Nepali Academics in America (NACA) Blog

Newsflash Volume 5 Issue 4

Madhav Bhatta — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:24:02 GMT

The latest issue of Newsflash features NACA activities from June 15 - September 30, 2025 including the NACA-CAIPHEN Public Health Fellowship Program launch and NACA Chhahari initiation.

NACA Newsflash Vol. 5 Issue 4

A Call for NACA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Formation

Madhav Bhatta — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 20:47:54 GMT

NACA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Guidelines

As an organization with membership from diverse academic fields, NACA encourages networking and collaboration among members within and outside with disciplines. Please consider forming a thematic Special Interest Group (SIG) to promote within and among discipline collaborations.

Objective: Focus on a defined and/or specific thematic topic of interest for members, ensuring alignment with broader vision and mission of NACA. The scope of each SIG needs to be clearly defined. SIGs may be formed by any NACA member with a formal application that will be reviewed by the SIG committee.

Membership: All members of a SIG are required to be a current NACA member. SIG membership is optional/additional to NACA membership. Each member can serve on a maximum of 2 SIGs and can choose SIG membership when renewing/joining. All SIG memberships are valid for the same period of time as the NACA membership, with options to change once a year.

Leadership: There must be 8-10 active NACA members to form a SIG. The initial Chair of the SIG is appointed by the SIG committee with consultation with the Executive Committee (EC). The SIG members will select a co-chair. The Chair will serve a maximum of 3 years and serve as a mentor to the co-chair, facilitating the co-chair's development and increasing their effectiveness in leading the SIG. Each SIG should have a fair and transparent governance structure, decided by the members that aligns with the NACA Constitution and Bylaws.

SIG Name: The official name of any SIG is “NACA SIG - XXX” (XXX is the thematic group name - e.g. NACA SIG - Population and Public Health Sciences)

Events and Activities: Each SIG will function independently with its unique characteristics and compositions but with transparent communication with other SIGs and EC.

Each SIG should:

Meet quarterly (minimum but can meet additionally as needed).
Conduct a minimum of one webinar presentation or panel discussion per year.
Include a mentoring component within their activities (eg. chair/co-chair mentoring, faculty-student mentoring, senior/junior researcher mentoring etc.). This mentorship can be part of a formal leadership development program or a less structured relationship.
Work with NACA’s Communications Committee to create and maintain SIG social media and share information for NACA NewFlash.
Participate in organizing NACA conferences.

Communication within and between NACA: Any new event or program (including fund-raising) should be reported to the SIG committee. The SIG committee will present the details of the event to the EC as an information item. If the committee deems the event to be significant, the SIG leader will be asked to join the EC meeting for a presentation.

Evaluation and Reporting: Each SIG will submit a quarterly report to the SIG committee and an annual report on its activities to the EC that will be shared with all NACA members.

For additional information or guidance about forming a SIG, please contact Dr. Sadeep Shrestha, Chair (sshresth@uab.edu) or Dr. Jyotsna Parajuli, co-Chair (jparajul@charlotte.edu), NACA Special Interest Groups Committee.

NACA Statement on Ongoing Situation in Nepal

Madhav Bhatta — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:35:13 GMT

Statement by Nepali Academics in America (NACA) In Solidarity with Nepal’s Youth, Democracy, and Intellectual Integrity

Nepali Academics in America (NACA) stands in firm solidarity with the young people of Nepal who began their movement by peacefully exercising their democratic freedoms. Their courage reflects the conscience and hope of the nation.

We unequivocally condemn the Government of Nepal’s violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, which claimed young lives. Such actions are indefensible and erode the foundations of democracy.

We denounce the violence and anarchy caused by infiltrators and opportunistic groups seeking to hijack and destabilize this youth-led movement. Violence from any side, whether by the state or by anarchists, betrays the aspirations of the people and endangers Nepal’s fragile democracy.

