An international assembly of diplomats, community leaders, and mountaineers gathered at Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Way in Elmhurst, Queens, to commemorate the 73rd International Everest Day. Jointly organized by the US Nepal Climbers Association Inc. and the United Sherpa Association (USA) Inc., the traditional blessing ceremony honored the historic legacy of Mount Everest. The high-profile event served as a vital platform for the regional diaspora to reinforce cultural ties and address pressing geopolitical and environmental issues affecting the Himalayan region.
The celebration featured Mr. Norbu Tenzing Norgay, son of legendary Everest pioneer Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, as the special guest of honor. His presence underscored the historical weight of the occasion, marking the anniversary of the 1953 ascent that permanently placed Nepal on the global map. Prominent dignitaries in attendance included the Consul General of Nepal in New York, Mr. Dadhiram Bhandari, as a chief guest and former U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, Peter W. Bodde. Representatives from major diaspora groups, such as NRNA NCC New York President Basu Lamichhane and Chhaya Community Development Corporation’s Urgen Sherpa, also joined to show institutional solidarity. Former president of GPK Foundation, community activist and candidate for NY Assembly District 30, Mr. Somnath Ghimire, a Democratic candidate for the New York State Assembly District 30, pledged that if elected, he would champion legislation to officially recognize the day at both the state and federal levels. Ghimire, a prominent leader in the Nepali American community, emphasized that formalizing the annual May 29 commemoration-which honors the historic 1953 ascent of the world’s highest peak would bridge local cultural pride with national heritage and celebrate the profound contributions of Himalayan climbers.
Throughout the proceedings, speakers repeatedly elevated Mount Everest from a symbol of Nepalese national pride to a shared heritage critical to all of humanity. The core focus of the panel discussions centered on the ecological crisis unfolding in the Himalayas. Leaders expressed grave concern over the accelerating impacts of climate change, specifically citing rapid glacier melt, systemic environmental degradation, and the existential threats posed to fragile mountain ecosystems and the local indigenous communities who depend on them.
In a poignant address, special guest Norbu Tenzing Norgay reflected on his father’s pioneering legacy and issued a stern call to action for the preservation of the mountain range for future generations. He emphasized that local efforts are no longer enough, stressing that mitigating environmental damage around the world’s highest peak demands immediate global cooperation and unified international policies.
Concluding the event, Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari praised the joint organizers for their dedication and advocated for an expanded footprint for the holiday. Noting the vast influence and growth of the Nepalese diaspora in the United States, Bhandari formally suggested that future iterations of International Everest Day be celebrated on a significantly larger, city-wide scale across New York to amplify the Himalayan conservation message to a broader global audience.
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