Bicentenary Celebrations to mark the glorious 200 years of the services of the fearless Gurkha Soliders of 9th Gorkha Rifles was organized at Pension Paying Office Pokhara with pomp and gaiety on 04 Feb 2017. The event was organized under the aegis of Defence Wing, Embassy of India which is responsible for the welfare of all Nepal Domiciled Government of India pensioners. There are approximately 90,000 Indian Army Ex-Servicemen and 36000 Para Military and Civil Pensioners settled in Nepal. The Government of India has been looking after the welfare aspects of these veterans since 1947.
More than 3500 ex-servicemen and families of 9th Gorkha Rifles participated in the event with zeal and enthusiasm. The event was attended by Gen Rajendra Chhetri, COAS, Nepal Army and Honorary General of Indian Army, HE Shri Ranjit Rae, Ambassador of India to Nepal, and Lt Gen AK Bhatt, DGMO Indian Army and Colonel of the Regiment 9 Gorkha Rifles. The Colonel of the Regiment was accompanied by Commanding Officer 1/9 Gorkha Rifles and two staff officers. After an initial tribute to the Martyrs, Colonel Man Raj Singh Mann, Defence Attaché welcomed all and apprised them about the history of 9 Gorkha Rifles. The gathering was then addressed by the Colonel of the Regiment 9 Gorkha Rifles, HE Shri Ranjit Rae, Ambassador of India to Nepal and General Rajendra Chhetri, COAS, Nepal Army.
The 9th Gorkha Rifles has five battalions and its history dates back to 1817, when it was first raised with Gorkha Volunteers as a ‘Local Levy’. The Regiment has distinguished itself in many battles and campaigns in the First and Second World Wars and all the battles fought after Independence. The Regiment fought the battle of Mesopotamia, Malaya, Middle East, Central Mediterranean and Burma Front. Third and Fourth Battalion of the Regiment took part in ‘CHINDITS OPERATION’ which operated behind the enemy lines and waged a guerilla war against the Japanese forces.
9th Gorkha Rifles was one of the Six Gurkha Regiments to join Post Independence Indian Army as part of the Tripartite Agreement between Britain, India and Nepal. Since 1947 the Regiment has fought in the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 and earned Battle Honours of Phillora, Kumarkhali and Dera Baba Nanak.
The veterans also witnessed a special performance by the Brass and the Pipe Bands of the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, Varanasi. War widows and veterans were felicitated on the occasion with financial assistance in the form of gifts such as Sewing Machines, Wheel Chairs and cash incentives. Bhu Puu Samitis were also provided with Computers, reiterating the fact that the welfare and well being of all Ex-Servicemen is of paramount importance to the Government of India. The event culminated on a high note with a sumptuous Barakhana organized specially for the Bhu-Puus and was widely appreciated by the veterans with overwhelming response. Year 2017 marks the Bi-centenary of 9th Gorkha Rifles for which similar events are being organized at many places in India, but the commencement of the entire celebrations have been done from Nepal.
