Annual General Assembly

Summary of the 3rd Annual General Assembly

Samata Global Senate
Date: August 16, 2025

Opening Session

The 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Samata Global Senate opened with a warm welcome to dignitaries, senators, and special guests. Chief Guest Mr. Khagendra GC, a distinguished lawyer from New York, and special guests His Excellency Prof. Dr. Purna Nepali (Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka), Mr. Ram C. Shrestha (RTM District 4, Branford, Connecticut). Other Nepali diaspora leaders participating as special guests included Mr. Ammar Chhantyal, Past President of MONA; Mr. Khagendra Adhikari, President of ANA; Ms. Yasmin Begam Sayed, an economist and former Vice President at NRNA ICC (21-23), and Mr. Sushil Sharma, President, Jeevan Vigyan USA.

The assembly also welcomed Fulbright specialist Professor Dr. Keith Wright, who offered a cultural flute performance, and celebrated artists including singer Laxman Paudel and the Madhavi Bhandari Dance Team. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Senator Praveen Bhandari’s father Mr. Ammar Bahadur Bhandari.

Organizational Highlights

President Dr. Uttam Gaulee, joined by Vice President Sarana Shrestha Parajuli, emphasized the Senate’s mission to empower schools globally through endowments and initiatives. Key milestones since inception in 2022 were noted:

  • Growth to 135 individual and 9 institutional senators.

     

  • $300,000 raised and $144,000 disbursed in microgrants.

     

  • Support extended to several schools in Nepal.

     

Keynote and Community Remarks

Mr. Preetesh Karki, President of the Nepalese Association of Northern California, delivered the keynote, reflecting on the role of diaspora leadership in advancing education and global engagement. Several diaspora leaders, including Ammar Chhantyal, Khagendra Adhikari, Yasmin Begam Sayed, and Sushil Sharma provided remarks highlighting collective responsibilities toward Nepal’s educational future.

Treasurer’s and Secretary’s Reports

Treasurer Mr. Kumar Singh Dangi presented the financial report, which confirmed strong endowment management under 3EDGE Asset Management.

    • Financial Portfolio: Stable with buffered equity strategies to mitigate risks.
    • Financial Transparency: Transparency as one of the core values, reflected on the achievement of Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid. 

       

    • Grant Process: Dr. Gopi Upreti, with the Grants Committee, explained the transparent selection process, supported by videos from beneficiary schools such as Laxmi Pratistan. The Senate was commended for expanding access to education for underprivileged children.

       

Strategic Discussions and Bylaws Review

The assembly approved:

    • Renaming of the organization to Education Global Senate.

       

    • Establishment of an Advisory Board with proposed advisors: Er. Gopendra Bhattarai, Dr. Bishnu Joshi, Mr. Ammar Chhantyal, Dr. Shiva Gautam, and Mr. Thakur Gyawali, and Ms. Pooja R. Lama.

       

  • Strengthening bylaws regarding partnerships, committee formation, and organizational objectives.

     

Program and Initiatives

    1. STEM Education (led by Surgeon BC): Development of teacher training, global school partnerships, and international competitions in biology, chemistry, robotics, and mathematics.

       

    2. Mental Health Awareness (led by Mrs. Sarana Shrestha Parajuli and supported by health professionals including Dr. Ram Yadav, Dr. Anmol Shrestha): Multi-year initiative for student and community well-being.

       

    3. Birthright Nepal (presented by Dr. Anmol Shrestha): Fellowship reconnecting diaspora youth with Nepal through internships, cultural immersion, and language learning.

       

  • Youth Ambassadors: Three new youth leaders, including Ms. Ashuna Chhantyal, were appointed to promote youth engagement and leadership.

     

Next Steps and Priorities (2025–2026)

    • Expand senator membership to 300 to grow the endowment.

       

    • Advance STEM and mental health education programs in Nepal.

       

    • Strengthen global outreach and partnerships.

       

    • Complete grant disbursement and prepare the December 2025 call for proposals.

       

    • Continue diaspora engagement through Birthright Nepal and youth fellowships.

       

  • Ensure organizational transparency and visibility, including the recognition of the Gold Seal of Transparency.

     

Closing

The meeting concluded with gratitude to members, partners, and guests. Special gratitude was expressed to Legendary Madan Krishna Shrestha for his patronage of the Senate. The event reaffirmed the Senate’s role as a global community committed to educational equity, innovation, and sustainable development.

https://youtu.be/1tCs1RLEQAc

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