The three day third national convention of the Organization of Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA) organized with a theme ‘Together we’ll build a better community’ that took place here in the Sun City—Phoenix, Arizona ended Sunday amidst various programs.
According to the event organizer, representatives from more than two dozen States across the US participated during the event that presented various programs including group discussions on contemporary issues, cultural shows, premier show of the movie called the ‘Suruwat, ek naya jiwan’, honoring an organization for its contribution, among others.
The second day, Saturday, saw the presentation of updates of the resettled Bhutanese in various States from the OBCA representatives and some individuals who travelled miles to this Sun City greeting 106deg Fahrenheit temperature outside the convention venue. A majority of those who updated the status of the Bhutanese resettled in their respective States also stressed on the need of forming a single national level organization. DJ Khaling, Chairman of the organization, while addressing the mass made it clear that his organization was in regular touch with the Association of Bhutanese in America (ABA) and that the unification of the two is one of his top agendas. He further stated that it is the need of the hour to move united for the common cause.
Various groups including independent and OBCA’s members also discussed and presented the verbal reports concerning different sectors such as the literature, games & sports, media, among others on the second day. The group’s focus, according to OBCA, was aimed at highlighting the plight and future role of these sectors to contribute for a vibrant society here in the USA.
Meanwhile, the OBCA also released the premier show of the movie called the ‘Suruwat, ek naya jiwan’. An estimated three hundred audience were present during the show of this two-hour-long social movie. The movie is based on various contemporary social issues prevailing in Diaspora, in particular USA.
Responding to a BNS query, Bhanu Tiwari, one of the main artists in the movie, expressed his hope that the movie will have a good market among the Bhutanese resettled in the USA and entire Diaspora in general. “I hope every Bhutanese will watch this movie and provide us positive feedback. This will serve as an asset to continue working on the field in near future,” Tiwari added, who attended the premier show on Saturday evening.
The OBCA offered award of the year to the Punya Foundation on the third day of the convention for its outstanding contribution in the Bhutanese society.
Tek Bir Chhetri, Chairman of the Foundation received the felicitation letter from the hand of DJ Khaling, Chairman of OBCA while Thinley Penjore, chief guest of the function handed over $ 500 to Chhetri. The day also saw various cultural performances including dance & songs from local artists. TP Mishra of BNS was the recipient of the award last year.
The date for next year’s convention, according to OBCA chairman, is not yet scheduled. He further informed BNS over the phone that his organization will explore the option of organizing a joint and a single national level convention of Bhutanese after discussing with ABA.
Delegates meet accident
Meantime, a four member team of delegates to OBCA convention who were heading to Phoenix met an accident on Saturday, informed victims. A Chrysler car they were riding in was hit by a KIA car from behind at 11:30 am in busy I-70 highway in Denver, Colorado. Aboard were Karna Gurung, Amir Magar, Govin Magar and Duka Gurung , all from Nebraska, representing the Bhutanese Community of Nebraska.
A report sent to BNS from Nebraska said, ‘Of the four, Amir Gurung and Karna Gurung are more seriously injured than the other two. Amir’s shoulder has got injury while Karna complains of severe pain in hip and jaw’. The report also mentioned that it took three hours to complete the report taking by police and clearing the mishap site. After the accident, Bhutanese living in Denver were called for immediate help. Pradeep Khadka and Bhim Khadka came to their rescue and helped to fix matters more easily. However, more has to done to complete all the formalities with police, towing facility and rental company, says one report from Denver. BNS could not verify the accident news independently.
Editor’s note: The news has been revised and edited since last published to ensure clarity and facts.
