Mental Health Initiative in Bajhang

 

Education Global Senate (EGS) has stepped forward with a powerful commitment to fund a mental health awareness project in Bajhang. Dedicated team member of EGS –Sarana Parajuli has actively collaborated with Dr. Sanjay Yadav from Nepal Institute of Mental Health (NIOMH) organization to ensure meaningful and necessary support. Additionally, Dr. Bishnu Joshi, another committed member of EGS, has played a vital role in bringing this initiative to life.

At the heart of this initiative stands a story that moves us beyond words.

This program is being led by a teacher Purna Malla, a father who carries both profound grief and extraordinary strength. After losing his daughter to suicide, he faced a pain no parent should ever endure. He could have chosen silence. He could have allowed sorrow to consume him. Instead, he chose courage.

In the midst of heartbreak, he built resilience. In the face of unimaginable loss, he found purpose. He transformed his personal tragedy into a mission to protect other families from experiencing the same pain. Together with village team members (Gagan Agari and Bhumiraj Pithatoli), he now leads mental health awareness efforts in Bajhang.

Education Global Senate had a meeting with Bajhang team on January 18,2026 to get an update on the progress of the project.

During the meeting, Purna Sir shared his experience of delivering mental health awareness presentations in nine schools in Bajhang. He mentioned that the program included an explanation of stress and how it builds up, impacting a person’s mental health. He emphasized that people often fear being looked down upon by society if they express themselves on mental health topics.

Gagan Sir presented slides from the program and highlighted the positive impact of the awareness sessions. He commended Purna Sir’s creative way of presenting the theme in the form of a ghazal, which was highly impressive.

Bajhang Ga.Wi.Sa. (Village Development Committee) collaborated with Purna Sir and Gagan Sir during this project.

The first phase of implementation has been a huge success, with enthusiastic participation from students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Both Purna Sir and Gagan Sir mentioned that, in the future, the program should be extended for more than one day.

Dr. Sanjay Yadav provided his input regarding program extension as follows:

Possibilities for the future:

  • Include interactive sessions among small groups of students (approximately 30 students per session).
  • Develop interactive session content with questions relevant to students and the current school context.
  • Enable small groups of students from Purna Sir’s school to attend mental health awareness Zoom sessions with professional counselors.
  • Train teachers through Zoom-based sessions.
  • Conduct geographical mapping.

Dr. Bishnu Joshi suggested the possibility of representatives from the Village Development Committee joining Zoom meetings along with Purna Sir, Gagan Sir, and Dr. Sanjay Yadav for further guidance. He also suggested developing an academic calendar for all schools that includes a dedicated mental health week.

Immediate possible action:

Develop interactive content to be included in the current existing model.

Education Global Senate honors not just an initiative, but a movement born from compassion, courage, and resilience.  EGS believes to spark hope in communities that have long lacked access to mental health support.

Moments of Hope: Mental Health Awareness in Action

Support the Sayapatri Project—Clean Water for Learning

Join us in backing Goodwill Ambassador Diya Shrestha (Miss Nepal North America 2025) as she leads the Sayapatri Project: Building the Future, One Child at a Time for Sayapatri School in Khola Gaun, Tanahun, Nepal.

Lack of clean drinking water and basic facilities has long hindered students’ learning and health. Diya’s initiative is delivering a sustainable water-tank system and improved school infrastructure so children can learn without barriers.

Your Gift Makes a Direct Impact

  • $25–$50: Hygiene supplies and water testing for classrooms
  • $100–$250: Piping, taps, and filtration components
  • $500–$1,000+: Water-tank construction and critical infrastructure

“Beyond the crown, I see my role as a responsibility to serve, inspire, and create meaningful change.” — Diya Shrestha

How to Give

Donate now

Make a difference today!

Together, we can ensure safe water, healthier classrooms, and brighter futures. Thank you for your support!

Education Global Senate Appoints Diya Shrestha as Goodwill Ambassador

Miss Nepal North America 2025 to champion equitable education and the Sayapatri Project in Tanahun, Nepal.

