OBCA knocks ABA door for dialogue

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Stating that their initiative was based on the public opinions and suggestions individually and publicly, a meeting of the Organization of Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA) on Wednesday has called the Association of Bhutanese in America (ABA) for a dialogue to move ahead together.  

In a formal letter sent to the President of ABA, Bhakti Sharma, chief coordinator for the first national convention organization committee, has urged the ABA to come forward for creating a congenial atmosphere so that all Bhutanese can sit together, chart out our road map for future and work for the prosperity and glory of our community in America in particular, and the entire Bhutanese community across the globe, in general.  

“As we understand, there is no difference between us. We have struggled together for the sake of our people in Bhutan and have been struggling even today; we also sweated together during both the influx of Bhutanese (refugees) and their management in the camps in Nepal in early 90s,” reads the statement, adding-  “We had to undergo untold hardship and suffering during the last two decades as refugees. The establishment of OBCA is an attempt expressing the desire and commitment of the selfless young community volunteers emerging from various cities and states towards their community during the transitional phase in the new set up.”  

OBCA further said that they wanted to ensure that the joint initiative will be able to facilitate the process of transformation of our community into the mainstream American society with grace and dignity.  

Urging the ABA to rise up above the organizational interest for the sake of the innocent and downtrodden people, OBCA has stated that their call for unity is for the greater cause of the Bhutanese Community and, it should not, at any cost, be misconstrued in other ways.  

Announced formally on May 7, OBCA, calling their initiative as a “dialogue”, however, has not mentioned anything about its nature. OBCA has already slated the date for the first national convention on June 18-19 in Georgia.

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26644 COMMENTS

  1. I personally appreciate the approach initiated by OCBA to form consensus with ABA. To my infatuation brain, ABA has to be very flexible to incorporate people of all spheres. And there is no wiser approach than dialogue. The dialogue shouldn’t be on personal matters but the future roadmaps to pave the swift transformation process and strengthening the human infrastructure development. Let the dialogue be meaningful and conclusive.
    ABA has been dormant for almost 2 years and the attempt by OCBA to establish itself gave a tremor to all. ‘When there is a need, there is a way and necessity is the mother of invention’. Above quotation speaks a lot. This is a great opportunity for ABA friends to demonstrate their potentials to lead the Bhutanese folks in USA in specific. I think this is a chance to them.
    Many people at different cities across the nation have begun to produce community leaders and identifying such potential individuals and providing the responsibilities would help to strengthen the organizational capability. Let’s be our leaders to serve ourselves.
    Thanks
    Kanchokaka
    Ohio

  2. Intention of OBCA folks is Nobel. Go ahead for Unification with ABA. At the same time be-aware of individuals from Atlanta . Atlanta is the primarily source of Bhutanese society division and it is slowly taking precedence in whole USA. At no cost, OBCA and ABA guys should listen Bhutanese in Atlanta. Otherwise they will not make this unification of OBCA and ABA happens. They are power crazy!!!!

  3. It is OBCA’s praiseworthy initiative to offer a golden handshake to ABA. OBCA has moved an inch closer and ABA should respond with a kind gesture to the greatness shown by the OBCA. THe announcement of OBCA came as a bolt from the blue to everyone in the US. Before the formal announcement of this so called people-pro organization, there should have been a formal consultation and discussion with the ABA. Bhakti Uncle is a great personality and well educated but he should not get influenced by the super ambitious and handfull of people from Atlanta. We have great camp level politicians in Atlanta who have vested interest and want power and green dough only. I am happy that I am not in Atlanta. My friends from Atlanta say that some of these so called self-proclaimed Netas have already started taking advantages of the innocent folks and indirectly reaping huge commission working as a Dalal(broker). People in Atlanta are planning to raise this issue in the OBCA Convention, if it ever takes place. But I request people in Atlanta not to raise such petty issues and embarrass such people.So, I request all the forefront leaders to take a cautious steps.. People in different states are now busy preparing your good resume.

  5. This is a good initiative. Hope this meeting would bring some positive outcome and pave the way for better coordination between these two wings of the Bhutanese in America, which is for the welfare of our people not only in US but for all the Bhutanese around the globe.

    ALL THE BEST!

  6. As per my idea, WHATEVER may be the differences, of opinions, of power, of financing, of regions/places, of religions (many are christians / budhist), all RESETTLED bhutanese refugees MUST be UNITED. We should be successful in uniting people / societies in Atlanta too if that is being seriously going down. We will regret 20 years from now if we do not do our work now. People in Bhutan and those in camps are regretting now for their individual actions of the past, while in Bhutan.

