ANA is NOT equal to Development Platform!!! ANA=feeling Nepali in a foreign land. In other words, it is a platform that helps Nepalese identify themselves in a foreign land. There is no status quo on activities that support ones identity. The outlet for feeling Nepali could be any of the activities supported by ANA. Some examples are: -Showing off nice car or newly done boob job or recently toned arms, ass or legs to a community that is familiar -getting drunk and talking about politics/previous life in Nepal -meeting friends -playing games -discussing issues about Nepal that is purely for the discussion -wearing daura surwal to feel patriotic -singing or dancing to Nepali song -Not to mention, swearing in Nepali so everyone can hear it -introduce your new identity to to your old surrounding....."look at me, i have gone hip-hop in the outside... but still i like to rap in Nepali" Human beings are very complex in nature and longing to feel home never changes. There is always a desperate attempt to feel at home, no matter what the cost is associated. ANA type events create that platform to feel at home. Eventhough I am pumping gast for 8 bux an hour, the platform provides me environment that recognizes me for who i was in Nepal OR Who i have become as a result of my sucess in AMRIKA! So friends, the oppotunity cost that equals to building of hospital in Nepal has nothing to with the dollars and cents associated with ANA convention. The cost of feeling at home...maintaining ones identity is simply priceless. Any development related issues, if any, is merely a by-product of few do-gooders who either have succeeded in their individual fields and want to contribute to Nepal's development or few folks who have deep regrets for abandoning Nepal.