News feeds from the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Australia.
Year to date we have now raised just over $25,000.
Our aspiration remains to exceed $100,000 in donations by our tenth year of operations in 2025.
100% of all donations are deployed to Nepal where they continue to support Gurkha widows, veterans and families and their communities.
Thank you to all who continue to support them.
(From left) The Rt Hon the Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton, the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, and General Sir Patrick Sanders observe the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas’ performance.
The Rt Hon the Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton, TD PC hosted a special event at the House of Lords on the evening of 17th January in aid of The Gurkha Welfare Trust.
The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles Pipes and Drums put on a rousing performance in Speaker’s Court to kick off the fundraising event. Those watching the riveting show included the Speaker of the House of Commons. Afterward, guests moved to the House of Lords for a drinks reception, dinner, silent auction and speech from the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP.
Guests present included the Speaker of the House and the Chief of the General Staff. The Trust’s Chairman, Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE, and GWT Ambassador Hari Budha Magar were also in attendance.
Al Howard, CEO of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, speaks with Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP
The night raised vital funds for the Trust’s Earthquake-Resilient Home programme, which builds houses for vulnerable Gurkha veterans and widows in the hills of Nepal.
“It was a spectacular evening at the House of Lords,” said Adam Bentham, Head of Fundraising and Communications at The Gurkha Welfare Trust. “We would like to extend our thanks to Lord Lancaster for hosting this very special evening. The funds raised will ensure that Gurkha veterans and their widows will be protected by safe homes in Nepal’s unpredictable environment.”
*All photos courtesy of Mr Mick Latter.
Students at Shree Janapriya Secondary School couldn’t be happier with their spacious new classrooms, library, drinking water taps and school furniture.
Shree Janapriya Secondary School is the oldest school in the Myagdi District, established in the town of Darbang in 1951. The original school buildings had been very close to the riverbank, and in 2001, heavy rainfall caused a flash flood and the riverbank to collapse. Sadly, the main school buildings were swept away. Classes moved to a temporary site in the town, but as student numbers increased to over 600, the existing facility became overcrowded and inadequate, and the quality of education suffered. Desperately in need of more space and better facilities, the school committee applied to The Gurkha Welfare Trust, and in 2021, construction began on the new school.
Over the course of eight months, we constructed a new school campus that included buildings containing 16 classrooms, a library, gender-separate toilet blocks, and four drinking water taps. We also furnished all the classrooms with new desks, benches, and whiteboards. With the buildings constructed to an earthquake-resilient standard, and the site situated far away from the river, teachers and parents won’t have to worry about the risk of floods and landslides.
“Now that we have the new school, we are already seeing increase in the number of students,” said Diwaker Subedi, school headmaster. “As the academic year is in progress, we hope that we will be able to welcome even more new students for the next academic year.”
Krishna Kumari Pun, aged 15, told us the difference the new campus has already made on her quality of education. “The classrooms were cramped in the previous school building. They are now much bigger and feel much more comfortable,” she said. “We didn’t have a canteen inside the school compound either, so we had to go out every time. It’s convenient now that we have a canteen within the school.
“There was shortage of water in the toilets before and there was no provision of proper bins when we had girl problems. Now, there is sufficient water and provision of [a toilet block] and bins too.
“Our library before was small and didn’t have many books in it, which meant we didn’t get to study the books that we wanted to. But now, there are many books. We have a dedicated librarian and we can go to the library whenever we have free time.
“I would like to thank [the donors],” said Krishna. “With your help, we now have a new school building with a clean environment. I would like to extend my gratitude for the support that you have provided to our school. Dherai Dherai Dhanyabad (Many many thanks)!”
Gurkha veterans and widows from our Dharan Residential Home just returned from a highly anticipated trip to Lumbini, located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. As the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini is renowned as a pilgrimage site and one of the holiest places of Buddhism.
The legend goes that in 623 B.C., Queen Mayadevi of the Shakya clan gave birth to her son under a sal tree in Lumbini garden. Once they returned to the palace, the baby was presented to an astrologer who predicted that he would one day become a great king or a great religious teacher, and he was given the name Siddhartha Gautama. At the age of 35, Prince Siddhartha would achieve spiritual liberation, defeating the forces of the demon Mara, and becoming the Lord Buddha (“enlightened one”).
Given the historical and religious significance of Lumbini, it was a great privilege for pensioners from our Dharan Residential Home to visit this sacred site. They explored the central temple and garden, monasteries, and peaceful natural areas.
“To fulfil the wishes and dreams of our residents is our first priority. We were pleased to see their smiles and happy faces,” said one of our Dharan Residential Home staff members, Dev Bhakta Thapa.
Our teams organise trips like these to help our Gurkha veterans and widows live an enriched and dignified life as they grow older, and it’s all possible thanks to your support.
Winters in Nepal can be bitterly cold, with temperatures often plummeting to a chilly sub-zero. We help Gurkha veterans and widows prepare with a Winter Allowance.
Over 3,000 Gurkha veterans and widows receive an annual gift on top of their monthly pension, to help them cope with the cold winter months. Over the last few weeks, our teams have been busy visiting our most vulnerable pensioners in their own homes to deliver their new rice cookers.
