Preserving and celebrating Nepali heritage, traditions, and culture in the greater Chicago area
We are building more than a center—we are building a home for the heart and soul of the Nepali community in the Midwest. For those of us living far from our homeland, it is a place where memories are honored, traditions are passed to the next generation, and our children can grow deeply connected to their roots. Our proposed project, strategically located near I-90, I-94, and I-294, close to O’Hare, will be accessible for families across Chicago and the entire Midwest, including Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan. With your support, this center will become a welcoming hub for Nepalese families, where we can celebrate festivals, participate in cultural programs, and strengthen our shared identity. At the heart of the center will be a Nepali temple, a sacred space where community members can come to pray, meditate, and honor our spiritual traditions. Adjacent to it will be a Nepali library and learning center, offering books, resources, and spaces for Nepali language classes, cultural workshops, and educational programs. These facilities will ensure that our language, history, and traditions are preserved and passed down to future generations. This center will be a home away from home—a place where elders share wisdom, youth learn and embrace their culture, and families gather in joy and unity. Every corner of this project will reflect our shared dreams: a place to celebrate, learn, grow, and connect. With your generous support, we can make this dream a reality. Together, we can create a lasting foundation for cultural preservation, education, spiritual growth, and community unity—a beacon for Nepali families across the Midwest, now and for generations to come.
Nepali Cultural Center Chicago – Proposal Summary The Nepali Cultural Center Chicago (NCCC) is envisioned as a premier cultural, educational, and spiritual hub dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Nepal. Central to the Center will be a Nepali Hindu temple, serving as a sacred space for worship, cultural continuity, and community gatherings. NCCC is committed to safeguarding the Nepali language, traditional and performing arts, and cultural practices while fostering understanding and collaboration between Nepali and non-Nepali communities across the Chicago area. Through cultural festivals, educational workshops, language programs, and artistic performances, the Center will provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals and families of all backgrounds. NCCC also supports humanitarian initiatives that enhance community well-being, reflecting a strong commitment to social responsibility and service. The Center’s strengths include an engaged membership of over 50 active members and the ability to mobilize resources quickly, having raised over $100,000 in a short timeframe. These achievements demonstrate both community support and organizational capacity, generating widespread excitement and enthusiasm among the Nepali diaspora and the broader Chicago community. Once established, NCCC will actively serve the community by offering a venue for cultural and religious celebrations, a growing Nepali library, regular Nepali language classes, and a dedicated space for community meetings and gatherings. It will also provide humanitarian assistance to those in need and create collaborative platforms for public dialogue, advocacy, and education. By fostering shared spaces and opportunities for engagement, the Center seeks to build bridges between communities, strengthen cultural understanding, and ensure the vitality of Nepali heritage in Chicago and beyond. By integrating spiritual, cultural, and educational programming, the Nepali Cultural Center Chicago will preserve Nepal’s legacy for future generations, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and serve as a lasting beacon for both the Nepali diaspora and the wider Chicago community. With strong organizational capacity, community enthusiasm, and a clear vision, NCCC is poised to become a vital hub that enriches Chicago’s multicultural landscape while honoring and sustaining Nepali heritage.
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The dedicated volunteers who lead our cultural center
President
Bala Ghimire is a dedicated community leader and entrepreneur actively involved in the Nepali community in the Chicagoland area. He has played a key role in supporting cultural, social, and community-building initiatives, working to promote Nepali heritage, unity, and civic engagement helping individual. During his college years in Nepal, Mr. Ghimire was heavily involved in the democracy movement, reflecting his early commitment to social and political change. He holds a Master’s degree. He has served as a Board Member, Advisor, and Convener with NRNA–NCC USA ( https://nrnausa.org/ ), and successfully organized major community events, including the Nepali National Convention in Chicago (2018). He also served as President of Nepalese in Midwest America (ANMA) and worked closely with organizations such as NASeA, ANA, and other local community groups. Mr. Ghimire has contributed to public service through his involvement with the City of Chicago as a Council Member of the Commission on Human Relations, serving during the mayoral administrations of Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel. He was also actively engaged for many years with the Illinois Secretary of State’s, council under Jesse White. Currently, Bala Ghimire serves as the CEO of Chicago Curry House and the Nepal House restaurant chain in Chicago, continuing his commitment to entrepreneurship, cultural promotion, and community service.
Vice President
Khem Pathak is an active community leader in the Chicagoland Nepali diaspora and a long-time member of CNFS USA, where he has served as President. He actively contributes to community engagement and cultural preservation by organizing and supporting events and programs. Khem is deeply dedicated to community leadership, committed to helping those in need, strengthening unity, and fostering collaboration among organizations and members.
General Secretary
Shyam Parajuli is an active member of the Nepali community and has served the Chicagoland Nepalese Friends Society as General Secretary. He has been contributing his time and efforts to community service, unity, and cultural preservation since his student life. Shyam is committed to serving the community and strengthening connections among its members.
