The Nepalese Association of Florida wrapped up its 31st Annual General Meeting and Dashain Tihar Celebration with a Live Concert in Plant City, Florida. The event was held on October 28, 2023. The cultural extravaganza was a resounding success, featuring vibrant cultural performances and talent from the local Nepali Floridian communities.
The participants engaged in various sports tournaments at an event sponsored by Mr. Prateek Shrestha and Mrs. Anisha Shrestha. Dr Adarsha Shrestha won the adult Tennis Tournament, while Ms Esah Prasad and Mr. Gavin Sthapit won in the Kids category. Nepte from Tampa emerged victorious in the Soccer Tournament and won the annual Abi Kattel Memorial Cup. The NCCO-Orlando team won the NeSA-USF Cup Volleyball Tournament.
The evening program brought together members of the Nepalese community from various cities to connect and engage in a program enriched with cultural experiences. The cultural program showcased remarkable performances, including a short presentation on NRNA citizenship implementation appreciation, a group dance by the Tampa Bay ladies on “Maiti Ghar”, splendid dance performances, and a fashion show by children and teens from all over Florida featuring different ethnic, cultural, and religious attires from Nepal. The program was emceed by Sanyam Sharma from Tampa and Shuvechha Ghimire from Orlando.
Ms. Shailee Banskota, Coordinator NAF Youth Forum, discussed the forum’s activities. In 2022, to motivate and appreciate Florida based youth of Nepali origin’s connection and involvement with Nepal, Atulya and Punam Risal Family Foundation has introduced a five years commitment to present $500 to NRNA youth supporting such a cause. This year’s award was presented to All4Ball youth leaders Jasmine Sthapit, Pranav Shrestha, and Aaron Basnyet, along with All4Ball coordinator Leena Basnyet.
Dr. Niraj Shrestha awarded Honorary Life Membership (posthumously) to Late Mr. Ganga Bahadur from Jacksonville. Mrs. Radha Mali, his daughter and a former Vice President of NAF, received the award. Mr. Tirtha Mali, the first president of NAF, shared heartfelt insights into the life and contributions of the late Mr. Ganga Bahadur during the ceremony.
The atmosphere was electric as the grand finale kicked off – the Live Concert headlined by the iconic band 1974 AD’s sensational singer Phiroj Syangden. For two heart-pumping hours, the audience was entranced as the band delivered an epic performance of their biggest hits. They had the crowd on their feet, screaming and cheering for more.
Compliance Quest Inc. (represented by Mr. Atulya Risal and Mrs. Punam Ghimire Risal) and Nepa Wholesale (represented by Mr. Bijay Shrestha and Mrs. Nirmala Shrestha) generously sponsored our program as gold sponsors. Other supporting sponsors, including The Keyes’ Santosh Sthapit, State Farm Agent Ms. Yamelsy Yantes, Ocala Dental and Synergy Dental Spa’s Dr. Bibek Nakarmi, Citrus Spring Dental Care’s Dr. Shweta Chapagain, Mr. Prateek Shrestha and Mrs. Anisha Shrestha, Agile Move’s Sushil Bhattachan, Jacksonville Endocrinologist Dr. Anil Shrestha, Aero Nepal Travel’s Mr. Rakesh Tuladhar, Everest Federal Credit Union’s Mr. Dinesh Khatiwada, Bajra Grocery’s Mr. Mani Bajrachary, Premier Financial Alliance’s Mr. Anil Bajrachary, West Palm Beach’s Mr. Bimal Nepal, and West Palm Beach Nephrologist Dr. Arun Amatya.
Dr. Niraj Shrestha, President of NAF, Mr. Binod Basnet, Vice-President, and Dr. Manoj Lamichane, Tampa Bay Nepali Chapter President, expressed their gratitude to all the volunteers and participants who contributed to the success of the 31st Annual General Meeting and Dashain Tihar Celebration. The event was attended by over 325 people and was hosted by the Nepalese Association of Florida in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Nepalese Chapter (TBNC) and the Nepalese Student Association-University of South Florida (NeSA-USF). The event celebrated culture, community, and camaraderie, and created memories that will be cherished for years to come. If you want more information, please
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