Fort Worth TX, June 15 2015
Organization of 
Bhutanese communities in America (OBCA) concluded its 5th national convention on June 14th in Fort worth Texas, America, DB Rai being elected as its new chairperson. Concern people, especially third country resettled Bhutanese Communities has taken this event with great meaning since in the history of OBCA for the first time UNHCR took the participation in the convention which reveals the interest of UNHCR towards the activities of resettled Bhutanese world wide.
The convention discussed on different many prevailing issues of Bhutanese communities in America, which included the issues of the Mental Health, the roadmap of working together with 50 states and cities resettled by Bhutanese making state representative of each State and City Communities, different Bhutanese social organizations, literature organizations, Sporting organizations, Artists groups, and partnering with business sectors in future. It also discussed on the issues of Bhutanese Refugees who are going to be left over in camps after UNHCR leaves resettlement projects and services in Refugee camps.
The UNHCR country representative, Mr. Craig Sanders said, “About 2000 Bhutanese refugee didn’t show their interest in resettlement and now they don’t have chance to reapply as its last date was due last Year”. Mr. Sanders said, “About twelve to thirteen thousands people will remain in Refugee camp that are mostly because of closed cases. They applied and showed their interests but failed to attain the interviews, scheduled appointments, those who have criminal charges and records, not have reliable or required information, provided wrong information to UNHCR, and other cases.” The UNHCR also discussed with OBCA representatives and Bhutanese Leaders from different state who attended the convention on how resettled Bhutanese can help remaining population in future, and requested the OBCA to work on it with UNHCR. The UNHCR representative said, “It will be in active communication, discussion and co-work with OBCA to resolve the issue.” The UNHCR also told that it’s very important for Bhutanese resettled in USA to encourage their families back home to go resettlement explaining how important resettlement is in case there are no other options opened for refugees that are left in camps.
The Press and Publicity secretary Mr. Gurung said, “OBCA also raised voice and discussed on the role of UNHCR on resettlement possibilities, local assimilation/integration in Nepal and India, and repatriation process to those who are interested to go back to Bhutan.” Its good news that the UNHCR is trying its best to talk about the issue of left over refugees with the govt. of Nepal and Bhutanese Embassy. For Nepal, Mr. Sanders said he would work with OBCA to arrange the meeting with Nepal Govt. if in case the OBCA delegates want to visit Nepal to talk to Nepal govt. about the Bhutanese refugee issue.
OBCA also talked to the lawyers of Law Farm regarding how they could help Bhutanese Refugees in Texas, and other states in legal needs. Lawyers Kennet G. Wincorn and Sunil Gupta said they are ready to work with Bhutanese Refugees who are living in Texas and other states in legal needs and services to support refugees in getting citizenships, support in legal needs to people who have mental health barrier, and also any other legal support either in Business sector or in any community sector.
Representative from UNHCR, Mr. Sanders said, “There are more than thirty Western Unions in Camps and there are Liquor shops nearby. The money sent by relatives is misused by many which have created problems for resettlement process that many refugees fail in health tests.” This is important for resettled Bhutanese to monitor their money which they sent to their relatives and friends left in refugee camps.
The TPO Nepal’s representative, Dr. Saligram Bhatterai, who works for the Mental Health issues in the Bhutanese Refugee camps discussed on the issues that camps’ refugees are currently facing, his roles and how resettled Bhutanese can help them to treat mentally and many more ways. He also said it’s not always the medicine that cures the mental sickness, depression, and psychological issues.
Dr. Saligram Bhatterai also discussed with GBLO Texas representatives, members and Svikarokti philosophers. He said, “‘Svikarokti’ philosophy brought by Bhutanese writers who are active in Global Bhutanese Literary Organization (GBLO) is very helpful to those who have mental health issues. He also stated that it will definitely decrease the number of depression cases both in camps and resettled countries with he practice of creativity and philosophy. Mr. Danzome Sampang – the pioneer writer of ‘Svikaroki’ from GBLO explained about the Svikarokti to the attendees of Literary Season in OBCA’s 5th National Convention.
