Sudarshan Pyakurel

Honorary Delegate
Written By Aleia Mariel

Sudarshan Pyakurel
Honorary Delegate (Ohio)
Resettled Refugee from Bhutan

Sudarshan Pyakurel is a Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate from Ohio. He is a former refugee from Bhutan who came to the U.S. in 2010.

Sudarshan is the Executive Director of Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio (BCCO), and community leader and advocate for social justice.

He actively works in the community for equity, advocacy, and empowerment of refugees and immigrants. He is a nationally certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and a member of Trauma Responsive Care through the CARE Coalition. He is also on the steering committee for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) for Region 5 and a Migrant and Refugee Leadership Academy Fellow.

In 2018, Sudarshan was named to the State New American Advisory committee by Ohio Governor Kasich and was reappointed by Governor DeWine in 2021.

He has a master’s degree in English Literature and bachelor’s degree in Economics from India, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from The Ohio State University and an associate’s degree in Philosophy from Cuyahoga Community College. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work at The Ohio State University.

"No one was born a refugee, and anyone can become a refugee." 

In the News:

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Refugee leaders selected for Sparking Change project
Refugee leaders selected for Sparking Change project

USA for UNHCR announces our 2025 Sparking Change grantees in partnership with Refugee Congress and Welcoming America. This year’s cohort of grantees was chosen to support the creative, community-building solutions developed and delivered by refugees now residing in the United States.  

Refugee Congress Extremely Concerned with Escalating Violence Displacing Thousands in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Refugee Congress Extremely Concerned with Escalating Violence Displacing Thousands in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Refugee Congress is extremely concerned about the safety and protection of civilians and forcibly displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as armed conflict between the national military and the militia group M23 escalated over the weekend.

Suspension of Foreign Assistance Funding Cuts Off Life-Saving Support for Communities in the U.S. and Overseas
Suspension of Foreign Assistance Funding Cuts Off Life-Saving Support for Communities in the U.S. and Overseas

Refugee Congress understands firsthand the benefit and importance of these resources. Each of our members has direct experience of forced displacement. We were forced to leave our homes, we found safety in the United States, and because of the welcome we’ve received, we are motivated to continue to give back and support the well-being of our new communities. Refugees contributed more than $123.8 billion to the U.S. economy, of which wouldn’t have been possible without the support received upon arrival.

Trump Administration’s early start to refugee ban risks lives, betray American values and undermine U.S. leadership
Trump Administration’s early start to refugee ban risks lives, betray American values and undermine U.S. leadership

As leaders who have experienced forced displacement and some who have been separated from families, Refugee Congress denounces not only the indefinite ban on refugee admissions, but also the betrayal of trust and hope for those who were initially approved for arrival and resettlement before the executive order’s effective date. Not only does this action betray American values of welcome, but it also undermines the integrity of American leadership as a nation committed to protecting our most vulnerable neighbors.

Refugee Congress Condemns Trump’s Executive Order Endangering People Seeking Safety
Refugee Congress Condemns Trump’s Executive Order Endangering People Seeking Safety

As an organization led by people who built a new life here in the U.S., we know firsthand that welcoming refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and newcomers makes America safer and stronger. Refugee Congress strongly condemns this unnecessary and inhumane targeting of our neighbors, and we remain dedicated to advocating for the rights, safety, and dignity of all who have been forcibly displaced and who seek safety in the United States.

In remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Refugee Congress calls on elected leaders to pursue justice and equality for all
In remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Refugee Congress calls on elected leaders to pursue justice and equality for all

“Today, we watch a transition of leadership that was borne out of a democratic process but is also a reminder of the fragility of democracy, when not upheld and protected. We must honor this day, and honor Dr. King by standing by our neighbors, welcoming those who seek refuge, and protecting the rights of our most vulnerable community members.”

Refugee Congress Statement on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs on its January 16, 2025 Hearing: “Remain in Mexico”
Refugee Congress Statement on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs on its January 16, 2025 Hearing: “Remain in Mexico”

Refugee Congress urges the Committee to reject any proposal to reinstate the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico (RMX)” policy - a policy that has proven to be unlawful, ineffective, and dangerous for our most vulnerable neighbors - and to instead affirm the need to invest in local communities’ capacity and resources to welcome newcomers, and to support compassionate and humane immigration and reception pathways and systems that do not turn away - or - punish seeking safety.

Refugee Congress Promotes Ali Aljundi to Director of Programs
Refugee Congress Promotes Ali Aljundi to Director of Programs

Ali Aljundi has been promoted to Director of Programs at Refugee Congress.

Refugee Congress launches National Refugee Leadership & Lived Experience Council (NRLLEC) program
Refugee Congress launches National Refugee Leadership & Lived Experience Council (NRLLEC) program

Refugee Congress is pleased to announce the launch of the National Refugee Leadership and Lived Experience Council (NRLLEC)™ .

The NRLLEC is a federal initiative of the Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, and is led by Refugee Congress in partnership with Refugee Council USA, Every Campus a Refuge, Church World Service, and USA Hello. The program will provide individuals with lived displacement experience the opportunity to directly impact ORR’s future policy planning while receiving access to a range of professional development opportunities.

Refugee Congress committed to amplifying voices, defending rights, and building bridges during second Trump administration
Refugee Congress committed to amplifying voices, defending rights, and building bridges during second Trump administration

Refugee Congress reiterates its firm commitment to refugees, asylum seekers, and all forcibly displaced people and communities in the United States and around the world. We remain dedicated to protecting the rights of displaced people, defending the safety and well-being of those seeking safety, and creating welcoming and inclusive spaces at local, state, national and international levels.

Do you want to invite Sudarshan to speak at an upcoming event?  Please fill out this contact form (reporters, please call 202-905-6238 for time-sensitive requests).

Aleia Mariel
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