ORGANIZATIONS HOST THE FIRST NEPALICOMMUNITY DAY AT THE NEW YORK STATE CAPITOL

ALBANY, NY (May 31, 2024) — Assemblymember Steven Raga, alongside Assemblymembers
Sarahana Shrestha and Jenifer Rajkumar, partnered with the Consulate General of Nepal in New
York and 33 Nepali community organizations from across New York to host the first-ever Nepali
Community Day at the New York State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
The participating Nepali community partners organizations included: Adhikaar, Alpine Sports
Association Inc. (North America – Nepal), Baglung Sewa Samaj – America, Bhotekoshi Society
USA, Ghyalsumdo Sewa Sanstha Inc., USA, Gorkhali Samaj, The Gurung (Tamu) Society, Hami
Nepali Global America, Himani Trust – USA, Kirat Rai Society of America (KRSA), Kirat
Yakthung Chumlung – USA, Lions Club of Queens Buddha, Long Island Nepalese Society, Magar
Association USA Inc., New York Chapter, Mithila Center USA, Mustang Kyidug USA Inc.,
Nepalese American Nurses Association (NANA), Nepal Vision Inc., Newah Nakha New York,
NRNA NCC USA Tourism and Trade, Overseas Nepali Unity Forum, America (ONUF), Rotary
Club of New York Queens, Sindhuli Society of America, Tamang Society of North America,
United Kirat Rai Organization of America, New York Chapter, United Mugum Organization USA,
US Nepal Climbers Association INC., and planning committee organizations: Albany New York
Nepalese Society, NRNA NCC-USA NY Chapter, United Sherpa Association (USA) INC.,
Minority Empowerment Network, GPK Foundation America, Ridgewood Nepalese Society.
The planning committee team from six Nepali organizations consisted of community leaders
Vishnu Rana Magar, Surya Poudel, Ruby Karna, Rajesh Bhatta, Amit Shah, Shreeya Tuladhar,
Temba Sherpa, Saang Dorje Sherpa, Juddha Oli, and Somnath Ghimire. This landmark event
marked the first unified participation of the Nepali community at the Capitol, drawing over 250
attendees.

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THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY

STEVEN RAGA Assemblymember 30th District

ALBANY OFFICE: 921 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-4755 • FAX: 518-455-3791
DISTRICT OFFICE: 55-19 69th Street, Maspeth, New York 11378 • 718-651-3185 • FAX: 718-651-3027

The day’s activities commenced with a reception and formal introductions on both the Assembly
and Senate Floors, respectively led by Assemblymember Steven Raga and Deputy Majority Leader
Michael Gianaris. This was followed by a cultural celebration that showcased the rich heritage and
contributions of Nepali Americans. The cultural program highlighted traditional Nepali music,
dance, and cuisine. Attendees enjoyed performances of the Mithila dance, Sherpa dance, and other
traditional dances, accompanied by music played on traditional instruments, offering an immersive
cultural experience.

The event featured performances by various talented artists and groups, including:

• National Anthem: Austin Shah, Angela Sah
• Ridgewood Nepalese Society Performers: Angela Sah, Pragya Panthi, Simran Adhikari,
  Neha Panthi, Prasiddhi Thapa, Rashmi Giri, Rashmi Timalsina, Agrata Timalsina, Suprina
  Sapkota
• Mithila Center USA Performers: Angela Sah, Aarya Sah, Ram Aadarsh Sah
• United Sherpa Association Performers: Lopsang Sherpa, Karsang Sherpa, Jungne
  Sherpa, Nimpasang Sherpa
• Thakuri Samaj Perform: Barihati Hamal
  Assemblymembers Grace Lee, Manny De Los Santos, Nader Sayegh, George Alvarez, Yudelka
  Tapia, Brian Cunningham, and Jake Blumencranz, as well as representatives from the Offices of
  the New York State Attorney General, the New York State Comptroller, and the New York State
  APA Task Force. Elected officials emphasized the importance of the Nepali community’s
  engagement in Albany, recognizing the day as a pivotal moment for their visibility and influence
  on state decisions.
  “Hosting the first-ever Nepali Community Day at the New York State Capitol in Albany
  marked a historic moment for not only the 30th Assembly District but for New York State. It
  was a great honor to partner with my colleagues Assemblymembers Sarahana Shrestha and
  Jenifer Rajkumar, alongside the Consulate General of Nepal in New York, and over 30
  Nepali community organizations from Queens to Albany. Witnessing hundreds of members
  of the Nepali community coming together and celebrating their rich cultural heritage and
  significant contributions was profoundly inspiring. This gathering not only showcased the
  vibrant and growing Nepali community in New York State but also highlighted their
  increasing influence and vital presence in our state’s legislative process, which I strongly
  affirm. I am proud to say the Nepali community is an integral part of New York’s 30th
  Assembly District. We will continue to foster community-building to strengthen our shared
  commitment to progress and unity,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga.
  “As the first Nepali person elected to the NYS Legislature, it was an honor to welcome
  communities from across the state to Albany for Nepal Day. Nepal is a country full of diverse
  cultures and languages—to bring them together to celebrate our heritage in the state capital
  was a historic day,” said Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha.
  “I was proud to co-host Nepali Community Day in Albany with my colleagues
  Assemblymembers Raga and Shrestha. Four years ago, I created the first-ever Nepali Heritage
  Day in New York State. As the first South Asian woman elected to New York State Office, I
  have made the impossible possible and delivered for our Nepali family. I led and won the fight
  to make Diwali a School Holiday. I then passed the law creating the historic first-ever AAPI
  Commission in State Government. I passed the first-ever resolution creating Mount Everest
  Day in New York, in honor of the Nepali Sherpa community. As we came together this week

