Bimla Siwakoti won the title of Miss Bhutan US 2016 defeating nine other contestants at the beauty pageant’s grand finale held in Cleveland, Ohio last Saturday.
Winner and two runner ups of the contest/Photo Organizers
The winner was also awarded a cash prize of $ 1200 with gift hampers from Bless Threading and Beauty Spa and AAHA production, Texas. First runner up and second runner up were awarded with cash $ 800 and $500 respectively with gift hampers.
Priyanka Karki, a versatile Nepali actress, did choreography and trained the contestant of Miss Bhutan USA. Numa Limbu, Miss Bhutan USA 2015 crowned Bimla for winning the title of Miss Bhutan USA 2016. She also Personality and Best Skin subtitle. Sunita Gurung won Miss Photogenic subtitle and a first runners up whereas Sita Rai won Miss Talent subtitle with second runners up respectively.
Sumeet Sigdel, Arjun Subedi, Aastha Raut, Aaryan Adhikari, and Kali Prasad Baskota served as panel of judge.
The pageant was organized by The Himalayan Festival USA at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cleveland.
Meanwhile, Bimla Siwakoti responded to our questions in an email interview about her winning the title. See the interview.
Bhutan media society congratulates you for Miss Bhutan USA 2016. Can you tell about yourself?
Namaste, and Thank you all. My name is Bimla Siwakoti, initially from Goldhap. Right now I reside in beautiful Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with my amazing family. I am just a girl who is passionate about helping others and bringing positive changes in our community. I am very ambitious and a go-getter. But just like everyone else I am not perfect by any means. So right now I am working on being a better person than what I was yesterday, while juggling school, work, and the responsibilities that comes with the crown.
How do you feel about winning this title?
I am very grateful to have won the title. It would have been impossible without the support of my friends, family and mentors. It’s an exciting new adventure for me. Like they say, ” With great power comes great responsibility.” So it is a little over whelming at times due to the level of expectations people have from me. But I intend to make the best out of the opportunity and exceed people’s expectations.
Is this just a beauty show or you value the inner talents for being Miss Bhutan USA?
I personally believe that what makes a person beautiful is not only what’s on the outside but what’s inside their heart and their brain. I would be lying if I said the show wasn’t about what you looked like on the outside because part of it most definitely was. But I am speaking for the participants, the beautiful crowd and myself when I say that we were given equal opportunity to showcase our talents, and share our insights on various topics. So of course, I extremely value the talent required to hold the title.
Crowned Miss Bhutan USA Bimala/Photo:Organizers
Why Bhutan USA? Why not Miss Nepali Harrisburg?
Why not Miss Bhutan USA? Why Miss Nepali Harrisburg? What’s so wrong with wanting to achieve a bigger goal? Why settle for a city’s tittle when I could represent my city in a country’s title? Why settle for less? Would you settle for less?
How you want to promote the values of community you belong to after having this title?
Every community has their own personal sets of values. But I believe that my values lie in being kind, generous, caring, and thoughtful and loving each other. I believe in not judging people, I believe in not having a caste system to divide people, I believe in everyone being equal. My values might be a little non traditional but I hope I can relay the message to our community to be more open minded and accepting of everyone and moving forward as a team. This will teach our future generations about “unity”. My main focus will be promoting equality among all.
Are you hopeful about the future of others who want to this showbiz?
Absolutely, I believe that the showbiz has a lot of potential, because we have so many tremendously talented people. And so many other people who are dedicated to provide those talented people a platform to prosper. And for those who want to pursue anything in this showbiz, I say go for it and chase your dreams!! No one can stop you!!
What are the best personal qualities to have at hand for coming to this competition?
This competition requires a lot out of a person. I believe Confidence comes first. There is something so powerful about owning what you say, how you walk, how you dress, just owning everything about yourself and your surrounding! Confidence makes you fierce and it creates a bridge of trust between you and others. The next big quality I would say is humbleness. You could be the most famous person on earth but if you’re not humble, you’re no good. Third quality, Intelligence. They say, “beauty might be dangerous but intelligence is lethal.” And that speaks volume. Lastly, I would say you must be a good team player! It might be a competition but it’s not possible without team effort.