In previous years, we have distributed blankets, warm jackets, hats, scarves and gloves, thermal flasks, and blankets. This year, our pensioners are receiving rice cookers, something many of them have requested. Having a rice cooker is a simple way to make their lives easier and to keep them full and warm on cold winter nights.
These sturdy rice cookers have a large capacity, so our pensioners will be able to cook plenty of hot meals for themselves and their families throughout the chilly season.
As you can see from the gallery below, Gurkha veterans and widows were delighted with their new gifts.
Keeping warm and full on cold winter nights is increasingly important to our Gurkha veterans and widows as they grow older and more vulnerable. A donation today will help us support the health and wellbeing of our pensioners.
Life in Nepal can be challenging, especially for those with disabilities. The Gurkha Welfare Trust provides disabled children of Gurkha veterans with a Disability Support Grant because we understand that without medical and financial support, the challenges brought on by a disability could become insurmountable.
Dankumari Limbu, the daughter of Rifleman Ratnaman Limbu, is unable to walk fully upright due to a congenital disorder in her hip joint. She is unable to carry things and cannot earn a living for herself; her sister is also disabled and unable to work. The Disability Support Grant is their lifeline, ensuring they can afford food and other essentials.
When we first started assisting Dankumari and her sister, the two were living in a bamboo hut that leaked during the monsoon season. When we learned of this, we built the sisters an earthquake-resilient home. We also have plans to build a tap stand in front of their home, so that they never need to struggle to find clean and safe water again.
In addition to the Disability Support Grant, we ensure Dankumari and her sister receive regular medical check-ups.
“I am very grateful and thankful to the donors for the support I receive,” Dankumari said.
Karnabahadur Rai is the son of Rifleman Rajdhan Rai, who served in the 10th Gurkha Rifles. At 4 months old, Karnabahadur tragically suffered severe burns that led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee. The burns also disfigured his right hand and left foot. Even with his prosthetic leg, it is difficult for him to walk and perform everyday tasks.
“The grant helps me in everything. Before I used to make ‘Dali’ (a basket made of bamboo), but now I cannot so [the Disability Support Grant] is very helpful.”
Soma Thapa is the daughter of late Rifleman Krisnalal Thapa, who served in the 2nd Gurkha Rifles. She was born hard of hearing and has difficulty speaking.
Soma is cared for by her cousin’s family, who communicate with her in sign language. We regularly check in on her to deliver financial and medical care.
In November 1965, at just 26 years old, Lance Corporal Rambahadur Limbu acted with bravery and valour on the battlefield during the Borneo Confrontation. Serving in the 2nd Battalion of the 10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles, Rambahadur rescued two of his men while under intense enemy fire. After securing their safety he returned to the attack to fight valiantly against enemy soldiers.
“I didn’t think I was going to be shot,” Rambahadur said in an interview with The Mirror. “All I cared about was rescuing my friends.”
For his actions that day, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Rambahadur with the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace in 1966.
In 1966, at Buckingham Palace, Rambahadur Limbu VC shows his son the Victoria Cross.
Later in his career, Rambahadur reached the rank of Captain and was appointed Member of the Victorian Order (MVO) in 1984 for his service as a Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officer (QGOO).
Just four years after Rambahadur received the Victoria Cross, The Gurkha Welfare Trust’s founders pledged to help a great number of Gurkha veterans and their dependents who were living in poverty in Nepal. The Trust’s first ever public appeal featured Rambahadur, urging the British public to give generously to the Gurkha veterans who sacrificed so much for our country.
Today Rambahadur is the last living Gurkha VC recipient. He resides in Nepal, where we provide him with medical care via home visits and our world-class health facilities.
A member of our staff visits the home of Rambahadur Limbu VC to carry out a health check.
Rambahadur still strongly supports our work with his fellow veterans and Gurkha communities, and we were honoured to name our second Residential Home in Dharan after him. In 2019, Rambahadur joined residents from our two Residential Homes on a visit to Kathmandu, where he said:
“I feel very happy to be able to meet my brothers and sisters from the Residential Homes here in Kathmandu. I hope we continue to get the opportunity meet again. I have been to the home in Dharan which has been named after me. Everyone there is happy. They are in good health and have high morale. I would like to thank the staff who have taken good care of the residents and helped them live longer.”
Captain Rambahadur Limbu VC celebrates with other GWT pensioners in Kathmandu.
Over the years Rambahadur has made visits to the United Kingdom for special occasions. In November 2014 he arrived in England to attend Remembrance services and visit our head office in Salisbury to hear about the Trust’s latest developments.
Observing the war memorial outside our headquarters, Rambahadur said, “It is important to remember the sacrifice that these soldiers and many others made for us, just as we must remember the soldiers who have returned [to Nepal] and need our help today.”
In 2015, Rambahadur returned to England again to attend the G200 Pageant Celebration, which marked 200 years of Gurkhas serving with the British Army.
A member of our team took this photo of Rambahadur today, to mark the 57th Anniversary of Serikin Day and the award of his VC.
You can read the riveting full story of how Rambahadur earned his Victoria Cross on The Gurkha Museum’s website.