Democracy thrives on peaceful protest, while indiscriminate violence undermines it. Nepal’s future lies not in silencing its youth but in unleashing their creativity, integrity, and leadership. Equally, intellectual freedom and academic integrity are inseparable from democratic rights. The distortion of higher education through political patronage and the silencing of critical voices stifle young people’s potential and weaken the nation’s future. To betray civic and intellectual freedom is to betray the very promise of Nepal’s youth.

We call on the Government of Nepal and current political actors to end repression, acknowledge and take responsibility for the killing of young people, hold accountable those who authorized and carried out the excessive use of force, uphold free expression, and recognize youth as legitimate partners in shaping the country’s democratic future. We urge all actors to reject violence, safeguard civic freedoms, and restore integrity in both governance and education.

We call on all Nepalis, at home and abroad, to stand in solidarity with the hopes and aspirations of the young people. We urge every sector of society to reject violence and misinformation, condemn those who thrive on chaos, and ensure that the peaceful and democratic character of youth protests is not undermined.

We further urge the international community, human rights organizations, and global allies to stand with the people of Nepal to demand accountability, safeguard human rights, and support nonviolent democratic expressions.

As members of the global Nepali academic community, NACA stands with Nepali youth in hope, solidarity, and commitment to justice, democracy, and intellectual integrity.

Issued on behalf of Nepali Academics in America (NACA)

Newsflash Volume 5 Issue 3

Madhav Bhatta — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 18:36:07 GMT

This issue features important organizational updates including the new NACA Executive Council, message from the new President Arati Maleku, highlights from the 2025 NACA Conference held April 11-13 at the Appalachian State University in Boone North Carolina, the Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship Program, news and updates including publications, honors, and achievements. Click the link below to open a PDF version.

NACA Newsflash Vol. 5 Issue 3

Newsflash Volume 5 Issue 2

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 23:40:06 GMT

This issue features important updates on the 2025 NACA Conference and our new partnership with Nepal’s Policy Research Institute (PRI), alongside our continued collaboration with Daayitwa Governance Lab. We also summarize NACA’s latest policy recommendations for economic reform and invite members to engage in mentorship and research collaborations. Click the link below to open a PDF version.

NACA Newflash Vol. 5 Issue 2

Newsflash Volume 5 Issue 1

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:48:02 GMT

Brand new year, brand new Newsflash. This edition is packed with updates and exciting news about our upcoming events and members' accomplishments. In this issue, you'll find details about our upcoming Zoominar #14 with Kiran Krishna Shrestha of Nepa-laya, a glimpse at our 2025 conference, including keynote speakers and travel information, and spotlights on some of our newest members and their recent publications. Plus, we have updates from Nepal Corner. Click the link below to open a PDF version.

NACA Newsflash Vol 5 Issue 1

Newsflash Volume 4 Issue 5

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:14:41 GMT

Welcome to the final issue of NACA Newsflash for 2024! As we bring the year to a close, we’re thrilled to share a host of exciting news and updates with our members and supporters.

Check out the latest Newsflash issue in PDF by clicking the thumbnail or button below.

In addition to the PDF version of our Newsflash, we are experimenting with something new. You can also listen to an AI generated podcast that takes a deep dive on this Newsflash issue. Please disregard any mispronunciations of NACA, names or any other Nepali words--after all, this is generated by an AI and we are just experimenting. Happy Reading!

Open The Newsflash Vol 4 Issue 5

Newsflash Volume 4 Issue 4

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:44:02 GMT

The latest edition of the NACA Newsflash Vol. 4 Issue 4 is here. Check it out for the latest updates on the 2025 NACA Conference in Boone North Carolina, along with many other exciting news and updates.

Open the Newsflash Vol 4 Issue 4

Newsflash Volume 4 Issue 3

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 21:29:44 GMT

Check out the latest issue of NACA Newsflash Vol. 4 Issue 3, which announces the 2025 NACA Biennial Conference and provides the recent updates on our collaborative efforts with Tribhuvan University as well as Daayitwa Abhiyan Nepal. This issue also covers research highlights covering an important topic of poverty reduction in Nepal, news updates of our members, our member spotlight featuring valuable members, a list of new members who joined NACA in the last three months, and a list of publications by our members. Enjoy!

