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It was a sunny festive day on June 19, 2011 at the Portage Lakes State Park where over 60 Bhutanese elders gathered to share stories, food, and a good time. In this program, they can recite poems, tell stories, sing, dance, eat, and just have fun. It will be fully entertaining. In talking with an interviewer, Madu Phuyel said that “our king threw us out of the country, and then the government of Nepal didn’t care for us. We didn’t have freedom. The best part of living in the United States is freedom. When I was in my home I thought I was alone, but by seeing all these people I feel like I am still with my family and friends, who I can speak with.” Everyone was glad and thankful to the BCAA for sponsoring the picnic where they can get to see each other, meet new people, and express their feelings.
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These pictures were taken at Portage Lakes State Park south of Akron, Ohio
on June 19, 2011 |
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| Bhim Dhungana said that the main point of the picnic is to give older people an opportunity to get to know each other. |
 BCAA Officers Gopal Lepcha, Amber Subba, Ram Subba, and Bhim Dhungana started the day by describing various activities planned for the day. |
Ram Subba remarked that “students in school get to know each other, but for older people it is hard to get to know each other, even when they stay in the same apartment building." |
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Indra Wati Rai expanded on this idea saying... |
“We were from different places before we came to Akron. We can’t drive to meet, but due to this picnic we meet with people who we didn’t know before and get to know them."
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Two food tables were set up, |
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Purshotam Adhakari and Deo Narayan Dhungana thought this event is important because our children can see our cultural heritage. |
Gopal Lepcha said that opportunities are better in the US. We have good security, government and education. It is really good for our children and our coming generations. The most challenging parts of living in the United States are learning new laws, rules, and regulations. |
Indra Wati Rai thought the best part of coming to the United States is the systems are good and the people care about the environment. She said that the worst part is that she doesn’t have the language that she needs in United States. |
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 Dancing... |
 ...a musical chairs game |
 ...and more dancing! |
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This story is based on observations and interviews conducted by two of the Bhutanese Times Newsletter reporters, Nilam Ghimirey and Kailash Ghimirey. |
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