Every child deserves access to education for a brighter future. The Gurkha Welfare Trust’s Schools Programme is one of our longest-running programmes, and it has benefitted children living in hundreds of remote villages across Nepal.
Especially after the earthquakes of 2015, many schools throughout Nepal are in need of a refurbishment or a complete rebuild. On this World Children’s Day, we wanted to share an update from Shree Prithvi Secondary School, one of our latest school projects in Baksila.
Initially built in 1960 as a primary school, Shree Prithvi has grown substantially through the decades, and now runs classes for 560 students. Each day, many of the pupils walk for over an hour to and from the secondary school, as it is the only school in the area that teaches up to grade 12.
Before our intervention, Shree Prithvi was in a poor state. Holes in the classroom roofs leaked water when it rained, and the floors would become slippery with mud. Strong winds would also blow dust into the rooms. With no lights or electricity, students studied in the dark.
We got straight to work, constructing two school buildings of 18 classrooms, one community hall, a toilet block, a tap stand and chain link fencing. We also refurbished an existing school block, the school’s library, and furnished all of the new classrooms.
“After the school project’s completion, the place looked completely different,” said one of our team members. “A big, sturdy school building was standing strong. It now has proper desks and benches, whiteboards in every classroom, lights and electrical sockets, ceiling fans, a library full of books, toilets for boys and girls with handwashing tap stands, a disability-friendly toilet, a multipurpose hall, fencing surrounding the school, solid doors and windows and most importantly, a proper school environment where children can focus on their studies.”
All the children and teachers were thrilled with their new school. Fourteen-year-old Mahesh is looking forward to studying his favourite subject, mathematics, in comfort. “The new building is very good. Before, when it rained, water used to enter the classrooms. The floor was not cemented so the classrooms used to be all muddy. But now we don’t have to worry about these things. The desks and benches were also old and damaged, but now we have new ones. Now we have a proper toilet and hand washing tap stand.
“I love the new school building and I am very happy to be able to study in this school. I want to thank all the donors from the bottom of my heart for such a wonderful school building. I will study hard and make them proud.”
Another student, 16-year-old Renuka, expressed how happy she was with her new school. “We love everything about this school building. We have now lights and electricity in our classrooms. We are well protected from the water. This the only school in our area with such a wonderful infrastructure. We want to thank the donors very much. We will try and do better in our studies. We are very happy. Thank you.”
Rana Bahadur Rai, the school’s principal, said that after the school rebuild, student enrolment increased by ten percent. “The work done by GWT is very professional and very good,” he said. “New books have recently arrived in our library. The students are very happy.
“We feel very fortunate to have received this major school project and so does the community. This village will not forget the work that The GWT has done for us.”
Fourteen-year-old Mahesh is looking forward to learning maths in his new classroom.
There are 3.6 billion people in the world living without access to safely managed sanitation. When some people in a community do not have clean and safe toilets, it threatens everyone’s health and safety. Poor sanitation can contaminate rivers, beaches, crops, and sources for drinking water, spreading deadly disease.
We are helping to put a stop to this in Nepal, ensuring that the homes of Gurkha veterans, their families, and their communities all have clean and safe toilets.
We aim for clean and safe toilets to be accessible to all children in Nepal, and part of our programme includes installing gender-separate toilets in the schools we repair and refurbish. Historically, this has not only protected children’s health, but also improved female students’ school attendance.
Last year, in collaboration with UK Aid, our team worked hard to bring a clean water supply to Jhimpa Gaon, a village in Nepal’s hilly Baglung District. We provided villagers with guidance on best sanitation practices, constructed safe toilets, and brought clean water to 253 people in the area.
The Trust also built a new set of toilets for Shree Jana Jivaraj Shushila Secondary School, constructing separate facilities for male and female students as well as a disability-friendly toilet.
Yamkanta Paudel, the secondary school’s principal, was thrilled with the result of our work. “There was a real need for clean toilets and proper handwashing stations in our school,” he said. “We have 369 students in our school.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust was able to provide us with a clean water supply, new toilets, and handwashing stations. Dhanyabad!”
The students at Shree Jana Jivaraj Shushila Secondary School were also thankful to GWT’s donors for their improved facilities. “Thank you for providing us with a hand washing station and a latrine in our school, and highlighting the importance of health among students,” said one student, Sujan Budha Magar.
Over the years we’ve been able to improve sanitation and hygiene in schools across Nepal, benefitting many students like those at Shree Jana Jivaraj Shushila.
Take a look at a few of the toilet blocks and handwashing stations we have recently constructed for schools in Thoklimba, Thinglabu, Sibhuwa, and Shree Manjyang Lamagaon.
Today we remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Each year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we observe a silence to remember those who have suffered or lost their lives during war or conflict.
As we remember the fallen, let us not forget the Gurkhas.
Through the decades, roughly 19,000 Gurkha soldiers have died in the many wars they’ve fought at Britain’s side. It is often said that, if there were a minute’s silence for every Gurkha casualty, we would need to be silent for a whole month.
Gurkha soldiers sharpen their kukris during WWI.
During World War One, over 90,000 Gurkha soldiers served with the British Army, of which more than 20,000 were wounded or killed.