Open the Newsflash Vol 4 Issue 3

Newsflash Volume 4 Issue 2

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:15:32 GMT

We are delighted to present to you a new edition of the NACA Newsflash (Vol. 4, Issue 2). As you can see in the items covered in this issue, we have many exciting collaborative programs and events to share with our members and supporters.

Open the Newsflash Vol 4 Issue 2

Announcing 2024 Annual Meeting

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 21:02:27 GMT

SAVE THE DATE

We invite all NACA members to our upcoming Annual Meeting 2024 (virtual) on April 20 (10:00 AM to 01:00 PM Eastern Time). This is an important community wide event to reflect upon our accomplishments and discuss our collective future. We will have a featured speaker and panel discussion, along with our business meetings. Details forthcoming.

Newsflash Volume 4 Issue 1

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 01:24:54 GMT

Welcome to the first issue of our Newsflash for the year 2024. We share with you some exciting updates and important announcements, including info about our upcoming Annual Meeting scheduled for April 20, 2024. A lot is happening at NACA. Our organization continues to thrive, and our members have contributed fascinating updates for your perusal. We extend our gratitude to all who have contributed content for this edition.

Open the Newsflash Vol 4 Issue 1

Newsflash Volume 3 Issue 5

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:15:28 GMT

In this final issue of the year 2023, we bring your attention to the ongoing "The Nepal Health Research Initiative" project, led by Dr. Sadeep Shrestha, who graciously shares his experiences and insights. Moreover, our "Members Spotlight" section features three valuable members representing NACA's interdisciplinary focus and diverse expertise.

These highlights are just a glimpse of the exciting content enclosed in this issue. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support throughout the year. As we usher in 2024, we wish you all a Happy New Year filled with prosperity, productive collaboration, and academic excellence.

Open the Newsflash Vol 3 Issue 5

Newsflash Volume 3 Issue 4

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 01:14:16 GMT

The fall semester is upon us, and here at NACA, we are gearing up for our upcoming fall activities. Stay tuned for the announcements regarding our activities. Additionally, we are in the process of reorganizing our committees, and we warmly welcome more volunteers to join us. If you are interested in contributing, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can choose to serve on any of the following committees: Membership Excellence, Institution and Partnership Development, Programs and Events, and Communications.

In this new edition, we are thrilled to present you with some fresh and exciting updates. This issue features a reflective piece by Neelam C Poudyal on his experience as a Fulbright Scholar in Nepal, shedding light on his ongoing research regarding the performance of the Bufferzone Program in Nepal. Alongside this, we continue to provide our regular features, including member spotlights, awards and updates, recent publications, and various announcements.

Enjoy!

Open the Newsflash Vol 3 Issue 4

Newsflash Volume 3 Issue 3

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 21:22:41 GMT

In this edition of NACA Newsflash, we are delighted to present to you research highlights, profiles of our life and general members, and some exciting news of awards, publications and events. We anticipate even more exciting updates in the upcoming fall semester. Stay tuned.

Check out the Newsflash in PDF by clicking the thumbnail or button below:

Access the Newsflash Vol 3, I 3

Call for Application - 2023 Writing Retreat

Fri, 12 May 2023 00:59:49 GMT

Writing Retreat for NACA Members

July 30 - August 05, 2023
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

The Nepali Academics in America (NACA) is pleased to announce this writing retreat opportunity for its members hosted by Prof. Shanta Pandey at her home in Boston. There are five seats available for this retreat.

This retreat opportunity is made possible by our gracious host Prof. Shanta Pandey (Boston College, School of Social Work) who is also a member of the NACA Advisory Council. We are grateful for her generosity and leadership in this unique opportunity.

