Computer Association of Nepal - USA

Kurakani with Mr. Bal K. Joshi, Thamel.comCAN-USA recently had an interaction program with charismatic Mr. Bal K. Joshi of Thamel.com fame.  During the Kura Kani, he explained his belief about making technology work for the society rather than society working for technology.  He explained how a non-technocrat like him conceived the idea of bringing technology to Nepalese society and shape it so that it has now become exemplary in the world and how his phrases like ‘Productizing the Remittance’ model has been widely used in different organizations.  He explained his current passion is exploring and rallying around the idea of building Learning Lab in Nepal relating the stride Nepal has made in Rural Connectivity Platform, which has become a phenomenon.It was evident that Mr. Bal Joshi is passionate about providing technology-based solution to rural Nepal and he clearly believes in furthering responsible business in young republic.  He walked with Mr. Mahabir Pun to understand how a single person can deliver such a massive project in impossible terrain and was humbled by simplicity of his living but impressed by tenacity and resolve of Mr. Pun.  He said that journey opened his eyes to do more to bring the responsible technology to society and he immediately implemented a ‘wireless ATM system’ for those villages which have rural tele-centers.  It has increased the revenue exponentially for local commerce by enabling tourists to draw money from their bank accounts and families to receive remittance from their loved ones abroad.Regarding CAN-USA partnering with people like him and his projects, this is what he had to say: “There is a great book written by a professor out of Berkeley, “The New Argonauts.” The book is focused on how other migrant communities, Chinese, Indians and the Israli diaspora who are based out of Silicon Valley have played major role in fusing business development opportunities in their respective countries and in Silicon Valley. One thing that is stated in her research that strikes a chord with me personally and professionally is exploration of resource available in the USA and utilizing these resources to carve a life that fits best for you. You are no longer a citizen of Nepal or a citizen of USA, you are a global citizen with heart spread in two worlds. How you do identify with yourself and your identity with the resources around you. Therefore, I think networking platforms like CAN-USA need to be stepping stones for entrepreneurs or any other professional who are trying to capitalize their resources in exploring their contribution to themselves and to the world. More than just philanthropic efforts, organizations like CAN-USA needs to be an organization that delivers results.CAN-USA does not need to re-invent the wheel. There are lots of success stories that are already out there and copying some of the success factors might be a start. The key value such network can provide is Networking - networking with people who want to do business in the related field, networking with people who want to contribute to projects in Nepal and networking with people who can scale a local project in Nepal.  But at the end of the value chain, there needs to be an output that is quantifiable and can be evaluated.
 
As the generation of Nepalis entrepreneurs continue to emerge in US and in Nepal, organizations like CAN-USA will and must play a key role in jump-starting enterprising projects. The role is certainly in the form of Networking.” About Mr. Bal Joshi·         Founder Thamel.com (www.thamel.com)·         Recipient of Tony Zeiton Awards·         Considered as best practices model in redefining the remittance value chain by World Resource Institute·         “What works?” Case Study by George Washington University, DC US.His Interest of Topics Include:

1. Business models sustaining Rural Connectivity Platform. Brief on the development on scaling RCP activities:

·        Engagement with the US Embassy in Nepal·        Engagement with Intel·        Funding the initiative·        Partnership with the world’s leading consultant

2. Exploration of building Learning Lab in Nepal. Brief on turning Nepal as a research/learning hub for RCP and BOP related activities:
   • Engagement with Santa Clara University
   • Seeking partnerships with organizations

 

Minutes for 9-28-08, 1:30pm.
Attendees: Pukar Malla (PM), Deepak Neupane (DN), Suresh Ojha (SPO), Bineet Sharma (BKS), Khiteej Thapalia (KT), Andris Bjornson (AB), Sanjay Sharma (SS), Biswo Poudel (BP), Roger Adhikary (RA), Govind Sahi (GS), Bijay Niraula (BN), Amod Pokhrel (AP), Prabuddha Dahal (PD)

BKS: Here are a few updates since our last meeting

Officers
Pukar Malla was selected as regional VP of the western region
Other officers are:
President Bineet Sharma
Vice President Eastern Region Sanjay Sharma
Vice President Mid West Region Prabuddh Dahal
Vice President of Western Region Pukar Malla
General Secretary Suresh Ojha
Treasurer/secretary Deepak Neupane

Kurakani with Bal Joshi, owner of Thamel.com

Representation of CAN-USA in the ANMA professional forum in the Mid West during labor day.  DN represented CAN-USA.