Mr. Parangkush Subedi, the Mental Health Specialist did his presentation on Mental Health Awareness and how each community leaders can support the people in their communities. He explained mental health issues, types and best practices to solve these issues in the communities. He urged community leaders to contact local mental health organizations, hospitals and even him if required.
The Officials of Election Commission of OBCA, Mr. B. M. Khaling and Mr. Parangkush Subedi spoke to the media about the OBCA election 2015. They said, “The newly elected executive committee of OBCA consists of Mr. DB Rai as Chiarperson, Mr. Dillip Dahal as Vice-chairperson, Mr. Padam Bharati as Secretary, Mr. Aita Rai as Treasurer, Mr. Karna Gurung as Press & publicity Secretary, Mr. Deepak Gajmer as Cultural Secretary, Mr. Jitu Basnet as Sports & youths Secretary.” According to the board the other officer bearers will be filled by the first meeting of the executive committee.
Mr. Gurung said, “Bylaws was amended by the previous Bylaws Amendment Committee and made flexible for current board that can be amended as per the requirement and need of the organization to run in a better and effective way for the achievement of organizational goals.
Some of the issues and things raised by Mr. Karna Gurung that needs to be addressed by OBCA were also discussed with the newly elected Executive Board. They discussed on how to work together with Bhutanese Businesses in US and support them to be organized if required and keep the list in Organization to make all Bhutanese informed which will make easier for Market place of Bhutanese Writers’, skilled Bhutanese Adults, CD & DVD production, and other Bhutanese home productions. Next voice raised by Mr. Gurung of helping Bhutanese Medias to be organized and work for the community news, information and updates for both Online medias and offline medias were also discussed in the board. According to Mr. Gurung the OBCA has discussed on how to collaborate and work with other different Bhutanese Communities, Organizations, and groups and clubs like sports, literary, artist, etc. Mr. Gurung said, “Public Relation and Web development will be made accessible to all public.”
In the session of reporting from states representatives Mr. Ram Rai updated that Kansas Bhutanese Community has contributed volunteering bringing programs in adult and youths mental health, helping community by running ESL Class in collaboration with Catholic charity, and Citizenship Class in partnership with different agencies. He also updated that it’s registered in 2010 and working for grants to support communities in 5 sectors. Mr. Manoj Rai (North Carilona) updated the Bhutanese Association of Charlotte’s progressive activities that it’s running ESL classes in collaboration with local agencies. He updated about the activities of religious organizations which is helping people in depression and mental health issues. As a success story, he reported that a 73 years old lady got citizenship learning ESL and citizenship class. Mr. Rai also talked about the activity of Gurung Community Group who is actively working in North Carolina. He also reported that a Big Puran Celebration was observed by Hindus in the state. And also he reported that Churches has important role in supporting community.
Mr. Padam Bharati from Connecticut reported that all most all Bhutanese are employed in Connecticut, High School students are receiving Scholarships, Literary Symposium was organized in the state by OBCA whose resulted online programs growing like Bhutani dhuk Dhuki, Bhutani Sero Fero, & Bhutani Tribeni after the program and literary program on Mental health issues to encourage people to wake up from depression are on progress in the state of Connecticut.
Mr. Jitu Basnet from the state of Tennessee reported that the Bhutanese Community in Tennessee working actively to support the community in the ESL, Citizenship class, and sporting activities. He updated about the Inter-state Soccer tournament which is going to be held in Tennessee by Bhutanese American Sports Council (BASC). He updated that more than thirty states and about forty teams have joined the 5th Annual Bhutanese Inter-States Soccer Tourna
ment of June 19-21, 2015.
Speaking to the convention Mr. Bhadra Rai founder of Bhutanese Community of Houston (BCH) updated about the ESL, Chitizen classes, Sports participation and practice by Youths. He also requested OBCA to encourage young stars in sports to keep away from drug abuse and other misconducts.
Mr. Jiden Rai from Colorado representing the Global Bhutanese Community of Colorado (GBCC) reported that they are able to help communities in the sector of Education, Employment, ESL, Citizenship and community activities. He stated that he is the Program director who is helping Bhutanese to deal with barriers and challenges.
