Kathmandu___
Nepali businessman Tank Sapkota, who has been residing in Portugal for a long time, and his family have donated Rs 5.1 million to the Prime Minister’s Relief and Rescue Fund.
According to the Embassy of Nepal in Portugal, the amount was deposited in a lump sum by Sapkota and his family in support of relief and rescue efforts during the ongoing national crisis.
The embassy praised Sapkota and his family for their generosity and described their contribution as an inspiring gesture at a difficult time for the country.
The embassy said the contribution was deposited into the Prime Minister’s Relief and Rescue Fund, describing the donation as an example of solidarity demonstrated by Nepali communities living abroad during times of national disaster.
Sapkota said the entire amount was contributed privately by him and his family. According to him, the Rs 5,111,151 contribution is equivalent to approximately €29,000.
Announcing the contribution, Sapkota said, “We cannot change the world, but we can help change the world.”
He said being able to share a portion of what his family has gained in life with their homeland and people suffering during a difficult time is not only a responsibility but also an expression of humanity, gratitude and respect for the spirit of giving.
Sapkota also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Portuguese citizens who have consistently shown love, trust and empathy toward him and his family, as well as to customers, friends, well-wishers and others around the world who have been part of their journey.
He said the trust placed in their work, family, restaurants and services over the years had enabled them to reach a position where they could contribute to others.
Reflecting on the disaster, Sapkota said it had also highlighted the painful reality of climate change and global warming. Innocent people and communities that have contributed very little to climate change and global warming are often among those bearing the greatest consequences, he noted.
Sapkota further clarified that the entire contribution came from him and his family’s personal resources and that not a single amount was collected from any customer, individual, organization or external source.
Photo: Sapkota family with a symbolic cheque.