The idea about the first Newah organization–Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA) was formulated in November 1991 by members of the Newah community residing in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The role and contribution of Newah Guthi is noteworthy in the process of recognizing the need for a Newah community organization and creating NPPA. NPPA was officially registered in Washington DC under the leadership of former President Mr. Ram Malakar, and was incorporated with the following objectives:
(i) To conserve and preserve the cultural heritage, the traditions and the customs of the Newah people;
(ii) To collect and administer funds for charitable and educational development purposes;
(iii) To participate and facilitate the growth and development of the Newah culture in arts, literature, language, science, commerce, music, dances, customs and rituals of the Newah people in the modern world; and
(iv) To enhance mutual understanding and brotherhood between the people of the Newah culture and other cultures of Nepal and of the world at large for bringing unity, peace and harmony in this multicultural world.
Over the last 30 years, NPPA has been actively engaged in promoting, preserving and strengthening the Newah cultural heritage in the United States. NPPA has also been supporting elementary and higher education projects and natural disaster relief funds both in Nepal and the US. It also collected funds to support Nepal Bhasha Academy in Kathmandu, Nepal. It always takes initiative in raising funds to support families in need as well as participates in various professional and business forums organized by different institutions. It’s core cultural activities are the IHI program and Sa Paru, and they are the finest examples of NPPA’s efforts and role in preserving the Newah cultural heritage in the US. NPPA has also produced Newah songs DVD and Newah songs CD. NPPA members engage themselves in a variety of cultural, business, professional, and social activities in order to stay connected with Nepalese community in the greater Washington DC area and provide networking opportunities to community members.
Since 1992, NPPA has been publishing an annual magazine called Daboo, and it is a leading source of information and articles related to Newah culture, traditions, and heritage. NPPA also organizes its annual convention to celebrate “Nhu Danya Bhintuna” that ushers in Nepal Sambat and Mha Pooja. Bhintuna program is NPPA’s most popular program and is celebrated vibrantly with a variety of programs, foods and live cultural performances. It is also attended by dignitaries, representatives of various organizations, and Nepalese people from the different parts of the country. NPPA also organizes summer picnics and Gazal/artist nights to entertain its members, friends and families.
NPPA is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization under IRC Section 501(c)(3) consisting of more than 60 Patrons, 120 Life Members and 300 general members.
NPPA always stands for unity and is dedicated to preserve, and promote Newah language, culture, traditions, and values, and is committed to working with all Newah people to achieve its mission.