Historical Milestone
The first Nepali get together was organized by Veda Joshi on March 17, 1973 with the support and cooperation of (late) Carl & (late) Irene Coler, Dr. Merrill & (late) Betsy Goddall, Clair & Elinor Weeks, Dale Vrabec, Henry & (late) Dede Hilton, Nick & Betsy Clinch, Dick & Gloria Davis, Prof. Mondol & Christy, B.C. & Margaret Choudhari, Ron Ranson Jr., Shambhu & Bimala Kayastha, Barry Silver and Chitra Chakraborty, Myron & Carmon Davis, Kyana Joshi and Chevron USA, Inc. The second get together took the form of a family picnic arranged by Shambhu and Bimala Kayastha and Veda and Kyana Joshi on August 5, 1973 at the Chevron Employee Park, El Segundo, California.
But it is October October 27, 1973 that is an important date for this society. The occasion was another Nepali meeting at the Chevron Employee Park (Clubhouse), El Segundo, CA. It was on this day that the California Chapter of the America-Nepal Society was born. (The America Nepal Society is located in Washington D.C.) Veda B. Joshi was elected the first Chapter President.
On January 16, 1982 a general membership meeting approved two motions: 1. the society would be incorporated; 2. the society established a scholarship fund to be called the Betsy Goodall Scholarship Fund. On March 19, 1982 the society was incorporated as a charitable, non-profit organization and was henceforth to be known as the America-Nepal Society of California, Inc.
Main purpose of the Society
The specific purposes of the Society are to promote harmonious relations between the United States and Nepal, to promote educational opportunity for economically and/or disadvantaged persons, and to undertake such activities as may promote these goals. It is operated exclusively for charitable purposes.
Membership Eligibility
Membership is open to all persons demonstrating a sincere, constructive interest in achieving the aims and objectives of ANS/CA, Inc.
The Betsy Goodall Scholarship Fund
The Betsy Goodall Scholarship Fund makes available financial aid to economically disadvantaged but intelligent Nepali women to have the opportunity to pursue college level education at Tribhuvan University in Nepal. Scholarship grants were first awarded to two Nepali women scholars in the 1984 academic year, and have continued to this present time. Interest from this fund is used for the yearly grants to promising needy young women. No withdrawls are made from the principal amount.
Other Activities & Information
Quartely get-togethers bring members and guests together, and awaken sleeping memories of Nepal. Quarterly bulletins are also published to inform members of the activities of the society and up-to-date news from Nepal.
Other than quaterly meetings and bulletins, the Society has sent clothing to the Nepal Red Cross Society, Banepa Branch. The America-Nepal Society members contributed towards an earthquake relief fund for Nepal in 1980 & 1989.
The society had an opportunity to welcome Their Majesties the King and Queen of Nepal to Los Angeles in December 1983. Their majesties have recognized the existence of the Society and the Scholarship Fund.
Contributions
The American-Nepal Society of CA, Inc. is pleased that it has been able in a small but consistent way to work for the betterment of Nepal by helping to provide an education for the two deserving young women each year. Should you also like to share this goal and make contribution to the established fund, your gift would be received gratefully. Please make out your check to read ANS/CA Betsy Goodall Scholarship Fund and mail your check to:
Veda B. Joshi, Scholarship Director
22814 S. Berendo Avenue
Torrance, CA 90502
Your donations are tax deductible. If you would like to join or renew your membership, please fillout the membership application form and mail to the Treasurer of the Society with your membership check payable to America-Nepal Society of CA, Inc.
For further details, interested persons may contact the society through:
President: Deepak Shimkhada, Ph.D. (909/621-0783)
1st Vice-President: Michael J. Kenny (909/625-6959)
2nd Vice-President: Dan Lavery (310/471-3833)
Treasurer: Anil P. Pradhan (818/888-2656)
Secretary: Tracy Harcourt (562/696-0796)
You may also contact Veda Joshi, Founder of the Society and Director of the Board of Trustees 310/530-2440
America-Nepal Society of California, Inc.
22814 S. Berendo Ave.
Torrance, CA 90502
Email: VBJoshi@compuserve.com
AMAA
Webmaster Anita Shrestha, AMAA Network Consultant