NEFIN Kuwait marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day and 12th Anniversary with cultural celebration
By Raj Malla
Special to The Times Kuwait
The Nepal Indigenous Nationalities Federation (NEFIN) Kuwait Chapter marked the 32nd International Indigenous Peoples’ Day and its 12th anniversary with a colorful celebration highlighting Nepal’s diverse indigenous cultures, traditions and identities.
The program was held under the patronage of Nepal’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Ghanshyam Lamsal, and brought together leaders and representatives from the Nepali community, social and political organizations, and the media.
Among the attendees were Sujan KC, Secretary of NRNA ICC; Bikash Singh Thakuri, President of NRNA NCC Kuwait; and Raj Malla, President of the Nepal Journalists Association, Foreign Branch Kuwait. The event was also attended by presidents and representatives of various Nepali organizations, journalists, political-affiliated organizations and members of different Nepali communities.
The celebration provided Indigenous Nepali communities in Kuwait with an opportunity to showcase their distinct ethnic identities, languages, cultures, traditions, customs and traditional attire. The colorful presentation reflected Nepal’s multicultural character while reinforcing the message that diversity can serve as a foundation for unity.
Speakers and participants also emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous cultures and passing them on to future generations. Living far from Nepal, community members demonstrated their continued connection to their ancestral identities and their commitment to protecting their cultural heritage.
NEFIN Kuwait was praised for its coordination and management of the program, which highlighted the organizational strength and unity of Indigenous Nepali communities in Kuwait. The event also underscored their continued awareness of their identity, rights and cultural heritage.
Eight ethnic organizations are currently affiliated with NEFIN Kuwait. By bringing communities with different ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds together under a common platform, the federation has worked to strengthen solidarity among Nepali Indigenous Nationalities and promote the principles of unity in diversity, cultural pride and collective action for rights.
The anniversary celebration thus went beyond a cultural program, serving as an expression of the collective commitment of Nepali Indigenous communities to protect their identity, heritage, culture and rights.
Through the celebration of the 32nd International Indigenous Peoples’ Day and its 12th anniversary, NEFIN Kuwait reaffirmed that Nepal’s cultural diversity continues to thrive beyond the country’s borders, with Nepali communities in Kuwait preserving and celebrating their heritage while strengthening solidarity among themselves.