DN:Four to Five associations participated including CAN-USA.  Among others, an Engineering professional group, US-Nepal Medical Foundation.  CAN-USA was generally well received.  People were surprised we had accomplished so much in such a short time.

BKS:The books are closed on CAN-USA Conference.

DN: Here is the budget for the CAN-USA Conference:

Corporate Sponsors  $3750.00
Individual Sponsors $2651.00
Registration +Misc   $809.12
Total Income        $7210.12

Expenses
Conference Room       $1,020.00
Online Payment Cost      $56.79
Food (Lunches+Dinner)  $3036.70
Printing               $1290.20
T-Shirts                $282.18
Air Ticket              $523.00
Hotel                   $492.93
Website, App Fee, PoBox $234.56
Total EXpenditure      $6936.36

Remaining Balance       $273.75

WE ARE NOT IN RED!

SPO:At some time we must have an opportunity to de-brief on the conference and go over what we did right and what we need to do different next time.

RA:Let’s let ANA and CAN-USA get together on Newsletter

SPO:That is welcomed but we must remember that all articles must be focused and consistent with CAN-USA goals and targeted to broader American community and the relevant organizations in Nepal. Can AB write an article
on his research trip?

AB:Would be happy to .

GS:Here is a review of ANA Preparation
We dont have an Agenda yet
We will meet tomorrow
60 people are present in planning
Will have formal planning commission soon
We don’t know what exactly or how to implement exact understanding

GS:Here are some expectations of what CAN-USA can do
ANA can give time and Space to CAN-USA to advertize its activities
CAN-USA can run the Tech Forum
CAN-USA can help with Registration, Registration Verification
Help Communications for the Conference

SPO: What is the goal of the ANA Conference?

RA: Rarely has the outcome been a tangible result.  In the past it has not been what it could have been but we can change that.

PM: Though there have not been Tangible results, there has been a great deal of informal networking.

GS: It is not only a social convention.  As the community has gotten a lot bigger a lot of other important issues have been brought up, although marginally.

SPO: The ANA Conference committee should agree on a succinct vision statement on what the Conference will do.  We should then meet to see where the overlaps are and what makes sense to do.

BKS: In the Baltimore ANA conference the engineering conference was reasonably successful.

RA: There should be private discussions between BKS and GS about ways we can collaborate and a proposal to follow rather than discussing in such a large group.

SPO: No, All CAN-USA meetings have been open, documented and broadcast.  Can-USA has been successful because of its open forum policy and it has served us well.

BP: I also agree we should collaborate but ANA needs to tell us what their goals are and what they want from us.

Time Out taken for Green Technologies Presentation

Re-convening for Discussing Andris Bjornson’s Oct 19th trip to Nepal

AB: My background is in Information Management and many other things
I have made some contacts in Nepal already but I am concerned I may not have enough things to do.

SPO: You should prepare a plan before you go.  We can help

PM: You should definitely have a roadmap

SPO: CAN-USA will help you get a 6 month visa before you leave. We will suggest a roadmap for you.

AP: I can contact the embassy to work on Andris’ Visa

BKS: Can Andris take a small technology package to Nepal?

AB: Yes if it is a small one

PM: I can also take a small package.  I will be in KTM at the same time as Andris.

Action Items:
SPO: Start a Blog to discuss Andris’ trip
AP: Talk to embassy to get Andris a six month visa immediately.