London: NepalBritain.com has celebrated its 17th anniversary in London with the special presence of the Nepali community in the UK.

The grand celebration of the 17th anniversary was held with the attendance of 300 people, including representatives from the Nepali Embassy in London, various organizations, political parties, journalists, intellectuals, business people, and individuals from regions such as Scotland, Wales, the Midlands, and Liverpool.

Participants have commented that the event was one of the most successful and impactful gatherings in the Nepali diaspora, highlighting its importance as a major occasion awaited by Nepalis living in the UK. The speakers and distinguished guests noted that the event’s significance extends beyond just the age of a news organization; it is also due to the credibility, wide acceptance, and the role it has played in connecting expatriate Nepalis with their homeland.

During the ceremony, Mayor Med Brooks of Spelthorne Council, Gandaki Province MP Dilli Ram Suvedi, Nepali Embassy representative Ram Babu Nepal, and Dr. Badri KC, President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, jointly lit the ceremonial lamp. A cake was also cut to mark the 17th anniversary.

In his address as the chief guest at the event held at the Staveley Community Hall in London, Nepali Congress leader and Gandaki Province MP Dilli Ram Suvedi discussed the principle that media should be free and impartial, while acknowledging that news coverage reflects societal activities.

He mentioned that traditional media faces new challenges with the advent of social media, leading to questions about media credibility due to the influence of social media.

Dr. Badri KC, President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, praised NepalBritain.com for playing a significant role in voicing the concerns of expatriate Nepalis. He commended NepalBritain.com for its success in providing immediate news coverage of Nepalis abroad.

He urged expatriate Nepalis to contribute at least 10% of their earnings to Nepal and to bring their acquired knowledge, skills, and investments back to the country.

The event, chaired by Chiranjivi Dhakal, President of NepalBritain.com, also saw messages of goodwill from Non-Resident Nepali Association Vice Presidents Dr. Hemraj Sharma, Ramsharan Simkhada, Rozina Pradhan Rai, Secretary Tika Gurung, Mayor Jeet Rana Bhatt, Youth Representative of Nepali Public Relations Committee Yuvraj Gurung, ONF President Tunga Bhushal, President of the Nepali Unity Society UK Roshan Sapkota, President of the Nepal Press Union UK Bipin Niroula, and NRN Advisor Surya Gurung, among others.

The ceremony featured a video documentary by 13-year-old Tia Acharya from River Academy, Feltham, showcasing her charitable work in Nepal. She expressed her desire to support animal rights and underprivileged and gender-based students in Nepal, and provided an update on her philanthropic activities funded by the previous year’s NepalBritain.com anniversary event.

The event also honored ten prominent Nepalis working in various fields across the UK. The honorees included Jeet Rana Bhatt (Mayor of Greenwich), Professor Dr. Tejendra Pherali, social worker Sher Bahadur Sunar, businessman Kalam Gurung, social worker Mohan Karki, youth social worker Rajan Khakurel, social worker Narayan Fuyal, coffee latte specialist Dhan Tamang, first female chef Goma Paudel, and young and female barrister Sneha Shakya Shrestha.

On the same occasion, ‘Tamudhin UK’ was recognized as the best Nepali social organization in the UK. NepalBritain.com honored Tamudhin UK, a registered charity in the UK, on its 17th anniversary.

Dr. Badri KC, Gandaki Province MP Dilli Ram Suvedi, and Mayor Med Buxley jointly presented a certificate of honor to Hari Gurung, President of Tamudhin UK.

The event also saw the presence of former Presidents, office bearers, and committee members of Tamudhin UK. NepalBritain.com honored Som Sapkota, Deputy General Secretary of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, for his outstanding contributions to Nepal’s tourism sector. Nepali Acting Ambassador to the UK Roshan Khanal was also recognised as an exceptional Nepali diplomat.

Journalist Devi Gautam hosted the event, which featured vibrant performances by artists from Nepal, including a popular dance performance by Aaruši Magar, a national song by singer Sujan Parajuli, and performances by artists Kala Lamsal and Choleindra Paudel. Advertisers and supporters of NepalBritain.com were also honoured during the event.