Anu Rai was elected as the president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Hong Kong chapter through the 10th general assembly held on Monday. This isn’t Rai’s first involvement with NRNA Hong Kong—she had previously held responsibilities as Women’s Coordinator, Vice President, and Senior Vice President.
During her tenure as the coordinator of the Women’s Forum, several social initiatives she led continue to have an impact even today. She has successfully completed two terms in each of these roles with competence. Now, the Nepali community in Hong Kong has honored this experienced social worker by electing her to the coveted position of president.
Against this backdrop, Nepalkhabar talked to the newly elected President of NRNA Hong Kong chapter, Anu Rai, over the pone, for her views. Excerpts:
Congratulations, President.
Thank you.
You were elected unopposed, weren't you?
Yes. I was.
How did you make it through?
I think, it is the result of my sincere contribution to the organization I made in the past. I am grateful to all my friends from the bottom of my heart for their evaluation.
Let’s start from the past. When did you come to Hong Kong?
I first came to Hong Kong in 2002. But, it wasn't until 2009 when I settled here permanently. Between 2002 and 2009, I frequently traveled back and forth between Hong Kong and Nepal. My all family members were living here in Hong Kong.
Why were you staying in Nepal when all of your family members were already in Hong Kong?
I was in teaching profession, then. It was the field of my interest. I could not quit it immediately. As the time passed by, I decided to move to Hong Kong for the sake of my family.
You were in a respected profession in Nepal. How did you get adjusted in the new environment in Hong Kong?
I was in a state of confusion at the start. In the midst of confusion, I got a job at a food company. I am still working at the sales department of this company.
How do you strike a balance between social works and your jobs?
All Nepalis are doing some kinds of jobs here in Hong Kong. It's a foreign land and remains busy 24 hours. On the other hand, it is not good to stay idle from the economic and social point of view. Those who are involved in social works are also doing some kinds of jobs or running some businesses. Hence, I am also trying to maintain balance between my profession and social works.
How did you get associated with social works after arriving in Hong Kong?
There were no women-related associations in Hong Kong when I arrived here. I met with Tika Gurung (Radhika). She is the first woman president of NRNA, Hong Kong chapter. We discussed it and gathered some 80 to 90 women and formed the Nepali Women Association, Hong Kong. This is how my journey of social works began.
When did you form it?
We formed it in 2013.
Could you explain the works performed by this association?
Initially, we conducted workshops on cervical and breast cancer awareness. We organized workshops for flight attendants and worked in the field of autism among children. We also engaged in programs related to women and beauty. Many Nepalis in Hong Kong face uncertainty about where to educate their children, so we provided counseling in this area.
We began celebrating International Women’s Day and honored renowned Nepali women from various fields by inviting them to Hong Kong—a tradition that continues to this day. The Nepali Women’s Association Hong Kong has already recognized women like Lily Thapa, Indira Ranamagar, Manju Gurung, and Tika Rai, among others. We refer to this as the "Nari Samman" (Women’s Honor) award.
Similarly, when NRNA Hong Kong hosted the 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, we also organized the 1st Asia-Pacific Women’s Conference, where women from around the world participated.
Additionally, in Nepal’s Nuwakot district, we ran free health camps for women (checking for cervical cancer, eye check-ups) and children’s health check-ups. Over 800 people benefited from free medical consultations and medicines, and children were given health kits.
When did you join NRNA?
My entry into NRNA is also linked to the Women’s Association. When I was General Secretary of the Women’s Association, Tika Gurung was the Chairperson. After she decided to run for NRNA President, she insisted me to join her in NRNA. Tika Gurung served two terms as NRNA President, and during both terms, I served as Vice President and Senior Vice President.
What are your future plans as the President?
Our community in Hong Kong carries the legacy of the brave Gurkhas. There are around 30,000 Nepalis here, most of whom are descendants of British Gurkhas. We are still recognized as the children of those brave warriors, and we must not forget that.
Thus, my first priority is to preserve and honor the contributions of the British Gurkhas—peacefully, gracefully, and with pride. My second priority is to preserve language and culture. I’ve seen children who can’t even speak Nepali. If this continues, our traditions and culture will die down.
Some parents in Hong Kong send their children back to Nepal for schooling. Do you think that’s the right approach?
No, absolutely not. I believe children born in Hong Kong should study here. However, we must also teach them our language and culture. They follow the school curriculum, but we must ensure they learn about their roots.
Another issue is school admissions—it’s very competitive. Sometimes, children from Nepal are placed in lower grades than their actual level, frustrating parents who then send them back to Nepal. To address this, we’ve brought in experts to provide counseling.
You were elected President, but a parallel committee was formed. What do you say?
First, let me clarify—this is not a parallel committee. There is only one NRNA Hong Kong, and it will remain so. Yes, anyone can form an organization. There are countless Nepali associations in Hong Kong, all contributing to the community and Nepal. If they want to serve Nepal and Nepalis through a new organization, I wish them well.
There’s a perception that one must be financially strong to lead NRNA. What’s your experience?
This is a false accusation. A narrative has been spread that NRNA is an organization for business elites. That’s wrong. Take my example—I’m an ordinary person, a worker at a food company. I earn my living through labor. My own story proves that even a hardworking, ordinary person can become NRNA President. So, this assumption is completely baseless.
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