New York, July 12

A grand and meaningful event was held in New York under the auspices of the Nepali Public Relations Committee, USA, to honor Shukraraj Sharma, senior leader of the Nepali Congress, former member of the National Assembly, and current President of the Nepali Congress Gandaki Province Committee.

The program was chaired by Anand Bista, President of the Public Relations Committee USA, and emceed by General Secretary Munindra Nembang.

Opening remarks were delivered by Bishwaraj Bastola, General Convention Representative and President of the Public Relations Committee, Long Island Chapter.

The program featured the participation of prominent figures including Shiva Bahadur Baniya, President of the Kaski Adarsha Society International Council; Dindayal Bhandari, President of the Syangja Society and Jai Nepal Foundation New York; Kishor Regmi, President of the Pokhara Society; Dhruba Paudel, President of the Hemja Society; Kamala Pant, Vice President of the New York Chapter of the Committee; youth leaders Niraj KC and Subash KC; Laxmi Thapa, Vice President of NRN New York; Raju Tamang, Secretary; and former NRN Secretary Basu Lamichhane, among others.

All speakers warmly welcomed Leader Sharma, praising his enduring commitment to the party, his decades of political leadership, and his clarity of vision.

“There Is No Alternative to Democracy” — Sharma’s Key Message

Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Shukraraj Sharma reaffirmed, “There is no alternative to democracy.” He stressed the need for a clear strategy to engage youth within the party and emphasized the importance of recognizing and empowering dedicated party workers.

Sharma called upon the Nepali Congress to take the lead in implementing Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship rights, and underscored the urgency of conducting regular conventions to strengthen Congress-affiliated organizations abroad.

Pointing to the growing trend of youth emigration across South Asia, Sharma stated that the party must create an environment that encourages young people to remain and thrive in their home country.

“Politics demands integrity and moral character,” he said. “When the Nepali Congress weakens, both democracy and the nation are endangered. Strengthening the party is a shared responsibility of all of us.”

He further suggested that the term “Religious Freedom” is more appropriate in the Constitution than “Secularism,” and that “Prajatantra” (People’s Democracy) better reflects the ideological roots of the party than the imported term “Loktantra” (Liberal Democracy).

“We are followers of B.P. Koirala, who never compromised on principles, processes, or values,” Sharma said. “Disagreements within the party are natural, but they must be addressed through internal dialogue—not played out in public or on the streets, which only emboldens our opponents.”

Commending Nepalis abroad for preserving their faith, traditions, and national identity, Sharma called on the government to create a more investment-friendly environment to harness the potential of the global Nepali diaspora.

Committee President Anand Bista urged participants to prepare for the upcoming elections of Public Relations Committees, scheduled by the Nepali Congress to be held by the end of the Nepali month of Poush (mid-January).