Tika Acharya has withdrawn from the position of treasurer of the Organization of Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA).
“It was agreed by the house that treasurer position offered to me by the general consensus was supposed to be effective only after having approval from the Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire,” said Acharya, adding that he was socked to read a news that stated the confirmation of his nomination to the position of treasure.
Acharya has further said that he will be able to work more effectively for OBCA as independent volunteer consultant.
Resettled Bhutanese community in Syracuse in New York has observed World Refugee Day yesterday along with two dozens refugee communities in the city.
Bhutanese refugees demonstrated their culture, dances and fashion shows along with serving of ethnic foods at the premises of North side Collaborator.
Exiled Bhutanese wage their flag to show their participation in the rally.
The program was organized jointly by the Catholic Charities, Center for New Americans (Resettlement agency), North Side Collaborator and White Branch Library. First part of the program started at 11.45 am from the office of Catholic Charities and ended at the City Hall.
The Mayor’s representative, Van Robinson, the president of Syracuse Common Council, among others addressed the program. He stated that the refugees will have opportunities to furnish their dreams in this land of opportunities. He further mentioned that the USA will be benefited from their experiences and diverse culture.
Damak, June 20: The resettled Bhutanese abroad have missed their life they had spent in the UN-monitored camps in Nepal. If you are serious on this matter – this event must trim down your such feelings.
Chief guest Pawan Rajbanshi paints a canvas to inagurate the event/Prakash Angdambe
Thanks to the sponsors and local organizers who supported Bhutan Media Society (BMS) for portraying life in camps through an open art competition held today on the eve of mark World Refugee Day 2010.
Two dozens of artists – both from camps and local community demonstrated their skills on the event managed by International Creators’ Forum (ICF), Damak.
Taken as one of the rare events in Nepal, six hours long painting became one of the most significant events today in camp vicinity. “Not only the participants, even our judges spent several hours in painting a canvas to reflect life in camps,” said Prakash Angdambe, the local organizer from ICF.
The winners display their canvases
The Bhutanese Community in The Netherlands (BCN), Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD), Youth Organization of Bhutan (YOB) and BMS jointly sponsored the event.
Bhakta Bahadur of Beldangi-I painting his canvas/Prakash
According to the event manager Jeetan Subba, 15 artists from seven camps and six from the host communities participated in canvas drawing today. “We are extremely thankful for BCN, GHRD and YOB for supporting our event,” said Subba.
The major contribution for the event was from journalists associated with BMS, said Subba, “GHRD contributed 150 Euros through BCN, while YOB supported us with US $100.” An ICF source said around US $1000 was used to manage the whole event including canvas, brush and colour, besides covering travel and lunch for the participants.
An artist paints a hut in camp/Prakash
Among the artists, Guna Sunuwar of Pathri camp seized the first prize in the event. Similarly, Rajen Gurung of Beldangi-I and Deo kumar Rai of Pathri became second and third respectively. The winners were awarded with cash prizes – rupees 2011 for the first, rupees 1511 for the second and rupees 1011 for the third and certificates.
The well known artist of the region, Pawan Rajbanshi, inaugurated the event by painting a canvas. While, artists from Refugees’ Eye performed a drama – thrown book – in the Gantabya Theater Hall, where the competition was held.
BMS is planning to go for fundraising through online bidding of those canvases.
Live reporting by TP Mishra and Abi Subedi from Atlanta while the second day’s after-lunch session online update was done by Ramesh Gautam from Norway
11:00 PM: Election concludes through consensus basis. Yam Kharel is elected as Chairman of OBCA national committee. Kumar Gurung is elected as Vice-Chairman whereas DJ Khaling takes in the position of secretary followed by Tika Acharya as Treasurer.
11:08 PM: Meanwhile, members of Board of Directors include Tara Dhungana, Pabitra Rizal, Bhakti Sharma, DB Rai, Deo Datta Sharma and Sarman Samal.
From right: Yam Kharel, DJ Khaling, Kumar Gurung and Tika Acharya discussing about formation of board of directors once they were elected. Photo/TP Mishra
11:20 PM: The convention also elects Vise-Chairs on region basis that includes Rudra Kuikel (South-East), Hari Dhakal (North- East), Monarath Khanal (Pacific), Hari Uprety (Mountain Zone), Deo Thapa, Charan Timsina (North- Central).
