The Vibez in a Mission


San Francisco-based Nepalese pop-rock band The Vibez (Direk Shrestha– Drums, Deependra Rai– Lead, Rupesh Singh– Guitar, Rupak Lama– Guitar, Suneel Gauchan (Bass) and Prayeen Singh (Vocal), has been raising their voice through emails and announcements at Northern California concerts asking friends to support flood victims in Nepal.

The Everest Club, a Nepalese association founded by The Vibez’ members in Santa Rosa, California, has already donated over $500 to support flood victims. Club treasurer Mr. Gopal Gauchan said, “It is very sad that many people lost their lives due to floods in Nepal this year. We pray for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace. We hope our donation reaches people in need quickly.”

Mr. Anil Pandey, president of Motherland Nepal, a NGO in California, adds, “We are appealing to all Northern California residents through emails and personal contacts for donations. We have also asked The Vibez to make appeals for help at their concerts. As soon as some funds are collected, we will donate it to the Pradhanmantri Daibi Prakop Udhar Kosh organizing press conference in Nepal. Any kind of assistance will provide hope and may save lives of Nepali brothers and sisters so I request Nepalese living abroad to act quickly on this matter.”

Similarly, Mr. Dikendra Maskay, president of the Nepalese Association of Northern California (NANC), has been requesting all Nepalese to take immediate action to help the flood victims. “This is something that happens in Nepal every year,” he said. We have to find the grassroots causes for the flooding. Monsoon rain is inevitable. However, the dams of India play a significant role in the Terai region flooding. If we want to minimize flooding in the region, we have to lobby against Indian government policies.” He informed us that NANC is also collecting funds for the victims.

In the cultural program organized by NANC in Oakland on August 5, 2007, The Vibez appealed to all Northern California residents to contribute to the flood victims. The band added that giving up Starbucks for a day, a six pack of beer, or a pack of cigarettes, can save lives and give hope to many people. The flooding is beginning to abate, but epidemic diseases are spreading like wildfire. Therefore, the urgency remains. The Vibez dedicated their performance to the deceased souls and prayed to give strength to the family members of the lost.