In the shadow of the Himalayas, in the tumultuous times of Badichour, Bhutan, a tale of indomitable spirit and resilience unfolded—an untold story of grit and determination belonging to a remarkable soul named Dilip Dahal.
Born and bred in the midst of raging protests, Dilip’s childhood was anything but ordinary. Bhutan’s government, during those times, suppressed the Nepalese culture, language, and identity, making life unbearable for those who dared to cherish another heritage. Dilip’s family, like countless others, was compelled to flee their homeland in search of refuge, embarking on a harrowing odyssey that would span years.
At just twelve years old, Dilip and his family were forced to abandon their home in Bhutan, escaping the relentless pursuit of the Bhutanese army. Their desperate quest for home led them to the welcoming embrace of Nepal, a nation that opened its arms to those in need. Dilip holds Nepal in the highest regard, not just for sheltering his family, but also for its tireless efforts to negotiate with the Bhutanese government, securing the safe return of those who sought refuge.
Yet, life in the refugee camp brought new challenges. Dilip spent years in a tent in Kakarbhitta, bearing witness to the devastating toll of hunger and thirst that claimed lives daily. It was a time when he had to humbly beg for sustenance from villagers, a period he recalls as the most arduous of his life. Eventually, he relocated to Jhapa, where he started his education, completing his SLC from Tri-Ratrana Secondary School and continuing his high school education at Global Education Academy.
Dilip’s thirst for knowledge led him across the border to India, where he pursued his bachelor’s degree. Fuelled by a passion for teaching, he secured a position as an educator in a local English school in Jhapa. He continued to impart knowledge, eventually teaching at prestigious institutions like Galaxy Public School until 2006.
It was through the tireless efforts of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that Dilip’s dream of a free life became a reality. The United States, in agreement with IOM, welcomed 60,000 Bhutanese refugees as part of a third-world country settlement agreement. In 2008, Dilip and his family arrived in the U.S., where they were received by Refugee Renter in Georgia. This, he described as his “Second life,” offering a fresh start and an opportunity to craft the life he.
In the United States, Dilip began his journey as a storekeeper, worked his way up to a cashier role, and eventually assumed the role of a wholesale store manager. In 2010, he achieved a milestone by opening ““South Asian Market“” in Georgia, the first Bhutanese-owned business in the United States. Dilip Dahal emerged as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Nepalese community, managing several businesses across different states.
His passion for community service remained steadfast. Currently, Dilip serves as the President of the Bhutanese Community of Georgia, an umbrella organization for the Bhutanese Community of America. He is also a founding member of the organization, having previously held the position of vice president. In 2019, he was invited as the keynote speaker at a joint event hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where he delivered a poignant speech, shedding light on the Bhutanese community’s life and struggles in the U.S.
His dedication to the Bhutanese community extends beyond borders. Dilip frequently visits the Bhutanese refugee camp in Jhapa, offering support in various forms. He has actively advocated for the resettlement of Bhutanese refugees to remain in Jhapa, a concern he introduced to former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyanwali in 2008.
Dilip’s contributions are not confined solely to the Bhutanese community but also extend to Nepal. During the earthquake in 2015, he initiated substantial donations, collecting over 200,000 U.S. dollars and delivering them to the Nepal Embassy in Washington, D.C. His efforts earned him well-deserved commendations.
In 2019, Dilip Dahal was honored with the Social Hero Award, proof of his untiring commitment to the progress of the Nepalese community. His inspiring successes, both in his personal and professional life, serve as a beacon of hope and resilience.