NOTICE OF CLOSURE FOR PAPER SUBMISSIONS
Dear Colleagues,
We are very happy to report that we received 12 excellent papers for the Asta-Ja Occasional Paper Seris Book “The Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic in Nepal” project from the Nepalese scholars around the world. These papers have gone through a review process, and we have already received revised, final versions from most of the authors. We now request to those of you who have not submitted the final versions yet to send your revised papers to us by September 18, 2020. According to the original call for papers, October 1st, 2020 is the publication date for Asta-Ja Occasional Papers. We plan to meet the deadline. But we can’t do it without your help.
Needless to say, the date for new submission of manuscripts has closed a while ago. Those of you who had expressed interest in writing a paper for this volume but could not make it for a variety of reasons, we understand. Nonetheless, we hope to have an opportunity to read your good work another time for another publication outlet!
Wishing you all the best,
Dr. Basu Sharma and Dr. Ambika P. Adhikari
for the Editorital Team “Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic in Nepal” Book Project for Asta-Ja U.S.A September 14, 2020
Asta-Ja USA Supports 175 Needy Families with COVID-19 Relief Packages in Kathmandu, Nepal
The First Global Virtual Meeting of Asta-Ja ICC, which was held on March 28, 2020, decided three actions: 1) COVID-19 Emergency Funds, 2) Documentation of global pandemic, and 3) Post COVID-19 Resilient Nepal Convention, in relation to COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Asta-Ja USA immediately launched a fundraising campaign for relief work. Through the generous support of Asta-Ja members and other individuals, Asta-Ja USA in collaboration with Asta-Ja Research and Development Center (Asta-Ja RDC), was able to support 175 needy families with relief packages in Kathmandu Valley. Under the leadership of Mr. Bidur Koirala, a five-member (Mr. Hari Bhusal, Dr. Rasik Neupane, Mrs. Pratibha Pandit, and Mr. Bishnu Baral as members) Relief Work Committee was formed in Chandragiri Municipality, Kathmandu, on June 4, 2020. In coordination with the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Chandragiri Municipality and the Chairman of Ward no. 8 of the municipality, the Relief Work Committee developed a list of 85 needy families from Ward No. 8 and 15 families from ward no. 6, 12, and 14 for relief packages. The municipality officials and the local community members were highly appreciative of the work. Upon receiving the recipients list, a total amount of Rs. 150,000 was approved for the relief package. The committee was very enthusiastic and committed for the relief work. On June 10, 2020, the Relief Work Committee in Chandragiri Municipality along with the Deputy Mayor, the Chairman of Ward No.8, and members from respective Wards and other social activists from the communities successfully distributed the relief packages. A total of 85 families from Ward no. 8 and 15 families form other Wards received the relief packages, which consisted of one sack (30 Kg) of Jira Masino rice per family. There were also some community awareness activities with regard to COVID-19 pandemic. The event went smoothly without any conflicts and the committee members were very happy. The local communities highly appreciated the efforts of the Relief Work Committee and the entire team of Asta-Ja. Upon the successful completion of this event, another request was made from the community for supporting additional 25 families in the area who were badly hit by the pandemic. Accordingly, additional Rs.25,000 was approved for relief packages for these 25 families. A total of 125 families received relief packages in Chandragiri Municipality.
Mr. Pushpa Lal Moktan, President of Asta-Ja RDC, and his team identified another area in Kapan, Budhanilkantha Municipality in Kathmandu, where highly vulnerable migrant workers were in need for relief packages. These families were living in a very miserable condition after losing their jobs. With the support from local community volunteers, the elected officials from Ward no. 10 formed a 5-member Relief Work Committee, which was coordinated by Mr. Tek Bahadur Lama. Other members of the committee included Ms. Laxmi Khatri, Mr. Ram Prasad Dhungana, Ms. Pushpanjali Lama, and Ms. Uma Shrestha. The Relief Work Committee in Kapan prepared a list of 50 families for relief packages and submitted to Asta-Ja USA. A total amount of Rs.50,000 was approved for relief packages in the area. On June 13, 2020, each family on the list received Rs.1000 worth of dal, rice, salt and vegetable oil. Funding support from Asta-Ja USA for this relief work was highly appreciated by the local communities.
Thanks to all generous donors who contributed to the Asta-Ja USA COVID-19 Emergency Fund, and those who worked on Relief Work Committees in Chandragiri Municipality and Budhanilakantha Municipality, including volunteers and government officials for making these relief packages distribution very successful during this challenging time!
Asta-Ja International Coordination Council (Asta-Ja ICC) calls for papers on COVID-19 Pandemic. Please click on the link below:
What is Asta-Ja? DD Poudel on Radio Himalaya, May 29, 2020. Please click on the link https://youtu.be/wOgidHGhdPo
Eyes on the Borders, DD Poudel, Telegraphnepal, May 22, 2020. Please click on the link http://telegraphnepal.com/nepal-eyes-on-the-border/