What difference are you making in the community?
Let’s see! I am just getting started but I believe that a lot of young girls look up to me as a strong role model because even with all the odd against me, I fought hard to pursue my dreams. I am all about empowering people and inspiring them to be the best version of themselves. I am hoping I’ve touched a few people. I am also changing the standards of what “beauty” means in our community. I think a lot of people believe that a beauty queen needs to be tall, lean, and perfect. Look at me; I am short, chubby and flawed. But I wouldn’t be anyone else but myself at the end of the day. Our women are expected to be perfect and I want to make sure the community knows that there is no such thing as a perfect woman! Anyways I have a lot of plans to bring positive changes in our community. I have an amazing team of support from HMFUSA. We will be doing a lot of charity work and I can’t give you all the details just yet but we have big plans for sure.
Previous Miss were found so inactive in community. What program are you bringing to value the title?
Inactive? Are you sure? As for my knowledge both the girls were actively involved with many programs. I know Prakriti and Numa both helped raise a lot of money for Nepal’s earthquake victims. Prakriti Rai has partnered up with NGO and has been an active member for two years. She recently visited Nepal and went back to the camps and volunteered there. Just because everything they do is not on the newspaper doesn’t mean they are not doing anything. Most of the good deeds go unnoticed while a small humanely mistake is flashed for the world to see. I think that’s the same case here. My sole motivations to participate in this competition were these two ladies. I want to follow their footsteps. Us three and all the ladies from Miss Bhutan USA 2014,2015, and 2016 have a lot of plans together but it’s not possible to bring a change in the community if the community is not helping us. My question for you is, did you guys offer these ladies any help this past two years to do anything for the community? How is one person supposed to change the world? How’s that even possible. Change requires baby steps! And we are all working very hard to make things happen and we need your support not discouragement. So, I humbly request everyone in our community to be active members and help us make things happen.
Any comment regarding organizing of the event?
The event was a huge success. Each and every person was dedicated to the max. We all brought our A game to the event. Everyone had fun and there was not a single glitch. We all came together as a community and made the best out of the time we had together. It was very emotional for me to see how happy everyone was. I am so very proud of everyone!! It would take me days to mention names so I won’t do that, but shout out to everyone who was there at Himalayan Festival USA 2016. And a special thanks to Priyanka Karki Dee for going above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of.
And I want to thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. It’s such a pleasure.
Dr. Shah Bahadur Gurung has been fighting terminal rectal cancer, the battle that he thinks can be won, if he takes to some alternative medicines. The oncologists he consulted for treatment have no success in giving him hope for winning the battle. However, a trained medical person himself, Dr. Shah found alternative medicines to have healing effect. He is appealing to all known and unknown for helping him not only fight the battle but also prove a research that some traditional medicines can help similar cases. On July 28 he flew to border town of Mexico, Tijuana, in a clinic named Hoxsey Biomedical Center to get his first dose of medicines. He is currently visiting Euromed Foundation in Phoenix, AZ for unknown length of treatment that might cost thousands of dollars out of his pocket . Yet he is determined to prove something better out of alternative form of medicines that are in place. It is learnt from his family source that he is determined to win this battle and has spent all the savings if he had.
Dr. Gurung at 25 during his medical school days. Photo: His family
The alternative treatment he has opted for is seen beyond his capacity. Thus, Robin Gurung, one of his nephews from California decided to join the road to help Dr. Shah by initiating ‘GOFUNDME’ donation drive. Friends, family members and well-wishers are contributing to help him fulfill his dream.
Dr. Shah is known for helping thousands of sick people in the refugee camps and rural villages in Nepal. He helped hundreds of seniors by diagnosing various types of diseases they were suffering from. He is remembered for referring most of the cases for the treatments in better centers outside the refugee camps.
Dr. Shah talked to BNS over the phone and asked if this media can play positive role in his anti-cancer treatment deviating from the modern technology driven regimen prescribed by oncologists.
