Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is Falling from its Grace.

Not long ago, Visiting Nepal in the month of October was a matter of happiness, exciting diary notes and itself with deep feelings of doing something for nation and contributing a lot for Nepal and Nepali was the utmost feelings of many NRS’s residing abroad. NRN’s are deeply motivated to serve Nepal, Nepali and Motherland at large with love, empathy, ideas, skill, knowledge, investment in many sectors. 

In general, people travel around and immigrate for better life, better opportunity and to do more, like wise Nepali had this trend of migrating to other nations for employment, opportunity and more in many areas in terms of life, academics, growth and financial wellbeing is thought. As the global world was widely Influenced by increasing access to data, information and resources, many Nepalis started to view the world as a "global village" — a borderless space of opportunity. 

After the 70’s era which marked a significant shift in global market with more information, data, source and opportunities for people, the idea of globalization. Nepal gradually opened up to the global economy and the idea of migration began to resonate. 

In 2003, with a very noble, simple, clean and clear aim of “uniting Nepali around the globe for prosperous Nepal” Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was established by tireless effort of Nepali’s residing abroad with the leadership of Dr. Upendra Mahato. Early days were so sunshine, the respect, love acknowledgement received towards NRNA and NRN’s was such a grace and prestige of great attire, likewise NRN individuals and organisation is so enthusiastic to contribute in Nepal by all means, regardless the remittance as a key factor in economy, later on Investment in many other sector and generation of employment was widely praised and observed with quality and utmost value.
   
The influence of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and its members is steadily growing, both within Nepal and in the countries where they reside. NRNs have become cultural ambassadors of Nepal, representing the nation’s identity, heritage, and values on a global stage. Through their efforts, Nepal has gained increased recognition and support in areas such as tourism promotion, foreign investment, and socio-economic development. 

Undoubtedly, the remittance they send to home country is significant contribution as per World Bank Data 2022/23, 24% GDP was contributed by remittance. Major investment and establishment of many large-scale industries like hydro power, hotels, tourism enterprises, banks, hospital, colleges, agricultural projects and many other are notably recognised at the forefront of Nepal’s economic prosperity. 

With all these sincere, beautiful and charming walks of life, why have NRNA and NRN’s are facing the disgrace, question mark questions on its value proposition at all. All of its members and stakeholders have to revisit, rethink and redefine NRNA very urgently, otherwise a sad dismissal is viable, very sad to say

The big question everyone is raising today is - NRNA has become an arena for power struggles and self-interest. In recent days, months and years, NRNA has facing growing criticism widely by its members, associates on the note that there are clear internal conflicts, lack of transparency, politicization, and weakened trust among many. 

The big problem is its election procedure, membership and association with the organisation with ill political interest with even vested civic interest of Nepali political party warmly invited by its leaders who want to be elected or want to lead organisation somehow. 

The only solution is rectify yourself (NRN’s) honestly. Stop inviting political interference of Nepali Political Parties, be practical patriot of Nation and go visit the very Nobel aim of its formation back then in 2003 which is “uniting Nepali around the globe for prosperous Nepal.”

For me it is very sad and disappointing to witness how a platform built on collective goodwill and ambition has, in many ways, shifted towards self-promotion and disruptive commentary. Feasibly it is time to redirect attention to those who are sincerely committed to progress, collaboration, and humility and values that Nepal desperately needs today.

My sincere appeal and humble request – it’s time for Reform and Revive. 
To regain its original stature, NRNA must undergo sincere review, introspection and reform, returning to its core mission of unity, service, and representation of all non-resident Nepalis, it can be achieved and doable and only we all take our part of good and bad that we did, Honesty may be a difficult question to confront, but it is essential but my sincere request let’s not it be, as my title of the article, I am hopeful for prosperous NRNA and proud NRN’S in the days to come. 

Dila Kharel, The writer is an influential NRNA leader, President of the Australia Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ANCCI), and a lecturer at various Australia-based colleges. He can be reached at ([email protected])