About the Writing Retreat

This retreat will offer six nights and five days of uninterrupted hours to write, read, reflect, and interact with scholars from varied disciplines. The rooms have a chair and table, but you may use other spaces on the first floor, including the patio and the swimming pool area, for your writing. The house has high-speed Wi-Fi. If you need to use the library, the Boston College library is within walking distance (0.6 miles). The house has a printer but no copier or scanner. If you plan to print out more than a few pages, you may need to use Copy Centers (e.g., FedEx Office) around Boston College. The house is smoke-free, and smoking is not allowed inside the house.

There are no fees for the retreat; however, writers are responsible for transportation to and from the retreat venue. Writers should arrive on Sunday, July 30, 2023, after 3:00 pm. From then on, you will be Professor Pandey’s guest until 10:30 am on Saturday, August 5. She will generously provide rooms and meals, starting with dinner on Sunday evening. Every day, continental breakfast will be available from 7:00 am to 8:30 am and light lunch between 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm. Coffee and tea will be available all day. Cocktails will be served at 6:00 pm, and dinner will be served at 7:30 pm. You can take a break from your writing after 6:00 pm and help her prepare dinner and clean.

The retreat is your free writing time, with very little structure. Writers will meet as a group and have dinner together every evening. Occasionally, Professor Pandey may invite a colleague or two from Boston’s higher education institutions to join the group for dinner. Please do not bring family or pets during the retreat, but you are encouraged to invite them and enjoy the New England area before or after the retreat.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest to Dr. Gyan Nyaupane at gyan@asu.edu. The applicant should be a member of NACA. If you are not a member yet, be sure to join us before submitting this application. The application should include a paragraph with your writing plan for the retreat, such as writing a book, book chapter, article, grant proposal, or anything, and how this opportunity advances your scholarship. If the retreat helped your scholarly publication, please acknowledge NACA and the host’s generosity in your publications. There are no additional expectations for attending this retreat.

The application deadline for the Writing Retreat is May 25, 2023. Applications will be reviewed by a committee commissioned by NACA. If you are selected, we will notify you by June 5 and request your decision by June 10.

If you have any questions about the retreat, please contact Dr. Gyan Nyaupane.

April Issue of Newsflash

Gyan Nyaupane — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 23:29:02 GMT

Please find the April-May 2023 Issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). NACA Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 2.pdf

Meet Our New Executive Council (2023-2025)

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 22:54:48 GMT

We are thrilled to announce the new Executive Council for 2023-2025, and we cannot wait to see what they have in store for our organization and its members.

First, we would like to express our gratitude to the outgoing Executive Council for their dedicated service to NACA over the past two-three years. Their hard work and commitment have helped shape our organization and move us forward towards our mission.

Without further ado, let us introduce the incoming Executive Council for 2023-2025:

President: Gyan Nyaupane (Arizona State University, Phoenix)

Vice President: Milan Shrestha (Arizona State University, Tempe)

Secretary: Arati Maleku (Ohio State University)

Treasurer: Pradeep Sapkota (University of North Texas)

Member: Dinesh Paudel (Appalachian State University)

Member: Neelam C Poudyal (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

Member: Soni Pradhanang (University of Rhode Island)

Member: Sadeep Shrestha (The University of Alabama at Birmingham)

Member: Brijesh Thapa (Oklahoma State University)

We are confident that this talented and diverse group of academics will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to NACA, and we cannot wait to see their vision come to life. They have a wealth of experience and expertise in various fields, and we are excited to see how they will use their skills to benefit our organization and its members.

As we look towards the future of NACA, we are excited to continue building on our mission to provide a platform to connect, engage, and collaborate for our members. We know that with the guidance and leadership of our Advisory Council and new Executive Council, NACA will continue to grow and thrive.

Please join us in welcoming the new Executive Council for 2023-2025, and we look forward to working together towards a bright future for NACA and its members.

Sincerely,

On behalf of the NACA 2023 Election Committee

2023 NACA Conference Program Released

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 19:01:54 GMT

It is official! The Nepali Academics Conference Association (NACA) is thrilled to announce the release of the conference program for our 2023 conference. Get ready for an unforgettable experience, as we host our very first onsite (in-person) conference with several exciting online/hybrid roundtables and presentation sessions. Head over to our website http://nepaliacademics.org/conference to check the full conference program.

