Antim News

Babesa banks on a Baap

2010-11-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

Thrompon Election 25 November, 2010 - The meeting was brief, but important. The village, they say has suffered enough. They have lost land, dismantled ancestral houses and haven’t cultivated in many years. The promised development never came. Thrompon Election 25 November, 2010 - The meeting was brief, but important. The village, they say has suffered enough. They have lost land, dismantled ancestral houses and haven’t cultivated in many years. The promised development never came. So when the idea of nominating a candidate to contest the thrompon election was thrown up, villagers readily agreed. “We need a person, who’s experienced, who understands our problem and who’ll be just,” says an elderly woman, who quickly added she was speaking for the community.

Kinlay Dorjee

This was on Sunday at Babesa, where many elder members of the village had gathered to nominate the general manager, distribution and customer services of Bhutan Power corporation, Kinlay Dorjee, as their candidate to contest the thrompon election, the date for which the election commission of Bhutan has yet to announce.

Kinlay Dorjee, 40, a Baap (person of Babesa), is an engineer, who topped many board examinations and. according to villagers, would be their best candidate. For them, the thought of having a thrompon would solve the many problems, they say, they have endured.

The meeting was not only in one village. Three villages had similar meetings and unanimously agreed to nominate Kinlay Dorjee. Two weeks ago, former local government officials and a royal councillor had met and decided for the same candidate.

Last night, Kinlay Dorjee told Kuensel that he was humbled by the trust his folks had in him, and accepted the “request”. Kinlay Dorjee had informed his office of his resignation, and confirmed to stand the thrompon election.

The electrical engineer, who is also a member of the Thimphu city committee, said that he couldn’t deny the request some members of the public made since last year. “I’d been contemplating since and accepted,” said the father of three. Kinlay Dorjee believes that it is not late to plan the capital city. He identifies issues like drinking water, solid waste management and lack of recreational parks as the city’s main problems. On planning the city, the engineer said that, although the core city is haphazardly planned, the extended areas, the various local area plans could be implemented properly. “It’s a lesson. With proper planning, we can solve practical difficulties,” he said.

The master’s degree holder in electrical engineer from New Brunswick university, Canada, believes his work experience with BPC is relevant to the “new challenge” he is going to take up. Working as the head of customer service, I know how important is service delivery and management, he said. “I’ve implemented projects, while working as executive engineer in eastern Bhutan, and that has equipped me to face any challenges.”

The thrompon-hopeful feels that, with innovative ideas and practical solutions, a lot of Thimphu city’s problems could be solved. “If we have an efficient public transport system, why should our roads be congested?”

So when the idea of nominating a candidate to contest the thrompon election was thrown up, villagers readily agreed. “We need a person, who’s experienced, who understands our problem and who’ll be just,” says an elderly woman, who quickly added she was speaking for the community.

Source www.kuenselonline.com

Sharing the Faith

2010-07-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

God used my
wife Julie to tap me on the
shoulder.
And He used Ralph Starling
to tap her.

by Warren Pierce

An interview with Richmond's First Baptist Church Deacon Warren Pierce by Ministry Resident Lindsey McClintock. The interview took place during the worship services November 22, 2009.

Lindsey McClintock: Warren, when we say refugee ministry, what do we mean? Who are the refugees and what are we doing to help them?

Warren: They are Bhutanese refugees from Nepal. They have been persecuted for decades in their country - for religion, for political opinions, for their race, their nationality, any number of reasons. The United States Government has invited them asylum here. That’s the good part of the story. The rest of the story is more challenging in that they arrive from a distant land, unfamiliar with the language, often with a small bag of possessions, often with just the clothes on their backs.

Lindsey: How did God tap you on the shoulder to get you involved in this ministry?

Warren: Well, God used my wife Julie to tap me on the shoulder. And He used Ralph Starling to tap her. Ralph called one night, needing help setting up an apartment for a family that was coming in late one night. We helped him and were willing to help in any way that we could. From that, things evolved. I became involved in collecting donations. I also became involved in helping to renovate the Boulevard Church, the community outreach center, and then became personally involved with some of the refugees individually. Ralph asked if I would be willing to help a young man learn to drive. I didn’t realize it was going to involve his brother and a good friend. But once we were able to get everybody driving on the right side of the road, he was able to get his driver’s license, and from that he was able to get a car, and now he is able to help others in his community with transportation. But the few cars in that refugee community is no where close to the challenge that transportation still offers in getting to the store, finding jobs, getting to job interviews, and things of that nature.

... imagine putting yourself in the
place of a refugee, arriving in the United States, a foreign land, the middle of the night, not knowing the language, not having friends.

Lindsey: Is it true that there are over 300 Refugee families in Richmond right now?

Warren: Well, I think 300 families may have come in last year. But, yes, there are hundreds of not just Nepali, but other refugees as well.

Lindsey: What can we do to help in this ministry.

Warren: First thing people think of is just donating warm clothes because winter is on its way. And that’s a need. But if you can imagine putting yourself in the place of a refugee, arriving in the United States, a foreign land, the middle of the night, not knowing the language, not having friends. No job, no clothes, possibly with three children under the age of four, what would you need? Well, one of the biggest things is support. Having a family or an individual that would be able to guide them through our community, showing them how to get the bus, being a friend and an advocate for the many things that they still need, is a real big need.

Lindsey: And the language, it is uncomfortable trying to speak to someone who doesn’t speak your language?

Warren: A little uncomfortable, but smiles go a long way. The younger generation are pretty fluent in English. The older generation, the parents, not so much, but that is not a problem.

Lindsey: What’s the largest blessing that you’ve have received from working with these wonderful people?

Warren: Well, one of the best blessings that I’ve been able to achieve from all this is through a willingness to serve God through them. Each week, I see more and more people that are willing to step in and volunteer and they, too, allow God to work through them. I see people getting their driver’s licenses, I see children going to school, I see people learning computers, lots and lots of good things are happening. But I still see refugees, Pakistani, Afghani, Sudanese refugees, that don’t have the opportunity or benefit of having a church like First Baptist Church helping them. So there’s still a tremendous need for workers.

