Non-Resident Nepalis group together in South Africa under NRNA-SA

South Africa now has a National Coordination Council of Non-Resident Nepalis living in South Africa [NRNA -SA].

The 1st Convention held on 12th April 2009 at East London, the coastal city of South Africa, unanimously elected the 1st NRNA-SA committee in line with international NRN, ICC norms.

Auwtar Gurung has been elected the President of NRNA-SA while Dr Hari Gopal Vaidya and Dr Amar Deuja have been elected Vice Presidents.

There are about 150 Nepalese living in South Africa, some since 1980.

The gathering of about 90 Nepalese was welcomed by Dr M Rayamajhi on behalf of the host city of East London.

The programme started with a cultural touch of prayer by the East London temple priest Gopal Byas and panas lamp lighting by seniors Yamuna Devi Gongol, Saraswoti Kharel and Bhim Bahadur Karki.

Dr Sudhaker Dawadi, the chairman of interim NRN-SA committee led the program as master of ceremony. Dr Sadhu Ram Pandey chaired the meeting and was the chairman of the election committee as well.

Other elected members of the NRNA -SA Committee [2009-2010] are National Coordinator (NC) Dr Mahendra Rayamajhi, Vice-NC Dr Puspa Raj Bhattarai, Treasurer Dr Tika Ram Kharel, Women Representative Rita Rai, Youth Representative Dr. Samita Pandey and members Dr Pramod Gongol, Sushil Raj Giri, Dr Sarita Pandey, Bhakta Giri and advisor Dr. Sudhaker R. Dawadi.

During the convention, ICC Gen Secretary Bhim Udas shed light on NRN, ICC global perspective and another ICC member Ranjana Udas helped to clarify many issues.

Earlier the newly elected President Auwtar Gurung thanked all for electing him as the new NRNA-SA President and said he is committed to take the organization forward as per NRN goal "FOR NEPALI, BY NEPALI". nepalnews.com Apr 16 09