‘Olga, an extraordinary philanthropist’, remembers Minister Dr Rana

Patan (Lalitpur), Oct 21: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba reminisced late Olga D. Murray as an extraordinary philanthropist.

Unveiling the statue of late Olga at Bungamati village of Lalitpur Metropolitan City on Monday, Minister Dr Rana recalled late Olga’s extraordinary work and selfless dedication to improving lives of thousands of children. In the programme organized by the Nepal Youth Foundation which was founded by late Olga, Rana acknowledged, “Olga was an extraordinary philanthropist. Her lasting impact can be seen in every child here. Her works have touched our lives.

When I unveiled the statue of Olga, it occurred to me that it is important to keep alive the legacy she created and the spirit of many lives she touched.” The late American social worker is credited to bring about transformative changes in the lives of many Nepali children through numerous initiatives such as rescuing girls and women from bonded slavery and meal/snacks and schooling for impoverished children. She contributed to several social causes thereby empowering several children, women and youths in Nepal through the Foundation for over 40 years.

She passed away on February 20 this year at the age of 98 in the USA. Similarly, the Foundation’s executive director Raju Dhamala opined that Olgapuri Village was a ‘priceless gift’ from Olga for underprivileged children and youths. The government of Nepal had honoured Olga with Dakshin Gorkha Bahu decoration in recognition of her contributions and granted her a lifetime resident visa for Nepal. The statue is installed within the premises of Olgapuri Village.

Present on the occasion were Bagmati Province’s Minister for Transport Prem Bhakta Maharjan, LMC Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, American Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson and Chief District Officer of Lalitpur Tulsi Bahadur Shrestha among others. —RSS