Executive Committee

President
Deb Jaisi

Humble greetings everyone, I am Deb Jaisi, and I have the distinct honor to serve as the president of the Delaware Nepali Society. My professional route follows from Tribhuvan University to Asian Institute of Technology to Miami University, and then to Yale University and California Institute of Technology. I currently serve as a professor of Environmental Biogeochemistry at the University of Delaware. Since arriving in Delaware in 2010, I have been actively engaged in the Nepali community in DE and several other communities, as well as volunteer organizations and advisory boards in the US and abroad. Being within the Nepali community brings a distinct pleasure and pride by virtue of the society and the very nature of organic bonding. I live with my spouse Subie, son Sudesh, and daughter Samantha. Now, with DNS established as a most welcoming and inclusive umbrella organization, I have full faith that it bonds all DNS community members for their collective responsibility and mutual support to enhance the community’s overall well-being.

Vice-President
Shailendra Devkota

TBA

Secretary
Bijaya Gaire

Hello and Namaste everyone: Please accept my warm welcome to DNS. This is me Bijaya Raj Gaire, currently living in Bear Delaware with my beautiful wife and two amazing kids and serving as secretary of Delaware Nepali Society. Being someone who is very actively involved in every social and community activity in Delaware and nearby communities, I am very honored to be a part of the Founding Executive Committee of DNS. I came to the US in 2013. Since then, I have been actively engaged in the community, striving to make a difference and help culture and well-being. In 2018, we founded the Delaware Nepali Pathshala to teach young Nepalese children their culture and language. Moreover, I have donated blood countless times and volunteered at the food bank to promote prosperity and good health for all. The Delaware Nepali Society is more than just an organization but is a community of people bound together by the goal of enriching Nepalese culture and helping others.

Joint Secretary
Rijan Pokhrel

Hello and Namaste! I am Rijan Pokharel, born in the hills of Dolakha and raised in the vibrant city of Kathmandu. My educational journey took me from middle school in the beautiful town of Darjeeling back to high school in Kathmandu. In 2007, I moved to the United States to pursue further studies, and it’s been an incredible adventure ever since. My professional journey began at an energetic startup in North Dakota, which was an exciting and formative experience. Afterward, I moved to New Jersey and settled in Delaware in 2012. I am deeply passionate about community, language, culture, and society. Since coming to the U.S., I’ve been actively involved in various nonprofit organizations, including serving as General Secretary for White Zone International and currently as the Joint Secretary of the Delaware Nepali Society. Personally, I live in Middletown, Delaware with my wonderful wife and our two beautiful daughters, Riya (4) and Arshi (1 month) as of June 2024. They bring joy and inspiration to my life every day

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Education and Culture
Chair
Anira Kandel

Hello and Namaste to everyone, My name is Anira Nepal, and I was born and raised in Malekhu, Dhading. I currently reside in Bear, Delaware with my loving family, which includes my husband and our beautiful 10-year-old daughter, Adrika. I am employed as a Med Tech for the State of Delaware. In 2008, I made the decision to come to the United States of America in pursuit of further education and career advancement. Since then, I have actively engaged in volunteering for various nonprofit organizations in different states. I initially resided in a small town called Boone, NC before moving to Houston, TX. After spending many years in Houston, my family and I relocated to Delaware in 2017. In 2018, I had the honor of being one of the founders of the “Delaware Valley Nepali Pathashaala” (DVNP), where I have been volunteering as a teacher since its establishment. DVNP aims to educate children about Nepali culture, language, and traditions. I am incredibly grateful to the “Delaware Nepali Society” for providing me with the opportunity to serve our community as a Chair of Education and Culture to make better and always delighted to contribute my selfless efforts to bring joy and support to our community.

Education and Culture
Coordinator
TBA

Sports and Recreational Activities
Chair
Gokarna Chalise

Greetings, everyone. I grew up in the breathtaking surroundings of Pokhara, Nepal. Since 2006, I’ve called the USA home, residing in 6 different states, yet I’ve found my true place here in Delaware since 2010. I’m happily married to a wonderful wife, and together we have a beautiful daughter who just celebrated her first birthday in June 2024. Currently, I work at JPMorgan and Chase in Newark, Delaware. I’m passionate about the outdoors and enjoy playing soccer, as well as spending time hiking, running, and exploring nature with family and friends. I’ve been involved with non-profit organizations since my days in Nepal. I’ve been dedicated to DNS, organizing events and contributing to our community ever since I came to know about DNS back in 2011. I’m eagerly looking froward for the future of DNS and the opportunities ahead

Sports and Recreational Activities
Coordinator
Santosh Gautam

Hello and Namaste everyone! I am Santosh Gautam, originally from Kavre, Nepal. I have been residing with my family in Delaware since 2014. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting and serving the Nepalese community here. Currently, I am thrilled to contribute to the Delaware Nepali Society as it evolves into a formal organization, looking forward to its promising future. Professionally, I am a health economist and serve as a researcher for J&J Pharmaceuticals. In my leisure time, I enjoy watching sports and engaging with the community. I particularly cherish moments spent with my wife Nilima, our 10-year-old son Sohum, and 3-year-old daughter Saanvi.

Events, Communications, and Public Relations
Chair
Pramila Subedi

I am Pramila Paudyal, originally from the beautiful city of Pokhara, Nepal, and I now reside in Wilmington, Delaware, with my dear husband and three children, all of whom are taller than me. Professionally, I am senior Security lead at JPMorgan Chase and company. I firmly believe in the power of giving, whether through help, volunteering, donation, or mentoring. I find immense satisfaction in nurturing and witnessing the growth of those I have supported with love, care, and dedication. My commitment to making a positive impact on others’ lives is a testament to my generous spirit and compassionate heart.

Events, Communications, and Public Relations
Coordinator
Santosh Kadel

Namaste DNS community and well-wishers! I am Dr. Santosh Kadel, the coordinator for DNS committee on Events, Communication and Public Relations. Arriving in this land of opportunity over two decades ago as a teenager from Kathmandu, I have strived to find a balance between Western lifestyle, open-mindedness, democracy, and Eastern morals, culture and values. Like many other immigrants, I have been successful in the pursuit and fulfillment of the American dream. However, in this new phase of life, I have been longing to find a caring, affectionate and harmonious community that I can belong to. My involvement in DNS is purely driven by the deep desire to help create such a community. Academically, I am considered a trailblazer in Clinical Laboratory Sciences since I am the third person in the US to obtain a doctorate degree in the field which employs over 400,000 professionals. I am an actively involved and nationally recognized expert in the field of laboratory medicine. Professionally, I oversee the clinical, technical and scientific aspects of laboratories at Christiana Care systemwide and also serve as the medical director of high complexity clinical laboratories. I am an avid traveler and food enthusiast living in Bear, Delaware with my wife and two daughters