By Mrs. Lila Seling Mabo
The Greater Rushmoor Nepali Community (GRNC) hosted its annual, deeply resonant Remembrance Day ceremony in Aldershot on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This key event in the GRNC’s calendar brought together military personnel, local dignitaries, and dozens of community organizations to honor the extraordinary sacrifice and valor of Gurkha veterans and fallen heroes.
The solemn day, led by GRNC President Mrs. Lila Seling Mabo and her team, commenced with all participants gathering near the Princes Gardens GP Surgery. They formed a grand procession behind the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR) contingent, accompanied by Standard Bearers, the TRBL flag bearers, and the Old Basing Royal British Legion Band.
The Procession and Service of Reflection
The march proceeded with dignity to the Kulbir Thapa VC Memorial Statue. The ceremony began with Mr. Ramdhan Rai, Trustee and Past President of the GRNC, reading a short remembrance script. This was immediately followed by the observance of the traditional two-minute silence, which concluded with a piper playing a powerful lament.
Spiritual guidance was offered through prayers by the Pandit and Lama Guru. In a moving tribute, Captain (Retd) and General Secretary Sunil Rana read aloud the citation of the first Gurkha Victoria Cross recipient, reinforcing the historical depth of the community’s commitment to remembrance.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
The formal Wreath-Laying Ceremony saw local and military leadership stand shoulder-to-shoulder with community leaders. Wreaths were laid in the first row by Mayor of Rushmoor Councillor Calum Stewart, Alex Baker MP for Aldershot Constituency, GRNC President Mrs. Lila S. Mabo, and Trustee Mr. Ramdhan Rai.
The second row included high-ranking military and council representatives: Commander, Aldershot Garrison Lt. Col. Stuart MacPherson RE, DCOS Maj. Narendra Gurung RGR, QOGLR Commanding Officer Gurkha Major Bhim Sirish, and Leader of the Council Councillor Gareth Williams.
Following the dignitaries, a wave of Gurkha and Nepali organizations, symbolizing the vast community reach, laid their tributes, including representatives from NRNA UK (Anil Malla), Tamudhee UK (Jumkaji Gurung), KYC Greater Rushmoor Branch, MAUK, and Kirat Rai Yayokha Rushmoor.
Further organizations like Gulmi Jilla Samaj UK, Maddhat Samuha, Gurkha Ama Samuha, and GAESO, alongside many other individuals, continued the respectful tradition, ensuring every corner of the community was represented.
Coordination and Community Support
The seamless execution of the large-scale event was a testament to the comprehensive planning and volunteer spirit. The entire program was expertly coordinated by Vice President Mr. Uttar Bahadur Gurung and General Secretary Lt. (Retd) Sunil Rana, who dedicated countless hours to its smooth running.
The media team, including Gurkha Media (Milan Tamu), Nepali Samachar (Goma Rana), and international guest media like Laphakhabar.com from the USA, played a vital role in documenting and sharing the ceremony.
Crucial preparation work was handled by individuals like former Councillor Mr. Jib Belwase, who took responsibility for cleaning the statue, and Advisor Mr. Ser Sunar, who helped cut the grass around the memorial. Past President and Trustee Mr. Om Thapa assisted with organizing the numerous wreaths.
Throughout the program, a dedicated team—including Capt. (Retd) Tam Dhenga, Capt. (Retd) Rajendraman Gurung, VP Dr. Bishal Gurung, and others—managed the significant crowd effectively. The post-event tidy-up was efficiently completed by Trustees Top Palli, Om Budathoki, and Shree Mabo.
The President concluded by extending her sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who supported this successful and memorable day.
