Punya Foundation proudly marked its 15th Establishment Day on 20 June 2025 with a vibrant and heartfelt Virtual Poem Recitation Program. This milestone event celebrated not only the Foundation’s enduring commitment to community and culture but also the unifying power of creative expression.
This year’s celebration was distinguished by its remarkable diversity and reach. Participants joined from Bhutanese refugee camps in Nepal and from across Australia—including South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. This global representation highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to building bridges across continents and fostering a sense of belonging among dispersed communities.
The event was graced by Chief Guest, Pandit Harihar Acharya from Sydney, whose presence brought inspiration and gravitas. The program was chaired by Mr. Kashi Adhikari, CEO of Punya Foundation, and seamlessly coordinated by Mr. Jai Narayan Bhandari, Director of Administration.
The primary purpose of the Poem Recitation Program was to promote the richness of language, nurture artistic creativity, and preserve cultural heritage. The event provided a welcoming platform for participants to share original poems and creative works, reflecting on themes such as the pain and resilience of displacement, insightful commentary on social norms, dreams, aspirations, and messages of hope and personal and collective journeys of healing and empowerment
By leveraging a virtual format, the Foundation ensured broad accessibility and participation, allowing voices from different corners of the world to connect and resonate. The program continued Punya Foundation’s tradition of fostering dialogue, healing, and empowerment through the arts, while strengthening bonds within the global community.
On behalf of Punya Foundation, Pundit Santiram Upadhaya Dhakal, Director of Culture and Spirituality extended sincere appreciation to all poets, coordinators, contributors, and attendees. Your energy, creativity, and shared stories made this 15th Anniversary celebration a memorable and meaningful success, he added.