NEJA Organizes Special Interaction with Dallas Consulate General

Dallas, Texas — The Nepal-America Journalists' Association (NEJA) recently organized a special interaction program in Fort Worth, Texas, bringing together officials from the newly established Consulate General of Nepal in Dallas and local journalists. Held on Monday evening, the event focused on the consulate's progress, challenges in service delivery, and future plans.

During the discussion, journalists noted that the opening of the consulate is a major relief for the Nepali community in Texas and nearby states. They expressed happiness that residents no longer need to travel to Washington, D.C., for basic administrative tasks.

According to the consulate, 1,260 people have received services since operations began on October 10. Consul and spokesperson Prabin Bhattarai shared that 692 passports have been issued so far. 

He added that the office is regularly providing services such as power of attorney, travel documents, and letters of consent. He also clarified that visa services have already started, and they plan to begin issuing Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) cards next week.

Journalists offered several suggestions to make the office more effective. These included sharing regular updates on social media, setting up a dedicated hotline for students, and organizing mobile camps in distant cities like Austin and Houston. They also raised concerns regarding visa issues for Nepali artists and deportation matters.

In response, Consul General Suresh Adhikari stated that despite limited resources, the team is committed to serving the community. He promised that no one visiting the office for service would leave empty-handed. 

While he noted that certain policy and political issues must be handled through the embassy in Washington, D.C., he assured there would be no delays in local services. Spokesperson Bhattarai added that the consulate will work closely with NEJA journalists to ensure information reaches the media directly.

Special guest Harihar Birahi, former president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, called the establishment of the consulate a positive result of the community's long effort. He encouraged journalists abroad to use their experience to help strengthen democracy in Nepal.

During the interaction, several individuals shared their suggestions to make the Consulate General’s services more effective. 

These participants included journalists associated with NEJA, as well as senior journalist Bhimsen Rajbahak, former central member of the Federation of Nepali Journalists Sunil Khadka, senior writer R.C. Rijal, and the spokesperson for the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) USA, Sandesh Uprety.

The program was presided over by Suraj Bhandari, President of the Nepal-America Journalists' Association (NEJA), and was conducted by Regional Coordinator Om Acharya. During the event, NEJA Secretary Shankar Thapa explained the goals and purpose of the interaction. 

The gathering saw a significant presence of local journalists, media workers, and representatives of the Nepali community, including NEJA Treasurer Jharna Adhikari, Executive Member DB Raut, and Member Narayan Bhandari.