It gives me great pleasure to write to you as the newly elected President of the Dalit Human Rights Organization (DHRO). I am also pleased to be able to tell you that, following a period of reflection and reassessment, we have embarked upon and committed ourselves to fundamental changes that will make DHRO a role model for NGOs in Nepal. Significant changes have already been made to our governance, particularly in the way we elect democratically our Executive Board, but also in the range of different Dalit groups and the geographical areas from which they are drawn.

A promotional presentation that followed our Special General Assembly meeting on 21st April attracted general members. We were very encouraged and impressed by their quality and enthusiasm which we hope promises well for the strength and leadership of DHRO in the years ahead. Our plans include a substantial growth in active membership in the districts as well as Kathmandu.

I am a Dalit activist and my home is in Jhapa. The following colleagues (Name, Designation, Address, Area of interest given in order) have been elected with me to lead DHRO for the next three years:

Gopal Ramtel (Sarki), General Secretary, Sindhuli, Engineering

Raju Paswan (Terai Dalit), Treasurer, Saptari, Human Rights Defender

Tek Tamrakar, Member, Dadeldhura, Advocate

Baburam Bishwakarma, Member, Sindhuli, Human Rights Defender

Suman Paudel, Member, Palpa, Social Worker/Professional

Bhojman Lamgade, Member, Ilam, Advocate

With regards,

Tulsa Gautam (Pariyar)

President, DHRO