| Username |
Post |
| Shocked |
Posted
on 05-Jan-02 12:31 PM
What is GBNC planning to do to help with Sandesh's body. I think GBNC should call his parents and ask what they want to be done. Then raise money from the nepali people in Boston and take the necessary steps. We have to understand that there is GBNC because there are nepali people in Boston. We all make GBNC. So we must act in this situation. I request the President of GBNC to lead in this matter. And we should all follow him. This is not about you personally knowing Sandesh or not. Its about Nepali helping a Nepali family in Nepal. I think GBNC is at a test right now. Again I request the president to lead. Its in his hands to prove that GBNC is not only about gathering people for certain events but also about helping the Nepali community in Boston.A good example is how Americans acted after sep 11th. They all came together to help the victims and their family. But understand, the president was always there to lead. This is a very sad situation. I know we can't bring him back. But atleast we can help his family get his body or whatever they want to be done with his body.
|
| Gunjan |
Posted
on 05-Jan-02 01:34 PM
hello:
we should start by finding out how much it would cost to send him back. i am sure people will be willing to contribute in whatever way they can. Since the president is not here at the moment, some one else needs to step in to take the initiative.
|
| XoXo |
Posted
on 05-Jan-02 02:33 PM
If the President is not available what about the Vice President? What about all the board Members??? Even Mr. President can do something from Nepal (maybe call some people, find out what help can people can give or give some direction). I haven't even seen Mr. President's or GBNC's Condolence. If GBNC don't wanna do anything just let people know. Don't keep so quiet. Say something or Use your site for pledging or call meeting or whatever........
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| concerned |
Posted
on 05-Jan-02 03:30 PM
It definitely is true that GBNC should do something. But, I don't think we should blame the President if is unable to do anything. It is very easy for us to say that he could even do something from Nepal. But we fail to realize that he might be in his village, which I guess does not even have telephone services.
Instead of wanting GBNC to take the initiative, let one of us who know the situation very well take the lead and propose what the GBNC should do.
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| shocked |
Posted
on 05-Jan-02 03:53 PM
Ok then, if the president is in Nepal, Let's have the vice president lead. The first thing like I said he should do is, call Nepal and ask the parents what they would like. Then we should raise the money and work on the issue. Let's get going, Vice President Of GBNC.
|
| sparsha |
Posted
on 05-Jan-02 04:59 PM
I am willing to help. Let's see what we can do?
A year ago, when a very good friend of mine died (may his soul rest in peace) in an accident I came to GBNC to find some info. but GBNC had no words. Not even few words of condolence. Instead some ex executive (of GBNC, of course) suggested that my complain on not saying anything on a Nepali death caused GBNC to feel "vaugely" guilty.
Anyway, we should be united for our departed fellow Nepali. I didn't know him personally but as Shocked says it shouldn't matter. Afanta bhaneko marda parda ta hio ni!
I don't live in Greater Boston area. So, I would appreciate if GBNC posts what it wants to do, if anything, with Sandesh's situation here on this site.
If the president is not available to coordinate or initiate an action on this matter then there are other executives in GBNC. I hope GBNC will prove by its action that it in fact works to bring Nepalis together.
Let's be united for our fallen Nepali friend.
sparsha
p.s. can someone post what caused his death?
|
| Batsal Devkota |
Posted
on 05-Jan-02 05:52 PM
Dear Friends,
I am doing my best in this situation. Last few days we were trying to contact his parents and had no clue what we should do with his body, either to cremeate it here or to send it to nepal to his parents. Also, to release his body we couldn't do anything because of the legal procedures. Finally, today we found out that his parents want his body to be cremated here, so we are basically trying to figure out how much it will cost for the whole procedure before we ask for the help from the community. I am hoping that I will get full support from the GBNC community. This is the time to act. I will be personally sending request for support via email tomorrow, after we figure out how much everything will cost.
I personally knew Sandesh, we used to play soccer and hangout in Harvard Square together, so I realize I have double the responsibility. But, be assured that we (Sandesh's friends) are doing the best we can, and obviously GBNC is going to help in whatever way it can.
May his soul rest in peace.
vp@gbnc.org
|
| MLS |
Posted
on 05-Jan-02 10:33 PM
To Shocked,
Calamities do happen and it happens at the worst possible time. When such nasty things happen we expect every body to help.
Its good that Batsal is trying to do what ever is possible on behalf of GBNC but I don't think we should directly depend upon GBNC alone. At such situation(s) any individual should come forward and try to do whatever possible from every member of the community. If " shocked" himself/herself voluntarily have taken the initiative, I doubt, any member or non-member of the nepalese community would have denied the possible assistance at such dire situation.
