Introduction

Nepal America Journalists Association (NEAJA) is a US-based not-for-profit organization, under section 501(C)(3) of the internal revenue code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, formed by Journalists of Nepali origin in 2007. NEAJA works exclusively to build and develop communication networks amongst journalists and communities in the United States and Canada. It’s a joint forum of Nepali-American Journalists who have been working hard to bridge the Nepali communities with the American mainstream since its establishment. 

About Us

How NEAJA was formed?

When the number of journalists and media persons of Nepali origin increased in the United States and Canada, the need for an organization of such people with similar professional backgrounds back in Nepal was felt. As a result, a group of professional Nepali journalists started some informal gatherings to form an organization of Nepali-American Journalists in 2001. The informal group could have organized a formal first convention in Arlington, Virginia, from April 10 to 12, 2007, under the leadership of Girish Pokharel. It was then and there that the Nepal America Journalists Association (NEAJA), with a firm belief in established norms and ethics of journalism, was formed and established. Formally, NEAJA was registered with the New York Secretary of State in 2012.

 Who can be the Member?

 Nepali-origin journalists working in different media organizations in the US and Canada can become members of NEAJA as per its bylaws and objectives. Nepali-origin teachers and students living in North America committed to press freedom, NEAJA’s norms and values, and pursuing their academic activities in journalism and mass media can also take membership by fulfilling the criteria set by the organization.

 How will the executives be elected?

NEAJA holds its general meeting annually and elects its executive committee through the convention being organized every two years. The 17-member executive committee is fully functional per its bylaws.

 How did we envision NEAJA?

Vision

Empowering Nepali journalists, bridging cultures, and promoting a vibrant Nepali-origin media community through collaboration with stakeholders in North America, especially in the United States and Canada.

NEAJA envisioned creating a dynamic and inclusive platform for Nepali journalists residing in the USA and Canada, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among professionals in the media community. We envision a prosperous community that promotes and empowers journalistic excellence, upholds the principles of ethical reporting, and embraces diversity, representing the voices of Nepali immigrants while forging more substantial connections with the broader American society. Besides, NEAJA envisions unity and progress for Nepali journalists, contributing to a more informed, connected, and enriched Nepali-American community.

 Mission

To continue to build and develop communication networks amongst journalists and organizations with similar purposes through fair and inclusive reporting.

 Goal/Objectives

NEAJA is instituted exclusively to build and develop communication networks amongst journalists and communities in the United States and Canada. Per its purposes, NEAJA qualifies as an exempt organization under section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

While forming this organization, the founder has set forth the following objectives to rectify its vision, mission, and goal as a charitable, journalistic, and educational not-for-profit entity in the United States.

•  To promote Nepali journalists and journalism students in the North American region on understanding ethnic Nepali journalism, literature, art, science, economic and government patterns and practices, and other facts relating to the diversities and similarities of the Nepali and American ways of life.
• To adhere to an independent press’s universal norms and advocate for professional journalism.
• To promote and develop the rights and entitlements of journalists and fair journalism.
• To communicate and collaborate with communities, media, or organizations with similar objectives to emphasize the initiatives and upliftment of human rights, individual freedom, and freedom of expression.
• To coordinate with local fraternities or social organizations to work with and conduct debates, discussions, workshops/training/seminars, or town hall meetings on relevant issues.
• To provide fellowships, internships, and awards in coordination with individuals, companies, and organizations.
• To involve or emphasize publishing bulletins, magazines, news websites, radio, and television programs to enhance Nepali ethnic journalism, art, history, and culture.
• To get affiliated with various associations of journalists, represent different organizations and their programs, and introduce nationally and internationally.
• To promote cultural exchange and highlight shared challenges that require collective solutions.
• To organize workshops and training to enhance the knowledge and skills of its members.

Major Accomplishments

• Establishment and distribution of the Rural Journalism Prize in collaboration with the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ. NEAJA has provided the 4th round of the Rural Journalism Prize to dedicated and professional Nepali journalists who have served in Nepal’s rural and remote areas. This prize is among the highest cash prizes for professional journalists in Nepal.
• Establishment of the Community Journalism Prize to be awarded to the journalists who have contributed to the Nepali American communities through their write-ups, reporting, production of media means, and any other broadcasting means.
• Public debate of the Non-Resident Nepali Association’s (NRNA) presidential candidates as a NEAJA-NRNA Presidential Debate.
• Various public discussions, community forums, and interactions with community organizations of Nepali origin in different cities and states.
• Coordination with national and local organizations and community stakeholders.
• Provided financial support to the media persons and their families during their hardship at the hospital or when they passed away.
• Engaged in dialogue with other communities and media organizations.
• Organized annual general meetings and conventions regularly since its establishment.

Executives (2023-2025)

1.     Suraj Bhandari, President
2.     Bikash Raj Neupane, Immediate Past President
3.     Sujan Pandit, Vice President
4.     Babu Ram Dahal, General Secretary
5.     Pratima Baskota, Secretary
6.     Januki Pangeni Sharma, Treasurer
7.     Supendra Basnet, Regional Coordinator-East
8.     Hari Maya Kafle, Regional Coordinator-DC Metro Area
9.     Shankar Thapa, Regional Coordinator-Central
10. Roshan Adhikari, Regional Coordinator-West
11. Gokarna Lamichhane, Regional Coordinator-Canada
12. Ishwori Neupane, Executive Member
13. Madhukar Adhikari, Executive Member
14. Hemraj Baral, Executive Member
15. Jharana Adhikari, Executive Member
16. Keshab Regmi, Executive Member

Advisors (2023-2025)

1.     Girish Pokharel, Founding President
2.     Angchhiring Sherpa, Past President
3.     Gautam Daha, Past President
4.     Bhola Acharya, Past President
5.     Sanjay Ghimire, Media Person
6.     Machhe Devi Gurung, Immediate Past Vice President
7.     Saroj Kafle, Media Person

 Contact Information:

Nepal America Journalist Association (NEAJA)

Email: info@neajausa.org

Web: www.neajausa.org