    IF IT IS NOT UNDER ONE ORGANIZATION, ATLEAST IN THE STATES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE, I SEE NO REASON WHY ANY GROUPS SHOULD FORM DIFFERENT ASSOCIATIONS. WHICHEVER INDIVIDUAL / GROUPS REALLY THINK FOR OUR SOCIETY, THEY MUST BE ABLE TO UNIFY ALL OR ANY EXISTING ASSOCIATIONS. Personally I will never be attracted to any resettled bhutanese associations if there exists MORE than ONE in a country.

    I WILL BE SO HAPPY TO SEE ONE AND ONLY BHUTANESE ASSOCIATION EACH IN USA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NORWAY, NEW ZEALAND, DENMARK AND THE NETHERLANDS.

  7. Leaders, whether in the community level or national, have to respect the opinion of the public. Definitely, through BNS news blog, people of all calibres have expressed their desire that siting for a dialogue for finding appropriate avenues has no any other alternative at this hour for OBCA and ABA. And rightly, as other friends have quoted, OBCA’s open and direct call for dialogue has been rated a smart beginning for unifying community forces and sternths.
    We the general public are much anxious to see ABA and OBCA coming together, and forge unity for the betterment of the whole community people.As OBCA did, let ABA also take a leap inorder to give a headway.
    Finally, I have a word to both sides, that dialogue should not be taken only as a tactic to gain organizational interest and benefit.

  8. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GET ORGANISED IN THE CITY LEVEL IN THE STATES.THIS APPROACH WILL HELP BHUTANESE FOLK OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO SERVE AND BE SERVED AT THE GRASSROOT WHERE MANY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN COPING WITH THE PROBLEMS AT THE INITIAL PHASE OF TRANSITION.THIS WILL HELP ALSO IN THE LONG RUN TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS AND MEASURES TO FIX UP.

    THE STEP TAKEN BY RASTRAPATI OF OBCA IS WELCOMING.NOW YOUR TURN ABA TO RECIPROCATE THE OFFER IN GOOD FAITH.ABA MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN COMING TO TERMS WITH THIS NEW BHUTANESE SPECIES IN EXILE BUT IT IS GOOD TO MAKE A GIVE AND TAKE GESTURE FOR THE BROADER INTEREST OF BHUTANESE IN AMERICA.ANY ORGANISATIONS ALREADY FORMED (BE IT ACTIVE OR DORMANT)OR THOSE IN THE WOMB SHOULD FOCUS MORE ON THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE SHOULD IT TRUELY REPRESENT ALL BHUTANESE RATHER THAN ORGANISATIONAL PROMOTIONS FOR MEETING THE INTEREST OF FEW INDIVIDUALS.

    ANY GOOD LUCK TO BOTH OBCA &ABA.

  10. OBCA is for the men only. We women are not mentioned anywhere. It has failed from the beginning as it has not included bhutanese ladies in their organizing committee. There should be a reservation of atleast 33 1/3 ( one-third) seats for the Bhutanese Women. Women like Purna Kumari Sotang should be involved in the Organizing Committee. Mr. D. J. Khaling Rai, Bhakta Sir, Kumar Dai, Manoj sir, Hari Sir, and B.M. Khaling Rai should not ignore women. Otherwise Bhutanese women will have our own organization OBWA…Organization Of Bhutanese Women in America.

  11. R.P Subba, Dick Chhetri, Bhakti Bhandari,Tek Bir Chhetri and Naresh Subba should lead National organization in USA. They are matured Bhutanese with intellectual competency. Mohan tamang, Hari Acharya and Dj Rai should be in the second layer

  12. Hey Mohan
    Stop playing drama. Every Bhutanese know how is your rother Bhakti. Dont try to fool international community. How can he be a leader in his life when he has even not learnt to say – tapai or timi. To everyone he says tah..be a senior or junior. How much social contribution have your brother done?

    Has he contributed a single penny for community? Any records besides fooling educated people through his DYB or something while he was in Nepal. How can he lead people who even doesnt write directly to googlegroup? His PA Manoj is doing on his behalf. Are you thinking to make this a family tree like in Srilanka? Stop your bussiness Bhandari jee. Dont give more chance to comment on your parts.

  13. Shanta Kumari Gurung Jee, Your judgement matched with mine. Yes, we wanna see some women definately. Gender balance is very important. They have started including women from the state level organising commite. I’m waiting for the convention what they do.
    We the women demand the involvement of women in the the Board of Directors of OBCA. And I also urge the women all around America to come ahead and serve for the cause of poor and needy Bhutanese families. I’m a student of Grade 12 so I’ve school. Otherwise I would be the one ine the Board of Directors of OBCA.
    Thank you

    Purna Kumari Sotang
    Central High School

  14. aretni hau magar mailo, what the hell you are talking about?

    these prople “R.P Subba, Dick Chhetri, Bhakti Bhandari,Tek Bir Chhetri and Naresh Subba should lead National organization in USA. They are matured Bhutanese with intellectual competency. Mohan tamang, Hari Acharya and Dj Rai should be in the second layer”

    are the one who caused so much division in the camp. dont tempt chimps with tools they know not how to use.

