The 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa (NCAO) and New Year-2079 celebration programs were held on April 09, 2022 at Britannia Park Hall, Ron Kolbus Garden Centre, Ottawa. Over 250 community members including the family members attended the event. It was the first in-person AGM and New Year celebration programs after more than two years because of the COVID pandemic. The AGM was moderated by Deepak Shrestha and participants were welcomed by Puspa Rizal Chhetri. The AGM passed Annual Report presented by Kalidas Subedi and Financial Report presented by Raja Khanal.
An Election Committee authorized by NCAO was composed of Bhim Adhikari and Ramesh Baniya. The committee elected four new board members namely Janaki Pandit, Rishi Gautam, Dhruba Bhandari and Ashok Baniya for a next two- year term while four existing board members namely Kalidas Subedi, Deepak Shrestha, Shital Gautam and Pushpa Rizal Chhetri ended their term.
The second phase of the program was moderated by Santosh Poudel. The program was started with the National anthems of Nepal and Canada presented by the students of Nepalese Language School. His Excellency the Ambassador of Nepal to Canada, Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana graced his presence as the chief guest. He expressed his best wishes and highlighted the importance of Nepal-Canada relations. Anup Subedi (Non-Resident Nepali Association-NRNA) and Ajoy Bista (Nepalese Canadian Heritage Centre and Temple Ottawa-NCHCTO) expressed their best wishes on the occasion of the new year. Prageet GC, Sports Coordinator of NCAO highlighted the importance of “Rajdhani Soccer” to be held in July, 2022 in Ottawa.
The Newsletter of NCAO, Ottawa Chautari (Year 20, Issue 40) was also released by H. E. Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana supported by Kalidas Subedi and Santa Man Rai. Community members, Ramesh Baniya and Santosh Baral were honoured by the letter of appreciation for their dedication and contribution to the community. Similarly, Aspath Bhattarai, a youth volleyball player was also honored by NCAO to encourage youth and lead the community in the sport activities. Like every year, to encourage our children to write best articles in Ottawa Chautari, NCAO awarded three best articles from junior students (Grade 1-7) and three best articles from senior students (Grade 8-12). The best articles were selected based on the recommendation of an independent judging committee (see issue 40 for details). Vote of thanks and closing of the program was delivered by Santa Man Rai.
The last and attractive part of the event was the cultural program that included Nepalese cultural songs and dances. The artists for these items were named Samikshya, Khusboo, Pranita, Prasoon, Jyotsna, Kabita, Prabhakar, Jayati & Friends, Himali Girls and Orleans Cultural Group who presented their remarkable songs and dances that were greatly appreciated by the participants. The program was hosted by Himani Parajuli and Saugat Shrestha.
Thank you!
