A Legacy of Service: Bhima Malla’s Story of Strength and Support
In a quiet home nestled in Tanahun, Nepal, Bhima Malla lives a life filled with love, memories, and the deep legacy of her late husband’s service. At 86, she shares her home with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, drawing strength from the stories of her husband, Nanda Bahadur Malla, a proud Gurkha soldier who served in the British Army during World War II.
Nanda Bahadur Malla dedicated four and a half years to military service, enduring unimaginable hardships on the battlefield. His stories—of days spent surviving on banana stems, of weeks without proper food, and of the tattered socks he returned home in—paint a vivid picture of the sacrifices he and his fellow soldiers made. He spoke with pride of his unit’s success in Japan and the courage it took to serve during wartime.
Though Nanda passed away nearly eight years ago, his service still echoes through the life of his beloved wife, Bhima. It is because of his dedication that she receives support from the Gurkha Welfare Trust today. One cherished possession remains from his time in the army: a well-kept service booklet, a tangible reminder of his contribution and the reason she can now rely on welfare support.
Bhima, who has faced her own health struggles over the years, including asthma and a difficult battle with COVID-19, is grateful for the assistance she receives. GWT has covered her medical expenses and continues to provide her with a pension, ensuring she can live with dignity and care. Despite the challenges, her spirit remains strong, surrounded by the love of her family, who care for her with dedication.
“My husband always said that we receive a pension from GWT because of the sacrifices Gurkhas made in the war,” Bhima shares with pride. “He was a proud soldier, and I am proud of his service.”
Her son fondly recalls his father’s stories, remembering the passion with which he spoke about his time in the army and the momentoes he had returned home with. “He carriedhome only a few momentoes from his time in the army: a drinking beaker, a misplaced bottle of gun oil, and a small shaving kit from the battlefield. We still have the beaker”
For Bhima, the support she receives today is more than just financial assistance—it is a reminder of the sacrifices her husband made, the hardships he endured, and the legacy he left behind. Thanks to the generosity of GWT donors, she continues to live with the care and dignity she deserves.
“It feels really good to receive this support,” she says warmly. “We are fortunate. Thank you to all who have helped us.”
Through the unwavering dedication of her late husband and the kindness of those who support Gurkha veterans and their families, Bhima Malla’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the enduring strength of a soldier’s legacy.