Photo exhibition on resettled Bhutanese kicks off

Damak: A statement issued today by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that a photo exhibition titled Home on the Bhutanese citizens resettled in America started today at Beldangi II camp.

The exhibition by the UNHCR, managed by Photo Circle from Kathmandu, will exhibit photographs by Kashish Das Shrestha, a photographer and journalist based in New York.

With over 30 photos, the exhibition focuses on two families – the Odari and the Neopaney families – who arrived in New York in June last year.

According to Beldangi correspondent hundreds of exiled Bhutanese participated in the exhibition today with much excitement.

However, several those who witnessed the photographs commented that the displayed photos have revealed only the positive aspects of new life in the United States of America.

“This exhibition is part of our ongoing information dissemination strategy on durable solutions. These extraordinary photos, and commentary by Kashish Das Shrestha provide a moving insight into what life is like in a resettlement country for one young refugee couple and their families,” said Diane Goodman, UNHCR Deputy Representative in Nepal.

“The Neopaney and Odari families miss their friends in Nepal and hope that someday they can visit Bhutan. They are also excited and grateful for their new life in the USA,” said photographer Kashish Das Shrestha.

The exhibition to be held in all seven camps will be open to the public from 10:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs until April 24.

The UNHCR stated, “The agency continues to ensure that refugees are able to make voluntary, free and informed decision regarding solutions.”