41st Annual General Meeting of NDA(U.K.)

The Nepalese Doctors Association UK (NDA UK) held its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Village Hotel, Bracknell, Berkshire. The event, which has become a long-standing tradition over the past 41 years, was celebrated over three days. NDA UK’s current Chair, Dr Arati Thapa, led the local organising committee for this year's successful event. ✨

The AGM brought together members, their families and friends for a weekend of professional development, networking and celebration. The event began on Friday with a cultural programme and social gathering.

Saturday commenced with a scientific session, followed by the members-only AGM, specialty and village networking meetings, and concluded with a Gala Dinner.

This year's AGM theme was "Bridging the Gap in Women's Health."

During the AGM, Full members discussed constitutional reforms and received reports from the Executive Committee, including:

• Dr Arati Thapa – Chair's Report

• Dr Ashish Shrestha – Vice Chair's Report

• Dr Parul Shrestha – General Secretary's Report

• Dr Ravi Pant – Treasurer's Report

• Dr Gakul Bhatta – Education Lead's Report

• Dr Aista Subba – Joint Secretary's Report

• Dr Sasa Shakya – Mentorship Report

• Dr Abhisek Tamrakar – Masterclass Report

The scientific programme featured six research presentations, judged by Consultant panels Ashish Shrestha, Dr Lakshman Paudyal and Dr Shambhu Shah. Dr Deepika Thapa and Dr Suyash Acharya were awarded certificates and cash prizes of £150 each by Acting Ambassador Mr Bipin Duwadi and Professor Mala Rao CBE.🎉 The session was chaired by Dr Prav Hamal. 

This years Chair’s award was awarded to Dr Aista Subba, Joint secretary of the organisation.

At the Gala Dinner, Chair Dr Arati Thapa welcomed guests and spoke passionately about the importance of improving women's health. She highlighted NDA UK's ongoing charitable work, including support for maternity care, midwife training, birthing centres, survivors of trafficking, underprivileged women, cervical cancer screening, research and other community health initiatives. She also thanked the members, invited guests, the local organising committee and the Executive Committee for their dedication and support.

The evening’s MC was Dr Parul Shrestha, NDA UK's General Secretary. The Chief Guest was Acting Ambassador Mr Bipin Duwadi, who praised NDA UK's valuable contribution to both the Nepali diaspora and Nepal and expressed the Embassy's continued support for future initiatives. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Mala Rao CBE, who spoke about the significant health inequalities affecting Nepali women and the importance of working together to bridge these gaps. Dr Aista Subba, Joint Secretary and Editor, presented the NDA UK's annual magazine, Chautari, to the distinguished guests.

Other invited guests included Defence Attaché Mr Anup Shah, President of the Nepalese Nursing Association Mrs Rashmita Darlami, President of the Himalayan Yeti Association Mr Pushpa Shrestha, and BRANGGO Health Lead Mrs Lisa Foskett. Each guest received a token of appreciation, a copy of Chautari magazine and flowers.

Nearly 150 guests attended the Gala Dinner, which also featured live entertainment, a raffle and an auction. Proceeds from the fundraising activities will support NDA UK's charitable and educational projects benefiting the Nepali diaspora in the UK and communities in Nepal.

Entertainment was provided by Manzil and Sikka band The moment was captured by photographer Mr Birash Thing.

NDA UK's Treasurer, Dr Ravi Pant, delivered the vote of thanks, with special recognition given to the event sponsors for their generous support.

On Sunday morning, the focus shifted to NDA UK's charitable work. Presentations were delivered by Dr Arati Thapa, Dr Kamal Aryal, Dr Dev Hamal, Dr Shabin Joshi, Dr Ashish Shrestha and Dr Ravi Pant, highlighting the Association's charitable projects, donations and achievements over the past 12 months.

The three-day AGM concluded with a bespoke Nepali lunch prepared by renowned Nepali chef Mr Raju Bohora at the Village Hotel, Bracknell, bringing another successful and memorable NDA UK AGM to a successful close with announcement that next years AGM  will be held in Kent. ✨

The event was also covered by