Dear readers this is an example of a couple who spends their weekends and all the free time for Bhutanese in Richmond Virginia and other refugees sharing the faith of god; helping every prospectus. Bhutanese are being helped a lot through FBC in new culture and land.Let their help grow up like a fame of rose.

Dadi Ram Antim- Blogger and Richmond Bhutanese.

Memories:The days in refugee camp

2010-05-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

The days which i passed is really the interesting to me.my proud land Nepal it is the place of god which i can't express by my single mouth,being refugee also i myself proud because of the great happiness among all my friend who touch my heart and the feeling.I my self recognize the day which i and others friends selflessly help to the people being volunteer.Its so pleasant to express this think by this sites.Hope like this you also enjoy.We are the same flowers of Garland for 19 years it is also the best to express.We together makes a Garland by having different races people in same.I still remember the day which we inter Nepal from Bhutan it is really a heartfelt conditions to all those who love there mother.But then also we are sweing our tearing heart day by day which should done due to of human natures.There is saying''if u need to change the world, u should start from u then only world will change''which is express by swami vikassananda.so by this thought i and the people they step towards the three way which is not yet got satisfactory reason to three way people.hope every people they reach to destination after few moments.The words of vikassananda still touch my heart now a days also.Every human beings should flow the way of god which is still unknown but most of the people got that.which is peace among all.So i myself also hope for peace and friendliness among all the races.now this world is challenging with the ca races discrimination so be careful weather you also running at the back of races.It is the bad thing to run after the races or the discrimination.

By : Kamal Pardhan ( Mr. Pardhan edits www.BhutaneseOhio.com)

A media vechile vandalized

2010-05-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

A van belonging to weekly newspaper, The Journalist, published from Thimphu was vandalized by unknown attackers on mid night May 12.

The van was returning office after dropping home on of the paper’s IT staffs, when it was hit at around 12.45 pm, as it passed the road above the golf course area in Thimphu, near Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) building.

The scene of the vandalized van. Photo/Kuensel

Suspected to be hit by stone, vehicle’s left window at the back seat and the rear window are badly shattered, pieces of which fell inside the car. Driver and another staff in the car remain safe. They immediately informed the police for investigation.

Newspaper editor Gopilal Acharya, however, suspects a stray bullet might have hit the van though police say it is not.
Acharya is also the president of Journalists Association of Bhutan (JAB).

It is the first incident of attack on press in the country. The Journalist weekly is being published by the journalists who left Bhutan Times in mass last year alleging managerial interference into the editorial matters.

Meanwhile, the Association of Press Freedom Activist (APFA-Bhutan) has shown deep concern towards the incident. In a media statement issued by IP Adhikari, the president of APFA-Bhutan, it said that the attack would not only derail the morality of the journalists, but also curtails their safety and the right to information of the Bhutanese people.

“The government must investigate the incident thoroughly and punish those involved in the attack. The government must also ensure safety and security of the media persons,” reads the statement.
Source: www.bhutannewsservice.com

A continued history of Displacement in Beldangi-I

2010-05-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

A fire that broke out in Beldangi-I on the May 7th resulted around 250 peoples’ displacement.

The fire is said to be started from Sector-A/2 Hut No.202 which belongs to Padam Lal Biswakarma . But reasons behind the cause are yet to the knowledge of none. One of the family members of Biswakarma said that they noticed fire-break at once and were unaware of the actual cause behind it.

CARITAS Nepal, The Lutheran World Federation, AMDA Nepal, UNHCR and many other aid agencies including major donors reached the spot to sympathize and help the fire victims the next morning. However, involvement of Youth friendly Center (YFC) was appreciable this time too.

Besides estimated cash loss of around 20 lakh, refugees have losed their refugee identity cards issued by UNHCR and other important documents regarding ressettlement process. One of the Police personnels from camp based Armed Police Force attending the displaced said, “More than cash the victims have lost many things including their valuable documents”.

For now, the displaced victims including around three dozens of school children are taking shelter at Green Vale Academy. Besides the donor agencies, the other refugee residents from the same camp are putting themselves together to help the victims way out with their food stuffs.

Source: www.mnbconnection.com

Editorial board declares closure of Bhutanusa.com

2010-05-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

May 3,The editorial board of popular ‘news blog’ producing news stuffs and articles for and by Bhutanese refugees, has declared the closure for indefinite period publishing a press release.

A release posted on the bhutanusa.com cited, what they call as “technical and managerial issues” as the reason to declare the closure of the site.

“The reasons arise out of the fact that the time period of the registration of this domain has run out and the web page designer (Himalayan Web Info. Pvt. Ltd, Kathmandu, Nepal) that was entrusted with the task of developing the site to its final form and hosting it with a different domain, globalbhutan.com, cheated us badly letting us not to blog about what we have been doing for nearly one and a half years.”

However Himalayan Web Info. Pvt. Ltd has not yet responded the issue.

Statement reads,” Back in 2008, we conceived the concept of having a place in the internet to blog about the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and a vast majority of Bhutanese folks all around the globe. Well, we came up on the final day of December 2008 with the idea to have a web site on the issue, in fact the first of all diaspora sites for Bhutanese created over the past with different intellectual perspectives and scholastic efforts. We do not claim ourselves to be so scholastic and precisely perspective thinkers in regards to working with Butanusa.com but we did have a successful story in the past with an ever-increasing influx of visitors, viewers, well-wishers and above all, our advisors who, in some way served as beacon for our responsibility-laden ship to head its way surviving the Doldrums on a vast ocean of socio-political criticism and diverse ideological Tsunamis. In a nutshell, bhutanusa.com prospered well ever since it was conceived by resettled Bhutanese from third countries.”

Statement further reads,” Our thanks are due to our valued visitors, our senior Bhutanese reporters, Bhutanese intellectuals who supported us during hard times and above all, our team members, who, amidst the busy and hectic schedules of their daily living, worked devotedly to bring things updated on a regular and timely manner. Rationally speaking, we always stand hand in hand working together for a common cause of peace and happiness for people who are deprived of it. We still have a long way to go together and not to end with this.”

According to the statement, the site, Bhutanusa.com will be completely down from the mid-night of May 8.

