Nemaste,

Still trying to find GARIGAON.  My search for Rit Hahadur RAI goes on.   I am turning away from the hassle of Kathmandu and will travel into east Nepal.  Dharan, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Khotang, Okaldhunga, IIam ......

I will be arriving in Nepal on the 3/11/09 and would appreciate any information on theses areas in particular the DIKTEL area.

Bill Jenkins

Liverpool

UK

thats good

everestrai

Well I have seen you in other columns also looking for Rit Bahadur Rai's  next of kin.   It's also known that You have played your pipe over the memorial situated at the compound of Ministry of Defense as well.   It shows  that you are not only looking for him but also trying to convey some messages to the entire world about him.  

You say that the age engraved in his tomb stone at Basra reveals that he was only 16 years of age when he died.  It signifies that he was enlisted as a Boy and had not even graduated to Recruit hood while he was involved in 2nd World War and died subsequently.   But, it seems as though his comrades at arms over that battle theater were good enough to give him a nice burial, at least with head stone.   Otherwise there are multitudes of them who were thrown to war, died without traces, gone unrecorded and forgotten for good.  There are very many whose kith and kins are still in wait of their near dears' safe arrival, in vain.  This is the main reason why you don't find any trace or record from the concerned quarters.  For them it seems as though he never existed in Gurkha Brigade, and he is among the Gurkhas who never was.

In your list of Districts which you intend to visit about you are missing some other districts too which are also in Eastern Nepal, and they are Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap and Solukhumbu which are the pockets of Rais, used to enlist in the Brit. Bde of Gurkhas.   Try there too.

But you must be remembering that you might as well looked upon  as pied-piper leading all the spririts of forlorn and forgotten dead Gurkhas towards MOD for justice.  The MOD has got enough troubles at their plate already, don't good them some more.

correction :- The MOD has got enough troubles in their plate already and don't give them any more.

Dear Mr Jenkins, From what I have read through your postings here, you are a wonderful human being with a selfless dedication and passion on your mission to commemorate the brave fallen soldiers. Are you currently in Nepal? I hope that you will encounter helpful people in this journey. I once again commend you on your work. Please keep up posted with the progress if there was any. May God Bless You. Sincerely, Sid

Hi,

Sucess - almost.    November 2009.    I 'protested' outside the British and Indian embassies in Katmandu.  I played my pipes and UPDATED their records.  Apparently they had no record of my 'forgotten Gurkha'.   THEY HAVE NOW.   To the tune of 'Going Home' on my pipes I handed in a complete record of ALL Gurkhas who fell in past conflicts.

Unable to get any useful information from the 'brass' I went into the hills of Nepal among the ordinary people.

On the 11th November 2010, I will take my pipes to Okhaldunga.  There I will meet the family of 'my forgotten Gurkha'.     Once again I will play the pipes as my way of bringing the memory of RIT BAHADUR RAI home.   A brass plaque will hold his record and will act as a reminder of all Nepalese men who rest in unknown graves/memorials worldwide.

Bill Jenkins

Liverpool UK

Dear Mr Jenkins, I read both your posting and I am so thankful for what you did while in Nepal. I really deserve a well recognition. I believe you are one of those unsung heroes of the Gurkhas. I am sad to hear that you did not get help as you had expected while in Nepal. But what you did for the Late Mr Rit Bahadur Rai, Iam sure his soul was thankful to you. I think you should share pictures from your travel to Nepal. That would be wonderful because we have heard about you but we dont even know you. Thank you once again. Sid

Nemaste,

What I thought was to be my last journey to Nepal was not to be.

Two days before I left Nepal in November 2009 I met a man who had contacts with treeking guides in Eastern Nepal.    I also got a contact from Okhaldunga in which a former Maoist official has promised assistance if I return to Nepal.    I have now ceased all contact with embassies and the like who have in the past proved to be of no use at all.  

I now have the location of GARIGAON.   I now have contact with trekker guides who know the family of 'my forgotten Gurkha'.

On the 11th November 2010 I will stand playing my pipes in tribute to all those who have died in past conflicts.................................

Bill Jenkins

Liverpool 

Nemaste,

 

Failed again.  November 2009 again found me in Nepal looking for the village of my 'forgotten Gurkha'.  The day before I left Kathmandu I was given information which will lead me once again back to Nepal.   I was told that the village I seek is near OKHALDUNGA. 

November 2010 will find me in or near Okhaldunga.  I do not know if it is a village or a town and whether I will find domewhere to rest my head but go I must ..............

Bill Jenkins

Liverpool

UK

Nemaste,

 

Failed again.  November 2009 again found me in Nepal looking for the village of my 'forgotten Gurkha'.  The day before I left Kathmandu I was given information which will lead me once again back to Nepal.   I was told that the village I seek is near OKHALDUNGA. 

November 2010 will find me in or near Okhaldunga.  I do not know if it is a village or a town and whether I will find domewhere to rest my head but go I must ..............

Bill Jenkins

Liverpool

UK