Below is his story by himself:
My name is Shah Bahadur Gurung, a husband and a father of 2 (16 year old daughter and 9 year old son). In September 2012, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer of stage 4, i.e terminal stage. My oncologist told me I have just 1- 2 years to live, but I am defying odds every day. I refuse to be just another statistics. I have always been a fighter and will continue the fight- not just for myself but, for others like me. I have been seeking alternative treatment which has been helping and I want to continue with my research and treatment with your help!
I am originally from Bhutan and currently living in Oakland, California. Born to a poor family in a remote village of Chirangdara in Bhutan my life has never been easy. My poor parents had difficulty in meeting the needs of their seven children. Despite the poverty and hardship of rural life and thanks to the free education system of Bhutan at the time, I obtained a Medical degree from Bangladesh. But the fate had different thing in store for us- the Southern Bhutanese. My family lived as refugees in Sanischare camp in East Nepal, where I belonged to for almost 2 decades.
With his two little children. Photo: His family
During this period I specialized as a General Practitioner from Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University,Nepal and worked in various rural hospitals as Surgeon, an Internist, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a Pediatrician, an Orthopedic surgeon and all possible roles that came by. I feel extremely privileged and satisfied when I recall those days in the refugee camps and the rural districts of Nepal where I helped hundreds of patients suffering from various ailments. Saving the lives of the rural women coming to me with obstetric complications such as prolonged bleeding and obstructed labor with impending or ruptured uterus earmarked as most satisfying moment for me.
My profession is also my passion to alleviate pain of others.
The year 2010 turned out to be a turning point for me and my family. We were accepted by the government of USA under refugee resettlement program. We were so thrilled to start our lives in the “Land of Opportunities” and with new hopes and dreams we landed in Oakland in April 2010. After settling down, I started my preparations to get certified as a Physician here in USA. It was towards the completion of my certification process when another misfortune struck me.
In September 2012, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer stage 4, i.e. terminal stage! A death sentence for me? I consulted my doctor and treatment started immediately that comprised of surgery, radiation and several rounds of chemotherapy. The treatment prognosis continued till March 2016 with mixed responses initially but later refusing to show any improvement. Towards the end of March this year my oncologist declared there was nothing more that could be done for the treatment. In fact I was referred for Home Hospice Care- allowing me just about six months! I was totally devastated and crestfallen. Even more worst moment of my life was to see tears rolling down the face of my wife to get this news.
The outpouring of support and encouragement from my family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers rekindled hope and urged me to start thinking more positively. When I look at my family, I know that deep inside their innocent hearts they all are praying for me and pleading me to breathe around them for longer.
Dr. Shah performing surgery in Nepal.
I revoked the Hospice care after one month and started treating myself with alternative methods. Though trained as Allopathic doctor, I resort to alternative methods of treatment for my illness. Now, I understand the treatment is helping me and feel much better than I did three months back. My research has led me to find numerous options and treatment centers both inside and outside of USA. I strongly believe that these centers will help me to fight against this terminal cancer. I need to continue my fight with every weapon available at the disposal. My kids need my support and guidance till they can be more independent and fend for themselves.
Surviving with terminal cancer, I want to prove that every individual is different and show others like me that there are proven alternative medicines. I have already defied my oncologist’s date of death by living two more years. I am determined to prove that it is not stage 4 of my illness but rather be my 4 stages of my healing. Stage 4 cancer may be a “Life sentence” but definitely not a “death sentence”!
Life has taught me that If something does not work, you need to start looking for alternatives and never give up. This does not mean that I lost faith and going against allopathy or modern medicine.
For this venture that I will be embarking very soon, I would like to appeal to all my friends, relatives and well wishers far and wide to extend all possible support that I can emerge with another theory of surviving cancer with alternative medicines in place.
Two resettled Bhutanese, Ashok Gurung, a student at the University of Pittsburgh and Parangkush (PK) Subedi, a Health Program Analyst at the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) have been actively involved educating fellow Bhutanese people on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in the United States since 2014.
In the summer of 2014, 124 Bhutanese Community leaders from across the country received MHFA training in Harrisburg, PA. In 2016, they have given the training in Rochester, NY, Akron, OH, Houston, TX and Omaha, NE. So far, more than 550 Bhutanese participants have become mental health first aiders in the United States.