  15. OBCA & ABA are like north & south korea. mistrust & animosity will always be there and as such if they amalgate to form “OBCAABA” they will be too busy fighting amongst themselves to have any time for the attending to the needs of the poor ordinary folks. there are too many “A” in the OBCAABA and hence too many cooks spoil the broth.

    To all resettled bhutanese refugees in USA, please seek solace somewhere else as these dudes in OBCA & ABA are too b usy fighting to promote their vested interests. Ordinary folks better seek support from the church comminities for they will atleast not leave you out in cold. you dont have to be christain to receive their charity. ?????????????????

  17. GANESH,
    People can not trust the same folks… You all are opportunist and never look back once you reached America. Your image is the one that goes straight in the dustbin. You have contributed little bit to the Bhutanese society but the whole is swallowed by the negativity.
    We need some changes and we all need to move on as per the demand of time and situation. Who are you here to ask for the credibility and enter in the personal business of Bhakti Bhandair.??? Please don’t bridge YOB and DYB through Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

    MAGAR MAILO. You forgot to mention some of the genuine names…Birandra Dhakal,Naryan Katel,Hari Adhakari,D.P.Bannet and Ralph Parker in the first layer, great functional people of our society.

    Mohan Bhandari,Deo Sharma,B.M Rai,Bahaur Subba,Purnananda,Chhimi Dorji in your second layer.

    I also like to add third layer for you if you don’t mind..Suresh Tamang,Parankush Subbidi,Ananta Gurung,Jiwan subba,Prakash sharma.

    Please let us know if the additional names remains you some more names

    Thanks.

  18. No matter which part of the world, Bhutanese are masters for making, breaking and fighting in the name of organisation, castes. race and ego. Can anyone exhibit one single organisation from the past with successful function and operational until now?
    Why waste energy and make more ememies among you all.
    It is time to settle and let other rest and settle in peace..let live other so called OBCA and ABA and would froming other parties.
    Have you even heard of nay group from in Bhutan in USA despite how many are there? Do yuo know that they too meet and do better work for each other. Better learn unity atleast from our Sarchops and Nglongs folk guys…

  19. Dear Bhakti,
    Why you always play double roll ? Why you are trying to fool the innocent Bhutanese who attended OBCA meeting in Atlanta, who demanded that OBCA must have dialogue with ABA for unity. You are just trying to fool the Bhutanese in atlanta by sending Invitation to president of ABA. What are you trying to prove here, by sending invitation to President of ABA? Are you sure you are not playing the double roll out here? Are you not trying to tell the people in the group that you are the first to invite for unity? Actually, sorry this process was already started and it was initiated by APFA friends…since the process was already started what made you sent invitation to president of ABA? do you want to prove the Bhutanese community that you are the first to invite for unity? I m sorry friend, I know you for long time..and have seen your work as a teacher and as well as ayouth leader. I bet..you will be the first to bring fraction in Bhutanese group. Change your attitude because the bhutanese refugees this days are educated and could became thousand times better leader than what you are..cahnge yourself Mr. Bhakti..change your self and stop fooling the Bhutanese around the glove.

    Ram

  20. Dipak vai, Im still in camp. Your evaluation of myself in america like you is false. By the way who are you to question me? When Mr. Bhandari says ‘Bhutanese’ im included in this word. I never support such people. You are his fan, that is okay. Dont force me to write more about this Leader. People know who is he. Go ahead with your business, time will decide who you are. Yah, we need leader like Manoj rai, Bhakti and praja like Dipak vai!

  21. HEy Ganesh,
    I understand your egoist feelings and you blame others for you have no room for the front running in representing Bhutanese in future.In the name of refugee advocacy programs you moved to the west and never dared to raise issues and provblems facing these innocent folks until they started tickling in to the united states under TCR.And people like you claim to be the savoiour of refugees.Give a background check of your organisationn and you,How many innocent Bhutanese lost their lives in the cruel hands where you had a role to play the part.Now why blame mohan?
    Any way it is better for you to blame others rather count your own.Because of the idotic nature of people like you many youths were misled and the out come was widespread of mistrust in the camps.What good you have done to the bhutanese community so far?
    Could you pinpoint one………
    I have hundreds of you ill managed programs which led to miseries and loss of innocent lives.

    Go ahead ganesh,no bhutanese will follow you with your name only.Bhutanese people in the camps has come up from their innocence now,they will judge you before considering you for leading the community and community welfare activities.

