14th Anniversary: A Simple Celebration with A Lot of Heart!

​Every year, we at Rukmini Foundation get together to celebrate our anniversary with so much joy, gratitude, and that feeling of being one big family. We usually have events like the Run for Rukmini, talent shows, and lots of fun activities.

This year, for our 14th anniversary, we decided to keep things simple but super meaningful. We hosted a wonderful Talent Show and shared thoughtful gifts—like nail cutters, glycerin for the chilly winter, combs, handkerchiefs, and dental floss—to remind our bahinis (sisters) how important it is to take care of themselves.

A Light of Hope
The program kicked off with a warm welcome speech from our very own Yojana Basyal. Then, fourteen bright bahinis lit traditional diyo lamps. Each small flame represented hope, growth, and the shining journey of the Foundation. The soft glow just filled the room with so much positivity and blessings for the future.

A Moment to Remember
We also took a heartfelt moment to remember Susmita Tamang, a graduate scholar from our Rukmini family who tragically lost her life in a hotel fire in Romania. Our didis and bahinis offered prayers for her peaceful rest and reflected on her inspiring journey with us.

The Talent Was Blowing Us Away!
Oh, what a colorful, joyful, and musical day it was! Our brilliant bahinis totally wowed us with their talents:

• Dance: The Panchakanya Glow members and our bahini Alisha performed a super lively dance to the Nepali remix “Kathai Khako Mayalu Kathai Kira Le.” The energy was contagious and got everyone smiling!

• Cultural Dance – The Grace of Kumari: Before this performance, Yojana Basyal beautifully explained the story of the Kumari, the Living Goddess from the Newar community. She shared how the Kumari is chosen for her purity and courage and worshipped during festivals like Indra Jatra. Then, Purnima Bahini mesmerized everyone with her adorable Kumari Dance, moving with so much grace and divinity.

• Song by Radhika Bhattarai: Radhika’s melodious voice truly touched our hearts as she sang a sweet Nepali song.

• Dance by Asmita Nepali: Asmita totally owned the stage! Her energetic dance to “Areli Kadaile” was just so full of excitement and charm.

• Song by Krishma Tamang: Krishma impressed everyone with her beautiful and soulful singing. What a voice!

A Heartfelt Thank You
In a moving speech, Lasata Bahini shared her own journey as a proud Rukmini bahini. She expressed how taking part in different Foundation programs helped her gain so much confidence and awareness. With a bright smile, she thanked the Foundation for empowering girls through education and, most importantly, through love.

Gifts from the Heart
We didn’t distribute T-shirts this year, but our didis put together these amazing care packages filled with nail cutters, combs, handkerchiefs, dental floss, and soothing glycerin for the cold season. These simple, thoughtful gifts were a gentle nudge to our bahinis to always remember their hygiene and self-care.

Keeping it Simple, But Full of Love
Because of the current situation in the country and the deadly protests, we decided to keep this year’s program small, with only our current bahinis in attendance. But you know what? Even with its simplicity, the day was bursting with laughter, inspiration, and gratitude. It was a true reflection of the Rukmini spirit—a family committed to empowering girls, one step at a time.

Hear it from our Bahinis:

Ishika Tamang: “I was so happy to receive gifts, watch the dances, and meet my friends at the anniversary program. I really enjoyed it, and I even got a chance to light the diyos! Happy 14th anniversary, Rukmini Foundation!”

Swastima Tamang: “The Kumari Dance was fascinating. It even inspires me to perform cultural dances. We loved the program. Happy 14th Anniversary, Rukmini Foundation!”