Amidst a large presence members of the community, guests and representatives from agencies and from local communities, the Bhutanese Community in Utah (BCU) celebrated Nepali New Year 2071, literally known as Bikram Sambat, on April 19 at a local Krishna temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The receiving and honoring of the community members, who became naturalized citizens followed by group dance from applauded Bhutanese American, marked the opening of three-hour-long event.
One of the honored members, Puspa Bajgai, who considers himself as illiterate in both Nepali and English, shared his thoughts as saying: “I am very happy and proud today. When I was in Nepal in a refugee camp, I remember how badly we were used to be treated by some of the local community people just because we were refugee, and didn’t have citizenship. I can firmly tell you that anyone who can hear and see can easily pass the test for naturalization.”
Devi Rizal, who also was able to pass the citizenship test, presented a token of respect to those who never went to school in their lives, but were able to pass the citizenship test.
The program filled with different modern and cultural dances, songs by Bhutanese youth, women’s group and children entertained the quests, sponsors and the other presented in the program for the celebration.
The All State, an auto insurance company, was primary sponsor of the event, according to BCU president, Mukti Bhurtel.
