top of page

Dashain with ARC for Nepal: A Celebration of Community and New Beginnings

Writer's picture: ARC for NepalARC for Nepal

This Dashain season marks an extraordinary homecoming for Rajendra and Anjana Shrestha, the founders of ARC for Nepal.

Co-Founders, Rajendra Shrestha and Anjana Shrestha, waving from the airport heading to Nepal

Traveling from New Jersey back to Rajendra's village in Parbat, Nepal, our founders not only celebrated the joyous festival of Dashain but also welcomed a new chapter of hope and opportunity with the introduction of Samsara Ghar to the local community.


This year’s visit was particularly significant as they unveiled their vision for ARC for Nepal's future and welcomed the first children who will call Samsara Ghar home. These milestones mark the beginning of a long-term commitment to transforming the lives of rural children by providing them with education, stability, and support.


Unveiling the Vision for Samsara Ghar

In collaboration with the Rajendra Anjana Foundation, an inaugural ceremony was held to introduce ARC for Nepal's long-term vision of sustainable development in Parbat—a vision that promises lasting change for generations to come. At the center of this vision lies Samsara Ghar, a sanctuary for children in need, offering them the resources to pursue their education without the burden of external challenges.

Village of Parbat listening to presentation about Samsara Ghar project and how it will help improvished kids in Nepal live a safer, healthier life and get access to education

Phase 1 of the construction project establishes plans for the development of a temporary facility for the children of Samsara Ghar. The temporary facility is based at a local two-story home in the village of Parbat, graciously donated by the older brother of Rajendra Shrestha, Dil Parsad Shrestha. Donate now to help fund renovations and furnishing for the temporary home!


Phase 2 focuses on the development of permanent facilities for Samsara Ghar, enabling ARC for Nepal to expand its services to help more children. The planned construction will create stable housing for children, safe spaces for learning, and cultural spaces for the local community. These facilities will serve as a cornerstone for sustainable development, empowering children and their families to build brighter futures.


“We believe all children have the ability to thrive given the opportunity to do so,” said Rajendra Shrestha. “We want to create a space where children can focus solely on their education and growth, free from the constraints of poverty.”


Welcoming the Future of Samsara Ghar

With the vision now established, Rajendra and Anjana welcomed the first eight children to Samsara Ghar—an emotional and meaningful milestone for ARC for Nepal.

Rajendra Shrestha and his family pictured with the eight kids that will be joining Samsara Ghar

These children, selected from impoverished families in the region, will be the first beneficiaries of ARC for Nepal’s mission to provide safe shelter, nourishment, and educational support. Through our mission, we aim to substantially enhance the economic, social, and educational well-being of the disadvantaged, Dalit, marginalized, and vulnerable Indigenous children and their families.

The Honorable Province Government Minister, Mr. Mitralal Bassel, formally inaugurated the facility.

The Honorable Province Government Minister, Mr. Mitralal Bassel, formally inaugurated the facility. His presence highlighted the trust and support the local community has for ARC for Nepal's sustainable development initiatives like Samsara Ghar.



This moment is a dream realized—one that has been worked towards for over a decade.

"Welcoming these children into Samsara Ghar is the beginning of something special. These students represent the future of Nepal, and it’s our honor to help them on their journey." - Anjana Shrestha

A Heartfelt Dashain Celebration with the Parbat Community

The entire village of Parbat, Nepal coming together to celebrate Dashain together with tikka on their heads

The unveiling and welcome to the children were held around Dashain, the most anticipated festival in Nepal. Dashain is a time for unity, renewal, and celebration with one's family and community. Celebrating Dashain in Rajendra's home village of Parbat, surrounded by the children of Samsara Ghar and the broader community, was a deeply meaningful experience.

Rajendra Shrestha (Ray Shrestha) and Anjana Shrestha getting tikka from the older brother of Rajendra to celebrate Dashain together
Rajendra and his three brothers pictured together after getting tikka

Rajendra was particularly delighted to receive Dashain Tika from his older brothers after a lengthy 26 year gap. The moment was filled with emotion as the Tika, a sacred mixture of rice, yogurt, and red vermillion, was placed on his forehead—symbolizing blessings, protection, and good fortune.



For Rajendra, this reunion with his brothers was more than just reconnecting with his family; it was a powerful reminder of his roots and the values that drive his dedication to the community.


This festival, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, perfectly aligns with the mission of ARC for Nepal—bringing hope and opportunity to children and families who face tremendous challenges. Our founders' presence during Dashain signifies the beginning of a brighter future for the village, and their dedication to transforming the lives of those in need is a cause for celebration.


A Future of Hope and Opportunity

Rajendra and Anjana’s visit home is more than just a celebration of Dashain—it’s the dawn of a new chapter for ARC for Nepal, the Rajendra Anjana Foundation, and the children of Samsara Ghar. With the first children welcomed and the vision for future construction unveiled, the work to provide lasting change to rural Nepal has taken its first steps.


ARC for Nepal’s journey is far from over. With continued support from donors, partners, and well-wishers, we are confident that our mission to empower children and uplift communities will flourish.






41 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page