Two of these soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military award for bravery: Kulbir Thapa and Karanbahadur Rana.
Kulbir Thapa was a 26-year-old Rifleman when, in an extraordinary act of courage, he carried three injured comrades through no man’s land to safety whilst being fired at by the enemy.
For his actions, he received a Victoria Cross in September 1915. It was personally awarded by King George V at Buckingham Palace. He was the first ever Nepali to receive the medal.
Karanbahadur Rana was just 19 when he received his Victoria Cross. He was awarded the medal of honour for his actions in Palestine in April 1918.
During an attack, Karanbahadur protected his fellow soldiers from the enemy with a Lewis gun under direct enemy fire. He bravely removed defects from the gun, which on two occasions had prevented it from firing.
This year for Remembrance, veterans and widows from our Dharan Residential Home visited a cemetery dedicated to fallen British Gurkhas. For our pensioners, the visit was an opportunity to pay respects to fellow Gurkhas and reflect on the strong relationship between Britain and Nepal.
Many thousands of Gurkhas were wounded in their service and returned to a life of hardship in Nepal, living in poverty-stricken communities in a country at constant risk of earthquakes and monsoon flooding. They depend on the financial and medical aid they receive from The Gurkha Welfare Trust for their survival.
As we commemorate another Remembrance, now is the time to stand by these gallant veterans, many in their eighties and nineties, who want nothing more than to live in their homeland with security and dignity.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust hosts free Medical Camps for communities living in the remote hills of Nepal. We provide a range of treatments and health checks as well as supply prescriptions, mobility aids and equipment. Some villagers travel for days to access our treatment, because this is the only medical assistance they are able to receive. Our teams run the Medical Camps in collaboration with local government authorities, and external medical specialists.
Our most recent Medical Camp was held in Manma, a town located high in the hills of Nepal’s Kalikot District.
Our team prepares the facility to receive patients in Manma, located in the Kalikot District of Nepal.
The services we provided in Manma, even those as simple as cataract removals, minor ear operations, and tooth extractions, made all the difference to locals living in discomfort who have no other means of healthcare.
One of our staff provides a patient with medication after her ear operation.
Some of our older patients were especially pleased to receive dentures, which made a transformative difference in their smiles!
A patient is thrilled after she receives new dentures.
Amongst other medical care, we provided 165 dental treatments, assisted over 35 patients with rehabilitation, and performed more than 168 ear operations, of which 25 patients received hearing aids.
Tihar is a Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal every year. It occurs at the same time as the Indian festival of Diwali, the festival of lights.
The festival spans five days, with each day dedicated to something different. Every year our Gurkha pensioners and staff take time to celebrate and enjoy themselves in a variety of ways.
On day one of the festival birds (mainly crows and ravens) are worshipped. Believed to be messengers of the death god, Yama, people leave food offerings out in the streets and in their homes for the birds to eat.
Bishnu Kumari Rai, who lives in our Residential Home for vulnerable Gurkhas in Dharan also enjoys a special relationship with birds, explaining:
“It is easy to help others who are capable but I enjoy the most when I take care of animals and birds knowing that I have no expectation of anything in return from them. That according to me, is the pure definition of selflessness – when you do something for others without expecting anything in return!”
One of our Gurkha pensioners, widow 94 year-old Koko Maya Gurung (right) has a special relationship with birds all year round. She spends her days weaving maize seat mats to generate some extra income – and enjoys their company often.
Day two of the festival sees all dogs worshipped with gifts of food and tikas placed on their heads. Both stray and pet dogs are included in the day – marking the special relationship between man and dog.
“At the gates of Svarga, Yudhishthira refuses to enter without the dog, who reveals himself to be the god Yama. Thus, the ancient bond between man and dog is established in the Mahabharata.”
On the third day of Tihar it is the cow‘s turn to be worshipped. In Hinduism the cow denotes the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. As with day two, gifts of food and tikas are placed on the animals – and also marigold garlands.
Day three is considered the most important day of Tihar. Lights, oil lamps and candles are displayed everywhere and it’s also the day when traditional singing and dancing takes place – often by young girls, who are gifted money and food for entertaining. It’s also a popular day for fireworks across the country.
Day four sees the Ox celebrated and worshipped in a similar way to the cow on day three. The Ox is especially important in rural Nepal where it is used to aid agriculture.
The fifth and last day of Tihar is dedicated to siblings: brothers and sisters. During this, sisters worship and pray to Lord Yama (Lord of Death), wishing for a long and prosperous life for their brothers.
Special tikas, made up of seven different colours, are placed on both brothers and sisters and special flower garlands are also gifted. Brothers are presented with food and sweets and sisters receive money and clothes.
For over 200 years, Gurkha soldiers have fought alongside those of the British Crown. Having first entered service with the Honourable East India Company in 1815, they still serve in the British Army today, but along the way there have been many changes to their structure.
Here’s our simplified guide to the Brigade of Gurkha’s complex regimental system.
