By Okon Ekpenyong

The Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio (BCCO) hosted a spectacular inaugural fundraising event, “Unity in Light: Dashain-Tihar,” at the Jefferson Country Club in Blacklick, Ohio. The evening showcased the organization’s commitment to supporting the Bhutanese Nepalese community and its mission to promote holistic healing, education, and cultural exchange.

A Night of Celebration and Community

The sold-out event drew a diverse crowd of over 200 attendees, including business owners, executives, community leaders, and young people. Guests enjoyed a flavorful buffet featuring Bhutanese and Nepalese cuisine, followed by an award ceremony and captivating dancing performances.

Honoring Community Champions- Awards were presented to individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the community, including:

– Peter Gill (Media Impact Award)

– Kailash Mishra (Youth Advocate Award)

– Goma Adhikari (Volunteer Excellence Award)

– Mani Biswa (BCCO Employer of the Year)

– DB Rai (Community Leadership Award)

– Literature Council of Bhutan (Community Impact Award)

– Ohio Asian American Health Coalition (Partnership Excellence Award)

– Arkbuilders, Inc. (Advocate of the Year Award)

One of the award recipients was Peter Gill, receiving the Media Impact Award for his ongoing coverage of Bhutanese American stories during his time with the Columbus Dispatch and mainstream American media. Born in Nepal to American parents, he has a unique grasp of cultural nuances and grew up speaking Nepali. His presence at the event highlights his dedication to sharing refugee and immigrant stories, and the New American community appreciates his support during his time at the Columbus Dispatch.

“I was first introduced to the organization approximately two and a half years ago. I was immediately impressed by the leadership, staff, and the impactful work they undertake within the community. Their initiatives encompass a wide range of services, from assisting individuals connect to other agencies for additional support to navigating mental health issues and facilitating intergenerational support,” Gill said.

Gill shared some remarkable stories from his time with the Dispatch, and one that stood out was how some immigrants find success without education. “Some individuals arrived as adults and found alternative pathways to success outside the academic realm.” For example, he met someone who became a successful carpenter by leveraging his skills within the Nepali community despite not graduating high school. His ability to communicate in Nepali enabled him to serve his clientele effectively, and his expertise focused on remodeling residential homes.

BCCO’s Journey and Impact

Since its inception in 2009, BCCO has grown into a leading organization supporting refugees and immigrants from Bhutan and Nepal. With a significant and growing population of over 30,000 in Central Ohio, BCCO’s work is crucial in providing resources and educational tools for new lives.

Ved Pyakurel, the founder of Dream Teaming, collaborates closely with the BCCO community in home buying. He remarked that last night’s event exuded a sense of class and professionalism. It’s important to highlight that, according to recent data from BCCO, at least 59% of community members have become homeowners over the past decade. Additionally, 5% have launched their businesses, and many of their children are pursuing higher education in fields such as nursing, real estate, and government service, a testament to the community’s achievements that should make us all proud and hopeful.

Collaboration and Growth

Executive Director Sudarshan Pyakurel emphasized the importance of cultural collaboration and partnerships. BCCO’s annual budget has increased from $150,000 in 2015 to over $586,568 in 2023, with projections reaching $1 million next year.

“My focus has been predominantly on education and advocacy. As part of this endeavor, I have taken our community’s issues to Capitol Hill and engaged with representatives in Congress, including discussions at the White House, to seek the attention necessary for resource allocation,” Pyakurel said.

Sudarshan’s extensive knowledge in identifying and developing programs across various sectors—such as housing, agriculture, and youth initiatives—has been instrumental in addressing mental health needs across ethnic groups, not just in his community. He and his team have discovered that significant stigma exists around mental health topics within their community, which often discourages open discussions. As a result, Sudarshan stated, “We subtly incorporate mental health considerations into all our programming.”

It is essential to point out that during COVID, Sudarshan Pyakurel and Dr. Ravi Dhital extensively provided COVID-19 updates to all in English and Nepali to combat the outbreak and provide life-saving tips.

Abbas Consulting, founded by Laura Abbas, was one of the minds behind BCCO’s first fundraising initiative. Laura and Sudarshan have collaborated on past events and initiatives. Reflecting on Sudarshan’s involvement with BCCO as a volunteer and an executive, Laura stated, “He continues to work on creating a culturally competent assessment tool for our community, which will enable accurate evaluations of their needs. This tool will facilitate access to local resources, including culturally relevant forms of meditation that support mental health and wellness during their healing journeys.”

“One of my greatest joys is contributing to our community’s healthy development despite immigration restrictions. I help wherever I can; if something needs doing, I will step in. This passion has driven me for 20 years,” said Laura Abbas. Before founding Abbas Contracting, she served as an executive at US Together, Inc., Our Helpers, and Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services. Laura started Abbas Consulting to assist small and medium-sized nonprofits with strategic growth and compliance resources.

A Bright Future Ahead

The success of the inaugural fundraising event demonstrates the community’s commitment to BCCO’s mission. As the organization continues to grow, its impact will be felt far beyond Central Ohio, inspiring hope and unity among refugee and immigrant communities nationwide.

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