Mr. karna Gurung from Nebraska representing Bhutanese Community in Nebraska (BCN) updated that the community has office where BCN officers are to work together to support community needs. According to Mr. Gurung, they are working in partnership with different centers, agencies and school to support Bhutanese Adults and Students for ESL, Citizenship, and their benefits. The BCN has conducted International Creativity Ceremony 2 making 100s of writers participate from across USA and international countries. They are able to practice community events like Lhosar, Shakela, Dahian, Tihar and Christmas in the community. The BCN is supporting Rising Students, Sporting Group – BCN Soccer, Literary Group of Nebraska and collaborates with other faith based organizations in the state. According to Mr. Gururng’s reports, three Bhutanese children got Gates scholarships. The CWS Global Awarded Karna Gurung with Challenge 4 Change, John Baker Award 2014. The BCN raises Financial support in Funeral for every funeral event.
Mr. Santa Lama, the President of Bhutanese American Sports Council (BASC) also spoke to the convention. He updated the information of Annual Inter States Soccer Tournament which is going to be held in Tennessee under the Bhutanese American Sports Council (BASC). He also reported about the activities of Bhutanese Legacy Club (BLYC) in the field of social, literary, and sports activities in home city and nationwide activities.
Dilip Dahal from Georgia updated the activities of Bhutanese Communities of Georgia and other community organization that they work jointly in different programs. He talked about the Artist of Georgia activities, other Community activities and his support to the community activities.
UNHCR Nepal Representative Mr. Sanders also meet with Bhutanese Legacy Youth Club to discuss on the progress, activities, and their role in the community. Mr. Santa Lama explained his role as a president of community based club in Fort Worth Texas that he has been supporting the communities through the club since the settlement of Bhutanese refugee in his city. Mr. A. K. Rana Sampang, the Vice President of the Club explained to UNHCR regarding the progressive activities in literature, sport, and community support programs from volunteering youths which has helped the youths to prevent from drugs abuses and negative activities. He also introduced other members of the club.
UNHCR Nepal Country representative thanked the Bhutanese Legacy Youth Club for doing hard work, and for being successful in the local community. He thanked for organizing national event of OBCA convention 2015. Mr. Danzome Sampang also introduce Global Bhutanese Literary Organization (GBLO) and GBLO Texas Chapter. He explained the activities of GBLO, Svikarokti – acceptance philosophical movement, and books published by the Bhutanese Writers. A Stag of Books were given to UNHCR as a Gift to UNHCR Nepal Country Representative Mr. Craig Sanders and Mr. Deep Upreti from Nepal UNHCR.
The movie ‘Suruwat’ was screened in the stage at the last moment of the convention. Actor Bhanu introduced the movie as a project of the OBCA for social awareness based on Bhutanese Stories in USA and around the globe. The Cultural Program, music festival and the literary session all remained successful in the convention. Bhutanese Nepali singers D. B. Baraily, Bharat Tamang, Deoka Bhandari and more performed live in the stage. Different many Nepali dances were successfully presented in coordination of Mr. Kedar Upreti. Well cheered poetic presentations were performed in the stage by Lucky Rasi, Netra Acharya, Denzome Sampang, Yadu Nath Adhikari ‘Saldai’, Lila D. Adhikari ‘Antare’, A. K. Rana Sampang, and more Bhutanese Nepali writers. The program of June 14, 2015 was hosted by Mr. Indra Adhikari, the Event Manager; entire event was coordinated by Mr. DB Rai as Convention Coordinaor of OBCA and Mr. Yadhu Khari as Program Coordinator of the Bhutanese Legacy Youh Club.
OBCA gave Letter of Appreciation to UNHCR Country Representative Mr. Craig Sanders, Mr. Deep Upreti, Dr. Saligram Bhatteri of TPO Nepal with a message of OBCA to UNHCR and Bhutanese in refugee camp. The volunteer participations’ Certificate of Appreciation to participants from different states and Bhutanese Legacy Youths Club members’ participants were also awarded by the convention committee. The mega event of OBCA 5th National Convention ended with the vote of thanks from the newly elected OBCA President, Mr. D. B. Rai.
Reported by – A. K. Rana Sampahang
