Nepali Women’s Success Story- ADWAN’s 27th Anniversary Celebration in Jersey City Inspires Community

Exclusive — Jersey City, NJ: The Association for Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN), one of Nepal’s leading rights-based organizations championing the empowerment of marginalized women and girls, celebrated its 27th anniversary on November 8, 2025, in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States. More than two hundred well-wishers gathered to honor ADWAN’s transformative journey from a single women’s savings group to a national movement for justice and social change.

A Movement That Began With One Group — Now Transforming Thousands

Founded in 1998 with one small savings and loan group, ADWAN has expanded into a robust grassroots network:

• 6,200 women organized in 253 groups

• 25,000+ students supported

• 153,000+ lives impacted across Nepal

Leaders highlighted that this growth reflects the unwavering courage, resilience and determination of rural Nepali women who have fought for dignity, equality, and opportunity despite deeply entrenched social barriers. These women stood up for their rights and built a movement from the ground up.

ADWAN’s Founding President, Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, M.A., Hon. DLitt., who also serves as President of Friends of ADWAN Nepal (FAN) USA, delivered a heartfelt speech recounting ADWAN’s origins—rooted in her lived struggle, community experiences, and a desire for dignity and social justice.

Event Chair Dipti Parmar welcomed attendees, while Sumitra Manandhar, Director of FAN, outlined the collaborative programs jointly implemented by ADWAN and FAN. ADWAN’s current President Bindu Thapa concluded the formal session with an expression of gratitude.

Distinguished Speakers and Dignitaries Grace the Celebration

The celebration was honored by the presence of His Excellency Ambassador Lok B. Thapa, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, Chair of UN ECOSOC who graced as Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. who praised ADWAN’s long-standing contributions to gender justice, rural women empowerment, children education and social transformation.

The event commenced with the national anthems of Nepal and the United States, symbolizing solidarity and cross-cultural unity.

Prominent speakers included:

• Hon’ble Basundhara Bhusal, Prominent Nepali Actress

• Hon’ble Senator Angela V. McKnight, New Jersey State Senate

• Hon’ble Delegate Harry Bhandary, Maryland House of Delegates

• Hon’ble Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Mayor of Hoboken & NJ State Assembly Member-elect

• Dr. Jenine Bloomfield, FAN Board Member; former Senior Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund

• Prof. Dr. Diana Fox, FAN Board Member; Chair, Anthropology Department, Bridgewater State University

• Melisha Gurung, Founding Youth Chair, Hamro Ama Inc., New York

• Yuv Raaj Sapkota, Teen youth leader

Their remarks, filled with encouragement and admiration, emphasized the global significance of ADWAN’s grassroots model of women’s empowerment.

Award Ceremony Honors Excellence and Service

A central highlight of the evening was the ADWAN 27th Anniversary Awards Presentation, recognizing individuals whose contributions have uplifted communities in the fields of arts, advocacy, public service, and youth empowerment.

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Mrs. Basundhara Bhusal

Legendary Nepali actress—revered as the Hasya Samragyi (Queen of Comedy)—recognized for her monumental impact on Nepali cinema and cultural heritage.

Commendation Awards

• Senator Angela V. McKnight

Honored for exemplary leadership and dedicated public service in New Jersey.

• Mrs. Sherry Singh, CEO & Founder, Whole Spectrum Autism

Recognized for lifelong advocacy and exceptional service within the special needs community.

• Prominent Singer Sapana Shree

Awarded for elevating Nepali music and culture on global stages.

• Prominent Singer Jagdish Samal Magar

Honored for his powerful artistic journey and contributions to Nepal’s musical landscape.

• Dinesh Sunar,

21-Times Guinness World Record Holder, Pro Parkour Athlete, Gymnast & Stuntman,

celebrated for his extraordinary achievements and inspiration to youth worldwide.

• Purna Paija Magar

Recognized for his relentless commitment to community service.

A Night of Culture, Music, and Celebration

The celebration featured vibrant performances that captivated the audience. Notable performers included:

• Sapana Shree (Singer)

• Jagdish Samal Magar (Singer)

• Rangita Gurung (Actress/Model)

• Kabina Maharjan, President, International Nepali Artist Society NJ Chapter

• Mahadev Tripathi, Comedian

• Dinesh Sunar, Guinness World Record–holding stunt performer

• Shiva BK, Renowned Choreographer

• Usha Lama, Ushika BK, Urbashi BK, performers

The event was expertly hosted by Shradda Thakuri and Pradeep Thapa, who kept the program engaging, informative, and energizing.

Community Health Services On-Site

In collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health, Alliance Community Healthcare Inc. provided free health screenings, including:

• Blood Pressure

• Oxygen Level

• Pulse

• Temperature

• Cholesterol

• Glucose

The service embodied ADWAN’s holistic mission—uplifting communities through empowerment, health, and wellness.

More Than an Anniversary — A Call to Action

As speakers reflected on ADWAN’s 27-year journey, one message rang clear:

This celebration marked not just a milestone, but a renewed commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of the most marginalized. And, that ADWAN’s work is far from finished.

The anniversary was not just a celebration—it was a renewed call to action for justice, equality, and inclusion.

ADWAN’s story continues to inspire Nepali communities across the world, demonstrating that when women rise, families, communities, and nations rise with them.