Participants in Houston, TX in pose after the MHFA training . Photo: Ashok Gurung
MHFA is a widely used course to train human service workers in the U.S. It was introduced in the U.S. in 2008 and, to date, more than 600,000 people from all 50 States have completed training. MHFA training is offered to a variety of audiences, including hospital staff, employers and business leaders, faith communities, and law enforcement. The goal of MHFA is to impart the knowledge necessary to provide support to people with mental illness. The program is intended to increase mental health literacy, decrease stigmatizing attitudes, and prepare community members to recognize and assist individuals who are in crisis.
The 8-hour Adult MHFA training course, performed in one full day (or four hours for two days), introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs building an understanding of their impact and reviewing standard treatments. More specifically, participants learn about depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, psychosis, eating disorders, substance use disorders, self-injury, and suicidal behaviors. Participants learn the signs and symptoms of these disorders including skills to provide necessary first-hand supports before a professional help is available.
Participants attending MHFA training in Omaha Nebraska Photo: Ashok Gurung
“This course is quite intensive. The terminologies in the course are pretty new to most of us. I can’t imagine, how difficult it would be to the people with limited English proficiency; had a native speaker given it. “Receiving MHFA training from bilingual instructors indeed helped us understand better and improve our mental health knowledge as it has solved the need for interpreters in the training. Instructors linked cultural competency issues while citing examples along the course. This is one of the best training I have ever received,” said Kumar Gurung, a Bhutanese community leader and businessman in Omaha Nebraska. Gurung along with 33 other Bhutanese participants completed Mental Health First Aid training in Nebraska on July 23rd.
Likewise, DB Rai, Chairman of Organization of Bhutanese Community in America (OBCA), one of the umbrella organizations of Bhutanese community in the United States said, “Mental Health First Aid training was very informative and provided needed skills to assess risk behaviors of affected individuals and provide support accordingly. It should be continued in other states where a large number of Bhutanese folks are resettled.” Rai, who is also a chairperson of Bhutanese American Association of Houston, organized MHFA training on June 11th. Altogether 22 Bhutanese participants completed training in Houston, TX.
Participants during the training session at Harrisburg, PA in 2014 Photo: BNS
Similarly, Karan Thapa, Chairman of Bhutanese Community of Greater Rochester, New York said, “MHFA is a much-needed course in our community. It has helped improve our mental health knowledge. It opens up our people’s mind to share their mental health issues, if any, to their family members, friends, or service providers. ALGEE action plan of MHFA is simply awesome!”
Meanwhile, MHFA training has been provided to other immigrant communities and refugee serving frontline staffs. Houston, TX had four different classes for Bhutanese, Somali, Burmese, and Congolese people.
There are altogether four Nepali speaking bilingual adult mental health first aid instructors so far in the U.S.
Ashok Gurung, one of the instructors of the MHFA training based in Pittsburgh, PA, said, “We are allowed to train a maximum of thirty participants in a class, however, the organizers have been giving more than thirty, and we can’t stop them attending the class. I understand the need in our community, and I guess MHFA training is getting popular. This larger attendance is a good sign because our goal is to prepare at least 1000 Bhutanese mental health first aiders in the United States to address mental health and suicide issues in the Bhutanese Community. I would like to thank the ORR, the community leaders, and the organizers across various states for their continuous support to make this training happen.”
“We have to educate resettled Bhutanese refugees to maximize their follow-up screenings on physical and mental health issues. Mental Health First Aid training course is one of the best resources available in most of the places where resettled Bhutanese could benefit out of it to improve their awareness level on mental health,” said Dr. Chhabilall Sharma, a Bhutanese Psychiatrist based in Minnesota.
The following are the certified MHFA and QPR trainers in the Bhutanese communities in the US per the information received by the BNS.
Bhutanese Refugee Repatriation Committee (BRRRC) has requested the Nepal government to take a lead to repatriate those Bhutanese refugees unwilling to resettle in a third country.
Dr. Bhumpa Rai, Chariman- BRRRC. BNS-File Photo
At a press conference organised in Damak, Jhapa, on Saturday, July 16, Chairman of BRRRC Dr. Bhampa Rai appealed the Nepal government to synchronize with Bhutan for the repatriation.