Refugee sit-in demonstration demanding to raise issue in SAARC Submit

2010-04-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

April 27,Demanding their issues to be raised on the 16th South Asian Association for Regional cooperation ( SAARC) submit going to be held in Bhutan on April 28 and 29, Bhutanese refugees has begun protest today.

Protest lead by Bhutanese Refugee Repatriation Support Group (BRRSG), Bhutanese Elderly Refugee Repatriative Committee (BERRC) is organized at Beldangi and Khudunabari refugee camps. Refugees sit-in demonstrate in front of Refugee coordination Unit, Nepal government‘s representative office in camp.

Coinciding the submit,support group has send a memorandum to Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh requesting to mediate refugee issue through Indian embassy Kathmandu today. Similarly Bhutanese refugee leaders participated in a seminar on right to repatriation of Bhutanese refugees organized by south Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE) and Bhutanese Elderly Refugee Repatriative Committee at Bitamode Jhapa.

Whereas, six leaders among eight has reached to capital today, when one and half day left for submit.The first one to arrive in Thimphu was Sri Lankan president, Mahinda Rajapakse. Rajapakse, who reached here this Monday, remained busy like other leaders in bilateral meetings yesterday.

Meanwhile, the fifth regional meet of South Asia Free Media Association ended in Paro yesterday. Altogether 174 journalists from SAARC countries took part in the regional gathering. Organizers responsible to provide logistics to media persons are finding tough to allocate seats for some 300 journalists since the media gallery in NA hall just contains 106 seats. When no seats are available, journalists will be allowed to enter the hall only when their leaders address the summit.

Long journey from Burma to United States - 1

2010-04-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

Enough property, land and prestigious life of Kadel family in Burma (Myanmar) were always a source of jealous for his neighbors. Kewal R. Kadel’s mother was a self-learned spiritual jumping doctor (a woman who treats patient by praying and playing with the ghosts; believed in the conventional Nepali society). They earned a big cash and metallic wealth like gold, silver, brass, etc by treating sick people in their locality. This made kadel’s family miss the feeling of pains and sufferings while in Burma during 1940s.

But nobody can predict the future. History of Black days for Nepali ehnic people started in Myanmar, Burma. Suppression on Nepali ehnic Burmese during 1940s led a large number of Burmese leave their country. Kewal, his mother, elder brother and sister had to leave not only their land and property but their identity too.

And who knows all happiness is looted in no seconds. Sudden bomb blasts from the sky terrified the province people. Burma – Japan conflicts were on the horizon. Army fighters both in the sky and land were bombing and firing which marked a big question in the lives of thousands of Burmese people. All the bridges and entry-exit ways of the country were sealed. Kewal Ram and his family dug an ‘L’ shaped pit under the ground and stayed there for twelve months. But no signal of war conclusion was sensed.

They freed all their animals and fare welled all the home workers. They kept all their property under the ground. Tela Kadel, wife to Kewal Ram says, “Kewal Ram used to say; if I get chance to visit my birth place ever, I would take out all those properties”.

With no transportation, a five year old child Kewal desperately joined a very long, painful and tiresome journey to India with his family by foot. The earth and the grass, the green water on the lake, the trees near and far off hills, and the rocks and mountains were their friends along their journey. It was a long way walk of two months to reach India. Along with the Kadel family, a large number of Nepali ehnic Burmese moved to somewhere, where they were themselves unknown of their destination.

Everyone’s legs were heavy. “But…”, Kewal’s eldest son Devi Charan says, “…my father used to say that they felt a sense of being together in a group sharing each others’ sorrows”. They inhaled peace slowly putting themselves together along their way.

However, there were, for Kewal, no other options to escape or avoid the unbearable pains of sharp pebbles and thorns on their way.

After all pain and sufferings, Kadel and many other families who arrived India were in halfway house to decide their final destination. As days passed some choosed to go to Assam, some to Megalaya, some to Sikkim and Manipur and many other states of India. Among them, a large group entered Nepal. Still a group of Burmese refugees are found in Kakarvitta, Jhapa Nepal.

During their six months stay in India, Kewal’s elder brother left mother and sister with him and vanished in Assam, India. The then, he never met his brother. “But.”, his eldest son Devi Charan stressed, “…he felt his brother’s affection when he met his sister inlaw in Nepal.

Kewal’s family then decided to spend rest of their life in Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan country in South East Asia. Again the same pain repeated, it took almost one whole month for their foot to reach Bhutan. They were relieved when they reached Dagana district in Bhutan; a place which they called their HOME.

Monarch – Tyrannical rule again ended up Kadel’s stay in Bhutan after five decades of their entry into Bhutan. Democratic movement in 1990 AD demanding Human Rights and democratic systems in the country led one lakh Nepali ethnic southern Bhutanese (Lhotshampas) migrate to Southern Nepal as refugees. Kewal Ram with his four sons and five daughters had to leave their mother (died) and sister (married) in Bhutan itself.

Miracles of his life sometimes may be distrust for somebody. When Kewal Ram’s family entered Timai refugee camp in Nepal, the other Burmese refugees were in Kakarvitta. (These two refugees are approximately in distance of 20 kilometers). With the flow of time Kewal and many other who entered Nepal had a number of sons and grandsons. He became old and was suffered by asthma and was in bed for almost one and a half decade. It was in July 2004 that his physical existence left the earth. He struggled throughout his life to have HOME but couldn’t. This credit is now left on his son’s shoulders.

Kadel family lived for around two decades in exile as refugees in Nepal. Finally, through resettlement program Kewal’s eldest son Devi Charan with his family immigrated to Richmond, Virginia state of USA in June 2008 followed by his other brothers. Devi Charan says, “ this long journey of migrating country to country for safe and home, will definitely end now because USA is believed to be a safe country where every people has equal rights and nobody suppresses no one”. After a long breath he again added, “We have a dignified life here”.

Devi Charan’s words are some of many sorrowful stories of refugees around the world struggling for a safe place called HOME where they can stay permanently with no pressures.

After a moment of thought for the concluding lines Devi Charan concludes, “…let no generations pass a refugee life as we did”.

