Amidst all the media headlines, comments, interviews etc on MP Gerald Howarth's recent remarks regarding consideration of dispersal policy for Gurkhas akin to asylum seekers, it is deeply painful to learn that the older veterans in Rushmoor seem oblivious to the extent of the hurtful remarks. In today's awareness programme attended by around 200 Gurkha veterans and their spouses (jointly organised by the excellent Farnborough Madat Samuha- a lifeline for older Gurkhas in Rushmoor, the Royal British Legion, the Mayor and the Police), many old veterans and their spouses are said to have exclaimed that they had heard from others that their MP had 'said bad things about Gurkhas' but were unaware about what it actually was, and wanted to know what it would mean for them. 

Many are also said to have shared their bewilderment at increasingly callous treatment from locals, mainly youths e.g. verbal abuse, given offensive gestures, shown their naked behinds, told to go back to Nepal. Unsurprisingly, while all declared their love for Britain, many exclaimed feeling unwanted and too scared to go out. The Police is said to have reassured the group and informed them about  the MP's remark and a Facebook campaign that had been launched to organise a protest in the town, but that it was mainly to highlight locals' frustration at the lack of injection of funding to support struggling service infrastructures since arrival of Gurkhas in large numbers. The Police added that following lots of discussions, the protest had been called off.

Additionally, the Police asked the group members to share with others that in future, any incidents of abuse or intimidation must not be kept hidden, but to share and seek help, including from the Police. 

After a presentation by the RBL on its history and significance, the Gurkha veterans are said to have assured their full support in volunteering to raise money for the Poppy Appeal project. On the other hand, the Mayor Alex Crawford exclaimed his admiration for the initiatives started by the local Nepalese young people's group Naya Yuva, including organising a Charity cycle run to raise funds for the Mayor's charity.  

Here are some pictures of the event, no doubt useful to some extent in allaying any doubts or fear among older Gurkha veterans  group in Rushmoor. The pictures are courtesy of Mr. Milan Tamu, post-consent from all present at the event. 
  
Here is more about the event from the local Mayor Alex Crawford's blog: http://mayorofrushmoor.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/royal-british-legion-wins-support-of-nepalis-for-poppy-appeal/#more-1477






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• MARK BRIGHTWELL 1 years 264 days ago
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  This is great work and critically important for the future of Gurkhas and dependents in Britain. There is a strong need for good PR, for communication and for education. The Nepali community, particularly those with the most experience of life in Britain, need to take the initiative themselves and reach out to the problematic sectors of their society, namely the youth and the elderly. Youths in Britain have a hard enough time as it is finding role models and working out where they can fit in to society in a positive way. Nepali youths have so many extra challenges: language, cultural difference, racial difference, lack of mentors and role models. That's exactly why the onus is on young Nepalis who have been through that, found their place in British society and are enjoying success,to look at the needs of their own people and try to help guide them through that difficult transition. Hearing it from people who have been there already, got through it, and come out the other side could give great hope and reassurance to Nepali youths who are currently very unsure about where they fit in. Education of and care for the elderly is also key. In many cases, a Gurkha serviceman's only connection with British society 'til now, was through the Army. So they have false impressions because actually the Army is very different to regular British society. Other than their time spent in service, many of the elderly men have never lived outside Nepal. And their female counterparts are even less likely to have done so. These people tend to see Britain through rose-tinted spectacles. They see it as being better than it really is; a solution to all life's problems. They need to be educated, by the younger and more experienced Nepali generations, so that they understand what they are coming to when the emigrate from Nepal. Life in Britain is hard, differently so to life in Nepal, but hard nonetheless. I have already started meeting with Naya Yuva. Having just finished 6 years of service as an officer in The Royal Gurkha Rifles, and having grown up in the Rushmoor area, I may have something to offer in this difficult phase in the history of Gurkhas and this local area. Please don't hesitate to respond.
  
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