरूले मूल मण्डप तथा व्यासासन सजाउने !
· July 31, 2011 मा श्री मद भागवतको पुस्तक सहित जल पूर्ण घडा लिएर शोभा यात्रा गरी मन्दिर भवन परिक्रमा गरी मूल मण्डप प्रवेश गर
* कर्ता बन्नेहरुका ३ पुस्ता पित्रीहरुको गोत्र नाम उच्चारण गरी मुक्ति तथा वैकुण्ठ बासको निमित्त संकल्प पढने !
* मूल कर्ताका आफन्तहरुको मुक्ति को निमित्त ७ आंखला बांस मा धुन्दुकारी को पूजा गर्ने !
* मूल वाचक, सहायक र गणेश बन्ने ब्राम्हणहरू को वरण गर्ने !
* नव ग्रह, वास्तु, मातृका, १० दिक्पाल, सर्वतोभद्र, ६४ योगिनी , ४९ वायु , ११ रूद्र को पूजा गर्ने !

· प्रत्तेक अरु दिन (August 1 देखि 5 सम्म )

* नित्य १०८ हवन, रुद्री पाठ, वेद पाठ , चंडी पाठ गर्ने !
* बिहान ९ बजे बाट १२ बजे सम्म पाठ ,१२ –३ विश्राम , पुन : ३ देखि ६ सम्म पाठ
* सांझ ७ वजे महात्म्य पाठ !
* सांझ ८ बजे १ घंटा भजन कीर्तन आरती गान !
* प्रत्तेक साँझ भजन, आरती, साँस्कृतिक कार्यकमहरु, तथा कृष्ण-लीला
* ९ बजे समापन प्रसाद-भोजन .

· अगस्ट ६, २०११ (August ६, २०११) मा सांगे तथा प्रवचन

थप जानकारी का लागी निम्न व्यक्तिहरुलाई सम्पर्क गर्न सक्नु हुन्छ :
बादल भुजेल ४६९-५५६-७२३०
बासु भण्डारी ६८२-४७९-२४७२
भुवन आचार्य २१४-३९२-८६२१
कृष्ण लामिछाने २१४-४५४-०७३७
राम पोख्रेल ६८२-५२१-७४७५
प्रेम अधिकारी ९४०-५९४-८९१०

Furtemba with Pasang Lama and Sonam T. Lama in New York

Since the beginning of his mission to save the environment and promote world peace, he has had supports and assistance from people from all over the world. On 23rd July 2011, with the help of his sponsors Nabin Sherchan and Mingmar Sherpa owner of Yeti Restaurant, Nepalese community, Sherpa community and various communities based in New York, a fundraiser was organized at Yeti Restaurant where they managed to raise a generous amount of US$9,600 out of which Pasang Lama a resident from Texas made a generous contribution of US$5,100. Besides money, Sonam T. Lama representative of New York Life Insurance kindly donated a brand new High Tech Bicycle valued at US$2,500 all for his tour to Africa.

For the past six months in between his stay in New York, instead of wasting time idling he traveled a total of 2500 kilometers through Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. His stay in America was unintentionally extended with his passport failing to get renewed on time but now he is all set to start off his journey with a new set of camping equipments, protective gears and t-shirt among other stuffs for his tour to Africa with all the love and hope to make our world a better place.

As Furtemba Sherpa continues his voyage to Africa, we wish him well, health and safe travel. He recently launched his official website shortly after Furtemba Sherpa Foundation was inaugurated in his honor. Follow him on his blog www.furtemba.org and be a part of his celebratory entourage as he completes the remaining half of his world tour.

Furtemba Sherpa was featured as TexasNepal Personality of the Month for May 2011.

[via email from Furtemba Sherpa]

Dhiren Gurung has been actively involved with ANA since 2001 in various posts. He started attending ANA conventions since 1998. He served as Sports Committee Chair from 2005-2007, as the Treasurer from 2007-2009 and as the General Secretary from 2009-2011.

