On the 29th of January 2024 the long-awaited moment finally came. As I sat on the ground at British Gurkhas Camp Pokhara, my mind was filled with anticipation. I recited the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu hymn, and thought of my father, mother, brother, and late grandmother. I was about to enter the room that I had only seen on YouTube, the place where they would reveal if I had been chosen or not. My heart raced like a speeding train. The time had come, and a staff member instructed me to enter the room. Nervously, I stepped through the door, feeling a mix of hope and fear. Deputy Recruiting Officer Saheb exclaimed, “429 Prajwal Dulal Syabash! Welcome to the Brigade of Gurkhas!” From that point on, everything became a blur. I made a phone call and heard my father’s voice, filled with tears, as I told him, “Hello baba ma Varti Lagay,” meaning I had been selected to join the British Army.
The following day, a large black bag filled with a variety of Army clothing was delivered to me. Inside were a green pair of trousers, a shirt, boots, and a heavy wool jumper in green. I eagerly waited for our guruji to instruct me to put them on. The next day, we engaged in basic military drill, which proved to be quite challenging. Despite feeling nervous, I was also filled with excitement. Our performance was commendable, and we were prepared for the attestation parade. On the 2nd of February, I was filled with anticipation as I awaited the opportunity to showcase my new skills to my family while dressed in my Army uniform. Following the parade, I rushed towards my family, overwhelmed with happiness that words could not adequately express. Those 3 hours were truly the best of my life, moments that will forever be etched in my memory. The farewell was emotional, and tears welled up in my eyes as the families bid their goodbyes.
The subsequent phase involved traveling to the UK. On the 5th of February, we journeyed to Kathmandu and after a lengthy drive, we finally reached the British Gurkhas Kathmandu Camp where we received a brief welfare session.
At around 2100 hrs, we departed from the camp in a coach, with many individuals coming to bid us farewell. I felt a sense of pride tinged with sadness, realizing that I was embarking on my first journey away from my homeland of Nepal.
The subsequent phase involved traveling to the UK. On the 5th of February, we journeyed to Kathmandu and after a lengthy drive, we finally reached the British Gurkhas Kathmandu Camp where we received a brief welfare session. At around 2100 hrs, we departed from the camp in a coach, with many individuals coming to bid us farewell. I felt a sense of pride tinged with sadness, realizing that I was embarking on my first journey away from my homeland of Nepal.
I was on the verge of boarding my very first international flight. The sight of the massive plane left me in awe of its size. Although I was filled with excitement, the reality of flying to the UK as a soldier in the British Army was hard to grasp. Following two lengthy flights, we touched down at Manchester Airport, where we were greeted by the Second in Command and Training Warrant Officer from Catterick at the terminal. Subsequently, we boarded a coach bound for the Infantry Training Centre (ITC), Catterick. After a 2.5-hour journey, we finally reached Catterick, Helles Barracks, which would be my new home for the next nine months. Officer Commanding Saheb, Saheb Haru, lama Guru, Panditji, and other gurujis were all present to welcome us.
Upon my arrival at Catterick on the first day, I was faced with extremely cold weather conditions that made me uncertain about how to handle the training ahead. Nevertheless, I have full confidence in my Section commander’s ability to provide us with guidance. I encountered unexpected tasks, such as arranging the beds, ensuring my clothes were perfectly ironed, and absorbing a wealth of new information. However, as a soldier, it is essential for us to maintain a high level of smartness, professionalism, and uphold the esteemed Gurkha reputation. One of the highlights of my experience so far has been the delicious food served in the cookhouse. Additionally, we participated in a fire drill practice, which initially struck me as amusing when some of my colleagues were caught off guard in towels or shorts when the alarm went off, prompting us to evacuate the building immediately.
The new environment presents numerous challenges, yet I am confident that by the conclusion of the nine-month training period, I will emerge as a proficient soldier. I yearn for the familiarity of home, and dearly miss my loved ones in Nepal.
