Friday, December 29, 2006

About Himalayan Xpressions in Door County, WI


Hello & Namaste !

My name is Prem Lama and I am from Nepal. I grew up in Helambu, which is 140 km. north of Kathamandu. I came to the capital city, Kathmandu around late 80s. For a decade I lived in the city doing multiple things, such as Garment factory worker to a trekking guide in the mountains. In August 2001 I came to the US for my undergraduate degree and graduated in December 2003 from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, that is where I met my wife Kimberly (Kim for short). We got married in September 2004.

Before I came to the US. I had a vision to help my country and fellow men. While I was back in Nepal with the help of my Japanese friends Susumo Matsumoto and Ai San, I was able to bring some help to my village for some local schools. They sent me boxes full of school items such as pencils, crayons, games, erasers, and color books etc. So far, we were able to give such things twice for those village kids, where poverty & ignorance play a big role. So, I wanted to continue this help to those schools and other unprivileged children but how? Because of the very thought this Himalayan Xpressions, LLC was born in summer of 2005.

Himalayan Xpressions, LLC is not just another moneymaker, it’s not just a business but it’s a business with awareness, it’s a shop with the meaning and value. What we do is buy locally in Nepal to uplift the economy of locals, whose whole earning depends upon making these products and selling them. Since Nepal has entered the world of uncertainty because of political chaos, people’s earning is going down the hill everyday. Some take advantage of this situation because they can buy from dealers and dealers would exploit the workers to make cheaper products. Now, this is what I feel, these craft makers should be given credit and they should be able to earn decent living by doing the same thing what they have been doing for generations. So, our priority is to locals and by doing that we bring quality yet first hand products and ideas to the North East Wisconsin, US. How is this done? My sister Purnima Lama in Kathmandu, Nepal collects and organizes all the inventories from locals and producers and gets involve with different Women’s organizations for craft & cottages for better economy.

My vision is not only support the economy but also education. Without education, I am sure you would not be reading this message. So, Kim (my wife) and I decided to help children of Nepal as much as we could. For that purpose I give talks on “Places & Faces of the Himalaya” presentation through picture slide to local libraries, schools, clubs and gatherings. So far I was able to give presentation four times and interests are growing. One day I want to make it happen through the help of generous people like you. As Mahatma Gandi have best said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”.

Please feel free to browse & buy from the store because the intention behind the store idea is very simple, to help others. When you buy, you are not only helping us but also it helps Nepal. Remember, a drop in ocean still means a lot.

Prem Lama
www.himalayanxpressions.com
Also our new idea for the new generation.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Namaste Prem,
what's the best way to learn sanscrit?

Prem said...

The best way to learn Sanskrit is via Alphabets A Aa E Ee U Uu Ye Ai O Au Am Ah.. First lesson. All Vowels of Sanskrit. After you master these vowels then consonants begin. Good Luck.