Queens CB6 Welcomes First Nepali American Member, Amit Pratap Shah, Vows Community Service

Amit Pratap Shah, a newly appointed member of Queens Community Board 6, said that he is committed to serving as a strong advocate for the borough’s Nepali American community. Shah, the first Nepali American on this particular board, outlined his priorities, which include representing the Nepali American community and acting as a bridge for their concerns, with a focus on issues faced by minority communities, particularly regarding schools and resource allocation.

Shah plans to hold town hall meetings to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Nepali American community. “These meetings will explore issues impacting small businesses, budget division, healthcare, the education sector, and opportunities for children in schools,” he explained. “One particular concern I will raise is whether language barriers are hindering immigrant children’s access to resources.”

Shah sees himself as a bridge between residents and city agencies. “I will actively engage with the community to identify challenges and problems, and then act as a liaison to ensure their concerns are addressed by the relevant city agencies,” he said.

Shah acknowledged the lack of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation on community boards. “AAPI representation is low on community boards, and I plan to raise the issues faced by our community,” he said. Shah also stressed collaboration, stating, “Previously there were some members of the Nepali community on other boards. While I am the first on this board number 6, I will coordinate and talk with other Nepali community board members across Queens. Together, we can raise our voices more effectively.”

This appointment is part of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.’s ongoing efforts to increase diversity on the borough’s community boards. Amit Shah’s term on Community Board 6 begins on April 1, 2024, and concludes on March 31, 2026.

Community Boards are the first level of local government and consist of community members appointed by Borough Presidents. Their charge is to weigh in on matters that affect their community regarding land use, transportation issues, small businesses, youth and education, and environmental issues, just to name a a few.

Amit Pratap Shah is a widely recognized and dynamic personality in the Nepali American community, serving as an exemplary leader and role model for young Nepali immigrants in the USA. As a young, energetic, and approachable public health professional, social entrepreneur, and community organizer, Mr. Shah has dedicated himself to a life of service and leadership.

Currently living in New York since 2007, Mr. Shah belongs to a marginalized community and faced humble beginnings in the remote village of eastern Nepal (Bhawanipur, Siraha District, Madesh Providence, Nepal). Overcoming numerous struggles, he pursued higher education and graduated from one of Nepal’s premier academic institutions, Kathmandu University. He boasts nearly two decades of successful healthcare and business consulting experience, having worked at esteemed institutions such as Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, NYU Langone Health, and the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce.

Apart from his professional career, Mr. Shah is passionately engaged in civic activities, collaborating with government agencies, business leaders, and civic leaders to enhance the well-being of society. Through various social entrepreneurial ventures in the USA and organizing initiatives, including the Asian American Hall of Fame Award Ceremony, Nepalese American Festival, Miss Nepal US, Mithila Festival USA, Art for SDGs, the Mithila Heritage Exhibition at UNHQ, Vihah Panchami Festival in America, Mr. Shah has played a significant role in showcasing the rich heritage and diverse culture. He brings community members together to promote identity, integration, and empowerment within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and beyond.

Mr. Shah’s outstanding community organizing leadership efforts and volunteer community services have been recognized and awarded by many government organizations and elected officials including Governor of New York State, Governor of Commonwealth of Virginia, Governor of Nebraska State, New York State Assembly and York City Council. In 2022, he received the U.S. President Volunteer Service Award and Gold Medal for his outstanding leadership and enduring commitment to serving the community and fellow Americans.

Recently (December 17, 2023), Mr. Shah received New York State Assembly Proclamation for his prominent community organizing activism and actively advocating for the historical Diwali School Holiday bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar. Mr. Shah lives in New York with his wife, son and a daughter.