Mr. Gurung played a vital role during foundation of Nepalese Society of Texas (NST) in 1998 at the time of its inception. He is one of the advisors for Newah cultural Association of Texas (NCAT) in Dallas, Texas. Prior to joining NCAT, Mr. Gurung served as the President for Health and Education for Nepal (HEN) from 2000-2004 after serving as the Vice-President for HEN from 1999-2000.

Mr. Gurung came to the United States in 1994 as as student in Oklahoma. He graduated with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Central Oklahoma and moved to Dallas in 1997. He has been residing in DFW Metroplex since then. He has been working in IT Telecommunication industry for the last fifteen years.

He is married to Samita Ghale and they have two children Devesh and Deeta.

Interview Video

How to Participate in ANA Election 2011

In order to participate in the election, one has to be a registered member of ANA (with your valid e-mail id provided) either in 2010 ANA Boston Convention or recent 2011 ANA DC convention.
If not a member then you can still become an ANA member by paying $15 membership fees now. (Step by Step instructions are given below).

Step 1
Go to ANA website: anaonline.org and click on “Donate Now with PayPal”

Step 2
In Purpose Text box: Put “Membership”
In Donation amount text box: Put 15.00 and click on “Update Total”

Step 3
(Option -1: By Credit Card)
Click on “Continue” and Use your credit card or bank account (where available)
(Option -2: By PayPal)
In “LOG IN TO PAYPAL” page
Put email address and password.

Message from Dhiren Gurung:
Your love, support and contribution not only solidifies my position in this race but also shows unity, strength and trust in ourselves. It also allows you to participate in the biggest historical ANA Election. The fund raised through this membership drive will be utilized in social developement of all Nepalis living in the Americas; which in turn will help make ANA Bigger and Better.

Last but not least, long live Nepal, Nepali and ANA.
With regards,
Dhiren Gurung
Your candidate for ANA 2011 Presidential Election

Join the movement at facebook.com/nepalunites.

Click here to view photos from the bridge cleaning event.

We are seeing the same situation in NRNA. This is an open secret that the appearance of Mr. Prahlad KC in the position of Senior VP was very controversial. Without any doubt Mr. KC hijacked this position in a very shameful manner. Still dedicated members and well wishers of NRNA accept him for this position just to protect the growing public support to this organization. This is unfortunate for NRNA team that Mr. KC’s same unethical and shameful strategy to hijack the President position of Association of Nepalis in Americas (ANA) without letting other practice democratic election is jeopardizing the name and fame of NRNA.

Mr. KC and his team shamefully declared themselves as elected Offices or ANA when all the Nepali communities in the US know that ANA election is still underway and will be over in August. His team declared themselves ANA Officers and in the same time ridiculously boycotted the ANA DC Convention 2011 at Chantilly, VA. Mr. KC, Sr. VP of NRNA, blamed this Convection as illegal, unauthentic and with no public support. Except him all the NRNA executives authorized ANA DC Convention and participated with successful NRN forums. Now the question is: where does Mr. KC stand in NRNA? More than 3000 Nepalis participated in the ANA DC Convention, and Mr. KC is saying the convention has no public support. Thousands of ANA members are willing to participate in the democratic ANA Election 2011, and Mr. KC and his team are proudly claiming that ANA belongs to these handful people and rest are not ANA members.

Now, it is crystal clear that Mr. Prahlad KC is a problem in Nepali community. He created problems in NRNA, now he is creating problem in ANA. If all the NRNs don’t find a cure for such a problematic character in NRNA, NRNA will no doubt face grave challenges in the near future that may lead to the formation of another NRNA in the US. It is the choice of NRNA Executives whether to get rid of this rotten potato or all get rotten to be permanently discarded.

Bijay Thapa,
2011 ANA General secretary candidate and
A well wisher of NRNA

There were eighteen models participants from all over the United States. First round of the show was dedicated to promoting Nepal Tourism Year 2011 with dresses highlighting Nepali culture and tradition. Second round included traditional wears while the third round featured evening wears.

