affidvit.Cjitrakar,Nalina.doc
- 1. Premium Processing USCIS Texas Service Center 4141 North St. Augustine Road Dallas, TX 75227 Affidavit of Nalina CHITRAKAR, in Support of I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, First Employment Preference (EB-1), Alien with Extraordinary Ability as a Singer/Artist Petitioner/Beneficiary: CHITRAKAR, Nalina Dear Adjudicating Officer, I make this Affidavit under penalty of perjury that all the information and facts I have provided here are true and correct to the best of my knowledge in support of my petition for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, First Employment Preference (Eb-1), Alien with Extraordinary Ability as a Singer. 1. Introduction: My name is Nalina CHITRAKAR. I am native and citizen of Nepal. I was born on September 10, 1973 at Kathmandu -23, Kathmandu, Nepal. I am married to Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Mishra on March 06, 2003 at Kathmandu, Nepal and I have a son who was born on October 20, 2005. I have a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. I am a Nepali Singer. I started my career as a singer in 1988. I have been continuously working as a singer and I have produced seven (7) Music Albums and sang more than 150 songs. I have worked in various music videos, feature films, Print and video ads and social awareness songs. I have also performed in more than 1000 musical concerts and cultural programs in Nepal, UK, USA, Japan, Hong Kong, India, Qatar, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Belgium, and France I have produced following solo music albums: - 1. Priyatam, 1997 2. Nalina, 1999 3. Nalinako Rang, 2001 4. Selected Nalina, 2003 5. Nalinako Zindagi, October 2005 (released by Australian Ambassador). 6. Jindagi-Jindagi, 2007 (Collection of Music Videos and released in London, UK) 7. Refresh, 2008
- 2. 2. National and International Level Awards, Appreciation, and Recognition as a Singer: I have received following National Level Awards: - 1. Best Female Vocal Performance, 1998, Hits FM Music Awards: - Hits FM Music Awards: Kathmandu, Nepal 2. Best Female Vocal Performance, 2004, Hits FM Music Awards: Hits FM Music Awards is one of the most reputable and popular national level music awards in Nepal. It started in 1998 from a private sector with six categories, now going on to more than 15. Hits FM Music awards is an attempt to promote and recognize artists and the industry on a nationwide basis. 3. Best Youth Singer, Chinnalata Award, 2004: - I received this award as best Youth Singer in year 2004. This award is one of the most reputed and highly recognized national awards in Nepal which is given to those people who has risen on the top of their field of Arts. It was given to me because of my popularity and outstanding achievement in Nepali music industry as a best young singer. I was the only one who received this award in this title. 4. Close-Up Best Music Video Singer Award, 2004: This award was Organized by Channel Nepal Television which is one of the most popular National TV Channel in Nepal and sponsored by Nepal Liver Corporation which is one of the largest business corporation in Nepal. 651 videos competed for this Award, which were total number of registered and broadcasted music videos all over Nepal within the year 2004. There were 15 different titles of the awards. This kind of music awards competition was the first of this kind. I received Best Music Video Award for the year 2004. 5. I-CON 2004: - I-CON is a national level very popular music award in Nepal. This is the only one awards of its kind, which organizes every year and it has earned immense popularity among people because it has been providing a platform for Nepali artistes. Besides encouraging the emerging talents and award to popular one, Icon Awards is also a big fund raising program which aims to do pure charity works. Explanation of Standard and Criteria of above Awards: These Awards are nationally recognized and most reputable in the music industry of Nepal. Only those people who have risen to very top level of Nepali music industry through their long- time and/or outstanding contribution to the field of music, and extraordinary musical talent can receive these awards. In order to qualify for the nomination for the awards, artist’s musical publication must be popular with high demand according to the standards of musical industry. One can never understand the full procedures of selecting a song/music for nomination and award; however it is clear that that song must be popular and most aired from the radio or television nationwide. After a song is recorded and published, the audiences of such radio or TV programs vote for a song that they like. As a result of that requests, the radio or TV stations plays the songs. Based on how many times a particular song was aired, they select those most aired songs for nominations. After that, there is a panel of judges who analyze all the nominated songs. They also look at all the aspects of a particular nominated song and approve for further selection. Then, the radio or TV program asks for public votes for