11:24 PM: The convention adopted interim by-laws which is said to be in effect for a year. The elected body is an ad-hoc committee for interim period of one year.
11:28 PM: Around 55 participants from various different states were seen in the convention hall during the time of election through consensus basis. Participants busied themselves extending whishes to the elected body. Demand of youth leadership was clearly reflected during the discussion session.
11:48 PM: BNS representative reaches out to Rudra Kuikel for short comment. He says he is hopeful that the OBCA will be the national organization for all the Bhutanese in USA and that it will serve the community in a true spirit.
11:52 PM: Bhutanese Artist of Georgia performs a cultural presentation to entertain the papticipants of the convention. Emerging artists rocked the floor with various traditional songs and music.
Second day program 9:48 AM: Program just begins.
9:59 AM: Raja Ghaley, president of Nepalese Association of South East American takes in chair of chief guest.
10:06AM: Organising committe informs they are waiting for arrival of local journalists to begin the formal program.
10:12: Floor seen busy wispering to one another about who would lead OBCA
Ganga Neopane, young artist from Bhutanese Artists of Georgia, rocks the floor after the convention. Photo/TP Mishra
10:18AM: A team of artists performing OBCA song. Song says our communIty is composed of various castes, culture, religion, tradition. It says we all are struggling and we need to step into progress.
10:40 AM: Amber Bhattarai, a participant from Alaska, speaks to BNS representative: says their team is closely observing the convention but they are not mandated to come into OBCA.
11:27AM: Following Deo Dutta Sharma’s briefing of the objective of the today’s session , guests including some representatives extending their wishes for successful convention.
11:32AM: Hari Bangaley addressing the function; recalls his past experiances being physically torture back in Bhutan
11:47AM: Chief Guest Raja Ghaley reacts to BNS query; “I am excited to be here but as all of our originality,culture and ethnicity is same, it might appear good if we all be united.
12:30PM: Almost nearing to lunch.We regret to inform valued readers that as there is no internet connection in venue hall, as we continue to update from mobile. We won’t be able to continue live blogging after lunch.
First day programs 8:35 PM : The Convention began at 7 pm. As BNS representatives entered the convention venue bit late, the live blogging actually begins from 8:35 pm. The opening of the floor followed the by-law presentation, discussion on it from the floor
8:50 PM : Reportedly learnt that representatives from 17 different States from within the USA showed their participation. Some of them including representatives from Alaska, however, say they attend the program as observer
Bhakti Sharma, Chief Coordinator for first national organising committee, addressing the participants on the day one convention. Photo/TP Mishra
9:00 PM: A beautiful small hall with decoration in dias sees around 100 people as participants of the program. Discussion on By-laws presentation continues. BNS updates news from mobile as there is no internet connection in the convention hall. The first Organizing Committe members including Bhakti Sharma, Yam Kharel, DJ Khaling, Manorath Khanal, Manoj Rai, Kumar Gurung seen sitting in dias.
9:13 PM: Bhakti Sharma explaining the articals of By-law. Floor seen active in shooting cross questions.
9:21 PM: One of the seriously discussed point, it is not yet decided if the Ad hoc Board of Directors and Executives shall be constituted through general consensus or it shall be elected through votings.
9:28 PM: Discussion almost comes to the end. It is expected to end by 10 pm. Sharma still reading the by-laws while the floor keeps shooting the questions
9:33 PM: D J Khaling presenting the by-laws as Sharma takes his support
9:46 PM: Khaling continues presenting by-laws. Some participants seen leaving the convention hall. Participants stepping in and out seen quite frequently
10:00 PM: Still by- laws presentation continues. Khaling reminds he is running out of time
10:35 PM: Program ends. By- laws yet to be adopted. Convention to continue from 6:30 AM tomorrow. Sharma declares the end of today’s session by extending words of gratitude to participants .