Pratikchhya Shrestha designed the outfits and did a wonderful job. The show was choreographed by Hemanta Gurucharya and Sarah Gurung.

The panel of judges included actress Gauri malla, actor Saroj Khanal, music video director Rosan Pratab Rana, President of ANA Simon Dhungana, Miss Asia 2010 Asma Bhattachan.

This was the fourth ANA Fashion Extravaganza. The first ANA Fashion Extravaganza took place at the ANA Convention 2008 in Baltimore.

Title Winners
Mr. Vogue ANA – Ayush Dhital, Pennsylvania
Miss Vogue ANA – Apala Upadhyay, Maryland
Mr. Taswir Priya – Ayush Dhital, Pennsylvania
Ms. Taswir Priya – Sony Pathak, Texas
Mr. Muskaan – Samrat KC, Texas
Ms. Muskaan- Prativa Bhatta, Massachusetts
Ana Saathi – Ayush Dhital, Pennsylvania

Video Highlights

Dallas Gurkhas vs Virginia
Dallas Gurkhas played their first game against Virginia winning by 1-0. Team captain Rajendra Thapa scored the first and only goal with a beautiful free-kick around 7 minutes of the game.

Upcoming Matches
Dallas Gurkhas will be playing against Baltimore today (Saturday) at 11 am. If they win they will be playing against New York at 6:30 pm today.

Basketball
TexasNepal basketball team have reached semi-final. More on their progress will be updated later.

Dallas Gurkhas Players Lineup
Goal Keeper: G One Thapa, Komal Bhandari
Players:
Niranjan KC, Adur Mainali, Susil Shrestha, Pramoj Adhikari, Rajendra Thapa, Nahush Acharya, Sumiran Sapkota, Ayush Man Singh, Bibesh Shrestha, Kamal Chhantyal, Niraj Thapa, John Pradhan, Biraj Basnet, Roshan Devkota, Sajan Bikram Singh, Umesh Pandey, Suresh Timilsina, Nabaraj Shrestha, Arjun Giri
Coach : Anush Adhikari

Below are some photos and video highlights from Day 1 of ANA Convention 2011.

Video Highlights

TexasNepal Basketball is a local Nepali basketball team from Dallas. They are heading to participate in the basketball tournament at the 2011 ANA convention in Washington DC. We wish them good luck for their upcoming games. We hope they will bring the trophy home.

External Link:
ANA Convention 2011 Homepage

Rauniyar family [Photo courtesy of darshanforcongress.com]

Mr. Rauniyar came to the US 20 years ago as an engineering student and has been active in county and district level Democratic Party politics for almost a decade.

He has prioritized healthcare and employment opportunities as his electoral agenda and is seeking support from Nepali societies in America for his candidacy.

Mr. Rauniyar is probably the first Nepali contesting for the US Congress.

For more details about Darshan Rauniyar, his candidacy and to learn how you can help him please visit his official campaign website at darshanforcongress.com.

Update – Watch an interview with Darshan Rauniyar by TexasNepal at ANA Concention in Washington DC.

Furtemba Sherpa was featured as the TexasNepal Personality of the Month for May 2011.

This video was edited by TexasNepal Team member Rajan Odari.

[via Furtemba.org]

Read more from KTLV’s website.

Anup Bhandari was featured as the Personality of the Month for February 2010 on our website — below is our interview video with Mr. Bhandari from 2010.

Born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu, Prabal Gurung Prabal attended the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi and Parsons School of Design in New York city before launching his first collection in 2009. His has designed dresses for many Hollywood celebrities like Demi Moore and Zoe Saldana as well as for Oprah and the First lady Michelle Obama.

Prabal was the recipient of the Ecco Domani Fashion Fund Award as well as a nominee for the 2010 CFDA Swarovski Womenswear Award. He was selected as runner-up for the 2010 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund in November 2010. Prabal was featured by USA Network as one of the twelve Character Approved Award recipients for 2011. He was recently appointed as a goodwill ambassador for Maiti Nepal, a non profit organization fighting for human trafficking in Nepal run by 2010 CNN Hero Anuradha Koirala.

