By T. Tuladhar

Newah Organization of America (NOA) organized the Nepal Sambat Day celebration here in the Metropolitan Washington to highlight the significance of the indigenous Era of Nepal. Cross-section of the local Nepalese community was present at this event. Newly appointed ambassador of Nepal to the United States H.E. Kedar Bhakta Shrestha as well as other heads of various Nepalese Organizations took part in the important event.

Welcoming the participants Mr. Beda Pradhan, President of Newah Organization of Nepal (NOA) said that Nepal Sambat should actually be considered the Sambat of all Nepalese people which so far has been mistakenly called “Newar Sambat. He said that there is nothing like a “Newar Sambat” in the history of
Nepal , and the media people must help in clarifying this mis-information. He said that the correct understanding of the “Nepal Sambat must be presented in all forum available to us and Nepal Sambat be recognized as the Rastriya Sambat as the founder Sankhadhar Sakhwaa has already been recognized as a “Rastriya Bibhuti” of Nepal. Hopes, he said, is high that in the nearest future it will be adopted as the nation’s official calendar. He conveyed heartfelt Bhintuna on the occasion of Nhu Dan Nepal Sambat 1125 to all Nepalese around the world.

Greeting the audience on the occasion of new year Nepal Sambat 1125 the royal Nepalese ambassador H.E. Kedar B. Shrestha said that the process of adopting the Nepal Sambat   as a National Era is proceeding well and is being rightfully popularized and recognized amongst the entire populace.

Mr. Krishna Niraola, president of ANA greeted the participant with new Years greetings of Nepal Sambat 1125 and wished prosperity and happiness for the coming year.

He called for participation of the community for helping to finish the work of building the Nepalese Cultural Center here in the US.

Mr. Prem Sangraula, the newly elected president of America Nepal Society (ANS) the oldest Nepalese organization in the US, reiterated that everybody should accept the historical fact that Nepal Sambat is true indigenous era of Nepal and be recognized fully as the Rastriya Sambat. He said that he agrees with the notion that it can be made the official calendar of Nepal, and if there be any practical or other obstacles in its way, they be amicably ironed out for the benefit of all people of Nepal.

Mr. Ganesh Kayastha, the first vice president of NOA greeted and thanked all participants and contributors who came to the event to make it a grand success. All the preparation that goes into making such an event is tremendous and specially the women folks who helped out with the extensive “Samay bajee”. He thanked them all even though he could not do so in person.
 
Special emphasis was made by Mr. Tribhuvan Tuladhar in presenting the goals of Nepal Bhasa Academy in completing the Newah cultural center in Kirtipur. He related to the audience the progress of the project and provided background about Nepal Bhasa Academy itself as many are not very familiar with it. He said that contribution to this cause of the cultural center was being generated slowly as people were getting to know the scope and importance of the Center. Contribution was collected on the occasion and each and every participant was asked by Mr. Ratna K. Shakya and Mr. Ishwar Lall Rajbhandari who are part of the fund-raising effort. NOA realizes that the contribution is made from dedication and respect to Nepal Bhasa Academy and asked the audience not be felt pressurized in this regard, but, Mr. Tuladhar insisted, that contribute they must, and he asked all newah people around US to make a concerted effort to come forward with their help and support for this premier organization in Nepal.