On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Niagara Nepali Society successfully organized a “Meet & Greet” event at the MacBain Community Centre in Niagara Falls. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Mayor Jim Diodati of Niagara Falls, who attended as a representative of the Niagara Regional Council.
Board member Dr. Jyoti Upadhyaya welcomed the chief guest along with all attendees from the Nepali community. In her welcome address, Dr. Upadhyaya shared that the organization aims to bring the Nepali communities from all cities in the Niagara region together, with a focus on organizing youth-oriented social, educational, cultural, and sports programs.
Mayor Diodati was honored with a traditional Nepali khada (ceremonial scarf) and topi (cap) by board member Mr. Deepak Kumar. Board member Mr. Dipesh Pokhrarel provided an overview of the organization’s goals and mission. Additionally, board members Mr. Rajesh Shrestha and Mr. Rabindra Thakur presented the content of the organization’s website.
A message of best wishes sent by Nepal’s Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal, was read by Ms. Mallika Sapkota, while a greeting from Niagara Region Chair Jim Bradley was also shared during the event.
The program, hosted by board member Ms. Sharmila Bhatt, concluded with a vote of thanks from board member Mr. Binod Acharya. Nearly 100 members of the Nepali community from various cities across the Niagara region including Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold, Welland, Fonthill, and Chippawa participated in the event, representing a wide range of age groups.
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