One unique highlight of the trip was when we arrived at the Mha Puja Celebration organized by the Rotaract clubs of Babar Mahal, Rudramati and Rudramati-Babar Mahal at the A-1 cafe in Sankhamole.
Mha Puja. Mha Pujā (Devanagari: म्हपुजा) is an annual ritual performed by the Newar people of Nepal to purify and empower the soul as part of New Year celebration. It is performed on New Year’s Day of Nepal Sambat, the national lunar calendar of Nepal, which occurs during the Swanti/Diwali festival.
The Rotaract students and Interact students performed native dances and did the Mha Puja worship.
A nice ceremony was done to hand the children the supplies which made it feel like an even more special time. Bethany, our youth participant from the Color for Kids handed out school supplies.
Each stop we gave out the supplies but they were all so grateful and happy that…
One unique highlight of the trip was when we arrived at the Mha Puja Celebration organized by the Rotaract clubs of Babar Mahal, Rudramati and Rudramati-Babar Mahal at the A-1 cafe in Sankhamole.
Mha Puja. Mha Pujā (Devanagari: म्हपुजा) is an annual ritual performed by the Newar people of Nepal to purify and empower the soul as part of New Year celebration. It is performed on New Year’s Day of Nepal Sambat, the national lunar calendar of Nepal, which occurs during the Swanti/Diwali festival.
The Rotaract students and Interact students performed native dances and did the Mha Puja worship.
A nice ceremony was done to hand the children the supplies which made it feel like an even more special time. Bethany, our youth participant from the Color for Kids handed out school supplies.
Each stop we gave out the supplies but they were all so grateful and happy that we were there to help. These types of moments resonated within us as we made our stops to different areas.
Seeing a smile and brightened wide open eye is my sense of happiness. We see the profound power and promise brought through something as small as giving a pencil, a pen or a notebook. That is our ASHA project- A Promise of Hope and providing opportunities for less fortunate people. ”
Dr. Maharjan
● OUR impression
Each part of the trip had its own flavor yet there was one thing we could always count on: an overwhelming kindness and helpfulness orchestrated by OUR GUIDE host club members.
● So far the most memorable portion of our trip was our time with Rataract members and Mha Puja. They were extremely welcoming and very organized in putting together the program.
18 New York, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvanian Rotarian are on their first Humanitarian Mission to Nepal.
There goal is to meet with as many Rotary clubs and formulate future joint projects in Nepal. They will be conducting two health camps and visit various schools and meet with students as well as plant trees in various communities.
Visitors had opportunity to celebrate Diwali as well as enjoyed their first Rotary fellowship with Rotary club of Maharajgunj members and their families.
This is a first mission coordinated by the Asha Project consisting 4 different districts from the State.
“We fundamentally believe that a day will come in our lifetimes when every single child will have access to a quality education, meaningful employment through micro credit loans and a well managed community. We will continue to work tirelessly in breaking down the restraints of today to enable the possibilities of tomorrow for the children and families in Nepal”.
Dr. Tulsi R. Maharjan, PDG district 7475.
Thank you for your hospitality Rotary club of Maharajgunj. Also our thanks to Kishore Tripathi and his team for coordinating the trip.
It began 50 years ago, waiting for that day, when the Nepal Junior Red Cross gives out a “Small box of gift” from the USA. Every year in April, I used to wait for that day, to receive a small box of gift containing two pencils, erasers and few candies. That was, what I most wanted in the world. “A Special Gift Box from America”
Now a day, when I visit Nepal, I reach into my backpack, and hand students with a pen, a pencil or a notebook, and see a wave of possibility washed over the student.
Dr. Tulsi R. Maharjan, Founding chair
Seeing a smile and brightened wide open eye is my sense of happiness. We see the profound power and promise brought through something as small as giving a pencil, a pen or a notebook. That is our ASHA project- A Promise of Hope and providing opportunities for less fortunate people.
ASHA means HOPE in Nepali language. It is amazing how a short, four letter word can represent so much. Asha means hope, and that is our purpose. To provide hope in all aspects of life by supporting initiatives that is run by the people of Nepal for the people of Nepal.
Guided by our Three pillars,
RAYS OF HOPE, LEGACY OF HOPE and HOMES OF HOPE,
We have been supporting projects that inspire a promise of hope for the people of Nepal.
