Let's Empower One Another

On the special occasion of New Year, Happy New Year to everyone.

As the new advent of communication and technology brings the world community to our living room, we still feel far apart from our friends and families back home. Well, I have to admit that, it is not quite the same as being together and sitting down to have a cup of tea or Ayla and chatting about the past, present and future. Holiday time is especially difficult, when we think about those authentic food, visiting temples and favorite shrines. As the Nepali community grows, it has made our special gathering more enjoyable. But still, many times our hearts and minds are back home thinking about those good old days, especially, those first generation folks.

We are all concerned about our new generation. No one knows what's going to happen to them. Will the next generation keep our cultural tradition alive?? That's the question every one is asking. Well, with the dawn of the NPPA, we are making some headway in trying to preserve our cultural heritage in the United States.

We are trying to encourage people to join NPPA and broaden its mission by teaching why we should be proud of our culture. We are trying to empower one another so that we get inner strength as well as moral and emotional support to carry on our mission to learn about our culture.

Through empowerment everyone can find the inner strengths and values to better themselves. I have found people timid to face up to their true Newa identity, perhaps with empowerment they can feel good about being who they are. Empowerment also means respecting and trying to understand others as well.

Our new generation will surely imitate many western values, but, I believe, if they get enough exposure to our cultural tradition, they might think more positively about it. I guess, we can be a little hopeful. But it is up to us, how we do it.

My two years as the President of the NPPA has been a learning experience for me and at the same time I feel empowered as well.

It is our responsibility, as teachers, community leaders and parents to teach our kids our true cultural values. But defining a true culture value could be a tough one. If our sons or daughters asks, Dad, why do we have to do it? How do you answer? Many first generation parents have no explanations to give. But in this inquisitive, western society we have to have an explanation for everything.

Without having an understanding of our traditions, ideals and values, we can't and won't be able to develop true cultural characteristics. We definitely need to discuss and teach our culture so our kids can understand the true meaning of Newa culture. That way, we are helping to empower them so they can get involved. Our entire community must play a greater role in this process.

I certainly feel empowered working on NPPA's mission. There were many moments, when I thought, why I am doing this? But periodic encouragement and moral support I received from many people who are viewing our World Wide Web ( From Nepal to Netherlands) gave me inspiration to sustain my energy. Many people thought that NPPA was doing the right thing by promoting our cultural tradition. Everyone is interested in preserving one's cultural heritage, language, and traditions. They are very important especially, when one is far away from their homeland. As time goes by, one will realize the important role NPPA is playing in bringing the members of the community together sharing and empowering one another. Let's encourage people to celebrate, teach and learn our true cultural value.

Let's

• Teach our kids about our language and culture;
• Celebrate our traditional ceremonies and events like Mhapuja, Kijapuja....;
• Talk to children about the significance of our special holidays;
• Research and publish works on both Newa culture and tradition;
• Have special gatherings to share our cultural tradition
• Start oral history to learn from our elders.

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