The Jankari Research Project was created to initiate a systematic collection of information on the demographics and other issues of importance to the Nepali-speaking communities, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Jankari means knowledge and information in Nepali, and the Jankari Research Project is a participatory action research project to help Adhikaar understand how we can best serve the needs of the Nepali-speaking community in New York City, and also inform other organizations and decision-makers. We sought to understand the reasons for the increase in migration of Nepalis to the New York City area in the past decade, the economic, political and social activities of Nepalis here, and the challenges that they face, especially with regards to work, social services, and health care.

This report is based on 300 surveys, four focus group discussions, and twelve in-depth interviews individuals who represent a broad spectrum of the community, including women, men, youth, students, restaurants workers, taxi drivers, and activists. The four group discussions focused on women workers about work conditions, Nepali youth on issues faced by immigrant youth, and a group of Nepalis on community health issues. The surveys, interviews and focus groups were conducted primarily in Nepali, and occasionally in English.