nppa

Dear NPPA Friends:

We, NPPA, are very concerned about the humanitarian impact of the recent earthquake in Haiti. This devastating earthquake has claimed many lives and properties in Haiti. Unfortunately, many families became homeless and many children became orphans in the aftermath of the eartquake. Our thoughts and prayers are with the poeple of Haiti and with those whose families have been impacted by the disaster.

Haitian people are in great need of food, water, shelter and medical supplies in the impacted area. The recovery and relief efforts are underway. Many organizations are collecting donations to support the earthquake relief operations in Haiti. Likewise, NPPA is also trying to collect donations in a responsible way to help the relief effort.  The donations collected by NPPA will be channeled cost effectively through legitimate relief organizations to provide direct aid to those in the impacted area.

Thus, on behalf of Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA), we would like to request you to support Haitian Earthquake Relief Efforts by making generous donations. Your donations are tax deductable. Please make check payable to NPPA and send to the following address or donate online by clicking the link given below:

The mission of NPPA is to promote communication and dialogue among dedicated and concerned people in the Americas and Nepal to preserve and promote the cultural heritage, the tradition and the customs of the Newa people of Nepal. Continue reading…

Dear NPPA patrons, life members, friends and families:

Jwajalapa! and Namaste!

First of all, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you for your support and confidence in me and my new Executive committee members.  I welcome the opportunity to serve as your President of NPPA in this most challenging economic environment.  I think we, as NPPA, must differentiate ourselves from other institutions.  Considering this fact, the other executive committee members which include First Vice President Mrs. Saroj Prajapati, Second Vice President Mr. Sundar Rajbhandari, General Secretary Mr. Raju Joshee, and Treasurer Mrs. Beena Baidya joined me with renewed energy to integrate and execute NPPA’s organizational goals and activities.  Mrs. Shanti Shrestha joined Executive Committee as member for Dabu Publication. This new executive committee will take social, cultural, and financial responsibilities to better serve our community and to strengthen NPPA.  We strongly believe in the saying “together we can make a difference”.  This is our “motto”; this is our “inspiration”. 

Please join me in expressing appreciation to outgoing NPPA President Mrs. Meera Shrestha and her executive committee members for their relentless efforts in executing and promoting NPPA’s goals and objectives. 

The way of organizing and running institution has to be changed to keep pace with the dynamic business environment.  To that end, we have developed a new strategic “IPPO” integrated approach for NPPA to remain competitive and improve sustainability in this environment.  IPPO means Inclusive, Preservation, Participation and Openness.  This is what NPPA operating style is.

Though there are many more needs and challenges ahead of us, this executive committee will focus and engage in the following activities: preserve and promote rich Newah culture and heritage, maintain and improve financial accountability and transparency, redesign and update NPPA website, database, DABU Newsletter, and information system, coordinate with other Nepali organizations, increase NPPA general members, life members and patrons, encourage participation of members and emerging youth talents and organize cultural events and business forums.

As our proud tradition of commitment to our community, we will keep continue the annual Bhintuna celebration, IHI program, Summer Picnic, DABU Newsletter, youth program, cultural program, and participation with other Nepali institutions in cultural, social, educational and charitable activities.  These are truly the landmarks of NPPA products and services.

As good citizens and dedicated members of NPPA, we should work together to improve NPPA’s visitbility and better serv its Nepalese community. Indeed, we new executive committee members look forward to working with you all to achieve NPPA noble goals and dreams. Please note that your active participation and support is vital for the successful mission of NPPA.

I highly commend every individual and business member who contributed to NPPA to keep its mission and tradition alive.  Lastly, I am deeply honored to serve as your NPPA president and to represent this magnificent institution. 

Thank you once again for all your continued support and cooperation.

Subhaya!                     