Baltimore, MD — September 7, 2025. The Education Global Senate is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Diya Shrestha, Miss Nepal North America 2025, as Goodwill Ambassador for Empowering Education through the Global Charitable Fund. In this role, Ms. Shrestha will help advance inclusive learning, mobilize partnerships, and raise resources for school communities in need.

Ms. Shrestha leads the Sayapatri Project: Building the Future, One Child at a Time, which is delivering a sustainable water-tank system and improved facilities for Sayapatri School in Khola Gaun, Tanahun, Nepal. The project addresses long-standing barriers to learning caused by the lack of clean drinking water and basic infrastructure.

“Beyond the crown, I see my role as a responsibility to serve, inspire, and create meaningful change,” said Ms. Shrestha. “As a goodwill ambassador, I will use my platform to amplify voices that often go unheard and encourage young people to lead in shaping a brighter tomorrow.”

“The Senate welcomes Ms. Shrestha’s vision and action,” said Dr. Uttam Gaulee, the President of the Education Global Senate. “Her leadership with the Sayapatri Project reflects our mission to remove obstacles to learning and ensure every child can study in a safe, healthy environment.”

How to Support
To learn more about the Sayapatri Project—or to partner with the Education Global Senate on school water access and learning-environment initiatives—please donate!

About the Education Global Senate
The Education Global Senate advances equitable, high-quality education by convening leaders, investing in community-led solutions, and stewarding the Global Charitable Fund to deliver measurable impact for learners worldwide.

Preetesh Karki

Senator and Keynote Speaker of the 2025 AGM

Mr. Preetesh Karki is an architect by education, an entrepreneur by profession, and a social worker by passion. He is currently serving his second term as President of the Nepali Association of Northern California (NANC), the oldest and largest Nepali organization in the Western United States. During his first term of presidency, NANC successfully acquired the Nepali Community Center, a long-awaited milestone for the Nepali community in Northern California. Recently re-elected as President, Mr. Karki is now focused on achieving the full repayment of what is considered one of the most prestigious Nepali community centers in the United States.

Mr. Karki has also contributed to public service as a member of the Castro Valley Unified School District and, more recently, through his appointment to Alameda County’s Housing and Community Development Advisory Board. Beyond his professional and civic roles, he has mentored and inspired dozens of Nepali youth in their pursuit of entrepreneurship and business success. His continued efforts have been instrumental in motivating the younger generation to take an active role in community development and social service.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Mission Statement

To advance equitable and accessible education and to prepare future leaders by leveraging a sustainable endowment fund, thereby empowering schools and building the foundation for a more civilized and cultured world.


Vision Statement

To emerge as a well-respected global charity in education, cultivating a new generation of empowered and ethical leaders who are equipped to build a more just, civilized, and cultured world.


Core Values

  • Stewardship: We are committed to the responsible and transparent management of our endowment fund, ensuring its long-term viability and maximum impact on educational initiatives.
  • Equity & Accessibility: We believe that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstance, deserve access to high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed.
  • Leadership Development: We are dedicated to nurturing the skills, character, and vision of future leaders who will be catalysts for positive change in their communities and the world.
  • Cultural Advancement: We value the role of education in building a more civilized and cultured society, promoting respect, critical thinking, and a global perspective.
  • Sustainability: We prioritize the creation of programs and funding models that are self-sustaining, ensuring a lasting legacy of educational empowerment.

Strategic Objectives

Cultivate Future Leaders: Design curriculum and extracurricular activities that prepare students to be ethical, community-minded, and globally aware leaders.

Establish a Sustainable Endowment Fund: Secure and grow the endowment fund to provide a permanent and reliable source of funding for educational initiatives. This is a foundational objective directly stated in the mission.

Facilitate Digital Literacy Initiatives: Develop and fund programs that provide students and communities with the essential digital skills needed for success in the 21st century.

Promote Mental Wellness: Implement initiatives that address the holistic well-being of students and educators, fostering the mental resilience necessary for effective learning and leadership.

Improve Hygiene and Health: Support programs that create healthy and safe school environments, recognizing that physical well-being is a prerequisite for academic achievement.