During our recent visit to the श्री भिमशेन आदर्श माध्यामिक Shree Bhimshen Adarsa Madhamic School in Barumchuli: We met many smart, focused, and friendly students. Being poor in Nepal, their families are not not able to provide them with many luxuries, they are determined to get better education and become someone. With support from the ASHA PROJECT and partnership between the #ROTARY Foundation and ONE STEP FOR CHANGE,
THEIR next goal is simple: become the greatest teacher, social workers,police etc in Nepal.
Rotaract students from RAC Manohara, Babarmahal and Rudramati visited the school and conducted essay contest ” WHAT I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP”.
Over the last 28 years, we have visited many village schools in Nepal, handing out thousands of pens and pencils across many districts in Nepal. These pencils, these small pieces of potential, led to powerful conversations with local parents and children across countless languages. These are the guidelines on which ASHA Project was founded in April 2015 after the earthquake in Nepal.
In the process, we have learned a lot. We’ve learned that education is a living, breathing entity that with the right nurturing evolves into something spectacular. We’ve learned that every piece of its growth is a challenge and that each pencil, each dollar, each supporter is essential. The ASHA Project is now a national movement of passionate individuals, many of which are the most dynamic and impactful leaders we have ever seen. They are committed to supporting a world with greater educational opportunity for all. Thousands have joined us, making contributions through acts both large and small.
We fundamentally believe that a day will come in our lifetimes when every single child will have access to a quality education, meaningful employment through micro credit loans and a well managed community. We will continue to work tirelessly in breaking down the restraints of today to enable the possibilities of tomorrow for the children and families in Nepal.
The “Making A Difference Community Service Award” was presented to the ASHA PROJECT to honor the organization for making a significant contributions to the people of Nepal through their time, actions, talents and dedication
IPP Joyti Presenting Award
IPP Joyti Presenting Award
IPP Joyti Presenting Award
The ASHA PROJECT was selected for being a role model for compassion, and service and be striving to make the world a better place. The Asha Project has been mobilizing passionate young volunteers from various Rotaract clubs in Nepal to help their own communities with funding, advice and partnership with others organizations.
President of the RC Rudramati
IPP Joyti Poudel
According to the Immediate Past President of the RC Rudramati Jyoti Poudel “ The Asha Project was selected for this award for consistently demonstrating qualities of compassion, and service to our local communities mobilizing variety of volunteer activities since the earthquake in Nepal”.
The Asha Project has invested more than $150,000 in the micro credit project, $50,000 in educational scholarships and school supplies distribution and $50,000 in community development project so far since the earthquake. According to the Asha Project coordinator Mr. Kishore Tripathi and Executive Director of the ONE STEP FOR CHAGE, “The first Educational scholarship was established in 1992 in collaboration with the Rotary club of Patan, which provides more than 300 scholarships each year. The most recent educational scholarship agreement was signed with the Rotary Club of Patan West to establish $100,000 scholarships to provide educational opportunities for remote village students. The Asha Project also helped to set up a science lab at the Bal Kumari school in Sunakothi with the help of the Rotary club of Branchburg and the America Nepal Friendship Society of New York.
साउन १५ ,काठमाडौँ। ८८ वर्ष अगाडि नेपालमा जन्मेकी उषा महर्जन पुल्चोककै सबैभन्दा प्रिय र सम्मानित व्यक्ति बन्नेछिन सायदै कसैले सोचेको थियो होला। यति मात्र भन्दा तपाई को मनमा प्रश्न आउन सक्छ , को हुन् उषा महर्जन? ?कसरी लोकप्रिय र सम्मानित बनिन ?
आज हामी यिनै प्रश्न को उत्तर र उषा महर्जन को जीवनी लाइ समेट्न गइ रहेका छौं। बुबा लोक बिक्रम शाह र आमा रति देबी महर्जनको कोख बाट १९९० असार मा जन्मिएकी उषा महर्जन एक खुला हृदय कि महिला थिइन्। आफु मात्र गरूँ , आफु मात्र खाउँ र आफु मात्रै लाउँ भन्ने आजको यो स्वार्थी संसार मा म मात्र होइन मसंगै मैले धेरै लाई अघि बढ्न सहयोग र साथ् दिनुपर्छ भन्ने सोचाई राख्ने महिला थिइन उनि !