BRRC appeal to Nepal Govt.
“As per the international laws refugees should be allowed to return home, but the international community has resorted to third country resettlement instead of doing the needful to let us return home,” Dr Rai said during the conference. Further he added, “Other than repatriation of the refugees, anything done for them, either third country resettlement or integration in the local community will prove fatal in the long run”. Rai said, “Many refugees face psychological problems as a result of being separated from their family, most of whom now live in the United States”.
Speaking at the conference, Camp secretary of Beldangi refugee camp, Sanchahang Limbu expressed his fears that there would be no one to take care of them after their children chose to resettle oversees. Subba also spoke against the plan to rehabilitate Bhutanese refugees into the local community.
Meanwhile, BRRRC circulated the press release requesting the aid agencies to continue with food and nutrition sustenance to those refugees remaining in camps. This release came after the World Food Program (WFP) warns the refugees could face severe food shortage in 2017.
After the third country resettlement of more than one hundred thousand refugees since 2008, as many as 15,000 remain back in the camps.
As beautiful as the day was, another beautiful event that took place in the community was the volleyball match played between Bhutanese and Nepalese youths.
Photo: CM Nirola
There were two communities of different national origin but sharing a plethora of commons, language and culture making them alike, and the sports so popular in their home countries. They were playing a volleyball tournament with idea of strengthening brotherhood relationship. But the highlight there was not the tournament, but friendliness they showed to each other in such a friendly manner.
The volleyball tournament was organized by Bhutanese youth council, played with NH-12 Nepalese community.
The tournament was played in Gossler Park School premises in Manchester NH. The tournament was won by youth council.
After the tournament, lead of council Om Basnet extended gratitude to all youths and players. “We are so glad that we got a chance to extend brotherhood relations with Nepalese residing in the state of New Hampshire. We are encouraged to work together from now”, Basnet spoke to BNS.
“Lets come together and spread peace through unity”, added Basnet.
By: Rup Pokharel, Pittsburgh/PA & Krishna K Sapkota, Richmond/VA
Organization of Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA) held its 6th annual convention July 8-10 in collaboration with Bhutanese Community of Cincinnati (BCC) with its Annual Cultural function-2016 at 7198 E Pippin Road, Cincinnati, OH.
Addressing the convention, DB Rai, president of OBCA highlighted the mission, vision and strategies of the organization: “OBCA that was established in 2010 has walked six years long journey. The past six years have laid the foundation of this organization. The invaluable suggestions, constructive criticisms and commitments we have received from community leaders and volunteers from different states have become our guiding principle. In this regard, we have gathered needed experience in shaping and taking this organization to its new level.
DB Rai addressing the convention.
Through this sixth convention, OBCA requests all the Bhutanese Community Organizations functioning in the US to share with us their successes, difficulties and ideas, so that we all can sit together and build our culturally rich community that is diverse in its own.”
Talking to BNS on future plans of his organization DB Rai said, “There are still around 15,500 Bhutanese friends in Sanischare and Beldangi camps in Nepal. Out of them around 7000 are likely to get resettled. The fate of those 8000 to 9000 refugees is likely to go uncertain. Food, health, shelter, medical and education for the children are our main concern. In this regard OBCA is in constant touch with UNHCR and the government of Nepal. Though we are not in a position to fund any of the single areas of need with complete package, yet, even a small contribution from our end makes big difference and adds meaning. OBCA appeals all the community organizations- let us think to be a part with whatever we can in making the lives of our fellow refugees easier until an amicable solution is in place.”
Delegates with Larry Yungk during the interaction session at Marriot.
During the interaction session organized at the Marriot Hotel, Larry Yungk, UNHCR senior resettlement officer at Washington DC, gave an update on the state of refugees’ situation around the world and Bhutanese refugees in particular.
Larry who has experience of working with UNHCR and resettlement processes for the last 29 years, appreciated the level of progress and successes made by the resettled Bhutanese in the US in the short span of time. He further applauded the unity among the Bhutanese and their sense of help towards their fellows in need.
