May 26, 2006

There are thousands of Nepalese working in the United States

By SANJAYA DHAKAL in New York

Sarada Laxmi Shrestha is a typical middle-aged Nepali lady. A mother of three sons, she is currently living in the Big Apple. She works for an American family in Manhattan and also is quite an active member of Nepalese society in the city.

Every morning she takes a one-hour subway ride to go to Manhattan after having a quick breakfast. Her work as a baby-sitter ends at around five in the evening after which she returns back. And sometimes when she gets part-time works as well, she can return only at midnight . Living in an apartment that she shares with three other Nepalese persons, Shrestha is an example of hard work and perseverance. “It is a hard life but it is also financially rewarding,” she said. One of her sons is studying in the US and the other two and her husband live in Kathmandu . She is the primary bread-winner of her family.

Shrestha came to New York two years ago after wrapping up her job in Nepal . “As a woman, many thought that I would not be able to do anything in a foreign country. But I was determined to work hard and prove them wrong,” she said.

Like Shrestha, there are tens of thousands of Nepalese who have gone to the United States searching for opportunities. Because of the political instability and economic slowdown, many Nepalese want to leave for overseas countries to work. And the US is their favorite destination.

These people have shown that they are capable of hard work and dedication provided a conducive atmosphere. Although the official number is not available, tens of thousands of Nepalese are living in the various cities of the United States working and studying and supporting their families back home.

“This is the land of opportunities. Though many immigrants first engage in entry-level jobs like working in restaurants, convenience stores and so on, there are ample opportunities to progress,” said Mohan Gyawali, a Nepalese entrepreneur based in Ridgewood , Queens , who is also the president of Nepalese Ridgewood Society.

Gyawali, who had come to the US in 1996, has opened his own manicure and pedicure service outlet known as “Mount Everest Nail,” where he has given employment to around ten Nepalese. “I learned about nails only after I came here. And now I even train Nepalese who arrive here and they are finding jobs easily elsewhere,” he said. Gyawali has already excelled in his business as is evident by many awards that he has bagged for the outstanding service.

“When I came here in 1996, there was not any other Nepalese family in this area. But now, there are 400 plus Nepalese families here. There are many buildings where the entire occupants are Nepalese,” said Gyawali.

According to him, in the New York city area alone, there may be over 30,000 Nepalese. And they are engaged in all sorts of jobs from entry-level low paying jobs to higher ones. “There are persons like doctors, lawyers, professors and engineers from Nepal ,” he said.

Dr. Tara Niraula is one such example. A faculty member of prestigious Columbia University , Dr. Niraula has been living in New York for the last fifteen years. “It is good that more and more Nepalese are now coming here and doing their jobs well,” said Dr. Niraula, who is also the president of America-Nepal Friendship Society (ANFS).

Politically Conscious

The Nepalese community in the US are highly conscious about the politics back home. During the people’s movement in April, they organized protest rallies in Washington DC and New York , among other cities. “We have a close network and we have participated in demonstrations supporting democracy,” said Shrestha.

“Nepalese organized campaigns in Washington DC and in front of UN in New York . Ours is a non-partisan and non-religious society. We always pursue causes in the interest of our country and countrymen,” added Gyawali.

At a time when Nepal is passing through a difficult transition, Nepalese people living abroad are also equally concerned. “Although we live here, we are very concerned about the developments back home. We are glad that the political situation has improved. However, we are still concerned about the final outcome and whether the peace will be established for good,” said Dr. Niraula.

Because of email and internet, Nepalese are finding it quite easy to read about the events taking place in their home country in real-time basis. Pratap Adhikari, who is based in Virginia , keeps tab on the events in Nepal constantly. “Now there are even some newspapers that are published by Nepalese in Washington DC and New York ,” he said.

Apart from engaging in political demonstrations, the Nepalese in US are equally active in providing generous support to people back home. This trend of supporting seems to be catching up fast. “We raise funds for providing relief to disaster victims. In fact, we also raised fund to help a Nepali family here which had lost their home in fire recently,” said Gyawali.

The Ridgewood Society also raised some amount to help injured persons of the current people’s movement.

“We are also providing fund for financing scholarship to five students annually from backward classes in Bhedetar,” said Gyawali.

Social Networking

Obviously, the people living overseas miss the festivals, food and social bond that they enjoy back home. In order to recreate those networking and bonds, the Nepalese living in the US have come together.

Now in various cities of the US , they have built temples and they come together to celebrate festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Teej. Although there number is not at huge as those of Indians or Pakistanis, Nepalese have formed close bonding with each other.

The organizations like ANFS and Ridgewood Society act as a bridge between Nepalese and American society. It is also a place where Nepalese can look up to if they are in some difficulties.

“Because of Diversity Visa schemes, the number of Nepalese coming to the US has increased substantially. We try to help them if they come into our contact. We can help them in finding jobs, getting settled and so on,” said Gyawali.

Nepalese have literally built home away from home in the far away country. Their pursuit of professional excellence is bearing fruit. Their talent and resourcefulness could come in handy for the nation as it marches towards a democratic era. “We stand ready to help Nepal . There are many Nepalese who have excelled in their professions like teaching and technical jobs. Their talent can be helpful,” added Dr. Niraula.