उनि पुलचोकको अनौपचारिक मेयर थिइन भन्दा फरक नपर्ला । उनी समुदाय र परिवारको आधारस्तम्भ थिइन। उनी शिक्षित थिइनन , तर अरुलाई शिक्षित बनाउन आफु बाट हुनसक्ने सक्दो सहयोग गर्थिन । उनि महान थिइन , गरिब , दुखि ,मेहेनती सबैको मर्म लाई आफ्नो मर्म बनाएर संधै नै लोक को सेवा मा , समाज सेवा मा तत्पर उषा आज हामि बीच छैनन् , उषा को आशा को दियो अब रहेन , आज धेरै मानिसहरु अभिभावक बिहिन महशुस गरिरहेका छन्। तर उषा ले जजसको जीवन मा दियो बालेर गएकी छिन त्यो दियो कहिले निभ्ने छैन , यो त सम्झना को दियो हो ,निराशापछि को आशा को दियो हो , कसैले पनि उनलाई चाहेर पनि आफ्नो मन र मस्तिस्क बाट निभाउन सक्दैन ! उनि ति सबै मनमा जीवित छिन , जसलाई सहयोग गरेर उनले नयाँ जीवन जिउन सिकाइन , जसको जीवन कोपिला बाट फुल बन्न सक्यो , असक्षम बाट सक्षम बन्न सक्यो , उदास बाट उत्साही बन्न सक्यो।
कुल नारायण महर्जन संग बिवाह गरेकी उषाका दुई छोराहरु रहेका छन् ,शालिकराम महर्जन र तुलसी राम महर्जन !कान्छा छोरा तुलसी राम लाई अध्ययन का लागि अमेरिका पठाएर , जेठो छोरो शालिक राम का साथ त्यो समय मा चाइना छिरेकी थिइन् उनि !
उनि आफु शिक्षा बाट टाढा रहे पनि आफ्ना सन्तान को शिक्षा मा कहिले बाधा व्यवधान आउन दिईनन ।निडर थिइन् उनि , हिम्मतिली थिइन् र अरुलाई हिम्मत दिन सिपालु थिइन्।
उनको प्रशंसक असंख्य छन् , समुदाय मा धेरै को लागी उनी एक सल्लाहकार थिइन । उनले धेरै शिक्षा बाट वञ्चित बच्चाहरूलाई सेन्ट जेभियर स्कूलमा पढ्न मद्दत गरिन ।
रोटरी मा पनि प्रख्यात थिइ न उषा ! यद्यपि उनी एक रोटेरियन थिइनन् ।रोटरी मा पनि उनका निर्णय सम्मान का साथ सुनिन्थ्ये ! बच्चा , बृद्ध , युवा सबै मा छाप छाड्न सफल उषाले हामि सबै लाइ छाडेर गइ सकेकी छन् तर हाम्रो मन बाट आफ्नो याद , माया , सम्मान लाई हामिबाट लिएर जान सकिनन्।
उनको अनुपस्थिति ले दुख त दिएको छ उनको परिवार लाई तर आज उनको परिवार उनको जीवन र विरासतलाइ मनाइ रहेको छ। उनको परिवार ले उनकै मन पर्ने बिद्यालय सेन्ट जेभियर स्कूलमा छात्रवृत्ति सिर्जना गरेर उनको जीवन र विरासत मनाउने निर्णय गरेको हो ।जीवन मरण त संसार को एक नियम हो , तर धेरै कम को मृत्यु खास बन्छ , उत्सब मनाउन योग्य बन्छ , आशु संगै आफ्ना प्रति गर्व महशुस गर्न लायक बनाउँछ र जुनी जुनी सम्म अमर रहन्छ !
Mentor, friend, wife, grandmother,great grandmother—Usha lived a life of many roles and with many talents. Born in Nepal 88 years ago, Mrs. Maharjan would ultimately become one of the most-beloved and well-respected person in Pulchowk. We call her an “Unofficial Mayor of Pulchowk”. She was the pillar of the community and family.
She was not educated, however, she managed to send her two sons to China and USA to study. She admitted her grand kids and great grant kids to St. Xavier and St. Mary school and helped many underprivileged children to get into St. Xavier school and other schools in Patan.
Helped many local people financially and motivating people in the community to do better by giving her life example.
In 1960 she worked in China with the Nepalese Ambassador Mr. Keshar Bahadur KC and took her elder son along with the family to study in China.
In 1972 she managed to send her 15 year old son to America to study.
Even though she was not a Rotarian she lived by Rotary’s 4 way test.
1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all?
While her notoriety was great and her accolades numerous, for many in the community, she was a mentor. Approachable and authentic, Mrs. Maharjan was available to community people to help anyway possible.
We are celebrating her Life and Legacy by creating a Memorial scholarship at her favorite St. Xavier School.
May she REST IN PEACE.
