A trailblazer social worker who currently serves as the General Secretary of NRNA NCC USA. Ram Hari Adhikari, born on December 10, 1989, in Dhading, Nepal, is a dynamic and influential leader in the Nepali community living in New York. He demonstrated a strong passion for education and community service from a young age. After attending public schools in Nepal, he pursued a diploma in Architecture Engineering and furthered his studies at CUNY, New York.
Currently residing in Lefrack City, Queens, New York, with his wife Unnati Giri Adhikari and son Aaryesh Adhikari, Ram Hari Adhikari’s leadership journey began when he was elected chapter president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, National Coordination Council of USA (NRNA NCC of USA), New York Chapter. NRNA unites around 6 million Nepali diasporas worldwide, fostering Nepali identity and culture. It was established in 2003 AD and is the only organization registered in the foreign ministry of Nepal as the global organization of Nepali-origin people.
The NRNA NCC USA has twenty state chapters, and the New York chapter, led by Mr. Adhikari, had been actively collaborating with local, city, and state governments for the betterment of the Nepali American community and other communities. His contributions to the community have been diverse and impactful.
Ram Hari Adhikari’s initiatives and coordination efforts include the street co-naming “Mount Everest Way” in Queens, New York, a special honor for Queens’ growing Nepali community. He has also played a pivotal role in securing the Nepali language at DMV NY. His commitment to preserving and recognizing Nepali culture and language in NYC has earned him recognition as a prominent community leader.
Having served as the General Secretary (2017-2019) and later re-elected as Chapter President (2019-2021) of NRNA NCC USA, New York Chapter, Mr. Adhikari’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards and honors from various organizations, including NRNA NCC USA. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in spearheading multiple events and initiatives.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Ram Hari Adhikari’s compassion and community-oriented approach came to the forefront. Through NRNA NCC USA, New York Chapter, he led door-to-door services, delivering care packages, thermometers, Tylenol, food, and groceries to over 600 families affected by COVID-19. The chapter also provided financial assistance to deceased families, medical consultations, prescription pickup and delivery, and connected vulnerable individuals with various professionals and services.
For his hard work and dedication, Mr. Adhikari received the COVID-19 Hero Award from Hami Nelai Global, the COVID-19 Champions Award-2020 from United Sherpa Association USA & Humanitarians of the World Inc, COVID-19 Citation Awards from prominent figures such as Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and New York State Senator John Liu, among others.
Ram Hari Adhikari’s contributions extend beyond community work. He successfully organized the biggest Blood Drive ever in the Nepali community during the pandemic, involving 48 different organizations. Additionally, he has facilitated the recognition of the Nepali Language in DMV NY and played an essential role in various immigration events and TPS resolutions.
His work has strengthened the ties between the Nepali community and local governments, organizations, and communities in New York. His leadership in Census 2020 as the chair of the Non-Resident Nepali Association New York Complete Count Committee (NRNA-NY CCC) contributed significantly to the accurate counting of Nepali people and provided job opportunities in the Census Bureau.
Ram Hari Adhikari’s dedication, vision, and tireless efforts have made him the voice of the Nepali community in New York City. His remarkable leadership has left a lasting impact on the Nepali community, promoting cultural recognition, education, and social services. He continues to strive for a stronger and more unified community, making Nepal’s presence in New York City more visible and respected.