Kathmandu, July 15:

Comptroller of the New York City, William C Thompson Jr, recently honoured Sonam Lama, a youth from Mustang district, for his “extraordinary contribution” to the life of the city.

Sonam Lama, who has only received primary education, entered the United States in 1995 and started a natural health food business in the New York City.

Lama owns Natural Frontier Markets and is a founding president of the Himalayan Yak Restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens.

Following the devastation caused by tsunami, Lama led a community effort to raise funds to support the relief work. Through the United Nations, he donated the funds generated thus to the victims.

“We have formed an alliance of nine different local community groups hailing from the Himalayan region of Nepal. The alliance is planning to support underprivileged children of Nepal by strengthening education and HIV/AIDS awareness,” Lama said at a press conference organised by the Mustang Yuba Samaj here today. Lama has also founded the Mustang Kyidug Society, a non-profit organisation. The society is serving the Nepali community. “I have employed some 40 Nepalis at my restaurant and the Natural Frontiers Markets,” he said.

Along with Lama, a Bangladeshi and two Indians were awarded during the South Asian Heritage Celebration held at the New York City recently.