London: Dr. Badri KC, President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), stated that while the constitution grants economic, social, and cultural rights to non-resident Nepalis, efforts to secure full citizenship rights will continue.

Dr. KC made these remarks during his address at the 15th Nepali Mela, organized by Tamu Dhi UK on Sunday at Kempton Park, London. He highlighted the ongoing issues with the implementation of the citizenship process initiated last year and expressed confidence that full non-resident Nepali citizenship will be in effect by October.

Expressing solidarity with the ex-Gurkhas fighting for equal pension and rights, Dr. KC emphasized the need for ministerial-level talks to address their demands.

The event, organized annually by Tamu Dhi UK, saw participation from 42 organizations that showcased Nepali language, attire, and cultural displays. Acting Ambassador Roshan Khanal from the Nepali Embassy in London, addressing the gathering under the chairmanship of Tamu Dhi UK’s President Hari Gurung, praised the Mela for promoting Nepali language and culture in the UK.

Awards were presented to the groups with the best cultural displays. The first-place winner received a £500 prize, while the second and third place winners received £300 and £200, respectively. Three consolation prizes of £200 each were also awarded.

The top team in cultural dance and display won £1,100 in cash, the Ambassador’s Cup, and £300 with the NRNA Cup and trophy. The runner-up received £700, and the third-place team was awarded £500 and a certificate. Pasa Puch Guthi UK won both the Ambassador’s and NRNA Cups for their outstanding performance in both dance and display, while Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK was the first runner-up. The second runner-up and consolation prizes went to Kirat Rai Yayokhya UK and Sherpa Association UK, respectively. Kirat Rai Yayokhya UK also received the President’s Choice Award.

The event, themed “Our Culture, Our Identity, Our Pride,” saw the participation of several NRNA central and UK officials, including Vice Presidents Dr. Hemraj Sharma, Ramrasha Simkhada, Rozina Pradhan Rai, Secretary Tik Gurung, Europe Coordinator Robert Limbu, Spokesperson Phanindra Pant, and Central Advisors Hiradhan Rai and Surya Gurung. It is estimated that around 7,000 people from various cities across the UK attended the Mela.