On July 20, 2024, at the ANA Convention in Berkeley, the highly anticipated ANA 2024 Souvenir, titled Sandesh, was officially unveiled. The event was graced by Honorary Consular General Rishi Dhakal, ANA President Khagendra Adhikari, and Convenor Kranti Bhandari. It was a momentous occasion for me, as I had the honor of preparing this publication once again after a 15-year hiatus.

Click the book cover to get online version of the Souvenir

Sandesh is more than just an annual publication; it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. The booklet includes a diverse array of topics, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic nature of our community. Here are a few highlights:

• Messages from ANA Executives and Community Leaders
• In-depth Articles on Diaspora Issues by experts like Dr. Ambika P. Adhikari and Prof. Dr. Keshav Bhattarai
• Perspectives on Water Resources by Prof. Gopi Upreti
• Legal Issues NRN Citizenship by Keshab Raj Seadie, Esq.
• Literary Section featuring poems, stories, and essays by various authors
• Special Forums and Discussions on Mental Health, Youth & Tech, Women’s Issues, and more

This time, the entire book was conceptualized and designed by myself. I prepared the ready-to-print document and sent it to Nepal for printing. Thanks to Zen Travels, who took responsibility for publishing in Nepal and shipping it back to the convention site, the book arrived just in time for the event.

After providing a brief overview of the book, I had the privilege of calling my fellow co-editors to the stage. Dr. Tika Lamsal shared some insightful remarks about the content, followed by Harihar Dahal, another editor, who officially unveiled the booklet alongside other ANA executives. The excitement and pride were palpable as Sandesh was distributed among all delegates, guests, and participants.

This experience has been a profound journey of rediscovery and connection for me. Working on Sandesh after 15 years has reaffirmed my passion for contributing to our community’s literary and cultural heritage. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to many more such endeavors in the future.