By Dadi Ram Antim

Police detained Relay march Chief Badal (updated)

2010-03-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

March 30, Armed Police Force (APF) has detained three refugees along with Badal Thapa chief of relay March campaign. Along with Badal, Tara Thapa and Dhan Bdr. Rai were caught by APF before starting “relay mass to Bhutan” campaign from sanischare camp, Morang.

Whereas APF has stated that, detention is keeping in view of security risk.

Chief Badal had informed public regarding the campaign two days before through a press release. He added, campaign is organized to pressurize Bhutan for repatriation and seek concern of international community upcoming SAARC summit on April 28-29 in Bhutan. Political forces in exile has not yet made any public statement on this regard.

Source said that,”march has set internal goal to enter Phuenstoling Bhutan individually.”But detail road map including who and how will they enter country is not made public. It is said that Camp based repatriation support groups has support to the allies.

Relay march organized in 2007 had resulted loss of life and several refugees were vandalized by Indian security forces. Despite of several peaceful protests made by refugees Royal Government of Bhutan has not taken initiation for repartition.
Click here to see interview with Badal after his release.

UK to Resettle Bhutanese Refugee

2010-03-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

United Kingdom ( UK) has work out to resettle Bhutanese Refugees languishing in Nepal. Kantipur News wrote," government team of UK going to take interview of refugees in coming week".

It is said that, refugees disqualified for other countries and census misers will be included for interview. Nepal government and United Nation's High Commissioner for Refugees has concluded census of missing refugees two week ago.UK is one among to resettle less Bhutanese refugees in Europe.

Among one lakhs and seven thousand refugees 83 thousand have filled up resettlement interest form. where 27 thousand has been resettled in Europe and USA since 2008.

Bhutanese Refugee resettlement is the largest program launched by UNHCR in world.

US warns against adopting in Nepal

2010-03-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

KATHMANDU (AFP) – The United States has warned its citizens against adopting children in Nepal, saying it has "grave concerns" about the reliability of that country's adoption system.

The government urged prospective adoptive parents to choose another country, citing the case of a young Nepalese girl placed in the custody of an American couple without the consent of her biological mother and father.

"The US Department of State strongly discourages prospective adoptive parents from choosing Nepal as a country from which to adopt due to grave concerns about the reliability of Nepal?s adoption system," it said in a statement on its website dated March 4.

Nepal introduced new adoption legislation in 2008 following reports of widespread abuses of the system by unscrupulous agents who were effectively trafficking children overseas for profit.

Twenty Nepalese children have been adopted by foreign parents since the system restarted last year, seven of whom are in the US, but experts say little has changed since the new rules came into force.

The State Department said that in one of the first cases processed by the Nepal government, the US embassy in Kathmandu found the birth parents of the adopted child were actively searching for her.

The US government warning follows a recommendation last month from a team of international legal experts based in The Hague that international adoptions of Nepalese children be suspended.

They said their investigations found documents were routinely falsified and children's homes were largely unregulated, with the interests of the child often not considered at all.

Germany moved to suspend adoptions from Nepal after the findings of The Hague team's investigations were made public, and 14 embassies in Kathmandu issued a statement urging the Nepalese government to tighten controls.

source: yahoo.com

STOP KILLING, START LOVING

2010-03-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

Following the assassination of a senior Bhutanese refugee and an erstwhile social worker, former camp Secretary of Beldangi-one, Ramesh Subba a couple weeks ago, there has been multitude of reactions on it. Various speculations have been made as to who had hands in such a heinous and maligned act.The incident hasn’t only left Subba’s family in lurch but many in the camps are dismayed and felt insecure. The common innocent people have started manifesting their fear if the camp was once again heading to be a battlefield in the illogical dictates of those who intend to taint peace and harmony.
Meanwhile, a senior leader, Bhampa Rai smells Bhutan’s hand in this crime and said that Subba’s death was a master-plot to adversely affect the repatriation movement. At the same time, a few other Bhutanese leaders, condemning the incident, have opined that such criminal acts rulling one after another were simply fostering to breed enmity and animosity among the Bhutanese brothers thereby bridging a divisive gap of difference and making them vulnerable at the hour of rush when all had to stand in unison for a common cause.
Whereas, a few celebrated the killing of late Subba. They termed it as a victory. However, wheresoever each individual’s perception in relation to this case be aligned to, either accept wholeheartedly or discard publicly, it is indeed by virtue of human ethics, conscience and rationality that violence can never bring happiness and contentment in people so as crime can never be proven instrumental for victory and justice.
Reports are there that late Subba was lately involved in the underground outfit that was blamed to have carried out a number of explosions inside Bhutan, killed refugee leaders including K.B Khadka and Santiram Nepal last year and disturbed the peace and harmony of the refugee camps. But, at the same time, death can’t be the final punishment to any culprit. Aptly to an adage ‘To err is Human, and to err is devilish’ are like human mistakes. Human beings by nature make mistakes but are instrumental tools if these mistakes are based as the foundation stones for new success thereof.
Looking back to his recent years’ deeds, if things are true as what has been said, late Subba and his organization has made a number of such mistakes. But, there are other ways to correct them. Killing of Subba doesn’t really say that those mistakes are now wiped out rather it might tempt and entice his colleagues towards committing mistakes of greater magnitude. On the other hand, the one who killed must have a heart much different from the rational being. There can be someone with rationale who might have directed the plot of killing Mr Subba but the one who directed the gun towards him can be one with an abnormal sentiments and that it can be of danger to anyone any time for he or she has a conscience that comes into play for ill intention alone.
Consecutive killings of three Bhutanese within a short span of ten months have revealed that the nightmare of impunity is what the innocent refugees have to live in. It is the grass-root people who are compelled to be sandwiched between death and threats. It is the common people after all to suffer and get suffocated in the conspiracy and defiled plumes of air, whose beginning prayers for peace and justice never get an iota of opportunity to rupture into a blossom of hope. Only are they left with, is an option of nightmare life full of impunity, threats and trouble. Looks like the refugee camps are mere sand banks with no human existence. The status of social security is dire as the growing murder, robbery; arson and the like have tightened their grips. May be there are voices in support of the recent killing of Ramesh Subba but in the ethical sense of human existence to conceive murder as the solution to any problem is like living in the barbaric era far away from the civilized 21st-century world.
As a human being we have greater responsibilities towards creation of fair, just and peaceful place on earth than to paralyse ourselves in an ever-growing flame of wrath coming out of our quick-made decisions. From the mouth of each individual the slogan ‘STOP KILLING, START LOVING’ should echo right now. This could only be what would pave a credibly positive way for the generation that is following our footprints.
(Prepared by Bhutanusa.com reporters)

Richmond Bhutanese Society announced

2010-02-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

Virginia, US Resettled Bhutanese in United States, Virginia state living in Richmond city announced to be united under platform of Richmond Bhutanese Society (RBS) saturday at a mid function organized at Virginia Council of Churches Hall.

