Lost and Found: A Gurkha Veteran’s Journey to Dignity
Sanjeev Kumar Chhetri served with the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers in Hong Kong, where he endured physically demanding training and learned engineering skills to help build bridges, roads, and infrastructure. After serving for four years, Sanjeev left the Armed Forces and returned to Nepal.
From Queen’s Engineer to Uncertainty
Life after service was harsh. Returning to Nepal, Sanjeev faced mental health struggles, instability, and poverty. For years, he lived with his mother and elder brother Boby in a tiny, leaky house on a hilltop, struggling to make ends meet and even resorting to begging at times.
Sanjeev’s father also served in the British Army in the 7th Gurkha Rifles, when he sadly passed away the pension paid by The Gurkha Welfare Trust was passed on to his widow.
Breakthrough at Bagmati AWC
It wasn’t until 2019 during a visit to the Area Welfare Centre in Bagmati to collect medication for his mother that Sanjeev was identified as a Gurkha veteran who was also eligible for a pension, medical care and long-term support through GWT.
“The routine pension payment was nearing the end of the day, when I saw him sitting at a bench waiting for his mother who was being seen by the Doctor. I politely asked him who he was and if he needed any help with anything. He replied saying that he was waiting for his mother. He said that he was an ex-soldier!” Pimbahadur Gurung, SAWO Bagmati
Sanjeev’s mother hadn’t thought he would be eligible for support as they had no documentation and had lost his Certificate of Service to prove he was a Gurkha veteran. After sharing information of his rank, name and unit, the team at AWC Bagmati called the Records Office in Pokhara and confirmed that he was an ex-Gurkha and eligible for support from GWT.
Building a Foundation of Dignity
“After I got the pension, I was very happy and relieved. At least we didn’t have to beg others for food and money.” Sanjeev
Sanjeev’s mother sadly passed away in 2020, and shortly after, the landowner decided to develop the land that their house was built on, leaving them homeless.
Seeing the suffering of the brothers, GWT built them a two-room Earthquake-Resilient Home where they now live happily.
“I am happy that GWT has built me this home. It was very difficult back where we stayed. It used to leak in rainy season. If GWT had not built us this house then it would be very difficult. We had no place to go. GWT donors rescued us.” Sanjeev
A New Chapter for Sanjeev
Boby takes care of Sanjeev, managing household chores and cooking, while Sanjeev helps with light cleaning under Boby’s guidance. Their sister also supports them with shopping and managing their finances.
Sanjeev continues to face health challenges, including high blood pressure and mild psychiatric symptoms. But thanks to regular home visits, medicines, and vaccinations, Sanjeev now enjoys better health and peace of mind.
“I for sure know that we don’t have to face any other problems at this age now, as GWT is looking after us. GWT built us a wonderful house. We have a nice place to stay, good food to eat and I am also receiving medical service and vaccinations. Thank you”