Interactions of the Bhutanese-Nepalese Republican Club in Ohio

Ohio, USA: Bhutanese-Nepalese Republican Club organized candidates forum . There are around 30 guest speakers from political party, candidates running for various political offices and congressmen and senators. This forum was aimed at promoting civic engagement and public participation so that their voices would be heard in the political process.

 

After the resettlement of Bhutanese refugees in US this group of community members started showing keen interest in running for public offices to represent their community in the policy making level. Actually, American political process is bit complicated it takes lot of ground preparation, resources and public engagement. But Bhutanese/ Nepalese are striving for gaining their racial identity, cultural development and economic prosperity. On Saturday’s program many of those speakers highlighted on the need of the community participation in the policy making level .

Also in the meeting President of the club kashi Adhikari/ Lamitare presented a paper with 8 members commission from Nepal, Bhutan, India, Africa and US to address couple of most genuine concerns experienced by the Bhutanese/Nepalese community. Those concerns included and but not limited to

 

1: to work with Nepal government on finding amicable solution to those refugees in Eastern Nepal

2: to work with Bhutanese government on lifting ban for Bhutanese diaspora and allow them to visit their families in Bhutan unhindered.

 

3: to work with US government and Bhutan government for an immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Bhutanese prisons and reinstate them in mainstream society.

 

4: to work with school system in Ohio for introducing teaching of Nepali in the school curriculum and introducing yoga counselor for mental and physical well-being of students.

4: to work with US government to promote peace through diplomacy in other countries for developing science, technology, engineering and Maths .

 

There were around 2 hundred community members presented in the event.

 

Senator Michele Reynolds took the oath of office for the commission members .

 

The event started with swastibachan lighting a Devine diya and cultural performances by school children and spiritual healing by local shaman (dhami) really stole the show. Singing of US national anthem and a minute of silence for US servicemen provided high emotion and patriotism to the participants. Kamal Subedi welcomed all guests and participants in his moderate but profoundly engaging speech. Hari Pakurel provided interpreting role for language assistance and Dr Damodar Poudyel provided vote of thanks to all the participants and ended the event with his closing remarks for emphasizing the of uniting communities and building families.