Prabal Gurung was featured as the TexasNepal Personality of the Month for May 2010.

2011 CFDA Fashion Awards Official Page
Prabal Gurung Official Website

We initially launched the website as dfwNepal.com to serve the need of a communication portal for Nepalis living in Dallas – Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex. June 1, 2009 became the official launch date. Since then we have been publishing articles, photos, videos, news and more on our website on a regular basis. We have received several suggestions and comments over these months and we appreciate all our website visitors’ concern for us.

Renaming to TexasNepal.com
With suggestions from our visitors and well wishers we officially renamed the website to TexasNepal.com on May 1, 2010 with the aim of reaching out to more Nepalis across the state of Texas and to cover events and happenings related to Nepali communities throughout the state of Texas.

TexasNepal iPhone/iPod App
TexasNepal App for iPhone/iPod was launched on iTunes store on December 10, 2010. It displays our recent blog feed, forum posts, videos and tweets and is available to download for free from iTunes App Store.

TexasNepal Android App
TexasNepal Android app was launched on March 21, 2011. It is available to download for free from the Android Market on your Android phones. The app displays our recent blog feed, recent updates, videos, recent news headlines, recent videos about Nepal and much more.

Personality of the Month
We started featuring a distinguished Nepali personality since August 2009 as an inspirational role model for our website viewers. Below is list of people we have featured so far:

• • Furtemba Sherpa (May 2011)
• • Dr. Chintamani Yogi (July 2010)
• • Dr. Upendra Mahato (June 2010)
• • Prabal Gurung (May 2010)
• • Guru Deen Bandhu Pokhrel (April 2010)
• • Anup Bhandari (February 2010)
• • Prashant Tamang (January 2010)
• • Kritima Lamichhane (December 2009)
• • Phiroj Shyangden (November 2009)
• • Kapil Mani Dixit (October 2009)
• • Bhabika Joshi (September 2009)
• • Prem Ahikari (August 2009)

Weekly Articles by Bhabika Joshi
Bhabika Joshi is a young aspiring Nepali writer from Keller, Texas who has already penned a novel at a very young age of fourteen. She was featured on our website as Personality of the Month for September 2009. She has been writing great weekly articles for us on our blog every Mondays. Click here to read her articles.

Photos
TexasNepal Photos – this page features all photos from various events we have covered recently. Recent update to the photo page lets viewers post comment or like photos with their Facebook account.

Videos
TexasNepal Videos – this page features all videos from various events we have covered recently.

Weekly Video Podcast
We started publishing weekly video podcast from the first week of April 2009. These video podcasts cover topics like What’ New on our website, video tutorials in Nepali, interesting facts, upcoming events and so on. Weekly video podcasts are available at texasnepal.com/blog/category/video-podcast and also at TexasNepal Videos.

Recently Featured Events

• • Nepali New Year 2068 Celebration by NST
• • Holi Celebration at Grapevine Lake by Indreni Cultural Association
• • Newari Cultural Dress Photo and Video Shoot
• • Nepali Cultural Dress Photo and Video Shoot
• • Newa Bhoj 2010
• • Dashain 2067 BS Celebration by NST
• • Nepali Fashion Show in Houston by InStyleNepal
• • NRN Regional Conference, Houston
• View More Events

Some video highlights from TexasNepal’s first two years

Once again we would like to thank all our website viewers and our well wishers for your continuous support, encouragement, suggestions, comments and concerns that has helped us to run our website till date and we will be expecting the same in the days to come.