In the mid-18th Century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah raised an army in the fortified kingdom of Gorkha and set about conquering the other kingdoms that collectively form the state of Nepal today. It is a result of his actions and those of his soldiers from Gorkha that the derivative ‘Gurkha’ became the common name for these warriors. Afterwards, during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16), these native soldiers from Nepal made such an impression on the British that they began to recruit Gurkhas into the Honourable East India Company Army and subsequently into the British Indian Army. From this original group of soldiers came, with others, what was called the Nusseree Battalion, later known as the 1st King George V’s Own Gurkha Rifles.
By 1815 there were estimated to be 5,000 Gurkhas in British service. These men included those of two further regiments; the ‘Sirmoor’ soldiers becoming the 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles and the ‘Kemaoon’ becoming the 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles.
Between 1815 and 1914 there was massive expansion of the enlistment of Commonwealth soldiers and many more Gurkhas were also signed up. Over time, the Gurkha regiments increased in number and were given numerical titles, numbered from 1 to 10.
Collectively, these ten regiments were known as the Gurkha Brigade and, from an operational perspective, took their place within the Indian Army’s order of battle and served in its various military formations.
During the First World War, the Gurkhas gained a short-lived 11th Regiment (1918–1922). During this time the number of Gurkha battalions was increased to 33.
Prior to the First World War, the ten Gurkha regiments each had two battalions. However, to help cope with the demands of the Second World War, the Nepali government again allowed an increase in the recruitment of Gurkhas to enlarge the number of battalions in British service to 43.
In 1947, as part of Indian independence, the original ten regiments were divided up, with four transferring to the British Army and six remaining part of the Indian Army.
2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)
6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles
7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Rifles
10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles
1st King George V’s Own Gurkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment)
3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles
4th Prince of Wales’s Own Gurkha Rifles
5th Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force)
8th Gurkha Rifles
9th Gurkha Rifles
Four Gurkha regiments became part of the Brigade of Gurkhas and remained in active service in the British Army until they merged to form The Royal Gurkha Rifles in 1994.
The British Gurkhas later expanded to become part of the 26th Gurkha Brigade (1948–50), 51st Infantry Brigade (disbanded in 1976), 48th Gurkha Infantry Brigade (1957–76; renamed Gurkha Field Force 1976–97), as well as the following Regiments: The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, Queen’s Gurkha Signals, and Queen’s Own Gurkha Transport Regiment.
Today, the Brigade of Gurkhas comprises the following Gurkha units:
1st and 2nd Battalions The Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR)
The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers
The Queen’s Gurkha Signals
The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment
Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion
Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas
Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support
In India, they also re-raised the 11th Gorkha Rifles, previously active as 11th Gurkha Rifles from 1918–1922.
The Gurkha Contingent (GC) of the Singapore Police Force was formed in 1949 from selected ex-British Army Gurkhas, but are now recruited directly into the GC as recruits. Their principal role is that of riot police and they are often utilised as a reaction force.
The Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU) is a special guard in the Sultanate of Brunei. The Brunei Reserve Unit employs about 500 Gurkhas, the majority of whom are veterans of the British Army and the Singaporean Police Force, who have joined the GRU as a second career.
Ahead of the anniversary of Rifleman Kulbir Thapa’s brave actions in service, we wanted to share some lovely photos from Shree Bhanu Basic School in Nigalpani, Nepal. The school is located in the same village where Kulbir lived many years ago.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust recently provided Shree Bhanu with new classroom furniture, so students can attend school in comfort. The new desks, chairs, bookcases, and whiteboards will make a huge improvement to the learning environment, enabling students to excel and have brighter futures.
Since the start of our Schools Programme in 1989, we have provided over 800,000 children with access to education.
Kulbir Thapa was the first Gurkha soldier to receive the Victoria Cross for gallantry. Born in Nepal in 1888, Kulbir served in the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles at the start of the First World War. He was awarded his Victoria Cross for saving three of his comrades on the western front, whilst wounded and under enemy fire.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust’s staff and pensioners in Nepal were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Queen Elizabeth II. Across our Area Welfare Centres and Residential Homes, Gurkha veterans, widows, and members of our team paid respects to the late Queen by gathering in remembrance of her incredible life and achievements.
The Royal Family has a longstanding bond with the Gurkhas, and in turn many Gurkha veterans and their families feel a special connection to Her Majesty.
Pensioners and staff paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II by holding ‘Hārdeek Shraddhānjali’, a Nepali ceremony of deepest condolences, which included moments of silence and the symbolic gifting of malas.
Remembrance ceremonies were also held at our Residential Homes in Dharan and Kaski.
“We are saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” said Sita, a caregiver at our Dharan Residential Home. “All our thoughts are with the Royal Family in this loss.”
As we mourn the loss of our much loved and respected monarch, we remember the Queen’s longstanding affection for the Brigade of Gurkhas and the special bond she had with the Gurkhas during her reign.
“Her Royal Highness was a most valued supporter of our work, even opening Sandringham Estate for a recent fundraiser on our behalf. The Gurkha Welfare Trust extends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and our Patron, HM King Charles lll, at this terribly sad time.”
Al Howard, CEO of The Gurkha Welfare Trust.
The Royal Family has a long association with the Gurkhas, dating back to Queen Victoria, who established a group of Gurkha Orderly Officers to attend to the Sovereign in 1876. In 1954, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reintroduced this practice by commanding that two Gurkha Officers should be nominated annually as ‘The Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officers’ (QGOOs). The Queen insisted on having QGOOs by her side at public events and official functions.