Treasurer’s Report – AGM 2025

Samata Global Senate – 3rd Annual General Meeting
Presented by: Mr. Kumar Singh Dangi, Treasurer
Date: August 16, 2025


Good afternoon, President, fellow Senators, distinguished members, and friends of the Samata Global Senate.
It is my pleasure to present the Treasurer’s Report for 2025, highlighting our financial standing, our achievements in asset management, and the impact of our grants.


Overall Financial Position
As of July 2025, our total funds stand at $148,488.09.
This includes:

  • $136,523.73 in our Endowment Fund — the backbone of our long-term sustainability.
  • $11,964.36 in our operational accounts at M&T and PNC banks, ensuring we can meet program and administrative needs promptly.

Revenues & Expenditures
For the current fiscal year to date:

  • Revenues total $2,534.30, driven by $1,472.08 in interest income, $1,000 in Senator contributions, and over $2,100 in additional donations.
  • Expenditures total $6,106.63, primarily in administrative costs and essential operational fees.
    While this results in a shortfall of about $3,572, our healthy reserves allowed us to cover the gap without compromising any projects or grants.

Long-Term Fund Growth
Looking at the bigger picture, our financial journey has been strong.
In the 2023–24 tax year, we recorded $291,543.89 in revenue and $84,926.26 in expenditures, ending that year with over $220,000 in our accounts.
The changes in 2025 reflect our decision to actively put funds to work in the form of grants and strategic programs.


Endowment Management
Our endowment is managed professionally through 3EDGE Asset Management in Boston, Massachusetts, ensuring both responsible stewardship and sustainable growth.
I want to thank our investment partner, Mr. Peter McManus, for his guidance and expertise.


Grants Impact
Our Grants Committee, chaired by Dr. Gopi Upreti and supported by an exceptional team, has awarded grants this year to:

  • Two schools in Nepal—directly supporting hundreds of students.
  • Tilganga Eye Center’s emerging university project, led by Dr. Sanduk Ruit.
    These grants reflect our mission: democratizing access to quality education and empowering communities through learning.

Transparency & Recognition
One of our proudest achievements this year is earning the Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid.
This national recognition places Samata Global Senate among the most transparent non-profits in the United States—clear evidence of our accountability to every Senator and donor.


Looking Ahead
For 2026, our goals are ambitious yet achievable:

  • Expand our Senate membership to 300 members.
  • Increase our endowment to further secure our mission.
  • Advance our STEM and Mental Health Education initiatives in Nepal.

Closing
I want to thank every Senator, donor, and partner for your trust and generosity.
Together, we are not just building funds—we are building futures.

Thank you, and I now welcome any questions.

More details are available at our financial page. https://atomic-temporary-203166015.wpcomstaging.com/financial

Account TypeBalance (up to July 2025)
Endowment Fund$136,523.73
M&T Bank Account$303.35
PNC Checking Account$5,632.24
PNC Saving Account$6,028.77
Total Fund Balance$148,488.09
(samataglobalsenate.org)

Highlights:

  • Endowment Composition: Core consolidation at $136,523, representing our long-term investment and institutional reserve.
  • Accessible Liquidity: Operational reserves of $11,964.36 to support immediate program and grant needs.

2. Annual Cash Flow (as of July 2025)

Revenues: $2,534.30

  • Interest Income: $1,472.08
  • Senator Contributions: $1,000.00
  • Other Income: $62.22
  • Donations: $2,100.00
    (samataglobalsenate.org)

Expenditures: $6,106.63

Resulting Shortfall: $(3,572.33)

  • Covered via reserves, maintaining financial continuity.
  • Carry-over balance: $152,060.42
  • Final Balance after transfers: $148,488.09
    (samataglobalsenate.org)

3. Fund Growth Trajectory (2023–2025)

  • Tax Year 2023–24:
  • Current Year (to July 2025):
    • Balance has moderated to $148,488.09—reflecting active disbursements and strategic program scaling.