I hereby propose an emergency fund for the GBNC to be used only at the times of dire need. Like when someone is critically ill or like the situation of Sandesh etc, so that at the times of need we won't have to ask for assistance from the generous community members. However, strict criterias need to be set for the eligibility and amount of the assistance etc etc..by the independent committee or committee under the GBNC itself.
I am willing to make some contributions if such fund is established.
MlS
|
| whats happening |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 01:29 AM
cin this sad moment, i appreciate the patience and support shown by nepalese in boston. can anyone please let us( non boston nepali) know how it happened to sandesh?
|
| San |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 02:07 AM
Dear MLS and other friends,
This is probably one of the first times that such an enormous responsibility has fallen upon us. This is not a time to point at someones mistake or to point at GBNC's unpreparedness. This is a time for understanding and reconing what has happened and figure out the best way to deal with the situation.
In order to finish the last rites we need to raise some money and I request each individual member from our community to contribute what they can without any prejudices. This is a time of test for the community. Sandesh's family is not in the US and we need to help take care of things at this time.
Please call me directly at 617 887 2830 if you'd like to contribute or you can personally go to contribute at Au Bon Pain, Harvard Square tomorrow. January 6th, 2002.
San
|
| shocked |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 11:40 AM
TO MLS
I don't want to start a debate on who should start with raising the money on such a sensative issue. I posted this message in here because GBNC has contact with the whole Nepalese community. Hence they would be the most effective channel to go through in such a situation where the money needed to be raised fast. But on the other hand I respect your input.
|
| Bhainsi |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 11:52 AM
There are some of us who are unable to come to Harvard Square. I was wondering if we can pay by credit card or send a cheque to someone, perhaps GBNC. I really think we should really come together on this, regardless of where we live in the US and whether or not we knew Sandesh. If someone can also give us more details on the cause of his untimely demise.
Please let us know different methods of sending in our contributions as I am sure most of us all are very eager to help.
|
| XoXo |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 11:57 AM
Bhainsi,
IT'S RIGHT THERE IN THE MAIN PAGE !
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| diwas k |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 12:50 PM
could we mail our financial support to some address? Also, who should we write the check out to? This information could be useful for ppl wanting to help from outside of MASS.
_diwas
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| mojo |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 01:51 PM
why isn't anybody explaining what caused the death?
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| friends |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 07:14 PM
Dear Batsal Devkota
Actually I don't understand that what kind of help you are providing and what kind of help you are expecting from GBNC regarding sandesh's situtation. Is GBNC doing or acting anything toward this matter??? Gbnc and it's resposible member must act rather than depending upon individual otherwise nobody gonna trust this community.
regards,
friends
|
| San |
Posted
on 06-Jan-02 09:14 PM
Someone left me a message but did not quite catch the name. If you want to make your contributions please call me at 978 884 9021 by end of tomorrow.
Best Regards,
San
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| _BP |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 03:35 AM
People who did not know Sandesh would be more likely to help if they knew who he was, what he stood for, and what circumstances led to his passing. Although other Nepalis would love to help a fellow Nepali, it is not unexpectedly difficult to send contributions when you don't know who it is for and why.
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| ashu |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 04:26 AM
I agree with BP.
Though as a fellow Nepali, I too mourn Sandesh's obviously ill-timed death, I cannot help but wonder why -- after all this publicity and goodwill here on this site -- no one here is saying what exactly led to his demise.
oohi
ashu
ktm,nepal
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| kancha |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 08:25 AM
Sandesh passed away in an accident in the subway at sullivan square on Jan 2nd at around 3:30 pm. i hope this answers everyones questions.
kancha
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| sparsha |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 09:39 AM
"People who did not know Sandesh would be more likely to help if they knew who he was, what he stood for, and what circumstances led to his passing. Although other Nepalis would love to help a fellow Nepali, it is not unexpectedly difficult to send contributions when you don't know who it is for and why. "
_BP, I don't agree with you. Why is it neccessary to know what he stood for (not everyone stands for something at 23) and who he was or how he died to provide help for his LAST RITE? We are talking about the LAST rite here not running an investigation. I was also curious to know how he died but my pledge to help was not contingent upon the cause of his death.
Did I know him? NO.
Did I pledge my help? YES.
Was it difficult for me to pledge? NO.
If you are having difficulty in pledging that's fine but at least you could, perhaps drop, a few words of "Samabedana" or just the word samabedana for a dead Nepali fellow or for his parents who have to deal with a vaccum created by their son's death at such a young and promising age forever. I can't imagine how his (Sandesh's) parents are dealing with this situation...a young son is suddenly no more...no more phone calls from Boston..no more phone calls in Dashain....no more Sandesh...