From April 14th to April 15th, the NACA conference will bring together some of the most brilliant minds from Nepal, Nepali-focused research, and Nepali diaspora. This year's conference promises to be our best one yet, as we feature over 75 speakers and presenters.

Conference-At-A-Glance

Keynote speakers:

• Dr. Kumud Acharya (President, Desert Research Institute). Intersections of Climate Change, Urbanization, Water Security and Public Health: Emerging Challenges

• Dr. Jeremy Spoon (Professor, Portland State University). Awkward but Fitting In: Complexities, Adaptations, and Opportunities as a Foreign Disaster Researcher and Ally in Nepal

Featured Speakers

Thought-provoking webcast sessions on the most pressing issues faced by Nepal

• Dr. Biswo Poudel (former Vice-Chair of the National Planning Commission, currently Kathmandu University). Political Economy and Geopolitics of Infrastructure Building in Nepal

• Dr. Anup Subedee (Kirtipur Hospital) and Dr. Reshma Tuladhar (Tribhuvan University). Dengue Epidemics in Nepal: Reflections on the Lessons and Challenges for the Healthcare System

• Dr. Hemanta Ojha (University of Canberra, Australia) and Dr. Tara Sigdel (University of California, San Francisco)

Nepali Diaspora Academics: Our Contributions to Nepal and Challenges

These thought leaders are sure to inspire you with their insights and leave you with a fresh perspective on your own research.

But that's not all. We have also lined up a series of presentation panels that will discuss some of the emerging issues in Nepal, ranging from the household level care economy and the COVID-19 impacts to the national level complexities in managing forests and protected areas and solid waste management, to the regional level climate change processes and food security issues.

For the professional development of our members, we will a series of workshops that will dive deeper into some of the most pressing issues facing academia today. From navigating the academic enterprise administration and research collaboration to the opportunities and challenges in the editorship of journal and edited volumes, there's something for everyone at the NACA conference.

And let's not forget about the networking opportunities! The NACA conference is the perfect place to connect with fellow academics and forge new collaborations. You never know who you might meet or what ideas might come to fruition when you gather with other like-minded individuals.

So let’s get ready by visiting the conference website at http://nepaliacademics.org/conference to check out the full conference program. We can't wait to see you there! Get ready for an experience that will challenge your intellect, spark your curiosity, and leave you with a new sense of purpose.

Let's make 2023 the best NACA conference yet!

Newsflash Volume 3 Issue 1

Gyan Nyaupane — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 22:17:15 GMT

Please find the February-March 2023 Issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). Newsflash Volume 3 Issue 1.pdf

NACA General Assembly Set for April 15

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:39:44 GMT

Dear NACA members,

As we seek to host our third NACA Annual Conference on April 14-16, 2023 (in person in Phoenix, AZ, and online), we hope you are as excited as we are about the opportunity to meet and interact with members and friends of this evolving organization. We would like to thank you for your continuing support of this “non-profit and non-partisan network established to enhance collaboration among Nepali academics and other scholars affiliated with higher education and research institutions based in the United States of America and beyond.” We recognize the need for some of us to participate in this global event remotely and encourage those of us with an ability to participate in-person to do so and optimize our experience and networking benefits. We would like to thank the Program Committee co-chairs and members for their hard work on planning and making this event a success.

As we gear up for this momentous event, the Executive Council is excited to announce our third General Assembly (business meeting) to take place on April 15, 2023 (1:30-4 pm MST) per NACA Constitution and Bylaws (Article 5). This will be on the second day of this year’s annual conference hosted in a hybrid format. While remote (online) participation will be allowed, we encourage attending the General Assembly in person if at all possible.

We would also like to remind you that our biennial election to the Executive Council is to take place at or prior to this Assembly where every registered member will be expected to vote and, as appropriate, nominate appropriate candidates (including self-nomination) for different positions of the Executive Council as well as for voluntary membership to the three standing committees and Newsflash Team. Our organization depends on your enthusiasm, support, and participation for our collective interest and so we expect you to participate and take charge of different activities, initiatives, and bodies of the organization.