Speaking on the future of those 8000 to 9000 Bhutanese refugees that are likely to remain in the camps at the time of possible closure in 2017, Larry said, “UNHCR is equally concerned like you all in the countries of resettlement and those in the refugee camps. Our office in Nepal is working closely with the core countries and the government of Nepal in finding an amicable solution. Something that shall address the issue and guarantee their future shall obviously be decided in refugees’ favor.”
UNHCR Nepal has updated its official Facebook page on July 13, 2016 stating, “UNHCR Nepal would like to congratulate the Organization of the Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA) for successfully organizing a convention of Bhutanese refugees who were resettled from Nepal to the United States.”
Expressing expectation from the end of the Bhutanese diaspora, the Facebook status reads, “UNHCR is exploring ways on how the Bhutanese diaspora can contribute to support small-scale projects that benefit remaining refugee population in Nepal camps.
Of the 104,000 Bhutanese refugees resettled from Nepal to third countries, over 88,000 refugees have been resettled in the United States.”
Dilip Dahal addressing the convention.
The vice president of OBCA, Dilip Dahal who represented resettled Bhutanese refugees in Kathmandu in November, 2015 to mark resettlement of 100,000th Bhutanese through IOM process updated the participants during his presentation.
“Relation building, networking and advocacy are the main goals of OBCA. To strengthening the relationship and to acknowledge the help and the humanitarian support rendered to the exiled Bhutanese by the Government of Nepal, UNHCR, IOM and the core countries, OBCA sent its representative to Kathmandu, Nepal. I represented the resettled Bhutanese during a program to mark 100,000th Bhutanese flying to US under the third country resettlement program. I got an opportunity to share the successes and difficulties of our community members in the US and equally raised the issue of those still in the refugee camps to K.P Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, UNHCR head in Nepal and representatives from all the core countries,” said Dahal.
Prof. Hari Prasad Adhikari, special guest of the convention addressing the delegates.
Prof.Dr Hari Prasad Adhikari, special guest of the program from Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, Varanasi India, Ganga Ram Lamitarey, founding chairman and Board of Director of Literature Council of Bhutan (LCOB) spoke on the importance of culture, language and their relationship towards our identity.
“The rich culture that has guided our daily lives since centuries is our identity. Our ancestors have handed upon us the culture with responsibilities to protect, preserve, promote and pass to the younger generation. As long as this culture remains with us and keep being and remaining as a part of our life, we are sure to survive, shine and succeed wherever we live. Thus, this is our identity”, said Prof. Adhikari.
Community leaders from Pittsburgh PA, Columbus OH, Richmond VA, Des Mones IA, Cincinnati OH, Atlanta GA, Phoenix AZ, Houston TX, Denver CO spoke in the convention. Sancha Man Rai, a Commissioner at Governor’s commission on Asian American Affairs of Pennsylvania, Dilli Ram Adhikari, CEO of Intra-National Home Care, LLC addressed the convention stressing on unity among the Bhutanese communities and stressed having one single platform for all the community members to be accommodated in. The speakers also presented the programs and projects their respective organization undertakes.
Tek Bir Chhetri speaking on Community Economic Empowerment concept.
Tek Bir Chhetri, chief guest of the inaugural session of the convention presented a concept on ‘Community Economic Empowerment’.“We have so far overcome series of sufferings, challenges and hardships starting from Bhutan. We lived the same situation in the refugee camps. And, the same elements are following us even here in the country of settlement
The only way out to run out of these issues is making individuals, families and community economically prosperous. Let there be a place where an individual can invest. Let the investors see it grow and utilize the growth when in need. To this part, we are in the process of developing a concept paper on how we can make our community economically stable. And, very soon we are meeting community leaders in different states to explore the ideas.”
Jennifer Johnson, Office of the Refugee Resettlement (ORR) State coordinator who oversees the refugee programs in the state of Ohio, presented the state and status of resettled Bhutanese in the Ohio state.
Sandra Hollingsworth, ORR Refugee Health Coordinator for the state of Ohio in charge of overall refugee health programs presented the health status of the refugees.
Gopal Gartoula updating the refugee camps situation.
