On Sunday, West Hartford became a gathering place for the town’s sizable Nepali community as they held a candlelight vigil to mourn the victims of the catastrophic floods that have ravaged Nepal and parts of China. The event, held at a local park near the Nepali flag, brought together families, local leaders and volunteers who sought to offer prayers and practical assistance.
Community members share prayers and personal reflections
Fourteen‑year‑old Kashvi Kandeo, a West Hartford resident, lit a candle and said, “We’re sending prayers and hoping they’re okay.” She added, “It really hurts to see your home country get destroyed like this.” Kandeo’s words captured the deep emotional connection many expatriates feel for the disaster back home.
Pramod Pradhan, another long‑time resident, noted, “Whenever these things happen, the whole community comes together and wants to gather and try to support it.” The sentiment reflected a broader sense of solidarity that has long characterized the Nepali diaspora in Connecticut.
Fundraising efforts and how to help
Organizers reported that the vigil raised a few thousand dollars, which will be directed to relief agencies working on the ground. They encouraged anyone wishing to contribute to donate directly to the Nepalese government’s official relief fund, linking to the appropriate website for secure contributions.
According to data compiled by the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut, West Hartford is home to one of the state’s largest Nepali populations, with roughly 1,000 Nepali residents living in Hartford County. The community’s presence has grown over the past decade, adding cultural richness to the town and fostering strong ties between local and international concerns.
Resilience and hope amid tragedy
Despite the heartbreaking images of washed‑away homes and displaced families, participants emphasized the resilience of the Nepali people. “They’re really strong for that because so much has happened and the fact that they can keep pushing forward just really shows how strong they are,” Kandeo said.
The vigil also attracted local and state officials who expressed their support for the relief effort and pledged to monitor the situation closely. Their presence underscored the importance of community‑level responses to global humanitarian crises.
Looking ahead
As the floodwaters continue to recede in the Himalayan region, the West Hartford Nepali community remains committed to providing ongoing assistance. Organizers plan to hold additional fundraising events and informational sessions to keep residents informed about how best to help.
For those interested in contributing, donations can be made directly through the Nepalese government’s relief portal, ensuring that funds reach the most affected areas quickly and efficiently.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