4. Grants Committee: Activity Overview

Committee Members:

  • Dr. Gopi Upreti
  • Dr. Bishnu Joshi
  • Er. Gopendra Bhattarai
  • Ms. Pooja Chand
  • Mrs. Urmila Panthi
  • Er. Thakur Gyawali

Key Functions and Achievements:

  • Formalized grant procedures, timeline, and evaluation metrics for transparent decision-making.
  • Independently reviewed applications and selected grantees based on impact and alignment with mission.
  • Disbursed grants to:
    • Grantee School 1 (include image/video)
    • Grantee School 2 (include image/video)
    • Tilganga Eye Center/University (include image/video)

(Visual media can be shared during the presentation for context and impact.)


5. Next Steps

  • Strengthen transparency and stewardship of funds.
  • Leverage liquidity for high-impact project grants aligned with mission.
  • Explore sustainable investment opportunities for long-term growth.
  • Engage Senators and donors in a deeper financial understanding.

6. Q&A

I welcome your questions about the fund structure, spending strategy, or grants outcomes.


Secretary’s Report

3rd AGM of Samata Global SenateAugust 16, 2025 – 12:00 PM ET

Good afternoon, everyone.
As Secretary of the Samata Global Senate, it’s my honor to present to our respected senators the annual report, highlighting key achievements, milestones, and our vision for the year ahead.

Since our founding in 2022, our mission has been clear—to create a global endowment fund and ensure equitable access to quality education, especially for those who are economically and socially disadvantaged. Our vision is a world where education is a right, not a privilege, empowering individuals, fostering social justice, and supporting national development.

This past year, we have made significant progress:

  • We held our first official election, conducted freely and fairly under the leadership of Dr. Gopi Upreti and the Election Commission.
  • The Grants Committee has formalized clear procedures, timelines, and evaluation metrics—ensuring transparency and professionalism.
  • We extended support to two additional schools and an emerging university in Nepal led by the esteemed Dr. Sanduk Ruit.
  • We launched two programmatic initiatives: the Mental Health Initiative led by VP Mrs. Sarana Parajuli and the STEM Education Initiative led by VP Mr. Surgeon BC.

Membership growth remains strong:
We now have 135 Individual Senators and 9 Organizational Senators. This year we welcomed three new Senators: Mr. Surgeon BC, Ms. Saru Bishwakarma, and Ms. Keny Shah. Each Senator contributes $1,000 directly into our endowment fund.

Our impact since inception is remarkable:
We’ve raised over $300,000, granted more than $144,000 to schools, and maintained an endowment fund exceeding $100,000. This year, we earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid—a testament to our accountability and credibility.

Looking ahead to 2026, our priorities include:

  • Expanding to 300 Senators to further grow the endowment.
  • Advancing our STEM and Mental Health Education programs in Nepal.
  • Strengthening global outreach and strategic partnerships.

On behalf of the Board, I thank all our Senators and supporters for their generosity, trust, and commitment. Together, we are building a legacy of educational empowerment that will benefit generations to come.

Thank you.

Kailash Jang Dangi

Secretary

Diksha Basnet – Global Senator

Community Leader | Cultural Ambassador | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

Diksha Basnet is a respected and compassionate leader whose dedication to community service has made her a cherished figure in the Nepali diaspora. A beautiful soul and a tireless advocate, she continues to be an invaluable asset to the Nepali community in America.

Currently serving as a Patron of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) America for the 2023–2025 term, Ms. Basnet brings a deep commitment to cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and transnational community building. Her leadership journey within NRNA includes her previous tenure as Vice President of the National Coordination Council USA (2021–2023), during which she championed impactful initiatives to empower women and elevate their voices within and beyond the Nepali community.

As a true daughter of Nepal (Nepali Chhori), she is a Cultural Ambassador of Nepal. Ms. Basnet has worked to strengthen intergenerational ties and promote Nepal’s rich heritage. She played a vital role in the founding of the Nepali Community Center in San Francisco, where her vision helped create a lasting home for cultural exchange, education, and community engagement.

A proud Silver Sponsor of the Nepali New Year Festival, she has helped share Nepal’s ancient wisdom and core values of happiness, harmony, and human connection with communities across the globe.

Her outstanding service was nationally recognized in 2023 with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a symbol of her selfless dedication to uplifting others and advancing the common good.

Diksha Basnet continues to lead with purpose, humility, and pride in her roots—bridging cultures and inspiring future generations through her example.