Listen to Tika Acharya who participated today’s session below recorded on the first day (click here to download)
Beldangi, June 18: The Bhutanese Community in The Netherlands (BCN) has announced the results of Inter-School Secondary Level Essay Writing Competition held on June 15 to mark World Refugee Day 2010.
Mamata Gurung (middle) with camp supervisor (left) and UNHCR's country chief/Arjun Pradhan
The announcement was made in a function organized here in Beldangi-I camp today, where some 2000 exiled Bhutanese showed their presence.
According to the statement of BCN, Mamata Gurung from Tri-Ratna Secondary School of Beldangi-II, Golsarna Baniya from Sunrise Academy of Khudunabari and Romant Bhattarai of New Horizon Academy of Sanischare camp demonstrated their writing skills securing first, second and the third positions respectively.
BCN conducted the essay writing competition among students of all seven camps in two rounds. The selection round was held in respective camp from where at least a participant was selected for the final round.
Participants wrote essays of around 1000 words a topic of their selection between two: Natural Calamities in Camp, and Life in Camp Vs Resettlement.
Chief of the UN Refugee Agency in Nepal and camp supervisor Beldangi-I handed over the awards including cash prizes to the winners today amidst a function. Global Human Rights Defense from The Netherlands sponsored the writing competition through BCN, while Bhutan Media Society coordinated the event.
This is an initiative to remain connected with our friends in camps, said Dr. Lakshmi Prasad Dhakal, president of BCN. “The main objective for holding such a competition in camps is to enhance writing skills, sharpen their creativity and enable young minds to understand life after resettlement.”
The first national convention of the Organization of the Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA) is scheduled to kick off from today until tomorrow.
The gathering in Georgia is set to declare the national Organization of the Bhutanese in America and its future plans and programs.
The organizing committee says the delegates’ confirmation from different states has been in the final stage. All arrangement for the food and place of stay for the delegates is also ready.
Meanwhile, Bhutan News Service (BNS) will blog live about the event in its official site.
Beldangi-I, June 18: The resident representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Stephen Jacquemet has promised that the agency would constantly advocate for repatriation of the Bhutanese citizens.
The UNHCR's chief in the function /Arjun Pradhan
“Some of you are critical to UNHCR that it promotes just resettlement,” he said while addressing a function organized here to mark World Refugee Day 2010, “I refute such allegations. UNHCR is constantly advocating for your dignified repatriation.”
He also elaborated that resettlement package is at least a solution – it offers refugees different life styles, real future and dignified living. “You will be able to raise stronger voices for repatriation from the resettling countries,” he added.
The UNHCR chief also assured various supports to materialize repatriation process in case it begins in future. “We will be there to provide all possible supports when you start your safe return to your country.”
The Camp Secretary, T.B.Gurung, demanded registration of all pending case. “When we are celebrating this day, hundreds of fellow-countrymen are without breads,” Gurung expressed in his speech.
Around 2000 Bhutanese participated in a peace rally this morning. Representatives of various aid agencies joined the march comprising various groups on traditional dresses, musical instruments and placards.
“Several Bhutanese citizens on national dress marched enthusiastically to carry a message – they took my home but they
Peace rally organized in Beldangi-I camp to mark WRD 2010/Arjun Pradhan
cannot take my future,” commented Prakash Angdambe, a local artist, who reached the spot to express his solidarity.
Angdambe was astonished to see the formal starting of program with Bhutan’s national anthem. “The scene was touching for every person,” he said, “Our Bhutanese friends, who are never recognized as citizens by Bhutan, are wearing Bakhu and Kira to sing their national anthem.”
Likewise, Khudunabari camp also organized a similar function to mark the day.
The camp management committee of the camp staged a historic drama. “We are acting to teach history to our people right from 1624 A.D. when we first entered Bhutan,” Camp Secretary, Bhanu Dhungana, told Bhutan News Service just before the program.
According to Dhungana, resettled Bhutanese from Nebraska have assured financial support for organizing the event. “We have not yet received the grant. But they are supporting us financially,” Dhungana told BNS.
(With inputs from Jeetan Subba and Arjun Pradhan from Beldangi-I camp)
The Global Trends Report published by the UNHCR outlines that the number of people repatriating voluntarily has fallen to its lowest while those uprooted from their home countries count the highest in 2009.
