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Report
Millennium Benefit concert Nepal
Welcome
Shashi Paudyal, president of NDA and NRN-NL opened the concert. He briefly presented the objectives of the project and the background of the concert. The name “Millennium Benefit concert Nepal” refers to the primary goal of the project to contribute to the millennium development goals of the United Nations. On behalf of the collaborating organisations NDA, NRN-NL and ASHA foundation, he expressed his gratitude to the Stichting Internationale Solidariteit Utrecht (SISU), Club Storm, Music groups and especially to all volunteers who supported the realisation of this project.
Inauguration of NRN-NCC NL
After the welcome speech, the recently established Nepal organisation “National Coordination Council of the International Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRN-NCC NL)” has been inaugurated. Indira Lama, the National Coordinator of the NRN-NCC NL presented the organisation and its committee members to the audience. NRN-NCC NL will look after the interests of the Nepali living in the Netherlands, will focus on the socio-economic development of Nepal and on the exchange of culture. Indira Lama summoned everyone to provide an active support for Nepal. She underlined that all Nepal sympathizers born in Nepal can join the NRN-NCC NL. She also praised the ‘Non-Resident Nepali Association’, the overall organisation that amongst others fights for the dual nationalities in Nepal. With the support of others, this resulted in the possibility of a ten year visa for Nepali with a foreign passport. The NRN-NCC NL reflects the Nepal community in the Netherlands. A profile of the organisation and its 13 committee members, from different parts of the Netherlands and each with a different background, can be found at www.nrnnl.org.
The Millennium concert
The concert started with the well known song “Resham firiri” by the well known Nepal music group “Himalayan Sangit”. The sarangi, madal and harmonium created for the listener the typical Nepal musical atmosphere. Someone in the back expressed: “I have heard Nepal folk music and “Resham firiri” so many times, but it is never boring. Every time it strikes me and I long for Nepal”.
It was nice to see that Nepali like to dance and curious to note that everyone has their own style without much logic with the exception of the common circling movement of the palm of the hand.
Next to the Himalyan Sangit several classical Indian dances with 6 dancers were performed, illustrating cultural and ritual aspects. Avery movement has a meaning and the spectators were taken to a heavenly Hindu world full of passion and myths. Very impressive, especially when realising that some dancers were still in a learning phase.
After the Indian dances, Paul Voorthuis presented a wonderful slide show for a full house. Someone who collected Nepal information at the information desk was so fascinated that he changed his holiday destination from Indonesia to Nepal. As the show provided an overall view of Nepal it was of interest for both the traveller to Nepal as well as those with an interest for Nepal. Some people suggested to repeat the show.
At the same time Nepalese snacks delicious momo’s (steamed spicy meat dumplings) and somosa’s (fried vegetables in puff pastries) were served. It was really a pity that they were soon out of stock.
After a short break Sharda Baraily, secretary of NDA, announced the well known Surinam Hindustan music group “Surmala”. The nice, slightly exclusive music resembled a mix of traditional and classical Northern Indian music. Someone from the Terai in the south of Nepal was familiar with the music, while for Nepali from the Northern parts of Nepal the music was really new. The group played very well, had professional performance and people liked to dance to music.
The project coordination committee about the success of the concert?!
Most visitors were enthusiastic and the concert was a success according to Shashi Paudyal and he was pleased to see that the visitors had been enjoying themselves. At the same time he noted that the organisation could be improved: The number of participants (130 including volunteers) is much lower than we hoped, which can not be ignored even recognising some specific circumstances (high admission fee and a holiday weekend). The target population has not been reached, despite several radio interviews and broadcasts. We need to review the PR-policy.
The revenues of the project (€ 3.170,- ) were satisfactory and as these will be doubled by the Seva Network Foundation, a total amount of € 6.340,- will be available for Nepal.
Shashi Paudyal appreciated all work done by the volunteers very much and in future this can be repeated in a similar way. The different part could have been better coordinated and the second appearance of Himalayan Sangit was slightly disappointing.
The collaboration with the Asha Foundation was very important and its president, Ronald Kalka, was very pleased with the project and the collaboration. The millennium benefit concert Nepal will be continued in the future.
Second Regional Conference of the Non-Resident Nepali Association
Note on the participation of NRN-NCC NL
The Second Regional Conference of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was held in the city of Bonn, Germany on 2-4 June, 2006. A team of ten Nepali people residing and working in The Netherlands, and representing the National Coordination Council (NCC) for The Netherlands, participated in the Conference.
Approximately 170 Nepalese, living in 19 different countries, attended the conference, which began on the evening of June 2 with a cultural program. The beautiful and inspiring songs from Ani Choying Dolma, the authentic Nepali dance of Puja Dangol, the melodic dohari songs of Mohan Lama, the modern pop songs of Renu Thapa and many other artists made the evening not only joyful but also made us feel that we were in our motherland, Nepal.
Officially, the program began on Saturday, June 3. Following the opening program, speakers representing various countries and professions made presentations on topics relevant to Non-Resident Nepali communities. President of the NRNA International Coordination Committee (ICC), Dr. Upendra Mahato, made a presentation on the topic ‘NRN Movement: Present and Future’. Lively and fruitful comments were made during plenary sessions. National Coordinator of NCC-NL Ms. Indira Lama was the commentator on the presentation titled ‘Skilled and White Collar NRN Employment including Educational Opportunities, Problems and Prospects’ by Mr. Sharada Jung Thapa, Vice-President Americas. The Student Leader Mr. Gagan Thapa gave an interesting and touching speech on the Role of NRN Youth in Future Nepal. Vice-President of NCC-NL Mr. Govind Rauniyar made a short but concrete presentation on the country profile of NCC for the Netherlands.
Among the various issues raised in the conference, all countries highlighted the need of dual citizenship to encourage NRN on the overall development of Nepal. We, in the NCC-NL share the view of the right of dual citizenship. We are confident that it will open a door that allows all of us to contribute much better to the development of Nepal. The country definitely needs the contribution of Non-Resident Nepali and People of Nepali Origin to the fields of finance and specialized knowledge and skills necessary for the development process of Nepal.
The last day of the Conference was dedicated to the meeting of ICC which was observed by also the representatives of various NCCs. The meeting covered a wide range of issues including the NRN Constitution and review of the Kathmandu Declaration. Discussing every article and finalizing the constitution consumed most time. Delegates expressed their confidence on the dynamic leadership of the ICC President, Dr. Mahato.
Finally, we feel that the conference was well-organized and successful in motivating the attendees to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nepal, with a view to making the country better than it is today. NRN-NCC Germany deserves applause for organizing such a successful event.
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