- 3. those final selected songs. Whichever song receives the most votes, wins that particular awards. Thousands of people vote for the selected songs. These award ceremonies are broadcasted live on national TVs and Radios. Such ceremonies are held on red carpet and are most respected all over the country. These above mentioned Awards are top level awards that any artist or singer can ever dream for in Nepal. I have received following National and International Level Appreciation and Recognition: 1. “Youth Ambassador for Peace,” from Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, President of Youth Federation of World Peace, and from Universal Peace Federation, Bangkok, Thailand, August 02, 2007; 2. “The Certificate of Appreciation,” from PSI Nepal (PSI USA), August 19, 2009; 3. “Certificate of Appreciation,” for Outstanding Performance in 8th South Asia Federation Games, Kathmandu, Nepal, 1999; 4. “Certificate,” from Namaste Cultural Programme, Ebara Bunka Center, Tokyo, Japan, June 15, 2003; 5. “Awards Certificate of Recognition,” from Nepalese Artists Association, United Kingdom, 2001; 6. “Certified and Appreciated,” for successful performance in “Rhythms of India & Nepal,” from Indian Citizen’s Association of Nepal, 1994; 7. “Appreciation-Letter,” for participation in “Hope’s Nite,” from Lions Club of Kathmandu-Hope,” Kathmandu, Nepal; 8. “Certificate of Appreciation from ASMAN, Association of Mary’s Alumnae Nepal, August 31, 2003; 9. “Certificate,” for successful Musical Performance on the occasion of World Tourism Day, from Paryatan Sewa Sangh ( Tourism Service Association), September 27, 1993; 10. “Certificate of Appreciation,” from Patan Jaycees for successful performance in “Hits and Top Nepal ‘97”, 1997; 11. “Certificate of Appreciation from Malaria Mela-Awareness Program, August 19, 2009; 12. “Certificate of Appreciation,” from Rotary Club of Yala-Patan, 2000; 13. “Certificate of Honor,” from New Millnnium Tourism Festival, 2000; 14. “Appreciation,” from Three Star Club, Patan, Nepal, June 26, 1999; 15. “Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Performance,” from Toshi Sanskritik Sanjha 2061; 16. “Certificate of Appreciation,” from Association of Ex-Bhanubhakta memorial Student, Kathmandu, Nepal, 1999. 3. Membership in Associations: - 1. “Executive Member” of Music Association of Nepal: - Music Association of Nepal is a government body of national organization of Nepali Music Industry. This is the most authoritative organization in the music sector of Nepal. I was the elective Executive Member of this organization from August 18, 2004 to August 17, 2006. To be elected for this organization one must be a popular and reputable musician, artists, or singer. I was elected to this position because of my popularity, extraordinary talent
- 4. and reputation as a singer. I played significant role for this organization which has very reputable position in Nepali music industry. I worked to develop this organization for the benefit and welfare of the Nepali music artist. 2. “Youth Ambassador,” of Universal Peace Federation and Youth Federation for World Peace, August 02, 2007: - Universal Peace Federation and The Youth Federation for World Peace (YFWP) is a global alliance of young leaders and youth- related organizations dedicated to building a world peace, a world in which NGOs, businesses, government agencies and the United Nations, YFWP works on crucial issues to realize the dream of one global family of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally-shared values. These organizations acknowledges as Youth Ambassadors for peace those individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to practices that promote universal moral values, strong family life, interreligious cooperation, international harmony, renewal of the United nations, a responsible public media, and the establishment of a culture of peace. Transcending