KATHMANDU: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) will hold its much-anticipated Unity General Convention from Baisakh 20 to 22 (May 3–5), according to an announcement made during a press conference held in Kathmandu on Monday. Member Secretary of the NRNA Unity Convention High-Level Committee, Rabina Thapa, stated that preparations for the convention have moved forward at a rapid pace.

The convention is being organized under the directive of the Supreme Court of Nepal, which ordered the unification of the NRNA after it had been mired in internal disputes for a long period. In accordance with the court’s order, the High-Level Committee led by former NRNA President Dr. Shesh Ghale has taken charge of organizing the convention.

Thapa said that in order to ensure maximum participation, free memberships have been offered and the deadline for applications was extended several times. So far, over 2,500 individuals have submitted applications to participate as official representatives in the unification convention. According to the committee’s data, more than 63,000 people have registered as members, including over 16,000 via the NRNA High-Level Committee’s web portal and additional registrations through the NCC High-Level Committee.

To date, the committee has held 14 meetings to prepare for the convention and has formed various subcommittees to expedite the organizational work.

During the press conference, former NRNA President Kul Acharya emphasized that the unification convention is being held fully in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive and legal framework. He noted that a 13-member team under Dr. Ghale has been entrusted with the responsibility to make the event a success.

Dr. Shesh Ghale, who is both the Chair of the High-Level Committee and a former NRNA President, reiterated that the convention is being held as per the court mandate to unify all factions of the NRNA. He stressed that the NCC High-Level Committee and NRNA members outside the structure should also be brought together under this unification campaign.

As per the rules for participation, each member must deposit 100 US dollars in the designated bank account as a mandatory fee. Representatives from 73 countries have already started arriving in Kathmandu to take part in the convention. Thapa also revealed that the committee has secured Rs 4.96 million in sponsorships so far to support the event.