ALBANY OFFICE: 921 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-4755 • FAX: 518-455-3791
DISTRICT OFFICE: 55-19 69th Street, Maspeth, New York 11378 • 718-651-3185 • FAX: 718-651-3027

with the Nepali American community to celebrate all our achievements, we know this is just
the beginning of what we will accomplish,” said Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar.
“With deep gratitude to Assemblymembers Steven Raga, Jenifer Rajkumar and Sarahana
Shrestha, the Minority Empowerment Network team is honored to be a part of the planning
team of this historic event, where the Nepali American community shined in Albany, New
York’s capital, for the first time. This wasn’t just a celebration; it was a bold testament to our
unity and strength,” said Shreeya Tuladhar, Executive Director, of Minority Empowerment
Network (MiEN).

“Albany New York Nepalese Society (ANNS) wishes to express our profound gratitude to
Assembly Members Steven Raga, Sarahana Shrestha, Jenifer Rajkumar, and all other elected
officials as well as all Nepalese communities for your esteemed presence and active
participation in Nepali Community Day in Albany. Your engagement and support were pivotal
in ensuring the resounding success of this event. We deeply appreciate your commitment to
celebrating and preserving our rich cultural heritage. We look forward to your continued
involvement in future endeavors,” said Surya Poudel, Secretary of Albany New York Nepalese
Society (ANNS).

“First Nepali Community Day at Albany, New York. We are grateful to Assemblymembers
Steven Raga, Jenifer Rajkumar, and Sarahana Shrestha for their leadership and support in
making this event a reality. Their dedication to empowering minority communities and
promoting diversity and inclusion is truly commendable. This event was a powerful reminder
of the importance of coming together, standing united, and embracing our differences as
strengths. United Sherpa Association Inc. and Sherpa Kyidug America, New York is honored
to be part of this first historic Nepalese Community Day celebration in Albany, New York,”
said Temba Sherpa, President of United Sherpa Association.

“The Ridgewood Nepalese Society is very proud to be the co-organizer, participate and
perform at the historical Nepali Community Day in Albany 2024. We extend our heartfelt
gratitude to New York State Assembly members Steven Raga, Sarahana Shrestha, and Jenifer
Rajkumar for hosting and honoring our outstanding community service and participation with
a New York State Assembly Proclamation. We also wish to express our sincere thanks to the
hundreds of community members for their valuable time and participation. Last but not least,
thank you to all our children and youth for taking a day off from school to participate,
promote Nepali cultural heritage and perform outstandingly at the New York State Capitol,
Albany,” said Rajesh Bhatta, President of Ridgewood Nepalese Society.

“It is an honor to be here at the New York State Capitol in Albany. This event, organized by
the Office of New York State Assembly Member Honorable Steven Raga, co-sponsored by
Assembly Members Honorable Sarahana Shrestha and Honorable Jennifer Rajkumar, with
the Nepalese Consulate Office in New York aims to celebrate the unity and collaboration of 33
Nepalese organizations based in Albany and New York. This participation at Nepali
Community Day in Albany makes the Nepali community more organized, empowered, and
effective, playing an important role in ensuring long-term prosperity and stability,” said Geeta
Adhikari, Women Secretary of NRNA NCC NY Chapter.

“We are grateful to Assemblymember Steven Raga, Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, and
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar for recognizing Nepali Community Day in the Assembly
and Senate Chambers. GPK Foundation America salutes Dolma for her dedication and

ALBANY OFFICE: 921 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-4755 • FAX: 518-455-3791
DISTRICT OFFICE: 55-19 69th Street, Maspeth, New York 11378 • 718-651-3185 • FAX: 718-651-3027

determination in bringing Nepali organizations together which made this event a memorable
one and a historic one. We hope this event will inspire others too and continues every year in
Albany as the Nepali Community Day,” said Somnath Ghimire, President of GPK Foundation
America.