Around 43 million people are forcefully displaced worldwide which is the highest since mid-1990 according to the report. The majority of those came from Afghanistan and Iraq which alone contributed to about 45% of the refugees in the care of UNHCR. The report further says that the number of refugees remain stable at 15.2 million with only 21,51,000 being able to go home compared to 60,40,000 in 2008 while the average number of repartees used to be a million.
“Majority of conflicts such as those in Afghanistan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo show no signs of being resolved,’’ said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres. “Conflicts that had appeared to be ending or were in the way to being resolved, such as in southern Sudan or in Iraq, are stagnating. As a result, last year was not a good year for voluntary repatriation. In fact, it was the worst in twenty years”. The report also mentions that 1,24,000 refugees are admitted for resettlement in 19 different countries of the world at the end of 2009.
The report puts the figure of the Bhutanese refugees resettled in various countries of the west in 2009 at 17,500.
The Global Trends Report published by the UNHCR outlines that the number of people repatriating voluntarily has fallen to its lowest while those uprooted from their home countries count the highest in 2009.
Around 43 million people are forcefully displaced worldwide which is the highest since mid-1990, according to the report. The majority of those came from Afghanistan and Iraq which alone contributed to about 45% of the refugees in the care of UNHCR.
The report further says that the number of refugees remain stable at 15.2 million with only 251,000 being able to go home compared to 604,000 in 2008 while the annual average of returnees used to be a million.
“Majority of conflicts such as those in Afghanistan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo show no signs of being resolved,’’ said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres. “Conflicts that had appeared to be ending or were in the way to being resolved, such as in southern Sudan or in Iraq, are stagnating. As a result, last year was not a good year for voluntary repatriation. In fact, it was the worst in twenty years”.
The report also mentions that 124,000 refugees are admitted for resettlement in 19 different countries of the world at the end of 2009.
The report puts the figure of the Bhutanese refugees resettled in various countries of the west in 2009 at 17,500.
Beldangi-I, June 14: Representatives of Bhutan Media Society (BMS) and camp management committee distributed cash donations to fire victims here.
Following the online appeal from BMS, Bhutanese Community in The Netherlands contributed 150 Euros for the fire victims, while Tek Nath Mishra from California and family of a former camp secretary Manorath Khanal from Arizona contributed US $40.
President of BCN, Dr. Lakshi Dhakal, wrote to Bhutan News Service that his community decided to sympathize the fire victims with a small fund they could gather from the resettled Bhutanese.
The distritution was made on individual basis considering the degree of damage that fire had caused. The cash support reached to 134 fire victims in the camp.
Yet again exiled Bhutanese in Diaspora have proven that their struggle for justice continues. For rulers in Bhutan, the Vermont-based recently concluded Gross National Happiness (GNH) conference might have milked out a lesson that their “lies” will henceforth be limited only within Bhutan.
Conference details This June, a group of six Bhutanese from Atlanta, Georgia, a team from New Hampshire and a group coordinated by Harka Khadka from Vermont participated in the GNH conference held from June 1-3 at Champlain College in Vermont. It was the first GNH conference ever held in the US. The speakers came from different walks of life and various places. One of the key note speakers of the conference was Karma Tshiteem, the Secretary of the Gross National Happiness Commission in Bhutan.
Although it was a three day conference, because of the time and economic constraint, we managed to register for only half a day on June 2. In support of local organizations and friends, we demonstrated with placards and banners as a small group outside the conference building.
The local media coverage of the protest, as quite expected before, was in a praiseworthy way; thanks to them. The second day proved more productive in terms of the advocacy of our issue. A local TV channel (channel 17) arranged for us an interview/discussion session in the morning. Six of us, Parangkush Subedi, Harka Khadka, Tika Acharya, Pashupati Timsina, Damber Timsina and Gopal Subedi participated in the panel discussion. That done, some of us who had registered for the conference went to eat lunch with other participants in the conference (registration fee covered the lunch expenses) while some of our friends staged a banner rally outside the conference building.