Laxman Pradhan, MBA, CPA

President, NPPA

The lunar calendar Nepal Sambat (Nepal Bhasa: नेपाल सम्बत) is commonly used in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. It is believed that in the reign of King Raghav Dev of Kathmandu, it was initiated by Sankhadhar Sakhwa to commemorate the pay back of all the debts of people living in Kathmandu, then known as “Ya.” Local legend has it that he raised the funds through alchemy, turning the sand of the Bagmati river to gold dust. The Bikram Sambat is official calendar of Nepal. Gregorian calendar is also widely used due to it international acceptance and Nepal Sambat has its own special relevance for Newars living in Nepal. Nepal Sambat is one among few of the native calendars to Nepal.Most of others either passed over the time or only maintain existence in the religious calendars calledPatro.

This calendar was widely used in official use during the Malla period in Kathmandu valley. After the unification of Nepal, Saka sambat took ground and later on, during the premiership of Chandra SJBR Bikram Sambat were recognized for official use. This calendar, Nepal sambat, is being revived, especially in Kathmandu valley, over the last 3 decades. Moreover, the calendar was widely used by Newars for cultural and religious purpose inside the Kathmandu because of its relation with festivals Jatra that are celebrated in ValleyThe lunar calendar Nepal Sambat (Nepal Bhasa: नेपाल सम्बत) is commonly used in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. It is believed that in the reign of King Raghav Dev of Kathmandu, it was initiated by Sankhadhar Sakhwa to commemorate the pay back of all the debts of people living in Kathmandu, then known as “Ya.” Local legend has it that he raised the funds through alchemy, turning the sand of the Bagmati river to gold dust. The Bikram Sambat is official calendar of Nepal. Gregorian calendar is also widely used due to it international acceptance and Nepal Sambat has its own special relevance for Newars living in Nepal. Nepal Sambat is one among few of the native calendars to Nepal.Most of others either passed over the time or only maintain existence in the religious calendars calledPatro.

Kids’ Guernica is a peace project for children through art in different places of the world to create peace paintings on huge canvases the same size as pablo picasso’s “Guernica”‘ 1973 (3.5 X 7.8m), which protested against the brutality of bombing in the town of Gernika during the Spanish civil war. The participant children expressed powerful messages of peace with their creativity and imagination, which would to world peace in the 21st century.

Reads More: Kids’ Guernica

NPPA Patrons, Life members and friends, Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA) will be conducting its 17th Annual Meeting coinciding with the celebration of 1129 Nepal Sambat (BHINTUNA) on the occasion of MHA PUJA on Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at Shady Grove Middle School at 8100 Midcounty Hwy., MD 20877.

Our theme for this year’s 2008 celebration is “Culture and Tourism.” As a matching tribute, a program is being organized with several interesting topics. There will be speakers from well-established institutions that will be promoting tourism in Nepal in an effort to display the rich culture and heritage.

As the oldest Newah organization in the U.S., NPPA has been working diligently for the last 17 years to promote and preserve the Newah identity, heritage, traditions, and culture. I would like to sincerely thank all of our members, friends, and families, for their great support in making our Bhituna a great success every year.

On behalf of NPPA, I would like to cordially invite you and your family to join us for this great cultural event with traditional Newah food, fun, forum, lively cultural program and festivities. Once again, thank you for your kind support.
Sincerely,
Meera Shrestha
President, NPPA

1129 Nepal Sambat Bhintuna Information

Nepal

“Come to this remote mountain Kingdom of Nepal.

Visit the worlds highest mountain - Everest.

Take an unforgettable journey across the roof of the world to the distant Tibetan capital of Lhasa.

Undertake vital school aid work in Nepal - all you could want from your mountain adventure!”

Start with the language:

You will be met at Kathmandu International Airport and settled into our house in Kathmandu. This is the remote Himalayan mountain capital of Nepal. You will spend you first week acclimatising, enjoying cultural visits around the city and, most importantly, attending Nepali classes.

Your language classes will help you communicate in the more rural areas. These also include lessons on how to meet and great and Nepali culture also history so you really get the most out of your time here.