The Gurkha Army: Impact on socio-economic development & Independence of Nepal
Prabesh Adhikari
Historically, the term “Gurkhas” or “Gorkhas” or “Gorkhalis” were synonymous with “Nepali”, which originates from the hill principality Gorkha kingdom, from which the kingdom of Nepal expanded under King Prithivi Naranyan Shah. The name may be traced to the medieval Hindu warrior-saint Guru ‘Gorakhnath’ who has a historic shrine in Gorkha.
Gurkhas are closely associated with the ‘khukuri’, a forward curving knife & have a reputation for fearless military prowess. During the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16) between the Gorkha kingdom and the East India Company, the Gorkhali soldiers made an impression on the British, who called them “Gurkhas”.
Similarly, The Gurkhas are soldiers native to the Indian subcontinent of Nepalese nationality and ethnic Nepalis of Indian nationality recruited for the British Army, Nepalese Army, Indian Army, Gurkha Contingent Singapore, Gurkha Reserve Unit Brunei, UN peacekeeping force and war zones around the world. The Gurkhas or simply present Nepalese Army was founded by King Prithivi Narayan Shah which has a great Name and Fame throughout the world. The fact that Nepal and the Nepalese people have never been subjugated by any colonial power is a significant achievement of the Nepalese Army.
Nepalese Army has a great and invaluable contribution in Nepal as well as in the whole world. The Nepalese Army participated in various battles of the Unification campaign of Nepal, Limbuwan-Gorkha War, Gurkha-Sikh War, First and Second Sino-Nepalese War, Anglo-Nepalese War, the last Nepalese-Tibetan War, World War I, World War II, and the Nepalese Civil War. As UN peacekeeping forces, the Army has participated in the Somali Civil War, Sierra Leone Civil War, Eritrean–Ethiopian War and Second Sudanese Civil War.In present context of Nepal, Nepalese Army is continuous contributing for the welfare of the people as well the entire nation despite of abundant risk and manifold dangers.
In case of any Natural or Anthropological Disasters, Nepal army is encountering the jeopardy and also scarifying their life to save people from those Hazards. In Devastating earthquake, Landslide, fire, flood, storm as well as in the epidemic of COVID-19, Nepal army is continuous giving its services and rescuing the people to control the pandemic and panic circumstances. The Army by virtue of location and organization rapidly come to the assistance of the victims of calamities. .These types of social and rescue operations conducted by Nepal Army and protection of the Nation in immediate danger is highly admirable.
Other than this, Nepal Army is active in Nature conservation and various Researches. It has been Patrolling inside National Park and Wild Life Reserves and Controlling encroachment, illegal poaching and deforestation. Also it is providing manpower in counting wildlife census, necessary information regarding nature conservation and Supporting rehabilitation of wild species. With the aim of winning the hearts and minds of the people and to generate their awareness towards nature conservation, the Army has been providing the social services like Massive afforestation, Repair and renovation of schools, shrines, assist health centers in buffer zones and within National Parks and Wild Life Reserves, Medical care, Water supply and Support in construction of Bridges & short stretched Roads.
Preparation and provision of trained manpower for the Nature Conservation education, training in Buffer Zones, National Parks and Wildlife Reserves is also governed by Nepalese Army which supports Human Resource Development. The Nepalese Army has also established a National Rehabilitation Center with the help of the Government of Nepal realizing its need in the Country. This center seeks to cater to include physical rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation and social awareness programs. The Army will be responsible for running this center.
The main purpose of the center is to have the Surveillance Team, Physiotherapy unit, artificial limb and appliance workshop, Paraplegic home, general ward-50 bedded and Vocational training centre for various trade groups. Forever concerned with the well being of the Nation, the Nepalese Army gladly supports Nepal's quest for development. Today, it is considered as one of the most cost-effective and dedicated bodies for National development in Nepal. The Nepalese Army has been utilizing its trained manpower and resources in support of National progress for many decades.
Another significant role of Nepal Army is protecting the border Areas from encroachment and Foreign attacks. Since there occurs many border disputes between Nepal and India, Nepal Army is continuously providing its border security when the country needs. Talking about the history, Nepalese Army had participated in various Battles, Wars in Border areas for Border protection. Due to their scarification, we never celebrate independence day because our country is a republic and no foreign power dictates on home and international affairs of Nepal. Nepal can be proud of its long history as independent state and the fact that it was never colonized.
The invaluable contribution by Nepalese Army is not limited inside the country’s territory only. It has been actively participating in UN peace keeping mission. The participation of the Nepalese Army in UN peace support operations spans a period of over a half century covering some 43 UN missions, in which over 1,29,905 personnel have participated. It is working in different countries like Haiti, Liberia, Chad, Sudan, Burundi, etc. to provide security and the political & peace building support to help them transform from conflict to peace. That’s why whole world is benefited by those Nepalese peace keeping troops where the Nepalese Army is actively participating.
From the history to present, Nepalese Army is continuously contributing to the Nation. Their contribution and commitment is highly praiseworthy. Today Nepal is republic and independent country because of only Nepalese troops. The Bravery of Gurkhas towards the British has defined our pride and dignity. Former Indian Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw once stated that "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gurkha". "I can send my army to fight any troops of the world, but my heart shivers when I hear the name of gorkha soldiers” this sentence was said by German emperor kaiser wilhelm II.
This shows how brave the Gorkhali soldiers are. "The Gurkha is a soldier of high battle-skill, a world-famed fighting man and respected in every country where men fought alongside us in the last war." This was said by Lieutenant General Sir Francis Tuker. In the whole world the bravery of Gorkha soilder is respected and praised. At present, Nepalese Army is at the place of Gurkha soldier whose efforts, prowess and contribution are also highly praiseworthy not only in Nepal but in the whole World. Nepalese Army is highly thankful for their invaluable contribution in socio-economic aspect, transformation of society towards positive direction and the great Name & Fame of Nepalese in the world.
(Writer Adhikari is former student of Jaycees Everest English School, now he is studying in SPA campus Dhangadhi)