Nine member executive body under the president ship of Bhupendra Baral was elected. Body constitutes Vice-president Thakur Ghimirey, General Secretary Chandra Dhakal, Treasurer Amber Bhattarai , Employment Secretary Bhim Kumar Kadel, Cultural Secretary Kanchi Maya Monger, Public Well-fare Secretary Thagi Maya Chamlagain, Out-reach Coordinator Dadi Ram Antim and Education Secretary Dhurva Mishra.

Newly elected President Baral talking in the function said,” for overall development and prosperity of Bhutanese Americans resettled in Virginia, we ought to be in one platform of RBS. He stressed that, it is our primary duty to serve our community in every prospectus enriching people with different qualities.

Jon Domiano from Virginia Council of Churches Chief Guest of the function congratulated Bhutanese people being united for betterment of community. Commentating the program Warren Pierce of Richmond’s First Baptist Church wished for the future success of the organization.

Program was chaired by the elderly intellectual of the Bhutanese Community Bhim Bahadur Magar and anchored by Thakur Ghimirey.

Dear Celestial Damsel a word gift for Valentine’s Day

2010-02-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Dadi Ram Antim

A small part of ink, falling like dew drops upon a thought, can make millions think. As ink flows thoughts in plain paper, my angel you flow in my heart. Though the circumstances of life has dragged me like flowing river water. Every steps of life being most lovely and unforgettable stories.

Rough roads with pebbles, gloomy environment around, crowded mass competing each other to create a cam environment there. Day was rainy, slippery, wet and shivering cold outside. Nepal, a collection of open traditions, I mean crawling for development, has not much advanced. Open door was a source to view outside activities of nature huge rainfall.

Kids moving, playing in the rains. A group hurriedly entered the room. They asked for suggestions on writing styles and presentations to me. A lady associated with the group seemed quite talkative questioned me few minutes. Unknowingly our conversation changed the model. She started briefing some how entering towards her personal life experience. Attractive speech and pleasing eyes revolving around me really centralized my conversation upon her.

The event showed her as monologue. But the words were attractive and heart touching to me. That lady who I trust, lady who trust me, we have significant love story, still paragraphs are eventually increasing.

Inclination a human symbol, has in my life. So ever unknown, unseen, virtue leading me to be connected to complete ritual of world. The roaring of the sea in my mind cannot rest. I am obstinate, my chancellor of heart.

Despite of this costly artificial gifts dear celestial damsel, a word gift for Valentine’s day- HEART-which connects us each other forever.

UNHCR:serious on non-registered refugees

2010-02-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

Khudunabari Correspondent,mnbnews.
Feb 12: Newly appointed country representative of United Nation’s High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nepal, Mr Stephen Jacquemet has said that; the UNHCR is deeply concerned and serious about those people who are living in camps without being registered as refugees, in a interaction program at Khudunabari camp.

It is said that UNHCR will raise the issue of people living in camp being without refugee status (preferably called non-registered ) with government of Nepal. Jacquement has shown his deep concern over their situation.
Jacquement also assured that pending cases for refugee identity card of 2009 will be reviewed by government and will be provided the card.

Coinciding the visit , Bhutanese Refugee Repatriation Representative Committee (BRRRC) has appealed UNHCR to help them pave way for those who want to get back to Bhutan. BRRRC in the appeal has stressed, that repartition should be equally addressed as resettlement and refugees should not be compelled to assimilate in their host country.

In a response to one of refugee representative Jacquemet said the UNHCR is working out possible measures to find a just and durable outlet to this protracted refugee crisis.
This is the first week-long visit made by Jacquemet to Bhutanese refugee camps a month after taking his office as a new head of Refugee agency in Nepal.

Nepali PM streesed repatriation

2010-02-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Nepali Prime Minister Madhap Kumar Nepal has stressed to return back Bhutanese refugees talking with Bhutanese Minister for Economic Affairs Khandu Wangchuk.

“The third country resettlement only wouldn’t solve the problem, as well increasing Suicide cases in third countries has frustrated refugees” Nepal’s press advisor,Bishnu Rizal quoted Nepali PM as saying to Wangchuk.

In a response, Wangchuk committed that he would take the issue with the Bhutanese Prime Minister after his return.

Wangchuck, who reached Nepal yesterday as a special envoy, handed over invitation of Jigmi Y Thinley to Nepali PM in his official residence for the 16th Summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to be held in Thimpu from April 28 – 29.

Being founding member, Bhutan is going to held the submit for first time.

Refugee suicide in Beldangi

2010-02-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

Two Refugees from Beldangi camp committed suicide by hanging Saturday.

According to Area police office Damak,50 year Jas Bahadur Tamang of Beldangi II Extension,sector D/4 hut No 88 and Kul Bahadur Acharya of same age from Beldangi II sector A/2 hut no 44 committed suicide.

Reason for committing suicide is not known yet.

NHA headteacher spanked

2010-02-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

Feb 3: A grade nine student of New Horizon Academy in Sanischare (Pathri) camp spanked assistant head teacher Devi Charan Dhungel this morning. Dhungel, who has sustained injuries in his face and nose, is undergoing treatment in Pathri Nursing Home.

According to our sanischare correspondent, Kishore Rai of grade nine slapped Dhungel a number of times without a serious reason.” Kishore was hiding from the morning assembly in the class.When Dungel asked him to attend his regular sessions, he attacked Dungel”,said school headteacher Dil Kumar Subba.

Armed Police Force arrested Kishore, who managed to escape the scene.He was arrested with the help of school management and camp watch team.

Teachers organized protests demanding their security and punishment of the culprit.