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| -Namita |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 09:58 AM
Hi San and Bastal,
Is there a different fund set up for this last rite? Please don't think that I am not trusting the people to whom I writing the check. I feel this is just appropriate if we had set up some account for this particular thing. Obviously you can see I still have not pledged. I would like to - very much, but I would like to see some accountability.
Thank you,
Namita
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| Batsal Devkota |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 11:04 AM
Namita,
Thanks for trusting us so much. If you want, I can personally send you the account of all the funds collected, and the expenditure after everything is done.
Batsal.
|
| -Namita |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 11:17 AM
Bastal, this is my pvt. email to you. i copied and pasted it. I have not changed a word.
*********
Bastal, how much have the gbnc generated so far? i have written something in the board without really reading the whole thing. but from my experience, a few meetings i went to there seems a lack/lax attitude toward fiscal responsibility. for instance, i heard in one meeting the treasurer never gave the last account or handed any kind of data sheet to the committee at the end his term. please, if you time respond. AND yes, i would like to contriubute.
thanks.
namita
ps And, I see, of course, sarcasm in your letter. How to respond to any enquiries is your right of course. After reading my pvt. email i hope you will understand my reservation/questioning.
|
| joie de vivre |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 11:31 AM
I know this is probably a one-time situation and hopefully it’ll stay that way. However, I can see where Namita is coming from and think Batsal’s sarcasm (“thank you for trusting us so much”) is quite uncalled for. I’m inclined to think Namita was speaking more for the benefit of other Nepali folks who want to help but hesitate since they don’t know GBNC and the people behind it. Providing a breakdown of expenses on this website (perhaps under “finances”?) might not be such a bad idea so if something like this should happen again in the future (lets hope it doesn’t), people can go back and see exactly what was done with the money raised. Such a breakdown would probably encourage more people to contribute next time around, plus, it’s always safer to cover your butt just in case there are people who question your integrity.
Again, I know this was an unexpected and unplanned fund-raising event but it would be great if GBNC can think of a way to accommodate anonymous donors in the future.
Disclaimer: This is in no way a criticism of either Batsal or GBNC, just a suggestion.
|
| Batsal Devkota |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 11:59 AM
Friends,
The situation is quite different in this case. The money contributed by the people are strictly for one purpose, so all the fund collected will go to only this purpose. I am personally responsible for the accountability of the fund collected, so after everything is said and done, if anyone of you still have some concerns, please do not hesitate to ask me, I will send you the detailed info.
also, namita, I got the email that you sent me after I replied to this thread. It just seemed to me that even after being the executive member of GBNC this term, you still do not trust us. The talk about the treasurer not giving the detailed account info. is somewhat true, but that happened few years back. We are a different team, so we are not quite responsible for what happened then, but we sure are responsible for what goes on this year. I would like to assure everyone that if you have any doubts please do not hesitate to call any of the exec. members, and we would be happy to explain your concerns.
If you want to contribute, please call me directly at 617-359-8260.
Batsal.
|
| lagu |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 12:31 PM
Namita
Looking for accountabilty at this hour of tragedy instead of lending helping hands is simply pathetic
|
| NK |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 12:37 PM
Yup, I was also waiting for this kind of response to my posting. You guys don't disappoint me, do you?
to the response, "
Looking for accountabilty at this hour of tragedy instead of lending helping hands is simply pathetic"
++++++
|
| lagu |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 12:45 PM
You are damn right! Being one to be concerned about accountibilty in GBNC, I find it very ironic that you left the exe-board instead of doing some good to clear out the messy accountancy of gbnc.
Dear god! how amusing!!!!!
|
| NK |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 12:50 PM
Just for the record,
Nobody except the GBNC board had the knowledge that I resigned. Now is it safe to say that you are either friends of the EXC. Board or a Soothsayer, or just a seer?
It is indeed fun to write and abuse sitting behind the purda, isn't it? This is my last response on this matter. So go ahead say whatever you might think of.
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| krishna |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 12:53 PM
My condolences to Sandesh's family and friends everywhere on their loss.
Looking ahead, I humbly propose that leaders of Nepali communities and associations across the US and Canada (and elsewhere) could dedicate annually a portion of whatever dues/fees/contributions they receive to a financial need-based repatriation fund. This could be a significant relief to grieving friends and family, particularly those not on hand to make necessary arrangements for loved one(s).
"In my time of dying, want nobody to mourn
All I want for you to do is take my body home."
