Newah Organization of America (NOA) held its successful Virtual Zoom Meeting of 19 th Annual Convention and General Meeting (AGM) in Washington DC Metropolitan area on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The program was well received by a cross-section of the Newah and Nepalese community from DMV area, other States and as well from Nepal. This year’s convention theme was “Newah Civilization: Relevancy of ancient rituals and practices of Quarantine”. NOA Secretary Mr. Divakar Dhaubhadel served as the emcee, called the meeting to order and announced Newah Organization of America’s Acting President Mr. Yagya Man Shakya to chair today’s meeting, recognized and called upon the honorable Chief Guest His Excellency Ambassador to the United States Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki and recognized Keynote Speaker of 19th AGM honorable Mr. Season Shrestha, President of World Newah Organization (WNO). Mr. Dhaubhadel also recognized and welcomed other Dignitaries, Participants and Guests to the virtual convention. The 19th Annual Convention & General virtual meeting began with the Welcome speech by Mr. Udaya Shrestha NOA Executive Member. Mr. Shrestha welcomed Chief Guest, Keynote Speaker, NOA founding members, past presidents, advisors, NOA chapters presidents and representatives, NOA Nepal country coordinator, various organization representatives, media partners and all other participants for their continued support and expressed gratitude for joining the virtual AGM program in this Covid-19 pandemic.
Honorable Chief Guest, Ambassador to the United Stated His Excellency Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki delivered an outstanding felicitation speech and congratulated NOA for successful conclusion of 19th Annual Convention & General Meeting on behalf of Embassy and Nepal government. He expressed a great deal of appreciation, respect and satisfaction with the NOA community work and very impressed with the role NOA has played in preserving and promoting Newah-Nepali culture, heritage, and language in United States. NOA General Secretary Mr. Mahindra Man Singh Pradhan has highlighted the detailed annual activities 2019-2020 with exquisite visual clips. NOA Treasurer Mr. Rajesh Lal Shrestha has presented the annual financial report also appealed for support and donation. NOA Scholarship Program chairman and past president Mr. Rajesh Shrestha has highlighted continuous scholarship support provided to Jagat Sunder Byonekuthi (JSB) students, NOA Chapters coordinator and past president Mr. Ram Lal Shrestha introduced Chapters: Florida, Seattle, New England, Northern California, and Southern California and emphasized on coordinating chapters activities in strengthening the common goals and objectives of NOA.
NOA Florida Chapter President Mr. Rajendra Shakya has highlighted the various cultural and social programs held successfully this past year including the formation of new NOA Executive Committee. Likewise, NOA Southern California Chapter General Secretary Mr. Kanhaiya Lal Shrestha underlined the numerous enthusiastic cultural and Blood drive events held in Southern California area. Mrs. Rita Devi Pradhan, 2nd Vice President of NOA Northern California Chapter highlighted the various cultural, social, and literary activities conducted in the Northern California. NOA Nepal Country coordinator Mr. Kiran Ken Ranjit has underlined the numerous events participations & meetings held with NOA Headquarter officials visit in Nepal and conveyed working toward galvanizing NOA interests in Nepal. Keynote Speaker Mr. Season Shrestha delivered an outstanding speech on convention theme “Newah Civilization: Relevancy of ancient rituals and practices of Quarantine”. He has amicably emphasized the importance of various methods and understandings of ancient rituals followed by Newah people widely in mitigating potential health and hygiene related issues specifically returning home from overseas trade ventures.
Acting President Mr. Yagya Man Shakya expressed gratitude to Chief Guest, Keynote Speaker and all dignitaries and Guests for coming together to celebrate NOAs’ 19th Annual Convention & General Meeting 2020 virtually this time due to ongoing coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Shakya briefly summarized the NOA achievements and recognition received during the tenure and urged all the attendees for their continuous support. Mr. Shakya also thanked all the sponsors, volunteers for their tireless efforts, participants, speakers, and media representatives for their continued valuable supports.
As the present NOA Executive Committee has fulfilled its three years term this year, the threemember Election Committee duly formed under the prevailing NOA Constitution-2001 under the Chairmanship of NOA founding member Mr. Daya Ratna Shakya and members duo Mr. Ratna Kaji Shakya – founding member and Mr. Ram Lal Shrestha – past president has officially declared election results. Election Committee Chairman then administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected President Mr. Yagya Man Shakya and then Mr. Shakya has administered the Oath of Office to all newly elected Executive Committee members.
NOA Executive Committee 2020-23 Officials:
Newly elected NOA Secretary Mrs. Babita Shrestha and Members Mr. Navin Mohan Ranjit, Mr. Sugandha Shrestha, and Mr. Markandeye Man Singh Pradhan presented brief messages highlighting volunteer works and commitment to partner, support and further NOA causes and activities. Outgoing NOA Executive Member Mrs. Meena Pradhan shared her wonderful experiences and satisfaction to be a part of NOA team and wished all new member and team immense successes. The Program was concluded by the Mission and Vision statement, presented by NOA Executive Committee President -Elect Mr. Yagya Man Shakya. He sincerely thanked Election Committee, distinguished guests, participants and emphasized in diligently working towards preserving, promoting, and practicing Newah culture, traditions, arts, dance, and language. He also expressed his commitment to work in concluding NOA’s constitution amendment process and appealed for continuous love and support from community members. NOA also paid respectful tribute and memory to the life member’s and honorary member’s loved ones who passed away on year 2019-2020. The virtual program concluded with lots of unforgettable memories and wonderful experiences.
Newah Organization of America September 30th, 2020
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