Camp secretary showed his serious concern over the incident, while talking in all party meet along with officials from Caritas Nepal.Caritas Nepal manages the education system of Bhutanese Refugees.

Dhungel, who played a crucial role in establishing schools in camp in the early 90s, is one of the longest serving members in camp education.

New Leaders in YFC

2010-01-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

31^st Jan. Youth Friendly Centers (YFC) now have new leaders.Election scheduled for seven centers of Bhutanese Refugee camp for 29^th and 30^th January this month elected new coordinators and core committee for one year.

First phase election conducted in Eastern camps elected ,in, Khudunabari :Kharga Gurung and Bishnu Maya Gurung, Timai:Hem Raj Gurung and Tika Maya Gurung ,Goldhap: Sagar Humagain and Sunita Rai as coordinators respectively.

Similarly, election conducted for second phase in Sanischare elected Yogen Bhujel and Ambika Rai as coordinator.Where as election result of three Beldangi camps are still not known.

One male and female are elected by youths of age group 18-25 of respective camps as coordinator, who is entire responsible of administrative function of center.A core committee compromising 14 youths is elected to run the center.

Fr.Peter Jong Lepcha, program coordinator for YFC, talking with our correspondent said,”a new policy nominating two people with disabilities in each core committee will be implemented by this year in order to guarantee the involvement of disables in YFC”.

YFC is a program funded by United Nation’s High Commissioner for Refuges (UNHCR) and implemented by Caritas-Nepal,which looks over entire education system in camps.

YFC was eastablished in 2006.

EU to talk on repartition

2010-01-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

Dadi Ram Antim,mnbnews(www.mnbconnection.com)
During a talk with delegation of Bhutanese Advocacy Forum (BAF)-Europe,Mr.Jean Christian Remond Head of Unit for India,Nepal and Bhutan at the European Commission assured EU will talk on regards of repartition with Bhutan scheduled for April this year.

The five-member delegation of Bhutanese Advocacy Forum – Europe (BAF-Europe) headed by its coordinator Durga Giri held meetings with high level European Union officials at Brussels on January 25.
The delegates met with Jean-Christian Remond and Rensje Teerind, Head and deputy Head of Unit for India and Bhutan and Nepal at the European Commission respectively.

The meeting lasted for one hour during which detail issues concerning 1985 Citizenship Act, right to equal protection of culture, custom and tradition, language and script, religion, establishment of national human rights commission, ratification of UN conventions, inclusive democracy and governance, release of political prisoners, political dialogue for lasting peace, repatriation of Bhutanese in exile, EU Aid and human rights situation in Bhutan were discussed in detail with the EU leaders.
Submitting a memorandum to the officials, the forum delegates also appealed them to pressurize Bhutan to initiate repatriation of thousands of its citizens languishing in Nepalese camps,with full dignity.
According to Forum’s press statement, they discussed issues concerning 1985 Citizenship Act, Right to Equal protection of Culture,Costume and Tradition, Language and Script, Religion, Establishment of Human Rights Commission, Ratification of the UN Convention, Inclusive democracy and Governance, release of political prisoners, dialogue and repatriation,EU Aid and Human Rights in Bhutan with the officials in the meeting.
On the occasion the delegates appealed the European commission to pressurize The Bhutan government to initiate the repartition of those exiled Bhutanese willing to get back to homeland with dignity and honor at the earliest.
The commission officials expressed their happiness on the formation of first ever advocacy forum of Bhutanese in Europe and assured possible assistance to help institutionalize the advocacy forum. It has also assured the delegates that the advocacy forum can act as a bridge between the Bhutanese human rights movement and European commission and its door will always be opened for future meetings.
Similarly another meeting was held at the European Parliament with Jean Lambert, Head of delegation for South Asia cum member of European parliament from London’s green party. Besides the issues raised with European commission the delegate also appraised that the crux of the problem is the implementation of ethnic cleansing policies like “one nation one people”, Citizenship Act of 1985 and other discriminatory policies in the late eighties.
During the meeting, the delegates appealed the EU to see the possibility of mediation with the RGOB for initiating political dialogue with the dissident groups to achieve the lasting solution to the crisis.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Nepal’s Embassy in Brussels and held talks with Ambassador Pramesh Kumar Hamal and Minister counselor Mr. Deepak Dhital. The issues of Bhutanese refugees and their resettlement issues were discussed on the occasion.

fire in Beldangi-I:600 people dispalced,relief package roaring

2010-01-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

DR Antim,Jan 21:A fire started from candle light destroyed 100 huts displacing more than 600 people in Beldangi-I camp yesterday.Immediate relief package is coming from various group for fire victims.

World Food Program has provided 300 kilograms of bitten rice and instant noodles.Relief materials has been collected from various sectors to provide victims.Similarly,teaching staffs of Tri-Ratna Secondary School, Beldangi II provided 1081 Nepali rupee for fire victims. Our correspondent informed that a fire relief committee has been set up headed by Harka Subba ,Camp Supervisor compromising various representatives for effective relief management.

27 huts turned into ashes while more than 35 has been vandalized to bring fire under control.Displaced people are temporarily taking shelter in Green Vale Academy,the camp school."We appeal every one to support fire victims",said T.B Gurung Camp Secretary talking to our correspondent.

Fire started from sector A/3 hut number 473 of Lal Bahadur Lamgade was taken under control after several hours by local people, Armed Police Force and fire fighters from Ithari,Dharan and Biratnagar.

Series of fire accidents has been occurred in Beldangi-I camp since its establishment 1991 A.D.

Stephane new UNHCR Nepal chief

2010-01-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

Kathmandu Jan 13, Newly appionted United Nation's High Commissoiner for Refugees Representatives in Nepal, Stephane Jaquemet, assum his office yesterday.

He presented the Letter of Credentials to the Nepali Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister of Nepal, Sujata Koirala yesterday.Jaquemet, upon assuming office said,"l am haappy to be in Nepal , beautiful country, UNHCR's largest operation in the world.

“We will continue working with the international community and the Governments of Nepal and Bhutan to find solutions for these refugees, including repatriation to Bhutan and resettlement to third countries,” said Jaquemet wrote the statement.