TRIBUTES FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILIES:
TRIBUTES AND MEMORIES FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILIES:
Sauni Didi
Memories
It was in 1980, when I first came to Nepal, that I met Didi
and Sauji. At that time they had a tuck shop in our school to supply stationey
for the hostel students. She was very friendly with the students and spoke to
them lovingly like a mother. Later the
hostel was no more and the shop also was closed. She had good rapport with all
the fathers and brothers. Later every year she used to invite us to her house
during Dashain for a big “bhoj” with home-made Newari raksi. She took pride in
saying that this raksi is more than 30 years old. “Nathini pani janmeko thiyena”,
she would often say. It was really of
excellent quality. Occasionally she would send a bottle for me saying it is
cold medicine for you.
Many students remember her sitting at the guard house for
long hours. When Fr.Marty Coyne was alive he was her companion near the gate. She knew all the news and gossips around
Jawalakhel and would share with Fr.Coyne. At dinner table Fr.Coyne would share
the same news with us. She enjoyed the company of children and many would greet
her “Namaste” at the gate, and some would take her blessing. One negative
aspect of her life was that she could never accept the fact that her younger
son married a “kuire” girl from the USA, though didi was very friendly and
close to many American fathers for many decades !
In the last couple of years it was difficult for her to walk
and someone would reach her to school and take her back home. At Dashain time
she felt bad that she could not feed us due to ill health. On the occasion of
important Nepali festivals she would give a party to the fathers and the
maintenance staff of the school. Often she would ask about the fathers who are
here and abroad, especially about those who are sick. After my mother died last
year I visited her and said, “My mother is gone, now you are my mother.” She
was very happy to hear that.
She had a lot her friends in Patan area and they visited her
often. Though she was wealthy she liked to live a simple life. Till the last
days of her life she had good memory and recognized people easily even by
voice. I am happy that God did not give her much suffering in her last days and
she bid us goodbye after a few days of sickness.
***We miss your loving presence at our school, Didi,
We miss your sweet
smile that refreshed us
And your love filled words that comforted us.
Thank you for being part of our lives
May you be counted in the company of the angels
And may the Lord
of love reward you abundantly***
Fr. A. V. Mathew, S.J.
St. Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel
Fellow Rotarian, Rotary’s Past District Governer, Dr Tulsi Maharjan, My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mom. It is never easy to lose a mother—doesn’t matter how old she was. I pray for your peace and comfort as you continue your life journey without your mother’s earthly presence. Stay strong Dr Tulsi!
Best Nabaraj KC, Rotary Club of New York Queens Family!
Keith Federman Sending my condolences. I’m very sorry for your loss Tulsi. If the values we instill in others, and the caring and kindness is legacy what we leave behind, she has left quite a legacy. Sending prayers.
Chandra Sakya Heartfelt condolence to you and your family !
Shanta Khadgi My deepest condolences to you and family Tulsi ji. May the departed Soul rest in peace.
Gyan Lal Maharjan May God bless her soul! She was just amazing! Rup Kumar Shakya अनिच्चावत संखारा उत्पादवियो धम्मिनो उपज्जित्वा निरुझन्ति तेसं भूसमोसुखं!!!
Rajendra Basnyat Thanks to Maharajan brothers for establishing one outstanding students award in the name of Usha fufu for continuity of her attachment/legacy with St. Xavier’s school
WE are delighted to have Kabina Sing Maharjan being selected as a new Cultural Ambassador of the Friends of Nepal-NJ.
KABINA PERFORMING AT THE NEPAL DAY PARADE 2017
Kabina has been presenting her performances at various special functions in the tri-state area for more than 10 years.
According to FONNJ President Dr. Tulsi R. Maharjan “We are delighted have Kabina represent us in various functions and promote our cultural heritage in America”.
Kabina born in Khokana, Patan has been performing in various programs ever since her high school year, she had also taught dances to children in school. Dancing is her passion and she would like to continue teaching dances and promoting Nepalese cultural heritage in America. If your organization is interested in having her perform, please contact her at http://www.fonnj.com.
Gift of HOPE for Nepal 50 years ago, I remember waiting the days, when the Nepal Junior Red Cross gave out a “Small GiftBox” from the USA. Every April, I waited for that day, to receive this Small Gift Box, containing two pencils, erasers and few candies. That was, what I most wanted in the world.
