The contribution of the Nepali diaspora to the nation’s development has always been significant. Millions of Nepalis living in the United States, Australia, Europe, and beyond not only bolster the national economy through remittances but also exert considerable social and political influence. Their financial support sustains families back home, while their perspectives—shared via calls, messages, and social media—frequently shape local political discourse and voting patterns.
However, some have gone beyond advising from afar. A select few have taken the bold step of returning home—renouncing foreign permanent residency or green cards—to actively participate in Nepal’s governance. Among them is Bansha Lal Tamang of Sindhupalchok, who left a comfortable life in the United States to re-engage in domestic politics. Having risen from local leadership to the federal stage, he is currently the Nepali Congress candidate for the House of Representatives from Sindhupalchok Constituency No. 2.
“To change the country, both mindsets and working styles must change,” Tamang asserts.
Early Political Journey
Born in 1963 (2020 B.S.) in Nawalpur, Sindhupalchok (now Indrawati Rural Municipality), Tamang was recognized early on as a top student and a talented volleyball player at Ainselukhark Secondary School. His political activism began during his student years through the Nepali Congress student wing.
He pursued higher education at the Public Youth Campus (I.Com.) and Patan Multiple Campus (B.A.). During this time, he balanced his studies with roles in development projects, including work with CARE International. His formal political career began in 1979 (2036 B.S.).
Tamang joined the 1978 (2035 B.S.) Satyagraha movement and served 30 days in jail for staging sit-ins at Dillibazar and Charkhal. He played a key role in the 1980 referendum campaign and served as the founding president of the Nepal Student Union’s Sindhupalchok District Committee. He remained active through the 1985 Satyagraha and the 1990 People’s Movement. By 1991 (2048 B.S.), he was elected to the Nepali Congress District Working Committee.
In 1996 (2053 B.S.), Tamang was elected as a member of the Sindhupalchok District Development Committee. His grassroots dedication eventually led to his selection as a General Committee Member of the Nepali Congress and a founding Central Member of the party’s Indigenous Nationalities Association.
Life in the United States
Tamang moved to the United States with his family in 2005, yet his commitment to Nepal remained steadfast. As a founding Central Member of the Nepali Congress Public Relations Committee–America, he worked to unite pro-democracy Nepalis and expand the party’s international presence.
He also served as an advisor to the Tamang Society of America and the Federation of Indigenous Nationalities–America. Additionally, he founded the Sindhu Welfare Society, which provides free education to children orphaned during Nepal’s armed conflict—a program that has benefited nearly 35 students to date.
The Courage to Return
Nepal’s 2015 Constitution prohibits individuals holding foreign permanent residency from contesting local elections. Recognizing this, Tamang made the difficult decision to renounce his U.S. Green Card. While it meant leaving behind personal stability, his drive to contribute to nation-building brought him back to Nepal.
His return was initially met with skepticism from some within his party who questioned the prioritization of “returnees.” However, Tamang proved his merit by winning the chairmanship of Indrawati Rural Municipality, transforming it into a national model for local governance.
During his tenure, Tamang oversaw the completion of several landmark infrastructure projects that modernized the municipality’s service delivery. He spearheaded the construction of a new 15-bed hospital to improve local healthcare access and commissioned a state-of-the-art administrative building to streamline government operations. His administration also prioritized essential utilities, successfully expanding the municipal road network and ensuring reliable drinking water access for over 28,000 residents.
In addition to physical infrastructure, he focused on community heritage and long-term social welfare. This included the development of the Bhirkuti Peace Park and the Earthquake Memorial Park, alongside the implementation of the Budhicaur Settlement Project. To ensure the municipality’s future prosperity, Tamang also invested in human capital and the local economy by launching agricultural modernization initiatives, vocational training programs, and the construction of a new local stadium for youth and sports development.
Family Support and the Diaspora Perspective
Tamang attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his family, who remain in the United States. “Politics is a service, not a profession,” he says. “To sustain that service, one needs either a business or strong family support.”
He believes that having a family abroad should be viewed as an asset rather than a stigma, as it offers both global perspective and financial stability. His ultimate goal is to create conditions in Nepal that ensure future generations do not feel compelled to migrate for opportunity.
Regarding the debate over whether parties should favor long-term local workers or returning diaspora members, Tamang is pragmatic: “In this era of globalization, emotional connection and active engagement matter most. Those who return after surrendering their foreign status should be welcomed.”
D. Dhungana
View More PostsDipendra Dhungana is a journalist based in Kathmandu with over a decade of experience in photojournalism. His work has been featured in numerous national and international outlets, showcasing the stories and resilience of the Nepali people. He is also a contributing journalist for NepYork.
