Binita Puri Rai Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected Swatara Township Commissioner

Community Celebrates Historic Victory of Commissioner-Elect Binita Puri Rai in Harrisburg. Congratulations from myself for her inspiring achievement and dedicated service. I was present at today’s event to honor her success and extend my heartfelt best wishes.

History was made on November 4, 2025, when Binita Puri Rai became the first Bhutanese woman elected as a Swatara Township Commissioner, a milestone that has inspired pride across the Bhutanese and Nepali-speaking communities in the United States. Her journey from being born in Bhutan, raised in a refugee camp, and resettled in America with dreams of opportunity has become a powerful symbol of resilience, courage, and the rising voice of an immigrant community. Over the years, Binita Puri Rai has dedicated herself to education, youth empowerment, women’s leadership, and cultural understanding, earning the admiration of many who see her as a compassionate listener and a bridge-builder committed to unity and service.

Today, December 6, 2025, the Bhutanese community in Harrisburg gathered to celebrate her historic victory at a special event held at 2243 Paxton Church Road. Friends, supporters, and well-wishers filled the venue to honor her achievement and reflect on the collective journey of a community that once struggled to find representation in American public life. Many expressed that Binita’s election is not only a personal accomplishment but a shared triumph for all Bhutanese, Nepali, and immigrant women who believe in the power of their voice. Her heartfelt message, “This win is not just mine. It belongs to every Bhutanese, Nepali, and immigrant woman who has ever believed that her voice matters,” resonated deeply throughout the celebration.

Adhi Khem-Dr. Khem Adhikari, a respected physician and longtime community supporter, congratulated her with warm remarks, acknowledging her dedication and the inspiration she brings to younger generations. Swatara Township Commissioner Tom Connolly also attended and congratulated her, emphasizing the importance of diversity and representation in local government and expressing confidence in her ability to bring positive change to the township. Their presence highlighted the significance of this moment not only for the Bhutanese community but for the broader Swatara Township leadership.

Leaders from various cultural and community groups also joined the celebration and shared brief but heartfelt congratulatory messages. Community leaders from the Gurung community, the Buddhist community, and the Majhi community of Harrisburg expressed their pride in seeing Binita reach this historic milestone. OHRC President Prem Khanal, BCH President Tilak Niroula, senior GBHO leader Narad Adhikari sir, Mandhoj Gurung representing the Gurung community, and Raju Subedi from the Christian community all offered words of encouragement and unity, noting how her success reflects the collective progress of all immigrant families striving for opportunity in the United States.

Throughout the program, speakers described Binita as a leader who listens deeply, leads with compassion, and believes that even small acts of service can create lasting change. Her story was celebrated not only as a political victory but as a testament to the strength, perseverance, and cultural values carried by Bhutanese families from refugee camps to their new homes in America. Many attendees shared that her election brings hope to the next generation, showing them that representation in public office is possible through dedication and community support.

The event was smoothly coordinated by Binay Luitel, former president of the Bhutanese Community of Harrisburg, whose leadership ensured a meaningful and well-organized celebration. As Binita Puri Rai prepares to begin her tenure as Commissioner, the community stands proudly behind her, confident that her leadership will bring unity, transparency, and inclusive progress to Swatara Township. Her historic achievement marks a new chapter of pride and purpose, not only for one woman but for an entire community rising with hope and determination.

• Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