“A Special Gift Box from America”
Now, when I visit Nepal, I reach into my backpack, and hand students a pen, a pencil or a notebook, and I see a wave of endless possibilities washed for these students. Seeing their smiles and bright eyes provides me with a sense of happiness. I see the profound power and promise that a small gift such as a pencil, a pen or a notebook can generate. That is our ASHA project- A Promise of Hope. ASHA means HOPE in Nepali language. It is amazing how a small word can represent so much. Providing Asha means, that is our purpose. To provide hope in all aspects of life, by supporting programs managed by the people of Nepal for the people of Nepal.
Guided by our Three Pillars: RAYS OF HOPE, LEGACY OF HOPE and HOMES OF HOPE
We support projects that create a promise of hope for the people of Nepal. Over the last 28 years, we have visited many village schools, distributing thousands of pens and pencils across many districts in Nepal. These gifts, led to powerful partnerships with local parents and children regardless of language differences. Through these discussions and partnerships, it became clear that there was a need for an international non-profit, led on-the-ground by a staff of locals within the country. The effort would require active village participation in each school, and deep support, trained teachers and tracking of the progress of each student to ensure their success. These were the principles and guidelines on which the ASHA Project was founded in April 2015, after the devastating earthquake in Nepal.
Since starting an educational scholarship with a small $500 donation in 1990, we have helped provide more than 4000 scholarships, built computer labs, science labs, libraries, developed clean water projects and provided more than $150,000 worth of micro credit loans in Nepal. Through a grant from the Rotary Foundation and individual donations, we have invested more than $800,000 in Nepal.
In the process, we have learned a lot. We’ve learned that education is a living, breathing entity that with the right nurturing evolves into something spectacular. We’ve learned that the growth process is a challenge but each pencil, each dollar,each supporter makes a difference and is essential. The ASHA Project is now a national movement of passionate individuals, many of whom are the most dynamic and impactful leaders we have ever seen. They are committed to supporting a world with greater educational opportunity for all. Thousands have joined us, making contributions through acts both large and small.
We fundamentally believe that a day will come in our lifetimes when every single child will have access to a quality education, meaningful employment through micro credit loans and a well- managed community. We will continue to work tirelessly in breaking down the restraints of today to enable the possibilities of tomorrow for the children and families of Nepal.
Hope has the power to move people. Hope has changed the course of history, and millions of lives. The magic of hope is what we are looking to spread here with the ASHA PROJECT in cooperation with the Rotary International District 7475 and the Friends of Nepal-NJ. Using our three pillars, HOMES OF HOPE, RAYS OF HOPE, and LEGACY OF HOPE, we are determined to spread the idea of a brighter, more prosperous, and stronger future.
ASHA PROJECT was originally founded in 2015 in response to the Nepal earthquake which left thousands dead, but our mission extended much before that. Starting from a small $500 donation in 1992, we have provided thousands of dollars in scholarships and have helped build places of hope such as science labs, libraries and water projects. In addition to that, we have loaned more than $150,000 in micro credit loans in Nepal, along with countless donations.
SINDHUPALCHOK PROJECT
“Seeing a smile and brightened wide open eye is my sense of happiness. I see the profound power and promise brought through something as small as giving a pencil, a pen or a notebook”.
Dr. Tulsi R. Maharjan, Founding President of the Asha Project
Almost as important as hope, is the importance of education. It is every child’s right to receive an education, which in turn increases hope. ASHA PROJECT has distributed hundreds of thousands of pens and pencils to symbolize opportunity. The power of learning and information creates the leaders of tomorrow.
To this day, ASHA PROJECT has been persistent in spreading the message of hope to everyone. This is our biggest ambition, and we will work to break down the barriers and spread the idea of hopefulness and optimism to everyone across Nepal.
“It is amazing how a short, four letter words can represent so much. ASHA means HOPE in Nepali, and that is our purpose. I would like to personally thank you for being a part of team. Your support for the ASHA PROJECT has transformed the lives of not just individuals, but entire communities, empowering them with the tools to break the cycle of poverty”.
Dr. Maharjan
School visit School visit.2019 School visitWhat I want to be when I grow up? Ma Garna Shakchu – I can do it.A promise of HOPE
“What will really stick with me for the rest of my life are the youth leaders. They are such an inspiration to me and I can only imagine the great things they will accomplish in their lives. When you think about the ripple effect that will have, you really start to feel a sense of the scale of what is being accomplished by our ASHA PROJECT.”
Changing Lives.. one school and one student at a time.
The Asha Project brings people together to change lives. Our support brings hope and opportunities to improve the lives of children in Nepal, and it imparts deep connections to those who give their time and energy. Please reach out to the Friends of Nepal – NJ or The Asha Project to see how you can participate.
The Asha Project 