Nepali Community Creates History as NYC Mayor Hoists Nepal's Flag

On September 20, 2023, history was made in the heart of New York City as the Nepali community came together to witness the 110th Mayor of NYC, Mr. Eric Adams, proudly hoist the unique flag of Nepal for the first time in Bowling Green Park, Lower Manhattan. The event, a collaborative effort between the NYC Mayor's Office, Bowling Green Park Association, Minority Empowerment Network, Consulate General of Nepal, and various Nepali community organizations, marked a momentous occasion for the Nepali diaspora.

The event commenced with an inspiring opening speech by Shreeya Tuladhar, the executive director of the Minority Empowerment Network, who expressed gratitude to elected officials, commissioners, the mayoral team, the Bowling Green Association, the press, collaborating Nepali community organizations, and the enthusiastic audience. She emphasized the deep connection between being Nepali, being New Yorkers, and the enduring presence of the Nepali community in the city.

The festivities then reached new heights with a multicultural ethnic dance performance by youth dancers from the Basant Dance Center, NYC's first Nepali dance studio, choreographed by Mr. Vijay Nakarmi. Following the dance, the crowd was treated to ethnic drumming by the 'Gemi Takasera Society,' which saw community members enthusiastically join in the celebration.
Mr. Arthur Piccolo, the chairman of the Bowling Green Park Association, expressed his awe at the event's turnout, calling it the "most grand flag raising" in their history, which dates back to 1996. Mr. Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation in the NYC Mayor's Office of International Affairs, lauded the Nepali diaspora for their pride and initiative, remarking that the day was truly about them.

The event featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, including Commissioner of the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, Mr. Manuel Castro, who expressed his desire to further engage with the Nepali community. Commissioner of the NYC Mayor's Office of International Affairs, Mr. Edward Mermelstein, extended his congratulations to the Nepali community on their inaugural flag-raising ceremony. Commissioner of the NYC Mayor's Office of Emergency Services, Mr. Zach Iscol, shared a touching personal connection to Nepal and its people.

Elected state and city officials also participated in the event, with Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and Steven Raga, along with council member Julie Won, delivering heartfelt speeches. Jenifer Rajkumar highlighted her efforts to support the Nepali community and encouraged voter registration, while Steven Raga emphasized the unity among Asian ethnic groups in NYC. Julie Won ignited the crowd by beginning her speech with a spirited "Jai Nepal!"

Khagendra GC, a prominent lawyer within the Nepali community, reflected on the remarkable transformation of Nepal's recognition over the past three decades. Shyam Karki, president of the Minority Empowerment Network, expressed gratitude to the attendees and his dedicated team for making the historic event possible.

Consul General of Nepal, Bishnu Gautam, delivered the final speech of the event before Mayor Eric Adams arrived, expressing his pride in being part of this monumental moment.

The ceremony culminated with Mayor Eric Adams raising the flags to the national anthems of both the United States and Nepal, accompanied by live performances of Nepali national songs by renowned artists Mr. Prajwal Bajracharya and Mr. Rajendra Karn. The resonating chant of 'Jai Nepal!' filled the air as attendees departed, riding the trains back to Queens, carrying the spirit of unity and celebration with them.