This Thursday, Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, came alive with the vibrant cultural celebrations of the Mithila Heritage Reception. The event, held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, showcased the rich traditions and art of the Mithila region, with the flags of Nepal, India, the USA, and New York City prominently displayed in the background.
Mithila is a geographical and cultural region bounded by the Mahananda River to the east, the Ganges to the south, the Gandaki River to the west, and the foothills of the Himalayas to the north. It includes parts of Bihar and Jharkhand in India, as well as adjoining districts in Nepal’s Koshi Province, Bagmati Pradesh, and Madhesh Province.
Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi underscored the importance of cultural diversity in her speech. “I’m the first person of Indian descent to hold the office of Deputy Mayor, and this is a mayor who’s made sure that every culture in New York City is celebrated,” she said. “We won’t be here forever, so we have to ensure that the next generation understands where we came from and the value of being together despite our differences.” Joshi also highlighted New York City’s 400th birthday, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating cultural heritage.
Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian American woman elected to the New York State Office, shared her journey of promoting Nepali heritage in the state. “I started to celebrate Nepali Heritage Day in New York State. And now, every single year, we celebrate Nepal Heritage Day, officially recognized by New York State. We made history again and again together; we made Diwali a school holiday in the city of New York,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the community.
Council Member Julie Won, representing District 26 and the first immigrant, woman, and Asian American to do so, praised the community’s efforts in making history, such as raising the Nepali flag at Bowling Green and co-naming a street in Jackson Heights. “You have really put Nepal on the map for this city, and you have made it part of their vocabulary,” she remarked.
Amit Pratap Shah, Founder and President of Mithila Center USA, extended his appreciation to Mayor Eric Adams and his administration for hosting the event and supporting the recognition of Mithila’s rich cultural heritage. “Your commitment to fostering cultural diversity and inclusion in our great city is truly commendable,” Shah said.
Since its establishment in 2019, Mithila Center USA has been dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and promoting Mithila culture globally. The center’s mission includes fostering harmony, friendship, and cooperation, advocating for religious and cultural tolerance, and providing humanitarian assistance.
Shah highlighted the center’s initiatives, including the Mithila Heritage Exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters, the first-ever Vivah Panchami Festival in New York, the Kids Art Workshop, Exhibition, and Award program, and efforts to publish books promoting Mithila arts and traditions. During the Mithila Festival USA 2023, the NYC Mayor proclaimed April 15 as Mithila Cultural and Festival Day.
“These programs collectively reflect Mithila Center USA’s commitment to cultural preservation, community engagement, and global cultural exchange,” said Shah.
Shah also announced the establishment of the Museum of Mithila Heritage, New York (MoM New York), also known as Mithila Museum New York (MMNY). “This groundbreaking initiative, envisioned by Mithila Center USA, represents our unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy of Mithila,” he said.
“The Museum of Mithila Heritage will serve as a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing the unique art, history, and traditions of Mithila. It will be a place where the community can engage, learn, and take pride in our rich cultural heritage. Through exhibits, educational programs, workshops, and cultural events, the museum will offer an immersive experience, bringing the beauty and intricacy of Mithila art and culture to a broader audience,” Shah added.
He believes that the establishment of this museum will have a profound impact on promoting and preserving Mithila’s heritage. It will provide artists, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts with a platform to collaborate, share knowledge, and inspire future generations. By highlighting the contributions of the Mithila community to New York City’s cultural tapestry, the museum will foster greater appreciation and understanding of this vibrant heritage.
“Furthermore, the Museum of Mithila Heritage will significantly contribute to strengthening the cultural diversity of New York City. As one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic cities, New York thrives on the richness of its multicultural communities. This museum will enhance the city’s cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and celebrate the artistic and cultural traditions of Mithila. It will serve as a beacon of cultural pride, unity, and inclusivity, reflecting the values that New York City embodies,” Shah said.
Mithila Center USA, under the leadership of its Co-Founder Nawal Yadav and the team, is committed to ensuring the success of this monumental project in collaboration with community leaders, artists, cultural organizations, and supporters. Shah believes that the Museum of Mithila Heritage will not only preserve the past but also inspire the future, fostering a deeper connection to roots and a stronger sense of community.
During the program, notable individuals and organizations contributing to Mithila art and heritage were honored with citations signed by NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
Madheshi Association in America (MAA): MAA is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the identity and culture of Nepalese Madheshis in the USA. MAA’s cultural festivals, educational initiatives, and humanitarian efforts significantly contribute to the preservation of Mithila heritage and foster a sense of pride and belonging among Madheshis in North America.
Association of Nepali Teraian in America (ANTA): ANTA is a non-profit organization focused on advancing the identity, linguistic, and cultural heritage of Nepali Teraians in North America. ANTA’s initiatives in cultural preservation, educational enrichment, and community engagement resonate with the mission of Mithila Center USA, promoting cultural understanding and unity in New York City.
Bihar-Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA): This non-profit organization is committed to philanthropic, educational, and voluntary activities for disadvantaged people in Bihar and Jharkhand. BJANA’s cultural festivals, educational initiatives, and humanitarian efforts align with Mithila Center USA’s mission to preserve Mithila heritage, enriching New York City’s multicultural landscape.
Ridgewood Nepalese Society (RNS): RNS is dedicated to serving the Nepalese community in Ridgewood, New York. Through cultural festivals, language classes, and health programs, RNS promotes cultural, educational, and social welfare, contributing to the preservation of Nepalese heritage and New York City’s multicultural fabric.
Asha K. Sah: A founding member of Mithila Center USA, Asha K. Sah has dedicated herself to cultural promotion and healthcare. As a Registered Nurse, she provided frontline services during the COVID-19 pandemic and supported community health initiatives. Her humanitarian efforts, including volunteering at New Life Community Health Center and participating in fundraising, highlight her commitment to public health and community support.
Nawal Kishor Yadav: A founding member and advisory chair of Mithila Center USA, Nawal Kishor Yadav has significantly contributed to Mithila culture in the US and Nepal. He organized the inaugural Mithila Festival USA and advocated for “Mithila Culture and Festival Day” in New York City. A retired UN internal auditor, Yadav has received numerous accolades for his professional and humanitarian work. His financial contributions to education and scholarships in Nepal demonstrate his commitment to giving back to his roots.