rajen thapa, owner of taste of the himalayas restaurant in berkeley california
Rajen Thapa Owner Taste Himalayas Restaurant Berkeley
Rajen Thapa’s story is a journey of success and a consciousness spanning three countries: India, Nepal and the United States, all of which Rajen loyally loves. In less than three years, he has become a treasured gem in North Berkeley, where he is co-owner of The Taste of the Himalayas restaurant. The restaurant’s purpose is to serve everything Nepalese: cuisine, culture, hospitality, “Momo Nights” and other monthly events that coincide with festivals occurring in Nepal. Rajen explains, “When people come here we want them to feel like they are eating at home – dignified, respected and recognized – as they would in Nepal.”
Watch Sophie & Jesse’s Free Webinar NOW : From Conflicts to Deeper Connections
Larger than the restaurant is Rajen’s commitment to the elevation of all people in Nepal, regardless of class or caste standing. Nepal is Rajen’s ancestral home, although he grew up in India, educated and respected. Living in India, he saw the Nepalese immigrants arriving with no belief in, or imagination of what might be possible in their lives. His dream became to educate the next Nepalese generation, in the hope of reducing poverty and changing the system from within Nepal.
When Rajen graduated from a prestigious English-speaking university and left for Nepal, his dream began to manifest. In 1983, he arrived in Itahari, a crossroads city between India, Kathmandu and Dharan (Nepal’s second-largest city), with “two pairs of pants and two shirts.” The locals warmly embraced him, and at twenty-three, he became Vice Principal of a secondary school, and later Head Principal.
In 1993, Rajen founded a school, the Modern Preparatory Secondary Boarding School, that would include “untouchable” children (of the “tallo zati” lower class). The school now serves 800 students a year, including 125 “untouchables” whose boarding, school and living expenses are paid. While living in Nepal, Rajen visited small villages in the area to invite children to the school. Rajen’s nephew continues this practice as Principal in Rajen’s absence.
Rajen and the school quickly earned recognition. The school received the world’s largest solar reflectors through the cooperative efforts of the German, Swiss and Swedish governments, with additional help from Adolf Rav and the One World Group (a group dedicated to the unification of the world as one people). The solar reflectors now produce the energy necessary to provide 240 students with three meals a day.
As political problems in Nepal escalated, Rajen was granted political asylum in the United States, and he brought many of his family members to live here. “The only thing I could do was run a restaurant here [to be successful]. It is a classroom for me. I feel like I am teaching people when I am talking to them. Teaching about everything Nepalese.”
Rajen continues to support children in Nepal, sending $2,000 every month from the proceeds of the restaurant to the school. Rajen believes he is in the right place right now. “By dining here, your money is going to an underprivileged school in Nepal, which people would not have done if I was not here.” He also encourages people to help create community in their own neighborhood. “I believe in giving. When you give, people will like to give to you.”
If you are looking to deepen your relationships and learn the basics of authentic communication (with yourself and others) take a look at this online course – Transformative Communication – an easy and life-enhancing approach for better relationships.
tasteofthehimalayas.com