According to a statement issued by the UNHCR, before coming to Nepal, he served as the UNHCR Representative in Lebanon, Beirut. Having spent 17 years with UNHCR, Jaquemet has held a number of senior positions both at UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva and in other UNHCR offices, including Indonesia, Togo and Croatia.

UNHCR has said, the Swiss national Jaquemet has a strong legal background, and served as Chief of Protection Capacity Section, Department of International Protection, at UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva from 1997 to 2002.

Besides Bhutanese and Tibetans, UNHCR’s work in Nepal also includes providing protection and assistance to around 300 individuals from some 10 countries who have sought asylum in, helping find solutions for stateless people, and facilitating the safe transit of Tibetan new arrivals to a third country.

Since late 2007, UNHCR has helped more than 25,600 refugees from Bhutan to start new lives in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and New Zealand.

Jaquemet has taken his position when the former UHCR Chief in Nepal, Daisy Dell, completed her tenure from July last year. She had served the UNHCR Nepal starting from January 2007.

China invited Bhutanese PM for visit

2010-01-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

Dadi Ram Antim,Jan 12,

Hu Zhengye Assistant Foreign Minister of China invited Bhutanese Primeminister Jigmi Y Thinely as the first Primeminister of democratic Bhutan to visit China yesterday.Zhengye was in Bhutan to attend 19th round of Bhutan-China Boundary talks.

Zhengye said,"a mojority of work is compeleted, what's left is minor". He said that tremendous efforts have been made and the two countries should engage each other more frequently on broder discussions.Jigmi Y Thinely, Bhutanese PM said that the previous talks have been most meaningful,productive and had have a "special significance" in Bhutan-China relations, kuenselonline wrote.

China is soon hosting the World Expo in Shanghai and the Asain Games in Ghangzhou.A senoir Chinese delegation will be attending the SARRAC submit in Bhutan in April as an observer.

Koirala passed away in car accident

2009-12-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

Tika Ram koirala, resettled Bhutanese passed away at Vinderbille hospotial in Tennessee state of USA at 12 noon local time Tuesday.He was evicted from Lalai Bhutan and live 19 years exile life in Beldangi II Extension camp, Sector A/3.

Koirala was hit by a speedy car while returning from work; immediately he was admitted in ICU section of hospital critical condition due to fracture of ribs and legs.

Information provided by one of his relatives in Tennessee, resettled Bhutanese community members have gathered at koirala's house for funeral decision and to decide future of his children.

he was survived with five children and wife.

Endless goodbyes

2009-12-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

Here in Beldangi there are tearful scenes of farewell every day as fleets of white IOM (International Organization for Migration) buses taking Bhutanis for third country resettlement leave for Bhadrapur airport. Among those seeing off relatives and friends are those who have travelled clandestinely from Bhutan for poignant farewells before time and distance separate them from their relatives. Antari is 35 years old, and has come all the way from southern Bhutan, crossing two international borders, to say goodbye to her parents, and seven brothers and sisters and their children. She is the only member of her family still in Bhutan. "I don't know when I will see them again, they are going so far away," Antari sobbed, clutching a faded photograph of the family taken while they were still in Bhutan. Antari's elderly parents Krishna Prasad and Dhanmaya can't hide their tears. Hugging her parents, Antari tells them there is now no sign of their little ancestral home in Bhutan and even the tulasi plant in front of their house is gone. But Antari has brought a handful of soil from their homeland to give to her parents in a little plastic pouch before they leave. Dhanmaya takes a pinch from the pouch and puts it on her daughter's forehead like tika as a final farewell. Like most Bhutanis here, Antari doesn't want to be named or her picture taken for fear of retribution back home in Bhutan. She says the repression of Nepali speakers continues. More than 80,000 Lhotsampa Nepali speakers were not allowed to vote in last year's elections. The signals of some Nepali FM stations reach southern Bhutan, but Antari says one has to be careful not to listen openly for fear of spies in the neighbourhood who have already labeled her 'ngolop' (anti-national) for having refugee relatives in Nepal. Saraswati Sharma is 83, but has travelled for three days to get to Beldangi to say goodbye to her second daughter, Shibamaya, who will soon be leaving to join her elder sister in the United States. For others, like 45-year-old Bhim, there was a different kind of farewell. Hearing his father was ill, he rushed to Nepal, arriving at the Sanishchare refugee camp only to hear that his father, whom he hadn't seen for ten years, had just died. Bhim went straight to the banks of the river to light his father's funeral pyre.

By Gopal Gortoula

Alive Christmas Tree

2009-12-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

It was 10 o'clock at night somebody knocked the door, I was supposed to fall asleep.My mind sketch few diagram why at night door knocks, surprisingly I myself remind conversation with Jeff Suik before to visit Saint Mary's Catholic Church at Richmond Virginia of United States. Sixteen days were already listed in my history of entrance to united states. Moment was really glorious and excited every where Christmas decorations were sparkling like a thunder in the sky.

I stepped ahead, Jeff was outside reminding to go Church. Within no time I get ready along with my two nephew Rupa and Bimala.Car started the destination, on the way every where something special and extra was found. Temperature was cool outside but number of cars were going in speed towards their destination,left turn from the existing road took us towards a artificial Christmas village where every animals and trees decorated for Christmas had eternal aliveness. Suddenly our car drove by Jeff stopped a moment to glance it. Reality is always nice to hear, joyful to glance, likely my heart dreamed inexpressive happiness in my life where I firstly experienced it in twenty s.

Slowly stand by car got it's speed around on the most heartfelt house with Christmas glories directly reflected on my eye.It seemed a heaven every angles were happy enjoy blessings of god.

Internal happiness limit crossed the boundary to enter a huge beautiful St. Mary's Catholic Church. Everyone there seemed to be very happy to celebrate Christmas and pray lord Jesus who crucified for the sins of the people. Large number of people singing hymens with melody praying god for peace, the eternal peace resting in heaven after the busy modern world.

Tones and pitches along rhymes gave real touch of feelings.Life which we enjoy is controlled by unseen power that we always pray for safe.That I too participated to pray for prosperous and healthy life.Which I saw in alive Christmas tree.