racial, national and religious barriers, Youth Ambassadors for peace contribute to the fulfillment of the hope of all ages, a unified world of peace where the spiritual and material dimensions of life are harmonized. I was recognized as a Youth Ambassador for Peace by Universal Peace Federation and Youth Federation for world Peace on August 02, 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand. 3. Executive Member of National Board of Youth Federation for World Peace (YFWP-Nepal) during the tenure of 2007-2008: - The Youth Federation for World Peace (YFWP) is a global alliance of young leaders and youth-related organizations dedicated to building a world peace, a world in which NGOs, businesses, government agencies and the United Nations, YFWP works on crucial issues to realize the dream of one global family of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally-shared values. Members of this organizations are selected from the most popular and reputed youths in the country. I was selected for this position because of her popularity and reputation as a youth singer. 4. As a Judge of the Work of Others 1. Judge, Miss Nepal: - Miss Nepal is the most glamorous and biggest beauty pageant of Nepal. This beauty pageant can be compared to ‘Miss America’ beauty pageant and it happens annually. Miss Nepal is organized by Hidden Treasure, a franchise of Miss Universe Inc. (USA), Miss World (UK), Miss Earth (Philippines), and Miss Asia pacific (Philippines). I was honored to serve as one of Judges in the panel selecting “Miss Nepal, 2005.” Judges for this beauty pageant are selected among most popular and reputable persons from singers, musicians, actors and other social leaders. I was chosen among the many top and popular singers representing my field. There were five judges in the panel and I was the only one singer in the panel. 2. Judge, Dashai Celebration Competition, 2004: - This was a national level musical event organized by PSI/Nepal on the occasion of Nepal’s biggest festival Dashai in the year 2004. There were hundreds of singers from all over the country competing in this Dashai celebration competition. I was honored to serve in the panel of 3 judges. “Certificate of Appreciation, from Nikki Charman, Deputy Country Representative Population Services International/Nepal, 2004. 5. Published Materials about Me: -
- 5. 1. “Know Your Artist: Nalina Chitrakar,” published on the Cover Page of MELODY, Entertainment Magazine, May 1998; 2. “Connecting Nalina Chitrakar,” Interview with singer Nalina Chitrakar, published on the VISION, an entertainment magazine, May 2000; 3. “It’s Party Time for THT, AP distributors,” The Himalayan Times, March 28, 2004; 4. “NTV Unplugged,” Sanuday Post, May 20, 2001; 5. City Gossip: Nalina Chitrakar,’ The Himalayan Times, October, 29, 2005, and Singer Nalina Chitrakar performing in launching her new album ‘Nalinako Jindagi,” The Himalayan times, October 08, 2005; 6. “D Pearl of Humanity-Remembering the Wall Street Fiddler,” The Kathmandu Post, October 05, 2008; 7. “Young Nepal: New Nepal: Making New Age,” April 13, 2004; 8. “Name. Money, and Glamour,” published with 4 most popular singers of Nepal, on the cover page of SAMAYA (Time), a National Weekly Magazine of Nepal, February, 2005; 9. “Together: Sanjeev Mishra from Sarlahi Balara and Nalina Chitrakar from Marutol, Kathmandu,” published on the cover page and cover story about Nalina Mishra and her husband Mr. Sanjeev Mishra, published on the HIMAL , one of the Most popular National Magazine, February, 2007; 10. “Top to Bottom of Nalina,” Published on the cover page of SARBOTTAM, a National entertainment Magazine of Nepal, December, 1999. 11. “A Love Ditty,” LIFESTYLE, a Story about family life of Nalina Chitrakar published on The Himalayan Times, National daily, Saturday, March 22, 2003 by Dipti Serchan, Kathmandu, Nepal; 12. “Mesmerising & Mellifluous NALINA!,” by Anjali Subedi and Saurav Jung Thapa, a news story about Nalina Chitrakar, published on The Kathmandu Post, National Daily, Monday July 28, 2003; 13. “A Song for All Seasons,” an Interview with Prof. Dr. Rita Shrestha about Nalina Chitrakar, published on The Himalayan Times, National Daily, May 29, 2004; 14. “My Kinda Life: HITTING The right Notes,” an Interview with Nalina Chitrakar, published on The Himalayan Times, National Daily, June 06, 2008; 15. “Nalina,” published on the Cover Page of WAVE, an entertainment national magazine, Kathmandu, Nepal. 