The Executive Council is working out the specific process of this election and nomination with the Membership and Member-Support Committee. Please stay tuned for more details coming out very soon.

Sincerely,

Udaya R. Wagle

Founding President

On behalf of NACA Executive Council

Newsflash Vol 2 Issue 6 Dec-Jan

Gyan Nyaupane — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:22:13 GMT

Newsflash Volume 2 Issue 6.pdf

Newsflash Vol 2 Issue 5 Oct-Nov

Gyan Nyaupane — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 21:09:43 GMT

Please find the Oct-Nov 2022 Issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). Newsflash 2(5).pdf

Newsflash Vol 2 Issue 4 Aug-Sept

Gyan Nyaupane — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 14:16:47 GMT

Please find the Aug-Sept 2022 Issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). Newsflash 2(4).pdf

Newsflash Vol 2 Issue 3 June-July

Gyan Nyaupane — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:04:53 GMT

Please find the June-July 2022 Issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). Please send us your feedback. Newsflash Vol 2 Issue 3.pdf

Newsflash Vol 2 Issue 2 April-May Issue

Gyan Nyaupane — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 03:52:32 GMT

Please find the April-May Issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). This issue includes NACA's upcoming 2nd Annual Conference program, members spotlight, members' publications, opportunities, and Nepal corner.NACA Newsletter Issue 2_Vol 2.pdf

NACA Newsflash Feb 2022

Gyan Nyaupane — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 04:07:38 GMT

Please find the Feb-March 2022 Issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). This issue includes call for papers for NACA's 2nd Annual Conference, members spotlight, members' publications, opportunities, Nepal corner, and Nepal Connection. NACA Newsflash Vol2 Issue1 Feb 2022.pdf

Newsflash December Issue

Gyan Nyaupane — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:28:35 GMT

Please find the December Issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). This issue includes NACA's upcoming events, members spotlight, members' publications, opportunities, and Nepal corner.

NACA Newsletter (1) 6.pdf

Newsflash

Gyan Nyaupane — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 05:12:59 GMT

Please find the October issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). We aim to celebrate and disseminate the accomplishments of NACA members and stimulate collaboration through Newsflash. Please send us your comments and suggestions at newsflash@nepaliacademics.org.

NACA Newsflash 1.5 .pdf

NACA Newsflash Issue 4

Gyan Nyaupane — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 20:55:49 GMT

Hope everyone is having a great summer! Please find the 4th issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). We aim to celebrate and disseminate the accomplishments of NACA members and stimulate collaboration through Newsflash. Please send us your comments and suggestions at newsflash@nepaliacademics.org.

NACA Newsflash Issue 4 August 2021.pdf

NACA Newsflash Team

NACA Zoominar 07 | Status of the COVID-19 in Nepal: Public Health Insights and Perspectives

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 18:04:34 GMT

Thank you everyone for joining our Zoominar 07. We are delighted to present to you the video recording this important event.

Please like and share the video recording of this zoominar in your network. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Resources provided by the panelists

Dr. Madhav Bhatta's presentation file 
Dr. Archana Shrestha's presentation file 
Dr. Paras Pokharel's presentation file 

See you in our next event.

June Issue NACA Newsflash

Gyan Nyaupane — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 22:22:11 GMT

Please find the 3rd issue of Newsflash, an e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). We aim to celebrate and disseminate the accomplishments of NACA members and stimulate collaboration through Newsflash.

NACA Newsflash Vol 1 Issue 3 .pdf

NACA Press Release on the COVID-19 Crisis in Nepal

Thu, 20 May 2021 19:42:37 GMT

Download PDF version

May 20, 2021

As members of an association of academics of Nepali origin in the United States, we feel the pain and suffering the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to our loved ones back in Nepal. Reported statistics on the rates of test positivity, infection, and mortality suggest that the situation is extremely dire. The current trajectory places Nepal at the highest level of infections in South Asia. The situation is even worse in rural areas in the country where medical facilities are very limited.