~Led Zeppelin
|
| lagu |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 12:55 PM
Hello!!! did you even read Batsal Devkota's resposnse
"also, namita, I got the email that you sent me after I replied to this thread. It just seemed to me that even after being the executive member of GBNC this term, you still do not trust us."
Obviously you are not in the team anymore!!!
wake up miss smart namita!!! and be supportive when the community needs you!
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| Mahesh |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 01:04 PM
Given th e past negligence of GBNC People have the right to hold exe. members accountable for everything they do(its public office). How do you expect to trust you(viceversa) if you have that lackluster attitude. If you don't show why and for what you need the money, those who are giving would at least have the sense of security that they are sending it to the right channels. Mr Vice president should not have that tone of voice when he is questioned about his accountability. You took that post to serve the community not to grill its members when you're at odds with them.
We knew Sandesh just as much as everyone else. He was a true gentleman, kindhearted, soft spoken. We are all very saddened by his demise. So lets not bicker at each other at this moment of need and try to get along to do what needs to be done.
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| concerned |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 01:52 PM
I, for one, have full trust in the new executive committee. Knowing most of the people in the executive committee including San Pradhan, I can not even imagine how the fund could be misused when it is collected for the particular purpose. Come on, you need not harbor mistrust in every issue. You are not the only people who have self-dignity. The mere fact that the contributors' names are included in the front page says a lot, at least for me. Please do not try to divert the issue. If you do not want to contribute, don't do so. If you are concerned about accountability, you could say in a different way, like "It would be immensely helpful if the concerned authorities could disclose the accounts fully when the project is completed so that there will be no further mistrust".
|
| Biswo |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 02:49 PM
I don't know why should talk about transparency be taken so negatively. It is
a positive thing.
My experience in working with Nepalese community says that most people loathe
working in such volunteer organization because they know they would be targetted
in terms of financial misappropriation by somebody in future. So, people hesitate
to take lead.A transparent system, and definite rule for moblization of fund with
a lot of authorities invested on the elected executive members, will make it easy
for the volunteers to work in an organization.
Nobody doubts the integrity of San, Batsal, Bik , and that's why almost everybody
in Boston talks so favourably about them. Why not make everybody's work easier
by devising some means to make things transparent? Btw, I appreciate Batsal's
reply about providing account to everybody who wants to look at it!
|
| Bostonian |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 03:54 PM
My husband and I became aware of Sandesh's death yesterday. Like the rest of the community, we were shocked and sadden. I keep on thinking about what his parents must be going through in Nepal.
We were also very pleased that GBNC has set up a collection for Sandesh's last rites. I do believe strongly that GBNC has fulfilled its moral obligation to the community by acting so quickly and selflessly. Well done!!
However, I am deeply troubled by the postings on this thread. There appears to be more arguing and childish bickering than actual concern and respect for Sandesh and his family. Have any of you so quick to complain but not to care considered that perhaps Sandesh's family and close friends will visit this site to learn about the organization that is trying to ease their financial burdens? What will they think by our behavior? What is more important, who is right and who is to blame, or who needs are goodwill the most right now?
If Sandesh's family and friends read this, please accept my heart-felt condolences and my apologizes for this unacceptable behavior.
|
| pardesh |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 04:55 PM
A condolence for Sandesh has been put on the front page of Pardesh : a nepalese abroad online magazine, so that nepalese people around the world would know of the situation, and come forward to help and/or support and pray for sandesh and his family. Hope GBNC has no objection to that. I can send email to around a thousand nepalese people in the pardesh mailing list, if that is necessary and appropriate. Kudos to GBNC for doing the necessary when needed. Keep it up.
editor,
Pardesh.
http://pardesh.cjb.net
|
| chicago |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 05:13 PM
What's Happenend!
It looks seem to be a frustration and depression of many reasons. Anybody know, simple surviving isnot easy i.e. extremely difficult in USA. Everybody does mistake. But it does not mean, it should be punishable in this way. I think, he could not made up his mind after not getting a Job again from Au Bon Pain the day of his suicide???? Also heard, he was fired from DIVA few days ago??? with rediculous cause - his face looks like terrorist??? And also some other causes.
I do still remember his smily and calm face and his voice still buzzing in my ear, when I was in DIVA just few weeks ago, he asked me - "Dai, Ke Khanu Hunchha?" Sanchahi Chha", Bachha Lai Kasto chha"? And with same smily face ....
