“Bridging the gap to the Future”

NASeA AGM Event

NASeA event attended states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi

Total Attendees: more 60 including former presidents, life members, NASeA’s members, family, children, and youths

Nishant Aryal and Dr. Suman Silwal

Introduction and opening of event

Welcoming remarks

Bijay Guragain – President of the Nepalese Student Association (NSA)

Presentation on the NSA at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB)

History of formation goes back to the 2015 earthquake and a collaboration between students and faculty to help relief efforts

Currently, NSA helps to ease the transition of Nepalese students into life at UAB, including by organizing professional networking events and student life and cultural integration programs.

Kumar Bhandari – NASeA Treasurer presentation on financial planning

Emphasizing the importance of financial and tax planning by analyzing resources available to us and planning long-term goals based on that Personal financing begins by talking to a professional financial planner or doing research by self

Various areas to focus on regarding financial planning: spending planning; estate planning and wealth transfer; retirement or financial independence planning; investment planning; risk/insurance planning; education planning; tax planning; elder planning.
Estate planning includes utilizing wills and creating trusts.

Dangers of failing to plan financially include not being able to retire comfortably or being unable to take full advantage of financial resources during one’s lifetime.

Manoj Rai

Discussion of the need to revive NASeA and drawing in the involvement of Nepalese people within the Bhutanese community in the Southeast

Future social events coming

Encouraged that in the 2025 NASeA’s convention he wants every NASeA region state to bring atleast one or two programs.

UK-based Nepal Foods by Pasa Brothers

Distributor of Nepal-made, authentic foods in Southeast United States through Indian and Nepali stores

Award-winning products and the brand works hand-in-hand with Santosh Shah

Raz Manandhar – Alabama Nepalese Association (ALNA) presentation

History of ALNA

Role of ALNA in Birmingham and Alabama community
Cultural events planning to promote Nepalese culture and cuisine
Invited everyone join Teej and any ALNA events

NASeA’s Founding President Dr. Bishwa Acharya ; Emphasis on unity of Nepalese community and the need to cooperate and grow using democratic tools

Dr. Khusi Ram Tiwari on gardening and agriculture

Healthy way to grow ourselves and teach children

Some helpful tips: focusing on some fruits (including Asian pear, persimmon) and vegetable (green beans, cowpeas, cucumber, sweet banana pepper)

Discussions on the current state of agriculture in Nepal and potential developments

Dr. Suman Silwal on Running Around the World

Experience sharing and advice about running and marathons around the world
Power of start something now for long term mental and physical health
AGM Meeting notes

Introduction of executive board and members from different states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama

Dr. Narayan Rajbhandari: main agenda is to focus on ideas and vision for how to take the association forward

(1) Financial status of the NASeA by Kumar Bhandari
(2) Discussion on the events organized by NASeA in the past year

There have been regular monthly meetings and an in-person meeting in Atlanta as well.
There was a virtual meeting with the former president as well.
In Charlotte, there was a Bhanu Jayanti event, as well as a blood donation event in Atlanta.

Satish Gupta ji and the blood donation event

There is no substitute for human blood for people.
Started synchronized blood drive in four-five states.
We have collected 180 pints of blood at once.

April 6, 2024 synchronized blood drive in four-five states, which yielded more than 51 pints of blood through the drive.

Last year, on December 16, 2024, we held a program on blood beyond the border. Mr. Arjun Mainali participated in that program, as he had a lot of experience in that area.

(3) Further agenda items

Next Year’s Event: Celebrating 35 years of NASeA on August 30th – Sept 1st

evening program: Dinner and open floor