16. Photo published on the cover page of The Kathmandu Post, National Daily with Buddhist nun cum religious singer Ani Choying Dolma, May 27, 2003; 17. “Nalina’s Videos on Jindagi Jindagi (Life Life),” a news reporting about releasing of Nalina Chitrakar’s Music Album, published on City Post, The Kathmandu Post National Daily, September 26, 2007; 18. “Pani” Lover Nalina Chitrakar: Drizzled in Melodies,” a News Story about Nalina Chitrakar and her songs by Akanksha Upadhyay, published on Republica National Daily, august 10, 2009; 19. “Icons rule the evening,” The Himalayan Times National Daily, Monday, December 20, 2004; 20. “Marshyangdi Spa for Fairer Sex,” Nalina Chitrakar with US Ambassador for Nepal; 21. “Artistes in the Fray: Causes and Effects,’ The Kathmandu Post national daily, March 25, 2008;
- 6. 22. “Director Dialogues: Nalina ChitraKar, Singer,” The Kathmandu Post, April 16, 2008; 23. “Director Dialogues: Nalina Chitrakar, Singer,” The Kathmandu Post, October 31, 2007; 24. “Major English was boring and tough-My salad days-Nalina Chitrakar Mishra,” an Interview with Nalina Chitrakar by Dipti Serchan, published on The Himalayan Times, November 08, 2003; 25. “Komal’s holistic colors of Holi,” Nepalese celebrities celebrating Holi, festivals of colors including singer Nalina Chitrakar, The Kathmandu Post, March 20, 2008; 26. “Frustration Across the Corner,’ Republica, May 05, 2010; 27. “An Endeavour against the Killer,’ The Kathmandu Post, December 20, 2008; 28. “Will the New Constitution be written on time? Close your eyes and what do you see?” Republica, March 20, 2010; 6. Performance in Critical or Leading Role for organizations or establishments having a distinguished reputation: - 1. “Executive Member” of Music Association of Nepal: - Music Association of Nepal is a government body of national organization of Nepali Music Industry. This is the most authoritative organization in the music sector of Nepal. I was the elective Executive Member of this organization from August 18, 2004 to August 17, 2006. To be elected for this organization one must be a popular and reputable musician, artists, or singer. I was elected to this position because of my popularity, extraordinary talent and reputation as a singer. I played significant role for this organization which has very reputable position in Nepali music industry. I worked to develop this organization for the benefit and welfare of the Nepali music artist. 2. “Youth Ambassador,” of Universal Peace Federation and Youth Federation for World Peace, August 02, 2007: - Universal Peace Federation and The Youth Federation for World Peace (YFWP) is a global alliance of young leaders and youth- related organizations dedicated to building a world peace, a world in which NGOs, businesses, government agencies and the United Nations, YFWP works on crucial issues to realize the dream of one global family of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally-shared values. These organizations acknowledges as Youth Ambassadors for peace those individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to practices that promote universal moral values, strong family life, interreligious cooperation, international harmony, renewal of the United nations, a responsible public media, and the establishment of a culture of peace. Transcending racial, national and religious barriers, Youth Ambassadors for peace contribute to the fulfillment of the hope of all ages, a unified world of peace where the spiritual and material dimensions of life are harmonized. I was recognized as a Youth Ambassador for Peace by Universal Peace Federation and Youth Federation for world Peace on August 02, 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand. 3. Executive Member of National Board of Youth Federation for World Peace (YFWP-Nepal) during the tenure of 2007-2008: - The Youth Federation for World Peace (YFWP) is a global alliance of young leaders and youth-related organizations dedicated to building a world peace, a world in which NGOs, businesses, government
