The Bhutanese American community living in Philadelphia formally launched a community organization – Bhutanese American Organization-Philadelphia – amidst an inauguration of its community center at South Philadelphia, Sunday.
Inauguration began with religious prayers conducted by Hindu priests, Buddhist lamas, Kirati priests and Christian pastors.
The program kicked off at 9.00 a.m. and ended at 4.00 p.m. with community members and visitors numbering around 900, all have gathered within the program period with great jubilation and hope, said the organization in a press statement.
Senior members of the community, youth, students, and the community leaders displayed active participation in rendering the event a success, it claimed.
The community center has large multi-purpose hall with three other smaller rooms spacious enough to conduct various activities.
Although active community members have contributed its Initial arrangement for rent and utilities, BAO-P leadership is said to be actively engaged in seeking sustainable support to lease the community center for long run.
The statement highlighted that the organization’s immediate programs are to provide citizenship and ESL classes the community members by pulling volunteers from University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, Jefferson University and interested educationists.
Likewise, other programs include Nepali classes to High School children, SAT/TOEFL classes for higher studies aspirant adults, Yoga, Bhajan and Kirtan to the interested community members, job preparedness programs for the needy, and health orientations and support to targeted community members.
The patron-in-chief and Chairman of BAO-P is Madap Sharma who has served as educationist and administrator back home and in US.
Two vice-chairs Ashok Rai and Dilu Kafley, both of whom are actively involved in social works, support him. Its Executive Director is Leela Kuikel who holds business and economic expertise, the statement added.
First of all, I wish the Bhutanese American Organization-Philadelphia (BAO-P) good luck in its future endeavors. It is equally important to acknowledge that it is the ever first inauguration event of such type where you can see religious prayers conducted by Hindu priests, Buddhist lamas, Kirati priests and Christian pastors all in one place in diaspora after resettlement. It shows our unity in diversity and a true sense of secularism. In the mean time, BAO-Ps projected activities are exemplary one.
Bhagirath Khatiwada
Concord, NH
Many will benefit from this organization. Glad to know that there are organizations that are really into doing good things for the people and the community. It is through these efforts that a certain organization will gain more members and even popularity.
Congratulation Madap , Ashok, Dilu and Leela. Hope you guys would give new direction to directionless Bhutaense community members
Good Job. Keep it up and think for better.
those people are great who morally ESTB the organization
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