Message from Former Chairperson

Since the inception of the Nepal Hyolmo Society Service Association’s activities in 1990, the Hyolmo Indigenous community has experienced tangible impacts and outcomes. It is overwhelming to reflect on the circumstances when the Association was first founded, beginning its awareness-raising initiatives about the need for the Association and its mission, vision, and goals. I can still recall the initial apprehension and uncertainty among the Hyolmo people during the formation of the Association.
However, after its establishment, the Association’s members struggled significantly to secure recognition for the Hyolmo Indigenous community in Nepal, emphasizing their distinct language, culture, traditions, and identity.

The acquisition of membership in the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities was a breakthrough for the Hyolmo people, marking the first time their historical entity and unique identity were formally recognized. Since then, the Hyolmo community has been officially recognized as one of the 59 distinct Indigenous groups identified by the Government of Nepal, which is a source of immense pride and accomplishment for the Hyolmo people.

Over the past 14 years, the Association has faced numerous challenges, but it has emerged as an enthusiastic, aware, and motivated organization, prepared to embrace new opportunities. However, the Association continues to desperately need support, understanding, and encouragement from Hyolmo individuals, intellectuals, and organizations dedicated to Indigenous rights, both within Nepal and globally. Such support is vital for nurturing and evolving the Association so that it can continue its work in preserving, promoting, and enhancing the unique Hyolmo language, culture, and traditions.

As we all know, the preservation and promotion of our language, culture, and traditions is not an easy task, but we recognize it as our responsibility to foster and promote a sense of “Hyolmoness.” The entire Association is actively engaged in these efforts, with the firm belief that, in the near future, we will achieve our desired goals—not only for our own sake, but also for future generations.

At this juncture, as the former President of the Association, I take this opportunity to sincerely urge all Hyolmo individuals to recognize the vital role of the Association in uplifting and enhancing the unique Indigenous heritage of the Hyolmo people. Let us unite under the banner of the Nepal Hyolmo Society Service Association to achieve this collective mission.

Lastly, I call on all Hyolmo individuals to contribute by becoming members of the Association and by spreading awareness of the Association and our Hyolmo identity wherever possible.

May the goddess Aama Jhomo Yangri bless the Hyolmo community with progress and prosperity.

Mr. Binod Lama Hyolmo
Former Chairperson, NHSSA