A white board reflecting points discussed by the protest participants. Photo/Author
A panel discussion on the indicators of GNH started off in the afternoon followed by a short question and answer session. Following a presentation on the indicator of GNH focusing on psychological well-being by Karma Tshiteem, a question was directed to him by one of our fellow Bhutanese from the audience. The question reads, ‘Thanks for allowing us to participate in the conference. Mr. Tshiteem is a Bhutanese from inside Bhutan and I am a Bhutanese living in exile, however both of us are the sons of the same soil-Bhutan. We like and support GNH concept as a development philosophy, however, without addressing the refugee issue, it will become incomplete. Mr. Tshiteem, my father, 86 years old who died two years ago was born and brought up in Bhutan; my family like many other Bhutanese possesses 1958 land tax receipt. My family was categorized as genuine Bhutanese during the verification process. Given all these evidences, why doesn’t the government of Bhutan allow us and other exiled Bhutanese to return to Bhutan? Why doesn’t the government of Bhutan consider for national reconciliation solving refugee problem once and for all?’ Mr. Tshiteem declined to answer the question stating that it was not the appropriate forum. A certain level of discomfort was obviously visible in him while the audience looked curious at the brought of a new story.
We registered a topic entitled, ‘GNH, Bhutanese refugees and national reconciliation’ for the open space Technology session, in which the participants volunteered a relevant topic for a small group discussion. We began having informal talks with Sonam Ongmo (New York based freelancer) and Tshiring Tashi (co-author of the book ‘Bold Bhutan Beckons, Inhaling Gross National Happiness’) over a short break. Our informal chat converted into a friendly discussion where many Americans and folks from other countries including a gentleman from Singapore keenly participated. While at times we had disagreement over some issues, the idea of national reconciliation was seen with utmost interest by Tshiring Tashi among others.
Looking forward We focused on how to resolve the long standing crisis rather than exchange of words over the past grievances; the idea being, regardless of what happened in the past, now it’s about time to start fresh to come to terms. There is a whole generation of Bhutanese who were born in Bhutan, brought up in exile but have become victims of the unfortunate development in Bhutan beginning late 80s. They have no idea about the Southern Bhutan problem. Twenty years have passed and no permanent solution has come into sight. It’s about time to see the crisis with a different approach. Some of the great ideas we came upon discussion were: intellectual circles should begin writing positive messages in the media that reflects no or less anger, building people to people contact with a positive attitude, make an effort to reach out between groups from both the sides and approach to resolve the issue peacefully. Upon talking to Tshiring Tashi and Sonam Ongmo, I got a feeling that the younger and educated lot inside Bhutan is more open to discussion to resolve the crisis; however, both the sides should approach the crisis with a positive attitude and in a respectful tone. They were of the opinion that if the Bhutanese in exile become less aggressive and more conciliatory towards solving the problem, Bhutan government might be willing to come to the negotiation table. This gives us a point to ponder upon that, regardless of how much of injustice we had to face, the more we cry over the past we can’t reach anywhere with the movement unless we approach it with a different angle to come to terms. We will have to lobby for the following points for national reconciliation as was also presented by us in the GNH conference.
Repatriation of willing exiled Bhutanese to Bhutan with honor and dignity
Recognition of the resettled refugees as Non-resident Bhutanese. There are many Eastern and Western Bhutanese in the US who could take a lead role in the future
Permission of the political parties in exile to participate in 2013 election and letting human rights organizations to function from inside Bhutan
Promotion of inclusive democracy with equal opportunity for all
Our presence in the conference has given a clear indication to Bhutan that no matter what, Bhutanese in exile will make an effort to peacefully make their voice heard to the world community in the International forums. For Bhutan, to ignore the refugee issue would be to tarnish its image further in the international community, therefore, it should make an effort to solve the crisis at the earliest to pre-empt any untoward political upheaval in the country from residual political force operating from outside the country. Not only will Bhutan benefit by repatriating willing exiled Bhutanese and recognizing the resettled Bhutanese as Non-resident Bhutanese, it will then make sense for Bhutan to rightly claim as the proponent of the concept of Gross National Happiness.
Subedi, one of the participants of the protest program, can be reached at: [email protected].