Chicago
|
| Rashmi |
Posted
on 07-Jan-02 10:53 PM
A friend of mine told me that long time back when his friend passed away, the Northwest Airlines took his body to his country for free. Therefore, I would suggest GBNC to contact different Airlines and see if they can do that for no charge or give good discount. Wish you all the best!
|
| nepali |
Posted
on 08-Jan-02 02:28 AM
Thanks a lot for your kindness!!!
On the behalf my friend, I am very happy to get your generious donation. Friends, the money will go for him nad if any money left will be held in his name for good cause. He was a great person and will be miss lot. thanks for ur freindship!!!
It is sad read the comments, fighting like cat and dogs, shame on u guys!!!
Wake up!!! open ur eyes!!!
This not time to fight and blame and I will be not suprised gal lika Namita and other bunch of guys even gave penny. you no what? never mind!!! we don't want ur money. If u really wana help give with ur big heart!!!
Again thanks a lot for and sri pashupati nayh le hami sabai ko rachya garun!!!
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| Sagun |
Posted
on 08-Jan-02 03:29 AM
Friends,
I live out side the Boston but still i would like to donate some money. Is there anyway i can help by using credit card or not? If yes which # i shoul call??? Finally, i would like to salute and give thanks to all people who are making positive contribution on this matter. God bless Nepal, Nepali, GBNC, and America.........
Sagun
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| Friend of Sandesh |
Posted
on 08-Jan-02 08:29 AM
I heard that GBNC did not do anything until the last minute after someone already took the initiative to start raising the money.
I don't think GBNC deserves any praises on this one. I think Sandesh's roommates and few other people deserve the credit for doing all this.
|
| Kiran Sitoula |
Posted
on 08-Jan-02 08:39 AM
Friends,
It is indeed a sad moment for the GBNC and the Nepalese community at large to bear the loss of Nepalese Youth Sandesh. On behalf of SEBS-North America we would like to express our condolences. May his sould rest in Peace and May the almighty give enough strength the friends and family members of Sandesh to cope with this untimely demise.
We would also like to appreciate the Dynamic leadership demonstrated by Batsal, San and other members of GBNC community (up front as well as behind the scene) members and to all the donors who supported in this cause.
It is high time that community organizations like, GBNC, SEBS, NYO understand that there are members in the community whom we need to reach for various reason. It is also time that we have counseling service available for members who are going through tough times (financially, psychologically, family relations etc). In the greater rush for capitalism we tend to ignore our socialist obligations. San's would not be the last case, but as community members we can prevent few more through proper community service approach. Results will be hard to see but would be worth spending our time and resources.
I would like GBNC, SEBS, NYO and other organizations to consider joining hands to create emergency funds to handle such cases for the Nepalese in future and should be managed independently by charity organizations related to such medical crisis. We should also encourage members to enroll in Health and Accidental Insurance plans to help them think of long term rather than short term .
Need for counseling has increased in every front. We should have enough volunteer organizations in Boston, NY, DC and elsewhere already in place with whom we can coordinate.
If interested please contact me sebs25@hotmail.com so that may be during July Convention of ANA we can formally adopt such "Emergency Funds" and make it into a reality.
Sincerely,
Kiran Sitoula
|
| Batsal Devkota |
Posted
on 08-Jan-02 09:52 AM
Dear "friend of Sandesh"
I totally agree that Sandesh's roommates and few other people who are working behind the scene deserve the biggest praise for doing almost everything. GBNC is only on the side trying to help out in whatever way it can.
Batsal.
|
| Prashant |
Posted
on 13-Jan-02 10:56 PM
I am glad to know that lots of Nepali contributed for Sandesh Funeral. I heard that Nepalis from New Hampshire also contributed and participated. Is that true? If it is true, I think they should get atleast thanks from GBNC. Eventhough I couldn't envolve, still I would like to know who contributed or participated. If it is possible. Thanks.
|
| bibusa |
Posted
on 14-Jan-02 12:46 PM
hi!
i'm bibusa form nepal. i'm his friend. when i heard this new i was so socked i can't belived it. now adays also i can't deserved it. i don't know actually what happened to him. i want to know more about him . plesed write me .i'm waiting yur mail as soon as possible.
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| reena |
Posted
on 14-Jan-02 01:00 PM
hello
its reena from nepal. i'm his fren i was so socked when i heard his news
i don't much more about him .so i want to know plesed write me i'm waiting
|
| Sandesh's brother'sfriend |
Posted
on 15-Jan-02 01:22 PM
I was so shocked when I heard the news about his bro's death. I heard everything that has to be done is over now. His body has been burnt. I only want to request you guys please tell the truth to his family and make relief. We can assume wht is going through to his family who even could see their son's body. So, I would again request you guys please tell how it happened. At last I pray his soul may get peace.
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