The Organization of Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA) said it has decided to hold its third national convention in Phoenix, Arizona from June 15-17.
A press statement issued by its Press and Publication Secretary, Manoj Rai, mentioned that Bhutanese community members from various states are expected to participate in the convention themed ‘together we’ll build a better community’.
The three-day gathering would begin with arrival and registration of participants followed by a dinner party to be hosted by the Bhutanese Community of Arizona in the first day, said Rai in the statement.
“The second day events consist of the convention opening session, presentation of state-wise reports, discussion of the organization’s projects, and discussion sessions, among others,” the statement said.
Rai further said that unlike in its past conventions, the OBCA said the convention would bring in different group sessions as regard to community empowerment, youth and sports, music, literature, role of community media in the diaspora and the role of senior community members toward community strengthening and self-reliance on the second day.
The Bhutan Media Society, Literature Council of Bhutan, Global Bhutanese Literature Organization, Bhutanese Artists in America, Inter-State Bhutanese Soccer Tournament Organizing Committee and a group of senior community members have been asked to conduct separate discussion sessions during the convention, highlighted the statement.
Meanwhile, analyst R.P. Subba, in the capacity of keynote speaker of the convention, will present a paper titled ‘Bhutanese community: its empowerment through entrepreneurship and financial literacy’.
The organization also informed that even site visit, picnic and premier show of the movie ‘Suruwat’ are also being planned.
The Bhutanese Community of Arizona (BCA) and the Bhutanese Art and Culture Center (BACC), Georgia, will host a cultural program on the third day with an aim of preserving and promoting community art, culture and tradition, the statement added.
One of the individuals or organizations dedicated for service to the community will also be honored on the third day, according to Rai. However, details of nominees were not immediately known.
“On this auspicious occasion, the third national convention organizing committee, state program organizing committee and the organization, would like to send our greetings to all the Bhutanese living in America for their continued progress and livelihood, and extend a warm welcome to every one to this annual community event in Arizona.”