FOOTSTEPS IN VIRGINIA

2009-12-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

Dadi Ram Antim(DEC 18, 2009) After all with long breath I meet my sister-in-law Narayani at Delta Airlines Airport in Virginia late 8.30 pm.Me and my family members accompanied by old mother,wife,and laps on. Eighteen years of refugee life in Nepal was really a extra story where what we didn't experience.Life under the supervision United Nation's High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)administrative care of Government of Nepal was very warm, protective with all kind of basic needs fulfilled in order to live a common life.

It was my last day to remain under the plastic and bamboo made hut, all the relatives were present to say Bye and pray for safe journey. A large number of huts arranged in a big area for forcefully evicted Bhutanese people compelled to be refugees called Camp was a home for us.

Where I spend my lovely childhood,teenage,and start adulthood which round in my mind like a wheel.It was not easy to spent eighteen years exile life within the periphery of camp. Totally it was hardship for us to be in touch of modernization which keeps a deep relation with economy.Though I spent my one decade time serving my community as a volunteer.Hardships were my friends every time, morning to evening. To tolerate and moving ahead was only one best way to achieve something in life.A kind of culture to criticize and pull down to those who try to learn and do new things is the main barrier still. Though I can proudly admire the world that I was lucky to overcome all that hardship and learn at least new things. Fractions in my community has deeply rooted, what will happen it is matter of tension?Which will lead our community towards destruction.A flame flows in my mind recalling the past days.I regret to lacking technical knowledge which will build a track of hardship in resettled countries too.Days to keep hands on forehead will be regrettable. My memoirs were spinning like a wheel in the Airport comparing hut and new life whether I could successfully be settled or not?That moment was very unbearable for my mind.I couldn't resist thinking and thinking due fever was troubling me from Kathmandu itself. My footsteps in Virginia trembled me like a wind which may blow the life.Intentionally the reason was a family head in twenty's age guiding all with full responsibility.

Bhutanese Refugee:Celebrating International Days

2009-11-30T23:41:00.003-08:00

Dadi Ram Antim,Dec1,United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) and Caritas

Nepal

has organized live concert on the eve of International Aids Day on Nov. 28 at Saraswati High School Damak six kilometer away from Beldangi refugee camp.It is reported refugees celebrated the day organizing various awareness and rally in camp today.

1974 A.D renounced musical band from

Nepal

Youth Friendly Center. show live on the occasion. Two other local bands actively supported the event. Refugee and locals one voice against HIV/AIDs was the theme of the celebration. It is our effort to bring locals and refugees working teogrther to fight against the HIV/AIDS, said Mona Rath Pokhrel Assistant Program Coordinator for

UHNCR has started 16 Days Activism against women violence in refugee camps from 25 Nov which ends on 10 Dec. International day on violence against women, AIDS day, disability Day volunteer day and human rights day falls under it. Refugees celebrate these days by organizing different programs. Lutheran World Federation, Caritas Nepal and Association of Medical Doctors of Asia are implementing partner of UNHCR working in camps.

Bhutan to Attend GNH Conference in Brazil

2009-11-19T00:39:00.000-08:00

Dadi Ram Antim(19 Nov)
Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhoen Jigme Y.Thinley is scheduled to leave for Brazil to attend the 5th International conference on Gross National Happiness (GNH) tomorrow. Thinley is leading a 20 members Bhutanese delegation.

The Bhutanese Premier is expected to deliver the keynote address at the conference. The four-day conference going to be hosted for the first time by any South American nation will begin from November 20 to 24 in Itaipu city of Brazil. The conference is aimed to bring together actors and agents of the development- leaders,policy makers, intellectuals,and the like to explore and examine issues, problems, questions and topics of local, national and internatonal importance for a range of development issues.

The Future Vision Ecological Park, Brazil and the Itaipu Bi-national Hydroelectric Facility, co-owned by Brazil and Paraguay, are the co-hosts and organisers of this conference which basically facilitates exchanges, interaction, scientific debate and networking research on Gross National Happiness and other related issues among various nations.

The 4th International conference on GNH was held in Thimpu from Nov.24-27 , last year. More than 90 participants from 25 different nations had attended it.

A Single Bhutanese With too many Geniuses

2009-11-16T00:58:00.000-08:00

Dadi Ram Antim (Nov. 15) There are rare cases that a single person is embeded with too many skills to display dexterity in the field of sports. Amid this rarity has evolved a young Bhutanese who has demonstrated enough to be the subject of discussions in press and media.

Ran Bahadur Yongyang Subba, son of Ranadhoj and Runchimaya and a resident of Bhutanese refugee camp, Beldangi, sector B/2-210 has a lot of skills to perform in football, volleyball, cricket, badminton, table tennis and martial arts with excellence. He has demonstrated exquisitely in varous camp-based and out-of the camp competitons and has bagged many shields, awards and badges of honors.

Living as a refugee is not an easy job but Ran Bahadur transcended all barriers and obstacles to achieve his childhood dreams. He has challenged the old saying, “If wishes were horses begger could ride them”. While as a student at camp he had times learning a lot about sports and arts from his seniors and peers. Along with his desires to excel in sport he also mettled his best and completed his high school from Tri-Ratna Secondary school located in Beldangi-2. He went to further his education in Kumudini Homes, Kalimpong (India) where he got opportunities to learn from his Indian counterparts and teachers. Next, he continued his study and got his bachelor’s (B.Com) from North Bengal University, Siliguri.
Fanatic of the sports from the very young age, Ran Bahadur choses to say cricket as his best game. He claims that he is an all-rounder in the game as he has helped his team win different camp-level and other matches played out side camps.

He equally performs in football (soccer) as a defence and half line player. He has played this game in different places including his school in Kalimpong and other district-level matches in India not only to participate but to help his team win awards and medals. Mr Subba is a good performer in martial arts too. He is a green-belt achiever in karate.
Besides, he is an excellent dancer, a social worker, and a teacher of English for adults in camp.

Despite having all this skills in him, he expresses his bitterness of having to live without citizenship. “If I were a citizen, I would have better opportunities” Subba regreted. His last words for those who fail in life goes like this, “Failure is not the end but just a bend on the way to success”.
source http://www.bhutanusa.com/ (for trail)