A longtime friend of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal and a correspondent for Himal Kahabarpatrika, Gopal Gartoula who attended the convention as a guest speaker presented the situation of the camps in Nepal. Gartoula stated that the basic ration that the refugees receive has reduced. The education system is deteriorating each year due to the lack of teachers. Insufficient level of health care facilities is always there. The radio report he presented on the lives being lived by the Bhutanese refugees in the two camps today stunned the audience.
Appreciating the role played by Bhutanese Community of Cincinnati (BCC), DB Rai on behalf of OBCA expressed that, “Had Bhutanese Community of Cincinnati (BCC) not accepted our request in hosting this convention together with its Annual cultural function-2016, it would be hard for us to make this convention so successful. The leadership role played by Khem Rizal, BB Poudel and the entire event organizing committee in this regard is priceless. Credit goes to board members and volunteers’ of BCC for making this convention so successful.
We are equally indebted to NK brothers for the entire sound system in the event. The level of accommodation and warm hospitality for the guests, internal transportation services and the lunch arranged by BCC were way beyond our expectations. The unity within BCC is something everyone should learn. The invaluable time the entire community members reserved to attend the event is duly respected.”
Rai further has thanked the sponsors for their contributions in different forms.
Releasing press statement on July 14, OBCA board has inducted additional six state and city representatives. BB Poudyel from Cincinnati OH, DB Adhikari from Columbus OH, Krishna Sapkota from Richmond VA, Narad Pokhrel from Missouri, Bhim Gurung from Nebraska and NB Gurung from Iowa.
Cultural & Entertainment
Artists from St. Louis Missouri at the convention center.
The July 10 session began with Bishnu Kharel from Cincinnati, OH and Keshari Khadka from Syracuse, NY together handling the stage and honoring the first Bhutanese singer, Pratap Subba with his melodious song Bandan Ko Chino… performed by Santa Kafley from Cincinnati. Dynamic talents like Dhakal Brothers (Manoj & Krishna), Arjun
Artists from different states during Album release session..
Rasaili, Amber Subba, Biswaz Gurung, Hem Phuyel, Rita Gautam, Rajesh Khanal, Prakash Shree (Stand-up Comedian ), NK Brothers (Khada & Naresh Gautam), Rajesh Subba (Ray Band), Dhan Baraili, Bishnu Rasaili (Druk Fusion Band) and many more rocked the floor with vivid rhythms and notes throughout the day.
Riya Album by Khem Rizal.
The last day of the event not only featured different cultural events, but also released two music albums from within the Bhutanese communities in the USA. First was ‘Riya’, the second music album of Khem Rizal from Cincinnati, OH. Raj Sarar is the vocalist of all five songs while Melina Rai has performed in one. Lyricist of all the six songs, Rizal thanked the sponsors and supporters of the album.
The other released album “BROTHERS” was from NK Brothers (Naresh & Khada Gautam) from Cincinnati, OH. “BROTHERS,” the debut album consists of eight songs on the voice of various reputed singers like Manoj Dhakal, Saru Parajuli, Arjun Rasaili, Kishor Siwakoti, Naina Monger, and NK Brothers.
Dr. Anisha Singh, Physician at Geriatric Providers Hospitalists, Inc. who was one of the guests in the convention received thunderous applause from the audience who all stood to honor her performance. She performed a dance mixed with props and pranks on the theme of overcoming the suicidal thoughts. Her son was the co-star on the stage for this performance.
Dr. Anisha Singh performing with her son.
She stated her performance on the stage as, ” My humble attempt to raise awareness against the high suicide rate in the Bhutanese community all over the USA.”
Dancers from St. Louis Missouri, Akron Ohio, Syracuse New York, and Cincinnati Ohio entertained the audience with different cultural performances.
Artists from St.Louis Missouri performing.
The location for the next, 7th annual convention for OBCA is not yet decided, however, many different community leaders from Oklahoma Nebraska, Des Mones, Iowa and Ohio have shown immense interest in hosting it locally in their own state. DB Rai, president of OBCA has stated that the soon to be held board meeting of the organization shall decide the venue of the next convention.
Community volunteers working in different fields were appreciated with the letters of appreciation. The two day long convention hosted by Bhutanese Community of Cincinnati (BCC) was attended by around 400 people.
Global Bhutanese Hindu Organization- America (GBHO-A) held its third semi-annual convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in a day long close door interaction session July 2, 2016.