Thank You
TexasNepal.com Team
Anoj KC
Apurba Ojha
Mukunda KC
Rajan Odari
Rita Phuyal

Admission Open

Summer Camp Registration Starts – First Come First Serve – Limited to 70-80 Children

Date: June 11-22, 2011
Venue: Nepali Community Center, 940 N Belt Line, Irving Center
Registration fee: $75 for 10 day program

Video Reporting from Third Summer Camp 2010

The Summer Camp 2011 organizing committee has formally started accepting the application for 2011 Summer Cultural and Spiritual Camp. This year, we will organize the program at the Nepali Community Center. Unfortunately, because of the limited space, we are only in a position to accept maximum 70-80 students for the program. We will accept application on a first come – first serve basis.

Therefore, we sincerely request all parents/families to submit the application form to any member of the organizing committee ASAP and reserve space for your children. You can reserve your spot simply by downloading attached registration form and sending the registration form to us by email.

Please see attachments: registration form and general outlines of the program

We are looking for sponsors and volunteers

Nepalese Society of Texas,
On Behalf of Summer Camp 2011

[via email from Krishna Lamichhane]

Related Posts
Dr. Chintamani Yogi – Personality of the month for July 2010
Third Nepali Summer Camp – Video Reporting
Photos from Nepali Fashion Day at NST Summer Camp July 17, 2009

The historical bodybuilding competition, the Mr. America, returned in May 21st, 2011 by the great promoter and gym. This was the first year the Mr. America was contested in the INBF (INTERNATIONAL NATURAL BODYBUILDING & FITNESS).The Official title Mr. America is under natural bodybuilding federation now. The show was fully drug tested. Binaya Shakya from Kathmandu Nepal, who lives in NYC participated in novice bantam weight category and placed 2nd. Shakya said the show was very organized and great practice for him. His next target is to get INBF pro card. INBF (INTERNATIONAL NATURAL BODYBUILDING & FITNESS) is a drug free bodybuilding, figure and fitness federation for natural men and women.

[via email from Deepak Bajracharya]

Photo Slideshow from Previous Competition

Below are some photos from the event. [Photos by Swoyambhu Shakya]

Video Courtesy of the Royal Channel

He had just celebrated his 24th birthday and left us all on 24th April, 2011 to rest in peace. The cause of his untimely death is not yet known. We have been told that it will take a week or more to get detail of his death.

His sister Anita Shrestha and their friends are trying to raise funds to send him back to Nepal for his final rituals. Hence, all well wishers are requested to contribute to his final journey home.
[via Bikram Raj Chhetri]

Update – May 2, 2011

According to the autopsy report, Manoj’s death was caused by:

• Sub-arachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured cerebral artery.

• Aneurysm associated with hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

His body is scheduled to be sent to Nepal on May 3, 2011. Manoj’s sister and friends have asked us to keep the donation link on this page open until his body reaches Nepal.

Update – May 6, 2011 Manoj made it home — thanks to all of you for your generous donation. According to his sister, Manoj was cremated on the bank of the holy river Bagmati at Pashupati Aryaghat according to Hindu rituals. We have stopped collecting Donation For Manoj Shrestha on request from his sister and friends. Thank you everyone for your generous donation. Total Donation Received till May 4: $5,701.93 View Final List of Donors Thank You Message

Manoj Funeral has been schedule as follows:

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Date: Sunday, May 1, 2011
Place: Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 (Map)
Telephone: 713-862-8844 (Contact person at Heights Funeral Home: Jane Hemberger)

The service is open for everyone. If you can please come and say goodbye to our beloved friend. This would be a last public event to bid farewell to the body of Late Manoj Shrestha in USA .

If all the paperwork and other legal formalities gets completed by Monday then his body would be scheduled for Nepal by early next week.

Thank you and we all appreciate your help for Late Manoj and his family.
[via Bikram Raj Chhetri]

View Full List in New Page

Dear Friends and well wishers,

On behalf of our beloved late Mr. Manoj Shrestha’s Family, who passed away on April 23, 2011, we together with Nepalese Association of Houston (NAH), TexasNepal would like to thank you very much indeed for your generous donation, help and support. Your contributions made it possible for us to send his deceased body back to Nepal. May his soul rest in eternal peace in the heavenly abode!

