Nepali community media outlet Khasokhas celebrated its 14th anniversary on May 3 with community leaders, journalists, supporters, advertisers and well-wishers, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day. This year’s anniversary theme was “Community Media: Inform, Empower, Advocate.” The outlet has prioritized the voices, concerns and information needs of the Nepali immigrant community since its founding in 2012.
Speakers praised Khasokhas for delivering reliable, verified news on U.S. immigration and other issues affecting Nepali Americans. Started as a weekly print publication, Khasokhas has grown into a digital news portal that regularly covers immigration, housing, health, education, taxes and other community-relevant topics.
Community representatives and journalists commended the outlet for elevating Nepali-American stories often ignored by mainstream media. Participants said tying the anniversary to World Press Freedom Day highlighted the importance of independent, community-focused journalism.
As part of the celebrations, Khasokhas organized a “Press Freedom Walk.” The march started at 77th Street and 37th Road in Jackson Heights and ended at 77th Street and 37th Avenue before the formal program.
Khasokhas thanked participating journalists and community members. The walk was held with support from Mithila Center USA and included Khasokhas supporters, well-wishers, advertisers, journalists and community members.
The outlet noted that press freedom and independent journalism are essential for reliable information, accountability, dialogue, trust, peace, economic recovery, sustainable development and human rights. The U.N. General Assembly proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day in 1993 on UNESCO’s recommendation. UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022-2025 states that press freedom has declined at the fastest pace since 2012, with AI misuse, economic pressures and self-censorship rising by more than 60%.
The formal program opened with a one-minute silence honoring journalists killed worldwide in the line of duty and deceased Khasokhas members Shan Khadka, Robin Jha and Ashish Khanal. Khadka was a founder, while Jha and Khanal worked on the Nepal team.
Khasokhas unveiled its 168-page full-color 14th anniversary special issue, featuring immigration advice from prominent Nepali-American attorneys, a 14-year retrospective, Nepali business success stories, a Trump administration immigration timeline, and articles on taxes, housing, arts and culture.
The issue was launched by U.N. Economic and Social Council President and Nepal’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, New York Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari, Maryland Delegate Harry Bhandari and the Khasokhas team.
Editor Suresh Shahi said the special issue represented a major milestone made possible by community support and expressed hope that it would become an annual tradition.
Sri Srinivasan, CEO of Digimentors, co-founder of the South Asian Journalists Association, co-creator of the Oslo Nobel Peace Prize Summit, and co-host of “Shri’s Sunday Note” and the New York Times Readalong podcast, praised Khasokhas as an example of service journalism. He highlighted community media’s role in reaching readers where they are and cited pandemic efforts delivering vaccines as the highest form of service journalism.
S. Mitra Kalita, co-founder and CEO of URL Media and Epicenter NYC, congratulated Khasokhas on joining the URL Media network, which recently surpassed 50 community partners nationwide. She stressed the importance of economic sustainability for independent journalism and the need for unity among media sectors.
Kishor Panthi, editor-in-chief of Khasokhas, announced that the anniversary will now be observed on May 3. He reviewed the outlet’s evolution from a 2012 weekly tabloid to a fully digital platform and declared 2025 the “Year of Vertical Video,” reporting 123 million social media views, 994% revenue growth from Meta, and strong live video engagement on immigration topics. He noted that 50% of longer-term Nepalis in the U.S. have limited English proficiency and emphasized the importance of Nepali-language media.
Jahangir Khattak, journalist, media leader and former communications director at the Center for Community Media at CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, described community media as a vital bridge between communities and mainstream outlets, boosting civic participation for non-English speakers.
Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa praised Khasokhas for protecting press freedom, empowering communities and preserving Nepali language and culture. He urged expanded coverage of U.N. issues, economic diplomacy and global decisions.
Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari commended Khasokhas for informing the community and bringing its concerns to the mainstream. He noted Nepal’s strong press freedom standing in South Asia and encouraged coverage of diaspora issues, positive stories and clearer use of AI tools.
Kavita Rajgopalan, research and analysis director at the Center for Community Media and global migration expert, highlighted community media’s historical role in immigrant resistance and identity while noting current threats from disinformation and declining press freedom rankings.
Maryland Delegate Harry Bhandari called the day one of peace, reflection and connection. He credited media for helping pass his 29 laws in Maryland and praised Khasokhas as a source of empowerment, information and hope.
A message from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was read, praising Khasokhas for informing and empowering Nepali-speaking immigrants and recognizing Nepali contributions to the city.
Meera Kamal, managing editor of India Currents and founder of Desi Collective Media, discussed digital challenges, disinformation and community media’s public service role.
Mirna L. Velasquez, chief of staff to state Sen. Jessica Ramos, stressed the importance of Nepali-language media for immigration information and community education.
Somanath Ghimire, Democratic primary candidate for state Assembly District 30, congratulated Khasokhas and sought community support for his grassroots campaign.
Melissa Orlando, Democratic candidate for state Assembly District 37, described Khasokhas as a “lifeline” and pledged collaboration on housing, small business and immigrant rights.
Tseyang Tenzin, an Asian American and Himalayan community leader, credited Khasokhas for aiding language-access efforts, redistricting awareness and countering misinformation.
Amit Shah, Community Board 6 member and Mithila Center USA president, called the event a “triple celebration” alongside Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and emphasized media’s role in identity and empowerment.
Dr. Bishnumaya Pariyar, a New Jersey AAPI commissioner and Dalit women’s rights activist, said Khasokhas is “the voice of the voiceless” and vital for immigration information and programs on mental health and gender violence.
Immigration attorney Khagendra Chhetri described Khasokhas as the trustworthy voice and lifeline of the Nepali diaspora, likening its 14 years to reaching maturity.
Immigration attorney Ramesh Shrestha called it the cornerstone of reliable community journalism and praised its adherence to ethical principles and timely policy coverage.
Immigration attorney Basu Phulara recalled early collaboration since 2011 and compared Khasokhas to the New York Times of the Nepali diaspora for simplifying complex laws.
Lok Tiwari, entrepreneur and wellness advocate, recalled early distribution struggles and urged stronger investigative reporting amid immigration uncertainties.
Dharma Bhattarai, a Michigan-based community leader and entrepreneur, urged Nepali business owners to support community media financially to combat misinformation.
Editor Deepak Pariyar welcomed guests and reaffirmed Khasokhas’ commitment to social justice and positive change. Editor Suresh Shahi reflected on the print-to-digital journey. Editor Dr. Rajan Thapaliya thanked everyone for their collective support.
Khasokhas presented Community Excellence Awards to 36 individuals for contributions to community service and journalism. Fifteen received the awards onstage, while others received them during dinner. Dharma Bhattarai, Lok Tiwari and world record holder Dinesh Sunar received shawls.
Mithila art was displayed by Mithila Center USA. The program ended with a cake-cutting ceremony and a swasti shanti recitation by Pandit Uddhav Shastri. A dinner followed at Namaste Tashi Delek Restaurant in Jackson Heights.
All photos: Rajan Kafle
Rajan Kafle
View More PostsRajan Kafle is a Nepali photojournalist now based in New York. He began his career in video journalism during Nepal's 2006 democratic movement. Kafle has worked for various media outlets in Nepal, including Nepal Television and Kantipur Television. He served as the official photographer for the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal from 2019 to 2021. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field with several awards.