October 1960: The Queen, accompanied by King Mahendra of Nepal, reviews the Brigade of Gurkhas at Buckingham Palace. Photo courtesy of The British Army.
June 1962: Her Majesty presenting the Royal Pipe Banners for both Battalions at Buckingham Palace. Photo courtesy of 6th Gurkha Rifles Regimental Association.
December 1972: Queen Elizabeth II attends the premiere of Alice in Wonderland in London, held in aid of The Gurkha Welfare Trust.
1978: The Queen visits the Battalion in Church Crookham. Photo courtesy of 6th Gurkha Rifles Regimental Association.
1993: Her Majesty the Queen presents the Queen’s Medal to Lt (QGO) Dharmendra Gurung in Bisley. Photo courtesy of 6th Gurkha Rifles Regimental Association.
2011: Queen Elizabeth inspects Gurkha soldiers in the south of England.
In 2015, we held a celebration of 200 years of the Gurkhas’ courageous and loyal service in the British Army. To celebrate this momentous milestone, amongst other members of the Royal Family, The Queen attended the G200 pageant in London in recognition of all that the Gurkhas have done for Britain.
The Queen attends the G200 Pageant. Photo credits: Johnny Fenn Photographer and Tom Falkenburg Photography
In 2019, to mark the 25th Anniversary of the formation of The Royal Gurkha Rifles, the RGR formally presented The Queen’s Truncheon to Her Majesty the Queen in a private ceremony inside Buckingham Palace.
The Queen then presented two of her Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officers with their Royal Victorian Order medals (MVO), in recognition of their services to the Royal family during their tenure over the last 12 months.
Her Majesty had said that it was a pleasure to see The Queen’s Truncheon again, which resides in the safe custody of The Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Photo courtesy of The Gurkha Brigade Association
This week is World Water Week, and we wanted to highlight one of the greatest gifts we can give: empowering communities in Nepal with clean water. By ensuring a safe water source and providing education on the importance of sanitation, we see a sharp drop in waterborne diseases.
Gurkha widow Masino Gurung told us that she is forever grateful to the GWT’s donors for helping bring clean water to her village. At 78 years old, Masino cannot walk far distances, and before our intervention she struggled to collect clean water every day.
“We faced a lot of hardship for water in the past,” Masino said. “I have a problem with my back – so it was very difficult to fetch water.”
Masino’s rural village of Barswara is 100km from Pokhara, and you’d need to travel off-road for half the journey to reach it. When we first arrived, it was clear that the communal water tap system was far from adequate – perhaps even dangerous. During the monsoon, the water became dirty as it would fill with debris from its unprotected source, putting the health of villagers like Masino at risk.
The GWT worked together with the villagers to create a plan that would provide water for years to come. From water tanks to pipes to sand and cement, none of it would have been possible without the help of our supporters.
Masino Gurung and her grandchildren can now enjoy clean, safe water.
“The GWT’s new water system was difficult to build and took three months to complete – with everyone working together,” Masino said. “Now, we have water to our doorstep. We have forgotten all the hardship. We are forever thankful.”
Lila Gurung, another villager in Barswara, helped coordinate the water project’s construction as the Chairman of the Water Users and Sanitation Committee. He said the community is thrilled to have safe water at their doorsteps.
“It has become very convenient now,” said Lila. “We have running taps at every house. We use it in our bathroom, kitchen and also to feed the animals. We are no longer required to carry water from the streams and communal taps.
“The donors have helped this remote community. From me personally and the villagers, a million thanks!”
Lila Gurung uses his new water tap stand.
Gurkha soldiers are famed for carrying a kukri, the national weapon of Nepal. This machete-like blade has been used by the Gurkhas for centuries, with some believing it dates back to the 13th century.
Kukris are forged from spring steel with a notch at the end of the blade, designed so that blood and sap drip off the knife instead of seeping onto the hardwood handle. The knives, measuring 16 to 18 inches, are curved with a hard, tempered edge and a softer spine.
When Britain initially encountered Gurkhas in the mountains of Nepal in 1814, the Gurkhas fought so fiercely and admirably with their kukris that they were recruited into the British Army. It was the start of a unique bond that has lasted over 200 years.
Though technology has advanced through the centuries, Gurkhas have carried kukris into every major conflict where the British Army has been deployed. To this day, Gurkha soldiers are issued with two kukris – a ceremonial one for parade, ceremonies and display, and the second kukri for training and general use. The legend goes that whenever a Gurkha draws his kukri in anger, he must also draw blood…
Though the kukri is best known as a ruthless weapon for combat, the knife has several other uses. Gurkhas can use their kukris to chop or carve wood, cut meat and vegetables, dig, and hunt wild animals. The famed knife also has ceremonial uses in weddings and other formal events.
Gurkha widow Sir Kumari Gurung greeted our team from the porch of her home in the Terai, the lowland region of southern Nepal. Along with delivering her pension and a health check, we gave her a crossed kukri pin badge, which reminded her of her late husband’s brave service with the 2nd Gurkha Rifles.
