Harry Bhandari, first Nepalese state delegate in the US, earns his PhD

Harry Bhandari, the first Nepalese person elected to a state legislature in the US, has completed his doctoral degree. He now holds a PhD from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), recognizing his research into ‘the political participation and linguistic integration of Nepalese Americans.’

He received the doctorate at a graduation ceremony held at the university. He participated in the ceremony wearing Nepali attire and expressed his respect and esteem for his motherland.

At the graduation ceremony, UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski introduced Delegate Bhandari as ‘Dr. Bhandari’ and commended his service as a delegate in the Maryland General Assembly, noting that he is one of the few scholars in the legislature to hold a PhD. It is said that he has done a great service to the American academic fertility and his community by doing research related to his community.

Delegate Bhandari gave a brief response after the graduation ceremony.

"It was a dream finally come true in my life,” he said. “Today, I am happy, and I would like to share the credit for this with my motherland Nepal and my homeland America and all the Nepalis here in the US.”

Delegate Bhandari started his early education in a government school founded by his grandfather in his own village in Parbat. After completing his secondary education in the village, he came to Pokhara for higher education. He completed his master's degree in English literature from Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu. After arriving in the United States, he continued his study at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University, Maryland.

He added that his doctorate is different from others and special for Nepalis living in the United States. His report includes recommendations to increase integration of minority communities, bolstering their political power. For example, he suggests a re-emphasis on registering new voters and standing up ethnic and immigrant candidates in local, state and national elections.

"My findings challenge the Asian-American minority myth of the American establishment,” he said.

He further noted that his research has challenged the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach of putting Asian minorities in the United States, including Nepalis, in one basket.

My findings challenge the Asian-American minority myth of the American establishment. My study paints a different picture.
- Delegate Harry Bhandari

“My study paints a different picture,” he said.

Delegate Bhandari’s study of political and linguistic integration of immigrants in the U.S. has underpinned his approach to public service, and his perspective as an immigrant and elected representative has in turn shaped his research. As a lifelong student and teacher, a key conclusion he draws from his research is that education forms the bedrock of a strong society and healthy democracy. This is why fighting to support and improve our schools is his top priority. He often says that no matter political party, national origin or socioeconomic status, better schools benefit everyone.

Bhandari, who was born in Parbat district of Nepal. He arrived in the United States in 2005, registered as a Democrat and began his public service. Since 2019, he has represented Maryland’s eighth legislative district in the Maryland General Assembly.

A prominent leader of the Nepalese American community, Delegate Bhandari embodies the American Dream, and hopes to encourage greater linguistic and political integration through his research, service, and exemplary leadership.