The Story of Gunja Bahadur Rai: A Gurkha Veteran’s Struggle
Today we remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Each year we observe one minute’s 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.
Our debt of honour
Many thousands of Gurkhas, after serving in the British Army, 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.
A veterans story
For over 50 years we have been supporting Gurkha veterans, their widows and communities in Nepal. Rifleman Gunja Bahadur Rai, veteran of the 7th Gurkha Rifles, is one of the courageous veterans who needs our help.
Rifleman Gunja Bahadur Rai began his military journey in October 1954. Following his training, he joined the 7th Gurkha Rifles and during his service was deployed across Malaya, Hong Kong and Brunei. Gunja was awarded the General Service Medal for his service in Malaya.
“I received this medal after fighting in Malaysia. We had to fight against the Malaya communist rebel fighters. I remember the tense missions in the dense jungles of Malaysia, where I lost a friend to enemy fire. He was beside me when he got shot in his neck and he sadly passed away. I was fortunate to survive.”
The memories of those days are a vivid reminder of the sacrifice of many. Like so many Gurkhas, Gunja Bahadur carried not just weapons but the hope and resilience of a brave soldier.
Upon his discharge in February 1965, Gunja Bahadur Rai returned to his village in Sankhuwasabha, a traditional Gurkha recruiting area. He built a life with his wife, Bishnu Maya Jimmi Rai, and together they raised four children. Life was challenging. With no pension at the time, he took on labour work, even helping to construct the Dharan-Dhankuta highway. He also worked as a porter, transporting goods across remote areas, walking for days with supplies on his back. Farming provided some food, but it was never enough.
Gunja is now 95 and faces significant health issues, including poor hearing, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, constipation, high blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism. His hearing has deteriorated to the point where even hearing aids are ineffective. He suffers from frequent hallucinations about old times and has significant memory loss, often failing to recognise his own children. His dental problems are severe, requiring him to eat only soft, blended food.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust has been a crucial lifeline for Gunja Bahadur Rai and his family. He started receiving a welfare pension about eight years ago, which has increased from Rs 7,000-8,000 to Rs 16,500 per month. This pension, along with a Home Carers Allowance of Rs 8,500 per month for his daughter-in-law, has been vital in managing his medical expenses and daily care. He receives home visits from medical staff every three months and has been provided with essential items such as a wheelchair, commode chair, and an air mattress, significantly improving his quality of life.
“We are really grateful and happy for the support the Gurkha Welfare Trust has given us. The welfare pension has been a huge help. I along with my family want to thank the donors from the bottom of my heart. Hope your support continues and helps people like my father and all the needy Nepali people.”
As we honour Rifleman Gunja Bahadur Rai and countless others this Remembrance Day, we are reminded of the sacrifice and resilience of Gurkha veterans. Their service to the British Army is a legacy of courage and commitment. The continued support of the Gurkha Welfare Trust and its donors ensures that these veterans live their remaining years with the dignity and care they deserve.