“My husband Ran Bahadur was enlisted in the British Army and deployed to Malaya,” Sir Kumari said. “He had come home once on leave and went back. He was then discharged and returned to Nepal. We were married after he left the army. He rarely spoke about his army life.”
After Ran Bahadur was discharged, the couple moved to Kathmandu for work, before deciding they were better suited to village life in the hills.
Without an army pension to help support them, Ran Bahadur and Sir Kumari struggled financially. “We had a small patch of land to grow crops,” she said. “But it wasn’t enough. We had to borrow at times to make ends meet.
“We had heard that The Gurkha Welfare Trust was supporting those without a standard army pension. A Gurkha widow in the nearby village had also applied and was awarded with the pension. My husband applied, and the pension has kept increasing year by year.”
Today, Sir Kumari is dependent on her pension from The Gurkha Welfare Trust to buy essentials such as food and clothing. She even has a bit extra to buy clothes for her grandchildren. “It is just enough,” she said. “I can’t imagine how it would be if there was no pension. I would have died already.”
Beyond a pension, we ensure Sir Kumari can live with dignity by checking her health regularly and providing essential medicines. She also benefits from our Winter Allowance which provides items to keep our pensioners warm during the chilly winter months: such as jackets, blankets, hats and thermos flasks.
But Sir Kumari is most excited about the earthquake-resilient home we will soon build for her. Currently, her house has several deep cracks, and could break apart in the event of a major earthquake. “When the new house is ready, I will feel happy of course,” Sir Kumari said. “I have been unable to build a house due to lack of money. I am eagerly waiting for the house to be completed! Dhanyabad (thank you) to those who have made this possible.”
A movie to be screened in Sydney based on the life of Kulbir Thapa Magar, the first Nepalese Gurkha recipient of Victoria Cress (VC)
Sydney, 7 August – A press meet was held jointly by NRNA Australia NSW SCC, Gurkha Nepalese Community (GNC) and Gurkha: Beneath The Bravery Team at Gorkhey Palace, 25 Macquarie Pl Mortdale, NSW at 5 pm on 7 August 2022. In the program put together in a lively and encouraging atmosphere, the organisers announced the Australian premiere of Gurkha: Beneath The Bravery to be scheduled to take place on 3 September 2022 at Events Cinema Burwood for a 1:30 pm session. The film is based on true events and revolves around the life of Kulbir Thapa Magar, the first Nepalese Gurkha recipient of Victoria Cross.
GNC General secretary Iraj Thapa set the tone of the press meet and moderated the internet forum through which the casts and crew or the director and the actors shared their views and memorable experiences during the shooting. The cast and crew (Director: Mr. Pradeep Shahi, Samir Gurung who played the role of Sgt Kulbir Thapa – Maiya – Gaumaya Gurung, German Capt. Bauman – Olly Bassi) also made themselves available online from the UK to talk to all present in the press meet and share their excitement of this historic movie.
From the chair NRNA, Australia Vice President and NSW State Coordinator Deb B. Gurung offered the welcome speech, “Our team is indebted to all for your kind presence and respective contributions to prepare us for the last round preparation of the upcoming event. Being myself a retired Gurkha, it gives me a special feeling to be associated with this project. The movie is a tribute to the brave Gurkhas who have created pride and honour for Nepal. We are proud to recount the history of 200 years’ history of the Gurkhas who are recognised in the movie. While watching the trailer of the film on history of the Gurkhas, I felt myself fighting in the battlefield. It was a sheer opportunity for me that I served in the same battalion in which the movie producer Pradeep Shahi’s father was senior to me. We all bask in the reflected glory originated from the brave Gurkhas’ inspiring sacrifice. In the past there was a gap between NRNA Australia and the organizations in Nepalese community in Australia and now we have managed to collaborate with them including the pioneering organization GNC for the significant charity works.”
GNC President Rajendra Thapa said, “We feel honoured to be associated with the proud project and GNC is always committed to extending helping hand to all kinds of voluntary works. We all hold the brave Gurkhas in high esteem and treasure the contributions of Gurkhas and the young generations also need to appreciate the value of their sacrifices. We should spread the message that beneath their valorous deeds, there lies compassion and fellow feelings.”
The director of the movie Pradeep Shahi remarked, “We all pay our tribute to our brave forefathers as the current identity of Nepal in the modern world is based on the valiant adventures of the brave Gurkhas. They have left a legacy of pride to the Nepalese living across the world. We are proud to preserve and promote our heritage. In the modern time, we are conscious as to how to continue our identity. The film is a means to pay our tribute to them but more importantly a piece of education. The volunteers contributed to the making of the film. We are not just watching the movie but learning the history of our forefathers who sacrificed for our identity. We want to tell the stories of brave Gurkhas to the wider community. Thanks, NRNA, Australia, GNC and journalists and all associated without whose help it would not come out of the UK.”
The participants present in the press meet organised to inform about Gurkhas Beneath The Bravery to be premiered in Sydney on 3 September.