Since its inception on April 24, 2011, the ”Help Manoj Shrestha’s Family Campaign” has raised enough fund to send late Mr. Shrestha’s body back to Nepal as per the wish of his Family. The remaining balance of the fund will also be disbursed to his parents as soon as possible. This has only become possible because of your thoughtful contributions.

Mr. Manoj’s body left Houston, Texas, on American Airlines Today, May 03, 2011, and will transfer to Thai Airlines from Los Angeles and is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 6, 2011, what a coincidence the God has made: that day is Manoj’s 25th Birthday. His family will perform funeral services and final rites, as per our tradition and religion, in Aryaghat, by Shree Pashupatinath temple. We hope your continued support will give his family enough strength to cope with this most difficult situation.

We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to late Manoj Shrestha’s family and friends. We hope our continued support and prayer will give his family enough strength to cope with this most difficult situation. May the Almighty bestow them with enough power to overcome with this tragic, unprecedented loss.

Once again thank you for your generous contributions and support.

Sincerely,

On behalf of late Manoj Shrestha’s Family:
Anita Shrestha, Sister of Manoj Shrestha
Nepalese Association of Houston Family (NAH)
Manoj’s friends in Houston.

www.helpmanojfamily.weebly.com
helpmanojfamily@gmail.com

Words can never deliver it, still we must say thanks from our heart to the following individuals, and we are really blessed as we can never be successful without their great helping hand. Our deepest appreciation from our heart to the following individuals:

All Manoj’s friends all over US.

Thank you!

कस्तो एकता, कस्तो हार्दिकता, कस्तो एक अर्कामा सहयोग गर्ने शैली, माहुरीहरु जसरी काम मा जुट्ने शैली, हरेकले काम को भाग खोजिरहेछ, तर्किन होइन ! यस्तै देखियो टेक्सासमा । हेम सरिता पाठक प्रतिस्ठानको आयोजना, नेपाली नयाँ बर्षको उपलक्ष्य, अन्तराष्ट्रिय कलाकार मन्चका अध्यक्ष्य एबम लोक दोहोरी गायक रामप्रसाद खनालको प्रमुख आतिथ्य र बिशेष प्रस्तुती, नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकका डेपुटी गभर्नर गोपाल काफ्ले सहितका दर्जनौं बिसिस्ठ पाहुना हरु, टेक्सास अस्टिनका माहुरी रुपी नेपाली दाजुभाइ दिदिबहिनीहरुको सहभागिता, हेम सरिता प्रतिस्ठानको सौजन्यतामा नेपालकै स्वादको नेपाली खाना, बास्तबमा उदाहरणिय थियो यो कार्यक्रम ।

अस्टिन बासी नेपालीले न त खुट्टा तान्न, न त कुरा काट्न जानेका रहेछन, मुखमा राम राम बगलिमा छुरा बोक्ने हाम्रा केही स्वार्थी नेपाली हरु जसले अगाडि ठीक्क र पछाडि कैंचि चलाऊंछन, यता आयो डकार्यो उता गयो उडायो, उता गयो डकार्यो यताको लाई उडायो गर्ने चलन पनि त्यहा रहेनछ । एक ले अर्को लाई सम्मान र सहयोग गर्ने, पुरानाहरुले नयाँ लाई सहयोग गरेर पार लगाउने अस्टिनबासीको बानी देख्दा लाग्यो सबै तिर यस्तै भैदिए कस्तो राम्रो हुन्थ्यो हगी ! तर हामी बाँदरे प्रब्रिती बाट ग्रसित नेपाली उनिहरु सँगबाट सिक्ने हिम्मत कहाँ गर्न सकौँला र ! [Ram Prasad Khanal, NepalMother.com]

View Photo Slide Show

- Sent to us by Ram Prasad Khanal
- Photos and videos by Devendra Parajuli (www.nepalmother.com), Austin Texas (Read more)