Meet The Team – Jang Khamcha
Our staff of over 500 in Nepal work hard to provide medical, financial, and development aid to Gurkha veterans, their families, and communities. Our medical teams are based in Area Welfare Centres stationed throughout the country, with some staff working in the office and others venturing out in the field to visit Gurkha veterans and widows in their homes.
Meet Jang Khamcha
Jang Khamcha is Assistant Area Welfare Officer at our Area Welfare Centre in Bagmati. He shares his motivation for working at GWT and what inspired him to take on the role.
“I joined the Singapore Police in 1996, having been recruited as an infantryman. Over the years, I was fortunate to learn, train and travel widely, gaining skills and experiences that shaped who I am today. After 25 years of service, I retired as a Senior Station Inspector.
After retirement, on a visit to the Gurkha Welfare Trust, I met a few of my juniors working there, and they encouraged me to look into it. Out of curiosity, I went through the GWT website, and as I scrolled through the work they were doing, something just clicked. I felt drawn to be part of it, to give back to the community that had given me so much. That’s how I joined GWT in July 2021.
My first posting was at AWC Syangja, where I spent about three years before transferring to AWC Bagmati.”
A sense of pride and purpose
“To be honest, after leaving a career like ours, one that’s so structured and demanding, it can be hard to find a second career that feels right. But GWT turned out to be the perfect fit. The system, the discipline, the teamwork, the honesty, everything reminded me of my military days. Most importantly, the work is meaningful. Supporting our veterans and their families is deeply fulfilling. It gives me a sense of pride and purpose.
Teamwork plays a huge role here too, just like in the military. At GWT, we come from different backgrounds, but we all share one goal, and that is to help our beneficiaries in the best way we can. Seeing that unity in purpose reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.”
Supporting Our Veterans
“Whenever we visit a pensioner, we look at each case carefully – each life is different, each hardship unique. When we’re able to meet their needs, even in small ways, the joy on their faces is indescribable. That happiness gives us energy and makes us want to do even better.
On the ground, we may be the ones providing the physical support, but it’s our donors who make it possible. It’s like a chain – we’re all connected in the same mission.”
Moments That Stay with You
“I still remember one visit in the Trishuli area. We arrived at a widow’s home, but the door was latched from the outside. The neighbours and her carer had all gone to work in the fields. When we gently opened the latch, we found the old lady lying in bed, completely bedridden and alone.
Her carer, who received a Home Carer’s Allowance, was actually her daughter-in-law. Later, when we spoke with her, she explained how difficult things were, that she needed to work to feed the family. It was heartbreaking to see both sides of the struggle.
After some discussion, we decided the best solution would be to bring the widow to our Residential Home in Pokhara, where she could receive proper care and support. At first, the family hesitated, but we explained that she would be well looked after. Eventually, they agreed, and we took her to RH Kaski. She settled in well, and for the remaining days of her life, she received the care and dignity she deserved.
There was another similar case in a village prone to landslides. The widow there was very frail, and her home was at serious risk. During that time, the Field Director happened to visit, and after assessing the situation, we arranged for her to be airlifted to Pokhara for treatment. After recovering, she too moved into RH Kaski, where she’s been living happily ever since.”
A Message to Our Donors
“Without our donors, none of this would be possible. The love, generosity and trust we receive from them is overwhelming. Because of their support, we’ve been able to change countless lives, giving comfort to those who were once in great hardship.”
Our veterans and widows often express deep gratitude for this support. On behalf of them all, I would like to say thank you truly, from the heart. Please continue to stand with us, so that together we can keep changing lives for the better.