Nepal is severely ill-equipped to bear the brunt of the pandemic. Just when we thought the pandemic was inching closer to an end in many countries, Nepal is getting the wrath of another and yet more vicious wave of COVID-19. The raging infection and hospitalization have inundated the already weak, under-resourced, and mismanaged medical apparatus, forcing people with terminal and other severe illnesses to deprive of health care and even lose lives.

As a group dedicated to educating and informing the public and policymakers, we feel that it is our responsibility to help Nepal and any other organization or initiative combat the pandemic. Our members are experts in many areas, including public health, medicine, and biomedical and behavioral health sciences. We stand united and prepared to provide any technical support needed to make evidence-based decisions and logistical support. We ask every member of NACA and other organizations of the Nepali diaspora community to make all possible attempts to educate and advocate on behalf of Nepal and Nepalis at this critical juncture.

The pandemic in Nepal has affected the health, welfare, and productivity of the entire community of the Nepali diaspora and academics in the U.S. We, therefore, plead with vaccine-surplus or vaccine-producing countries to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal urgently. Furthermore, we urge the Biden Administration to allocate a part of its growing vaccine surplus for Nepal specifically. Not only is providing vaccines to an underdeveloped country like Nepal a moral obligation, but the global reach of this highly contagious disease will never fade until vaccines are mobilized at a truly global scale.

Established in 2020, Nepali Academics in America (NACA) is a non-profit professional association of academics of Nepali origin in the United States with close to 100 members. NACA members representing academia, government, industry, and nonprofit organizations engage in education, research, and outreach activities in the United States, Nepal, and globally.

May Issue NACA Newsflash

Gyan Nyaupane — Mon, 03 May 2021 21:16:57 GMT

Please find the 2nd issue of NACA Newsflash. NACA Newsflash is a monthly e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). The objective of NACA Newsflash is to celebrate and disseminate the accomplishments of NACA members and to stimulate collaboration for the benefits of Nepal and Nepali communities around the world. NACA Newsflash Issue 2.pdf

NACA Newsflash

Gyan Nyaupane — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:00:00 GMT

Please find our first NACA Newsflash. NACA Newsflash is a monthly e-newsletter of the Nepali Academics in America (NACA). The objective of NACA Newsflash is to celebrate and disseminate the accomplishments of NACA members and to stimulate collaboration for the benefits of Nepal and Nepali communities around the world.

NACA Newsflash

Preliminary Program Released

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:04:05 GMT

Get excited and get ready! The Preliminary Program of the NACA 2021 Conference has been released. All the participants for "panel discussion sessions" and "research presentation sessions" have been notified on March 23, 9:00pm EST. Please find the preliminary program live on our website, and feel free to download a PDF version, which works better for printing.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

Please note that ALL attendees, including the panelists, presenters, moderators and chairs will have to be registered to access this virtual conference platform and links.

To encourage and facilitate better participation from our colleagues and collaborators in Nepal, NACA is proud to waive the registration fees for those participating from Nepal. If you are in a position to support NACA, please donate whatever amount that fits your budget.

We are all excited and are looking forward to welcoming you at the conference.

CONFERENCE WEBSITE

Keynote Speaker for the NACA Inaugural Conference Announced

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 16:49:48 GMT

The NACA Inaugural Conference is scheduled for April 16 and 17 (10:30 AM to 01:30 PM Eastern Standard Time). It aims to showcase the intellectual diversity and scholarly depth of Nepali academics, and to facilitate collaboration for knowledge production and sharing around the world.

This conference features an exciting line up of plenary keynote, open dialogue panels, and research presentation focusing on Nepal. In these two action-packed days, attendees will also have the opportunities to get to know each other and be familiar with potential research collaboration potentials.

Our keynote speaker is Prof. Amir Sapkota of School of Public Health at University of Maryland, where he is also Director of Exposome Small Molecule Core Facility. The title of his speech is "Emerging Knowledge on climate Change: Responding to Threats and Opportunities."