  22. Dear all, I see immaturity. I see trivialization. I see mud-slinging. Perhaps I am incompetent to understand reality. 20 years of discomfiture have now succumbed to relatively dignified and independent lives to Bhutanese Diaspora. It is time to enjoy the moment of truth. It is time to thank the international community by being grateful for this swivel of transformation. Such appreciation could also be revealed through enhanced expressions of unity and self-determination.

    The idea behind the resettlement was to give the Bhutanese Diaspora a renewed opportunity to lead a new life. A life free of degradation and indignity. And it truly is an occasion to tap the right chord to making a harmonious living. Expectation and reality varies. However, these variations should be rightly understood to foster unity and adhere to the principles of this ‘wild’ west. Life in the west is comparatively different. People respect one another without explicit expressions of disquiet. If you allow a tarnished image to be conjured by the readers of this website, I leave it to the highly qualified dignitaries of this forum to comprehend the ramifications.

  24. I hear about the confarance call only after it finish. TP Mishra should have infermed atlest in the common group and infermed all about the time .. Insted he contact only the so callad leaders. OBCA is not sincer we can see the inside apparance of the nine organizing people. Their are only three sincare brothers,..Kumar, Hari Kafley,Yam.. What about the others who chited our innocant people in the camp and after coming AMerica. Bhakti Sir, do you remamber you used to call bhutanese refugees Bhotangay Sarnarthi when you are teaching in Damak. You use to teach tution and when our brothers and sisters cannot not pay the fee of NC200 per month in time you humilat them and throw them out of class. Do you know this students had to sale their rasin chamal and pay money to you. This students are in the US and will come to meet you in Atlanta to pay that fee.. it is $3 after convarting in America money. How can you say you are our leader..you did not work in the camp. Everyone know why you run away from Damak..Can you tell everybody from which camp you came? There is another leader his wife work in SCF and had medicine shop. The sick people do not get medicine in SCF., all SCF medicine was took to dabai pasal and sold to poor bhotanese janta.they had to buy from the shop at vary high price. Can this person be our leader. I am from Pathri Camp aand I know everything about this types of Netas. Don’t you fill sham to say you are our leader.What services you people do to us other then chiting?

  25. Let Peace Prevail everywhere. Let there be the victory of good over the vice, let their be the victory of wise over the fools. Let one Bhutanese not cheat the other Bhutanese in the name of the community. You all guys came naked to this earth, and you all will leave this earth naked.

  27. Ganesh subadi vail,
    Please try to understand. Please don’t play a game of face off and on. Readers are not fool.You begun pointing out a finger towards Mr.Bhakti Bhandari, but remember 3rd,4th and 5th fingers are pointing stright on your face. The game you are well aware is outdated. Your words over the phone with your friends exactly matched few things Ganesh mentioned earlier. So it’s proven that Ganesh is you the same Ganesh Subadi from Alamida California a member of BACC and ABA.

  29. Bhutanese made lots of money working for CARITAS . From early 1990s Bhutanese working in CARITAS made lot of money they are abroad now, shame, shame to you , you should feel guilty when you are old.

  30. Dear Deepak,

    I don’t want to argue any further regarding your comment but just want to tell you, if you are that smart try to find the person writing blog in the name of Ganesh> there may be another Ganesh and believe me it is not me. I have nothing personnel against Bhakti or any other person.

    Thanks
    Ganesh Subedi
    California

  31. Dear Friends,

    The division in the two Bhutanese American Associations and these discussions do not sound very matured and well thought out ideas. I think people should be genuine in using names and comments and be responsible for what they say. I see lot of fake names and readers are North Americans and people from around the world. They must be so confused and surprised seeing the level of thinking and nature of mentality of our people. Perhaps we should reflect deeply what had been the main cause that over 100,000 Southern Bhutanese were rooted out from Bhutan. Bhutan would be very happy as well to see these divisions and shallow discussions. That was the main tool used by the Bhutanese regime and it is an old tool of ‘divide and rule’ policy used by the Colonial Empires.

    My humble request at this time is work with unity and help to settle the newcomer families and respecting the such a huge commitment made by the core country groups lead by USA. There has been lot of sacrifice of time, resources and investment of tax-payers money that could have been easily allocated for other equally genuine demanding humanitarian causes in these countries. We all have responsibility to be constructive in nation building as we all did in Bhutan. By reading these comments and thoughtless discussions I am feeling more ashamed of being Bhutanese. We do not build any goodwill in the west by talking negatively of each other but can do lot of harm. At this time we should be constructive and supportive of each other and do not undermine the tremendous assets and good qualities that we carry. We are forgetting that we our ancestry is the Gurkha Race that is symbol of unity, honesty, bravery and always standing for the right cause.

    I applaud the intentions of the two Bhutanese organizations in America to work together and we should all give our moral support in bringing them together. We would all gain a lot by working towards this unity.

    Thank you and hope to see more constructive comments and fruitful results of our time, effort and energy.