- 7. agencies and the United Nations, YFWP works on crucial issues to realize the dream of one global family of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally-shared values. Members of this organizations are selected from the most popular and reputed youths in the country. I was selected for this position because of her popularity and reputation as a youth singer. 4. Outstanding Contributor of Increasing Awareness of Women Health Services: I was appreciated as an Outstanding Contributor for Increasing Awareness of Women Health Services. PSI (Population Services International) is a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C., USA with projects in more than 70 countries. With funding of USAID, PSI began operations in Nepal since 2002 and it’s Nepal Office known as PSI/Nepal. I was honored to work with PSI/Nepal in this program because of my popularity and reputation as a successful and popular singer in Nepal. “Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution towards Making INCREASING AWARENESS OF WOMEN HEALTH SERVICES in grand success in Seven districts of Nepal, a joint program of PSI Nepal, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Health & Population, Family Health Division, and National Family Planning Council, August 19, 2009; 5. Outstanding Contributor of Malaria Mela, Malaria prevention Program: I was appreciated as an Outstanding Contributor for Increasing Awareness of Women Health Services. PSI (Population Services International) is a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C., USA with projects in more than 70 countries. With funding of USAID, PSI began operations in Nepal since 2002 and it’s Nepal Office known as PSI/Nepal. I was honored to work with PSI/Nepal in this program because of my popularity and reputation as a successful and popular singer in Nepal. “Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution towards Making MALARIA MELA a grand success for Malaria prevention in 13 districts of Nepal, a joint program of Government of Nepal, Ministry of Health and Population, The Global Find (GFATM), Population Services International (PSI) Nepal, and National Human Welfare Council, Nepal, August 19, 2009; 6. Program Presenter at Nepal 1 Television: “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. Krishen Kumar, Manager-Operations and Coordination, TV LIVE Media, Nepal 1 Television, New Delhi, India; 7. Freelance Presenter at British Forces Broadcasting Service, BFBS Radio 7. High Salary or remuneration: - I have commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field. Please see following documents: 1. Remuneration Package Letter from Khajurico Nepal Pvt. Ltd., chapagaun-9, Lalitpur, Nepal, dated June 25, 2009; 2. Letter from Media Act (Pvt.) Ltd Babarmahal-11, Kathmandu, dated July 16, 2009; 3. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. James Pradhan, Singer and Senior Music Director, Managing Director of MUSICWORK, Private Limited, audio and Video Studio, Kathmandu, Nepal dated June 25, 2009; 4. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. Daya Ram Shrestha, Chief Finance and Administration of Reeyaz Music Pvt. Ltd. Mahabouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal, dated December 25, 2009;
- 8. 8. Commercial Success in the Performing Arts: - My songs are very popular in Nepal and abroad. Due to popularity of my songs I became a celebrity. I have achieved commercial success in my field as performing arts. Please review following news articles, letters and recommendations: - 1. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Private Secretariat of the President of Nepal, President Building, Shital Niwas, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal, dated August 27, 2010; 2. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Mr. SP Koirala, Joint Secretary, Culture Preservation and Promotion Division, His Majesty’s Government, Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviatioan, singhdurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal, dated May 07, 2004; 3. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Mr. Tapanath Shukla, Executive Director, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Information and Communication, Radio Broadcasting Service, Radio Nepal, Kathmandu, dated august 10, 2010; 4. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. Shree Purush Dhakal, Senior & Renowned Lyricist, Chairman of Music Royalty Collection Society of Nepal, dated August 20, 2010; 5. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. Dinesh Adhikari, Poet/Lyricist, Battisputali, Kathmandu, dated August 20, 2010; 6. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Mr. Bishnu Gopal Shrestha, President, Nepal-Japan Coordination Council, dated September 20, 2008; 7. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Mr. Shambhujeet Baskota, Senior Music director, Chief-Music Department, Nepal Academy, Kathmandu, Nepal, dated May 21, 2009; 8. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Prabhat Rimal, sation manager, Radio KANTIPUR, Kantipur FM Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal, dated May 05, 2010; 9. “Performance in India” Invitation Letter from Mr. Sanjay Verma, Counsellor, Press, Information & Culture, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, dated September 29, 2004; 10. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. Mahesh Rana, Assistant General Manager of Everest Insurance Company Ltd. Kathmandu, Nepal dated June 01, 2010; 9. National Acclaim: - 1. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Private Secretariat of the President of Nepal, President Building, Shital Niwas, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal, dated August 27, 2010; 2. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Mr. SP Koirala, Joint Secretary, Culture Preservation and Promotion Division, His Majesty’s Government, Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviatioan, singhdurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal, dated May 07, 2004; 3. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Mr. Tapanath Shukla, Executive Director, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Information and Communication, Radio Broadcasting Service, Radio Nepal, Kathmandu, dated august 10, 2010;
- 9. 4. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. Shree Purush Dhakal, Senior & Renowned Lyricist, Chairman of Music Royalty Collection Society of Nepal, dated August 20, 2010; 5. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. Dinesh Adhikari, Poet/Lyricist, Battisputali, Kathmandu, dated August 20, 2010; 6. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Mr. Bishnu Gopal Shrestha, President, Nepal-Japan Coordination Council, dated September 20, 2008; 7. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Mr. Shambhujeet Baskota, Senior Music director, Chief-Music Department, Nepal Academy, Kathmandu, Nepal, dated May 21, 2009; 8. “To Whom It May Concern,” Recommendation Letter from Prabhat Rimal, sation manager, Radio KANTIPUR, Kantipur FM Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal, dated May 05, 2010; 9. “Performance in India” Invitation Letter from Mr. Sanjay Verma, Counsellor, Press, Information & Culture, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, dated September 29, 2004; 10. “To Whom It May Concern,” Letter from Mr. Mahesh Rana, Assistant General Manager of Everest Insurance Company Ltd. Kathmandu, Nepal dated June 01, 2010; Intent to Continue Work as a Singer in the United States / Employment Offer: I have received employment offers from some companies in the US to work in the field of music as a singer. I have been performing in various music concerts in many US cities,, such as Colorado, Baltimore, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Connecticut, Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. I am also planning to produce my new songs and albums in the US. I have also received an Offer of Employment from Yeti of Heizein Restaurant and Bar, Queens, New York for live performance of my songs. If thoroughly reviewed my outstanding contributions in the music industry as a singer, I have every expectation that I will provide significant contribution and continuity to the music industry of the United States of America. As explained above, my outstanding performance and patentable artistic talent as a celebrity Nepali Singer and performer from Nepal and my outstanding contributions made me a person on the top in my field. Therefore, I believe that I have that level of expertise in the Nepalese music industry as a singer which indicates that I am that individual who aroused from the bottom to the top in my specified field. I have achieved top of the position in Nepali music industry. Furthermore, I believe that my constant involvement in this area of music will also benefit the US and the people living into this polyglot society as music and arts become an important part of our lives. If necessary, I am more than happy submitting additional documents and evidence supporting my application. For this petition, I want to be represented by Dilli Raj Bhatta, Esq. and The Bhatta Law Firm, P.C.,
- 10. Based on above facts and supporting evidentiary documents, I kindly request you to approve my I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien, First Employment Based Preference (Eb-1), Alien with Extra-ordinary Ability. Sincerely, ………………………… Nalina CHITRAKAR 58-28 44th Avenue, # 2C Woodside, NY 11377 Sworn and subscribed before me on 31st Day of August, 2010.