Seniors curiously listening state representatives discussing the cultural, religious and traditional activities. Photo: BNS
Speaking to the audience and participants Pundit, Dadiram Neopaney remarked, “The rich ancient tradition and culture that we have brought to our new country is an asset and we should practice and educate our younger generation with due respect and discipline. The main essence of the philosophy Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- the world is one family is and shall remain our discipline forever.”
Krishna Phuyel, a noted spiritual personality explained the meaning, definition and theme of spirituality, religion and religious believes. “Love, respect, charity, peace and non-violence are the gems of the Sanataan Dharma- eternal order that is the inherited laws we are brought-up with. It our responsibility to keep it unaffected and transfer to our younger generation in culturally appropriate way”, Phuyel said.
The program hosted by Om Kaar Pariwar, based in Pittsburgh and organized by GBHO-A, was attended by the representatives from North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Kamal Dhimal addressing the closing session of the semi-annual convention. Photo: BNS
Speaking to the closing session of the conference Kamal Dhimal, acting chief-coordinator of the organization expressed that, “three years ago we felt the importance of preserving and promoting our culture in our new home country that encouraged us to have an organization that acts as our institution. And, through the guidance of the institution we can practice our religious, cultural and traditional events and festivals to their true meanings. We have started our journey and moving with open hand support from all the community members from different states and cities.”
“We have representatives in 22 different states in the US and we are expanding. We are receiving encouraging feedbacks and constructive criticisms from our reverent Swamis, Acharyas and volunteers. We are preparing ourselves for announcing the structure, guidelines and our annual calendar during the third conference”, Dhimal further added.
This gathering organized for evaluation, planning and preparation for the upcoming third conference to be held in Charlotte, NC this November, 26 was moderated by Tara Phuyel and chaired by Pundit Dadi Ram Neopaney.
Team Georgia wins the 6th Bhutanese Interstate Soccer tournament defeating Forth Worth-Texas by a single goal in the final game played in the Starfire Stadium, July 3,2016.
The lone goal by Lokesh Chhetri for Georgia in the 32nd minute of the first half won the 2016 title.
The game started after the brief ceremony that included the read out of the greetings from the Washington State governor, Jay Inslee and Senator Pramila Jayapal followed by national anthem of the United States and Bhutan.
Awards.
Team Georgia with the Winning Trophy and the prize: Photo/Yug Dabadi
Kul Bahadur Gurung, CA – received life time soccer achievement award that included a trophy, certificate of excellence and a cash prize of $ 601 awarded by the Sports Council.
Bhola Khanal,GA – Best goal keeper of the tournament – trophy
Bishnu Koirala, TX- Best defender of the tournament-trophy
Soccer lovers from different states and cities had watched the game in the Seattle Sounders club stadium. Bhutanese Community Resource Center(BCRC) and Bhutanese American Sports Council( BASC) officials volunteered for the games.
BASC officials declared that the next tournament will be held in Minnesota in the summer of 2017.
All the players and managers rated Washington as the best host thus far, in terms of the prizes, awards, and accommodation for food and logistics and hospitality.
6th annual interstate soccer tournament kicks off in Valley ridge soccer fields amidst an inaugural function in Seattle on July 1, 2016.
Bhutanese Youths from fifteen different states participated in the tournament. First and second rounds of games were played between 22 teams registered where team Georgia, Colorado, North Dakota, Texas, and Ohio entered for the quarter final playoffs.
Bhutanese Community Resource Center and Bhutanese American Sports council officials volunteered for logistics and other support the games. All the games were judge by the highly qualified officials from Washington Youth Soccer and Jitu Basnet, a US certified referee. All the games were played in much disciplined manner and there were no injuries or conflicts whatsoever.
This year tournament has raised the standard of games and we are happy with the host communities who have worked so hard to uplift the standards of Bhutanese soccer, remarked a fellow Bhutanese soccer lover who travelled all the way from South Dakota.
Bhutanese Community Resource Center mobilized the volunteers from its pool to cater lunch, water, airport pickups for the guests.
The final and the third place will be played in Starfire Stadium on July 3rd in the afternoon.
