It was truly a privilege to serve as one of the early presidents of the Baltimore Association of Nepalese in America (BANA). At that time, our community was still small and just beginning to take root. Most of us were first-generation immigrants who had come to the United States in search of better opportunities and a brighter future.

The needs of the community back then were different—we were simply focused on finding stable jobs and establishing a foundation for our lives. There was also a significant influx of students during that period, and I was one of them. I arrived in the U.S. in the late 1990s as an international student.

When I saw the growing need for a strong social organization and committed leadership, I felt compelled to step up. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life.

Around the same time, a new chapter began with the arrival of Bhutanese refugees of Nepali ethnicity. Many of them were resettled in some of Baltimore’s most challenging neighborhoods and faced immense challenges adjusting to life in the U.S. I had the opportunity to work closely with them—assisting in their resettlement, helping them integrate into the community, and supporting them as they began rebuilding their lives.

One of the proudest moments of my time with BANA was leading the effort to host the Association of Nepalese in America (ANA) Convention in 2008. This remarkable event attracted over 10,000 visitors to Baltimore over the course of three days, including professionals, students, artists, and athletes from across the U.S., Canada, and Nepal.

Having Mahabir Pun as a featured guest and breaking the tradition of always inviting political figures was a huge step for us. It was at this event that Mahabir Pun launched his groundbreaking “Dollar a Day” campaign, which marked a significant moment in our community’s history.

The convention itself was a proud and unforgettable milestone—a true testament to what we can accomplish when we come together. The proceeds from the event, totaling over $10,000, were donated to the Nepal Education & Culture Center.

Another significant milestone during my tenure was bringing BANA into the digital age. We launched the organization’s first web platform, improving communication, transparency, and outreach within our growing community. We were also one of the early adopters of social media to engage our members more effectively. Additionally, we began holding regular meetings with recorded minutes—small but important steps that strengthened our structure and laid the foundation for a sustainable future.

I was fortunate to have an exceptional team by my side, whose dedication, passion, and spirit of cooperation made everything possible. Their support and shared vision are memories I will always cherish.

Even today, when I see BANA’s logo or visit the website, it brings back a flood of memories—of late-night meetings, lively discussions, and the excitement of building something meaningful together.

Serving BANA in those early days was truly an honor. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth, strength, and unity of our community.