Treasurer
Balhari Adhikari is an engaged member of the Nepali community and has served a Chicagoland friendship society, actively participating in local cultural and community initiatives.He has an extensive history of volunteer service. He dedicates his time and energy to promoting cultural heritage, unity, and collaboration among community members. Balhari is committed to supporting programs that uplift and strengthen connections within the Nepali diaspora.
Ec Member and Media, Publications, and Advertising Coordinator
Shiva Adhikari is an active member of the Nepali community in the Chicagoland area. He has served the Chicagoland Friendship Society and other local organizations, contributing significantly to cultural and community initiatives. His community work is remarkable, as he dedicates his efforts to promoting unity, cultural preservation, and collaboration. Shiva remains committed to supporting programs that strengthen connections and uplift the Nepali diaspora.
Secretary
Keshav Khanal, who serves as the Secretary of the organization, is an active member of the Nepali community in the Chicagoland area. With a background as a generalist writer and reporter for a major newspaper in Nepal, he has made significant contributions to the community by supporting local initiatives and assisting those in need. His humanitarian work is noteworthy, as he has dedicated himself to providing essential aid and uplifting the community through his tireless efforts. He currently serves as the Manager of Nepal House.
Joint Treasurer
Bhanu Ghimire, who currently serves as the Joint Treasurer of the organization, is a prominent Nepali entrepreneur and community leader in the Chicagoland area. He has a long history of service with the Chicagoland Nepali Society and other local organizations as a dedicated volunteer. His commitment to community development is evident through his leadership and his efforts to support the growth and well-being of the Nepali diaspora.
Audit Committee Coordinator
Jitendra (Jitu) Rana, a tax professional and the founder of JJ Tax, currently serves as the Audit Committee Coordinator for the organization. A prominent Nepali entrepreneur and community leader in the Chicagoland area, he has a long history of service with the Chicagoland Nepali Society and other local organizations as a dedicated volunteer. His commitment to community development is evident through his leadership and his tireless efforts to support the growth and well-being of the Nepali diaspora.
EC Member and Office management Coordinator
Suman Shrestha, who currently serves as an EC Member and Office Management Coordinator, is the Immediate Past President of the Chicagoland Friendship Society. He has a long and distinguished history of social activity and service within the community.His dedicated efforts and extensive experience in leadership continue to play a vital role in uplifting the local Nepali diaspora and managing community initiatives.
Vice President and Coordination Committee – Coordinator
Property Search Coordinator
Jagdish Yadav, who serves as the Property Search Coordinator for the organization, is a professional Nepali realtor and real estate expert in the Chicagoland area. He has served the local community for a long time and is also well-known as a local singer. His diverse contributions, combining his professional expertise in real estate with his cultural talents, continue to significantly benefit and enrich the community.
Membership Drive Committee Coordinator
Min Darlami Magar, who serves as the Membership Drive Committee Coordinator for the organization, has a distinguished background having served the Government of Nepal. He has also been a long-standing and dedicated member of the Chicagoland Friendship Society served longtime. Well-known in the Nepalese music industry, he has made significant contributions to the community, including his impactful work with Magar Samaj USA. His leadership and commitment continue to foster unity and support for the Nepali diaspora.
Event" Committee - Coordinator
Krishna Aryal, who serves as the Event Committee Coordinator for the organization, has a distinguished background of service to the community. He is a long-standing and dedicated member of the Chicagoland Friendship Society, known for his commitment to local initiatives. He has made significant contributions to the community through his impactful work and leadership. His ongoing dedication continues to foster unity and provide essential support for the Nepali diaspora in the Chicagoland area.
EC-Member
EC - Member
Inderkant Chaudhary, who serves as an EC Member for the organization, has a distinguished background of service to the community. He is a long-standing and dedicated member of the Chicagoland Friendship Society, recognized for his deep commitment to local initiatives. A well-known community leader, he currently serves as a Board Member for NRNA-NCC USA and is a Past Chapter President. He has made significant contributions to the community through his impactful work and leadership. His ongoing dedication continues to foster unity and provide essential support for the Nepali diaspora in the Chicagoland area.
EC - Member
Sharmila Pandey, who serves as an EC Member for the organization, is a young female professional dedicated to committed community service. Her remarkable history of volunteering since her school days is truly commendable. Through her ongoing efforts and professional background, she continues to provide significant support to the community and remains an essential part of the organization's leadership.
Access important organizational documents and information
The following documents are provided for informational purposes only. All rights are reserved by the Nepali Cultural Center, Chicago. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any documents without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
| Document | Last Updated | Action |
|---|---|---|
| NCCC Financial Statement — As of January 9, 2026 | January 09, 2026 | Download |
| NCCC - Ein certification | September 02, 2025 | Download |
| NCCC - Bank info | September 02, 2025 | Download |
| NCCC Articles of Incorporation” | August 31, 2025 | Download |
| NCCC Certificate of Good Standing | August 31, 2025 | Download |
| NCCC- Public Charity Status Certification | August 31, 2025 | Download |
| NCCC Document Request | August 31, 2025 | Download |
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nepaliculturalcenterchicago@gmail.com
773-710-3795
312-866-6904
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