Dr Mahendra Lohani, senior vice-president of International Programs at Heifer International, has been honoured with Ascend’s inaugural Humanitarian Award in recognition of his service in social amenity.

The Humanitarian Award recognises a Pan-Asian executive who epitomizes the values of Ascend and promotes social responsibility to improve the welfare of millions of people worldwide. Ascend is a nonprofit Pan-Asian membership organisation for business professionals in North America. It offers leadership development programmes designed to cultivate Pan-Asian talent.

Thomas Phelps IV, president of Ascend Los Angeles Metro and vice-president of Laserfiche, presented the award to Mahendra at the annual Ascend National Convention in Anaheim, California on August 1. “Mahendra’s story-where he personally experienced extreme hunger and poverty growing up in Nepal while living in a small hut that provided shelter for his 11 siblings-has inspired all of us,” Phelps said. “Since those early years, his leadership has empowered others. His keen desire to provide positive change has impacted the global community we all live in-lifting countless families out of poverty.”

Dr Lohani, who joined Heifer as a volunteer in Nepal in 1993, now leads the Asia, Europe and Africa programmes with projects in about 30 countries. “We educate and train smallholder farmers in both technical and non-technical skills,” Dr Lohani said. “With the support we provide, our farmers are able to unleash their potential to achieve sustainable socio-economic transformation. Despite obstacles, these farmers are strong and resilient.”

“I am incredibly fortunate to be part of such a great mission at Heifer,” Dr. Lohani continued.

“The joy I have felt over the years goes far beyond my contributions. The greatest reward is being able to see thousands of women, men and children in communities around the world enjoy better lives. When I return home to Nepal, I always find them with open arms, joyful hearts and smiling faces. They have so few physical possessions, yet so much love to share. They feel empowered to change their world. In turn, I feel inspired to continue the cycle of creating positive change.”

In the 23 years since Dr Lohani started working with Heifer International Nepal, the programme has grown to support more than 228,000 families in Nepal.