New Era of Collaboration: Nepali Embassy Provides Consular Services in Preston

By Hari Karki

President, Nepali Samaj Preston CIC

PRESTON – A significant shift in the relationship between the Nepali community in Preston and the Embassy of Nepal in London has emerged, marking a new chapter of proactive engagement and mutual respect. For many residents, the recent outreach efforts signify a departure from the past, bringing essential government services directly to the doorsteps of the community.

The culmination of this newfound collaboration was a mobile consular camp held on May 3, 2026. Organized by Nepali Samaj Preston CIC in coordination with the Embassy of Nepal, London, the camp served approximately 30 individuals. Residents were able to process passport renewals and other vital consular documents without the traditional need to travel to London.

A Leadership of Service

The community has attributed this positive transformation to the leadership of Charge d’Affaires, Bipin Duwadi. President of the Nepali Samaj Preston, Hari Karki, noted that the change feels personal.

“After two decades abroad, the Embassy finally feels like our own,” Karki stated. “In the past, these offices felt inaccessible to the common person. Now, receiving a personal call from the Charge d’Affaires to appreciate our community’s grassroots work has provided us with immense energy and a sense of belonging.”

Strengthening Ties: The ‘Meet and Greet’

This milestone follows a successful ‘Meet and Greet’ event held on April 27, 2026. The program featured Charge d’Affaires Bipin Duwadi alongside the Mayor of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, Surendra Shrestha.

During the event, Mr. Duwadi reaffirmed that the Embassy’s mission extends beyond the borders of London, aiming to support and encourage Nepali citizens across various UK cities. Mayor Shrestha also lauded the social initiatives undertaken by the Preston community, emphasizing the importance of preserving Nepali culture abroad.

In a gesture of respect, the Charge d’Affaires and the Mayor honored community elders Satyan Rajbhandari, Sanita Raj Bhandari, and Bikash Mohan Bhattarai with khadas for their long-standing contributions to the diaspora.

Resilience and Recognition

The Preston community has a history of resilience, notably delivering food and sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping cultural traditions alive. This efforts gained significant momentum following a series of discussions regarding the “Opportunities and Challenges in the UK,” highlighting that while the UK offers vast prospects, success requires specific skills and sound financial planning.

The success of these recent initiatives was bolstered by the dedicated efforts of volunteers Shyam Dahal and Sushil Gautam, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Additionally, the community expressed gratitude to Nepali Link and editors Nabin Pokharel and Dhruba Raj Aryal for amplifying their voice to the diplomatic level.

“Nepali Samaj Preston is no longer just a group; it has evolved into a community with the power to effect change,” Karki concluded. “It is a testament to the fact that when leadership is selfless, winning the hearts of the people becomes a natural outcome.”