Lumanti celebrated 26th Anniversary cum 27th Ramesh Manandhar Memorial Day
Lumanti Support Group for Shelter celebrated its 26th Anniversary cum 27th Ramesh Manandhar Memorial Day today on 31st July 2019.
The program was initiated with the Paritran Path by Guruma, prior to the formal session.
In the formal program chaired by the Chairperson of Lumanti Ms Sushma Bajracharya, the Vice-Chairperson of the organization Ms Gujeshwori Shrestha delivered her welcome remarks.
Founder Chair and Advisor of Lumanti, Mr Prafulla Man Singh Pradhan, on the occasion, recalled the history of establishment of Lumanti and talked about Lumanti´s effort in upgrading slums communities and improving the living condition of the slum dwellers. On his remarks, he also highlighted the major interventions that Lumanti has undertaken since its inception.
Executive Member of Lumanti Madan Manandhar and friends of Late Ramesh Manandhar Dr. Arun Sayami and Prof. Kedar Bhakta Mathema recalled their memory with Dr. Manandhar.
Representing the communities where Lumanti has been implementing its project activities, Mr Madam Maharjan from Sano Gaon said, appreciated the support provided by Lumanti for upgrading the community infrastructures in Sano Gaon and thanked for the support for rebuilding the homes of earthquake affected families in Sano Gaon.
On the occasion, Lumanti distributed awards and fellowships which was established last year on 31st July, marking its Silver Jubilee.
This year as well Lumanti has awarded Ramesh Manandhar Fellowship to two students from Institute of Engineering. Mr anjay Maharjan who is pursuing M. Sc. in Urban Planning is awarded for his research on 'Impact of Social Transformation due to Urbanization on Heritage Aspects of Traditional Town: A Case of Chapagaun'. Similarly, Mr Bikram Manandhar who is pursuing M. Sc. in Energy for Sustainable Social Development was awarded for his research on Sustainability Assessment of Reconstruction at Traditional Settlement of Nepal: A Case at Balambu.
Ramesh Manandhar Fellowship was established with the objectives to promote action research on low income housing to contribute in affordable housing delivery to the low income and marginalized people, and to sensitize the young professionals towards affordable needs of the low income people. The Fellowship amount is Rs. 25000 for the duration of 6 months action research.
Likewise, Sambriddhi Award which was established to support the poor, deprived and single women to start up her own livelihood activities or small scale business, were awarded to four women from different communities. Ms Nanda Kumari Maharjan from Thecho, Ms Pamfa BK from Kohalpur, Ms Juni Manandhar from Machhegaon and Ms Sunita Magar from Sano Bharyang were rewarded Rs. 25000 each. Women cooperatives from different communities has recommended the eligible candidates for this Sambriddhi Award.
Recognizing the leadership role of grassroot women in organizing the women, developing solidarity, promoting friendship and cooperation, linking with local governments and ensuring access to improved basic facilities in the communities, this year, Ms Basmati Majhi from Majhimushahar Community in Ratnanagar and Ms Durga Pandey, the President of Nagmandir Aama Samuha in Butwol were rewarded Rs. 15000 with certificate of appreciation. Last year, on the occasion of Silver Jubilee of Lumanti, two women were awarded Maitree Fellowship to promote leadership of grassroot women.
On the same occasion, Ms Lumanti Joshi, Housing Program Manager of Lumanti is also felicitated with a certificate of appreciation for her ten years long service to the organization. Speaking after felicitation, Housing Program Manager Joshi said, recalled her beginning time with Lumanti and thanked Lumanti team for the support and cooperation.
Marking the 26th Anniversary, Lumanti this year, with support from Mainya Shah Memorial Health Fund, has carried out series of Interaction Program on cancer awareness indifferent cities namely Ratnanagar, Kalaiya, Baijanathpur, Kohalpur and Machhegaon. More than 240 people from these areas attended the interaction program and gained knowledge on cancer. Last year on the occasion of Silver Jubilee of Lumanti, with support from Mainya Shah Memorial Health Fund, six female community health volunteers were awarded with Mainya Shah Memorial Health Award worth Rs. 15000 each.