Saturday 23 April 2016

Participation in the Second World Newah Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, USA

A two member Team led by Dr. Hemanta Joshi, President of Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA), participated in the Second World Newah Convention at the invitation of World Newah Organization (WNO). Mr. Tri-Prasad Dhoubhadel, founding member of NCSA, was member of that Team. The three day convention was held at Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland, USA from March 25 to 27, 2016. Meanwhile, NCSA is an Ex-officio Member of the WNO committee since April 2013.

Uniting Newah across the globe to preserve and promote language, culture and identity was the main theme of the Second World Newah Convention. The convention was jointly inaugurated by Mr. Malla K. Sunder, Chief Guest and prominent Newah activist; and Dr. Arjun Karki, Ambassador of Nepal to USA. Mr. Rajendra Shrestha, former Minister of Nepal, was a key note speaker in the convention.

In the convention, audio video presentations were made from some key Newah organizations. Similarly, vivid cultural programs were performed in the convention. Many working papers related to Newa culture and traditions were also presented and discussed in the forum. On the closing day (March 27, 2016), NCSA team delivered a presentation about NCSA and its projects and activities in promoting and preserving culture and traditions in the community. The presentation also highlighted the support and cooperation received from the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta in maintaining and preserving Newa language, music , dance, culture, and traditions in the community. After the NCSA presentation, NCSA was recognized in the stage with a plaque by the President of WNO - Nepal Chapter for outstanding contributions in promoting and preserving Newa culture and traditions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

During the 3-day convention, NCSA team met with many people and organizational representatives from around the globe and exchanged ideas, experiences, goodwill, and friendship. In particular, NCSA team was successful in establishing a working relationship with officials from WNO, NOA (Newah Organization of America), NPPA (Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye), CNG (Canadian Newa Guthi), and WNO Chapter states (such as Boston, Chicago, New York, and Oregon) and countries (such as England, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Portugal, and Qatar). During the convention, NCSA brochures and publications were displayed on the table. NCSA publication package were also distributed to the key personnel and organizational representatives from around the world during the convention.

NCSA presentation at the convention can be viewed at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXd4WXFX7Vw

Similarly, glimpses of the cultural activities can be viewed at the links given below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5HPA6aXpT0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ2s2Ma2T3g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrW3M5muoYc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS241YLsm_I