Kamal Aryal - From the Tune of Mandolin to the vision of Community Center

“If one week worth of my income makes possible to build a center, I wisely donate it for our community and the future generation”

Kamal Aryal often improvises Nepali folk and popular tunes with his instrument Mandolin. His sound manifests the wide range of melodies and rhythmic styles including Jhyawore, Sorathi, Tamang Selo as well as Rock and Roll. Although he was not able to perform regularly due to his busy work schedule, he has been entertaining in local gatherings every now and then. Recently, he performed in Nepali Mela 2010 in Chicago area.  The whole crowd clapped in the beat and many of them danced with the tune.

Still, music is just a hobby for Kamal Aryal. He is a family man, who works in the restaurant industry for living. Despite of many social and economic challenges that every Nepali American faces, he always has been enthusiastic and supportive of causes that benefit the whole community. Mr. Aryal is one of the earliest donors to the Nepali American Center.

Kamal Aryal immigrated to the United States with his family in 1990s. He recalls the DV moment and motivation in those days that encourgaged him and his wife to start new life away from the homeland for better future of their son. In the beginning, Mr. Aryal tried to find career opportunity in color photography in the United States. After all, he has more than 16 years of professional experience from the well established Rainbow Color Lab in Nepal. However, it has not been easy journey for the Aryal family in the new world.

Similar to many first generation immigrants in the United States, Kamal Aryal took a job that was completely different from his previous career path. On the other hand, it was good enough to support his family and to keep the life moving.  Throughout the time, he mentioned that he has always followed his father’s wisdom: “Son, Patience and hard work will pay off eventually”.  Today, Mr. Aryal is looking forward to celebrate the 10 years of service in the Mt. Everest Restaurant, Evanston, IL.

Even after spending more than a decade outside from homeland, Kamal Aryal still reads Nepali news online in regular basis. He not only deeply cares about Nepal and Nepali, but also believes that Nepali American culture continues to prosper in the United States. He has seen how Indian and Jewish communities have raised money to build and their community centers and temples around his current neighborhood.  He says “even though those communities are bigger and economically stronger than us, we cannot under-estimate Nepali”. He gives examples Nepali fund raising events to help building hospital and schools in Nepal.

Mr. Aryal is optimistic that Nepali people in the United States will come together to build the center that facilitates cultural activities. He further ensures “If one week worth of my income makes possible to build a center, I wisely donate it for our community and the future generation”. Kamal Aryal lives in North Side Chicago with his wife Sangita and son Shakil.