NRNA NSW SCC Vice Coordinator Sukirti Bhatta while reading the press statement added, “On behalf of the I would like to express the gratitude to the respected individuals who took out time from their precious schedule to attend the press conference and we look forward to support and cooperation of the community members for the overall success and goodwill of the upcoming screening of the historic film.” Bhawana Limbu, who was involved with Public Relation for the movie in the UK and Australia said, “Our UK team is very happy to collaborate with the Sydney based respected organisers. It gives me immense pleasure to be the bridge between production and organising team. We are looking forward to working together with the reputed organisers in the future too.”
Also present on the occasion were the NRNA NSW SCC Secretary Binod Kunwar, Nari Nikunja NSW Coordinator Dr. Samita Gurung, NRNA Australia National Youth Forum Treasurer Ranjit Raj Onta, NRNA NSW SCC member Deepa Joshi and Sydney-based Nepalese journalists representing different media houses.
Biographical Facts of the Film
Gurkha: Beneath The Bravery is the first ever feature-length biographical film about Gurkhas, which tells the tale of legendary Sgt. Kulbir Thapa, the first Nepalese Gurkha recipient of the glorious Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Over 200 years, Gurkha’s legend has been featured mostly as myths, which are passed down through families, but we strongly believe that stories as poignant as this deserves to be told to a wider audience on the silver screen. The movie has 12A classification (children under 12 years old can watch the movie if accompanied by an adult).
Celebration of the Noble Cause Via the Project
This is a non-profit project led by Pradeep Shahi, who is an award-winning British-Nepalese filmmaker, and with a team of volunteers, mostly sons and daughters of the Gurkhas. The movie was made with a small budget, most of which were via crowdfunding & sponsors. The cast and crew worked on a voluntary basis. The project is made in support of the Gurkha Welfare Trust, so all the profit made from the movie will be donated to its cause.
The Central Character or the Heroic Figure of the Film
Late Sgt Kulbir Thapa Magar VC was the first Nepalese Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and the most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Born on 15 December 1888 in Palpa Nepal, Thapa was a 26-year-old Rifleman in 2nd Battalion, 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles, British Indian Army. On 26th September 1915, during the Battle of Loos, his action depicted his courage, sacrifice and mateship earning him the Victoria Cross. He re-joined his battalion in Egypt on 4 January 1916 and later achieved the rank of Havildar/ Sergeant.
The Significance of the Film for the Gurkhas in Australia
The lost generation of elderly Gurkha veterans were finally granted UK residency in 2009 after relentless campaigning for their right to live in Britain. While there were celebrations, this has also highlighted struggles for them to adapt to the British way of life. Across a few cities in the United Kingdom, you can see them gathered in local parks at day times, often reminiscing about their life back home. Some people envy their bonds, and some are intrigued. Unfortunately, there have also been incidents of abuse and dissatisfaction towards them as not all agree with their permanent settlement in the UK. Being in Australia, the concerns of the Gurkhas in the UK might feel distant, but the Gurkhas in Australia have amazing attachment with the Gurkhas living across the globe. The affiliation of the Gurkhas with the British dates to 1815, since then over 100,000 Gurkhas fought in WW1 and over 110,000 fought in WW2. Post war they have continued to be involved in active duty in various military operations in Cyprus, Falklands, The Gulf, Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Their bravery and ferocity have won the praise and respect of leaders and military generals globally, but they have also won the hearts of fellow soldiers on the battlefield and community wherever they may be stationed by their cordiality, kindness and humility. As a Nepali, we take pride in the tales of their bravery and humility and before any of us commenced our globe-trotting journeys to different parts of the world, it is them who introduced us Nepalis and our way of life to the globe and paved the way for us to make our own mark in our own personal journeys. Now it is our time to show our gratitude to them and thank them for their sacrifice and being the flag bearers of who we are as a Nepali today.
As collaborative partners in this event an agreed objective of the team is to raise awareness of the Gurkha veterans’ commitment, and sacrifice and to restore their rightly deserved honour and dignity and alongside support the Gurkha Welfare Trust who operates through 21 Welfare Centres with an objective to ensure Gurkha veterans, their widows and their wider communities are afforded a life of dignity through provision of financial, medical and community aid.
This is stated in the press release issued in the event. Sukirti Bhatta shared with www.nepaleseaustralian.com.au, “I strongly believe that this is so much more than just a movie, it is an opportunity for us Nepali to proudly showcase to the world through cinema that as a small nation we have significantly contributed in mostly all global events and we deserve the rightful recognition and respect. The sacrifices of our gorkhali soldiers (Gurkhas) deserve to be acknowledged. So, I request all Sydney siders to contact the organising team for tickets.
Deb Gurung: 0422 031 661
Rajiv Pradhan: 0402 888 566
Sukirti Bhatta: 0410 775 212
Iraj Thapa: 0402 504 324
Binod Kunwar: 0413 490 350
Bhawana Limbu: 0404 509 510
Gurkhas Australia is a registered charity whose primary objective is to raise Australian funds to support Gurkha veterans, widows and communities in Nepal. We do this through the outstanding work of The Gurkha Welfare Trust. Our secondary objective is to help nurture the existing links between Australian and Gurkha units that have been forged on the battlefield since Gallipoli.
Your contribution, at any level, really makes a huge difference to veterans and their widows who have so little after giving so much.
Read the quote of Rifleman Gurung on the donate page.
We deeply appreciate your support. Thank you!
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