Karma Lama Installed as President of Rotary Club of New York Queens: A Night of Leadership, Legacy, and Global Service

Queens, New York | June 29, 2025

In a spirited and multicultural ceremony held at the Himalayan Yak Restaurant in Jackson Heights, Mr. Karma Lama was officially installed as the new President of the Rotary Club of New York Queens for the 2025–2026 term. The event brought together Rotarians, community leaders, and supporters from diverse cultural backgrounds to celebrate a shared commitment to service, leadership, and global humanitarian values.

The program was skillfully moderated by Past President Rtn. Nabaraj KC, who set the tone for the evening’s theme of unity and legacy. The welcome speech was delivered by Former President Guru D. Parajuli, who highlighted the club’s ongoing journey and thanked the past leadership and members for their tireless dedication to humanitarian service. Immediate Past President Arbin Paudel followed with a powerful message, stating that the event was not merely an installation ceremony, but a celebration of the Rotary Club’s legacy of service and its enduring spirit. “This is not just about leadership,” he said, “it is about the values we live by: service, community, and compassion.”

The highlight of the evening was the formal installation of the new executive team, conducted by Rotary District 7255 Governor Lydia A. Wells, who praised the club’s impactful work within Queens and across borders. In her address, Governor Wells applauded the club’s contributions to local communities and international causes, reinforcing the Rotary mission:

“Together, we envision a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, in our communities, across the globe, and within ourselves. The Rotary Club of New York Queens exemplifies this ideal through your dedication and action.”

Another proud moment of the evening was the official launch of the Rotary Club of New York Queens Journal, a publication that chronicles the club’s accomplishments, past projects, and goals for the future. Since its establishment in 2004, the club has played a crucial role in uplifting communities, organizing health and education programs, and supporting international relief efforts. The journal serves as a testament to this legacy and a roadmap for future endeavors.

A moving presentation followed, led by Mr. Robbie Donno, the founding president of Gift of Life International. He shared the remarkable story of how a single act of kindness in 1975—organizing heart surgery for a Ugandan child—led to the formation of a global organization that has since saved the lives of over 43,000 children in more than 80 countries. Donno emphasized that Gift of Life is more than a project; it is a global network of compassion, driven by Rotary’s mission to heal and uplift the most vulnerable. “The Gift of Life is not just a program, it is a promise of hope, love, and human solidarity,” he said.

The program also featured heartfelt appreciation tokens presented to key leaders and long-standing supporters of the club. Honored guests included District Governor Lydia A. Wells, Past Presidents Guru D. Parajuli and Nabaraj KC, longtime Rotarian Janak Bandari, Robbie Donno, Assistant Governor Michael Ashkenazy, Jangbu Sherpa, and Mahadev Tripati for Their leadership, guidance, and service were acknowledged as foundational to the growth and spirit of the Rotary Club of New York Queens.

In a moment of formal recognition, official citations from the Queens Borough President’s Office were awarded to several individuals for their exceptional community contributions. Among the honorees were President Karma Lama, Immediate Past President Arbin Paudel, Professor Rajan Thapaliya, Mrs. Manju Bista, Urgen Sherpa and Pasang Sherpa, each acknowledged for their dedication to humanitarian service, cultural preservation, and leadership within both Rotary and the broader community.

In his first address as president, Karma Lama laid out his vision for the upcoming term. He announced key initiatives that include providing educational support for underprivileged children in Mugu, school development projects in Bhotang, Panchpokhari, and aid for orphaned children in Jorpati, Kathmandu.

“Our goal is to support the most underserved,” Lama said. “With our collective strength and compassion, we can extend the Rotary spirit to every corner of the world that needs it most.”

2025–2026 Executive Team – Rotary Club of New York Queens

• President: Karma Lama

• Immediate Past President: Arbin Paudel

• President-Elect: Pasang Sherpa

• Executive Secretary: Pemba G. Sherpa

• Secretary: Sushma Karki

• Program Chair: Chameli K. Pariyar

• Treasurer: Dawa K. Sherpa

• Foundation Chair: Michael Ashkenazy

• Sergeant-at-Arms: Dr. Shekhar Giri

Board of Directors:
Manju Bist, Jeevan Bom, Purushottam Khadgi, Tsering D. Lama, Sudesna Adhikari, Urgen Sherpa, Dukar Tashi, Saroj Shrestha, Sushil Giri, and Khem Kumar K.C.

Cultural Celebration and Unity

The evening concluded with a vibrant display of cultural pride, featuring traditional Sherpa music and a colorful Nepali dance performed by young girls. These performances celebrated the rich heritage of the community while reinforcing the inclusive and multicultural spirit that defines both the Rotary Club of New York Queens and the borough it serves.

About Rotary International

Rotary International, founded in 1905 in Chicago, is one of the world’s oldest and most respected humanitarian service organizations. With more than 1.4 million members in over 46,000 clubs across 200+ countries and territories, Rotary’s global network brings together business, professional, and civic leaders committed to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.

Rotary focuses on seven key areas: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. Its flagship global campaign, End Polio Now, has brought the world to the brink of eradicating polio—reducing cases by 99.9% since the 1980s.

With renewed leadership, a clear vision, and a strong foundation of community engagement, the Rotary Club of New York Queens embarks on another impactful year—uplifting lives, building bridges, and living up to Rotary’s timeless motto: “Service Above Self.”