Nursing Association UK Marks 18th Anniversary with Tribute to World-Renowned Mountaineer Nirmal Purja
London: The Nepalese Nursing Association UK celebrated its 18th anniversary by organising a charity event to support children affected by cerebral palsy in Nepal.
The event, held in Aldershot on Sunday, 23 August, was officially opened with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Councillor Peter Cullum, Mayor of the Borough of Rushmoor.
The programme began with the national anthems of Nepal and the United Kingdom. This was followed by a minute’s silence in memory of celebrated mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as “Nimsdai”, and other climbers who recently lost their lives in an avalanche in Pakistan.
Addressing the ceremony, Mayor Cullum said that the Nepali and Gurkha communities had made a significant contribution to the UK’s multicultural society. He praised Nepali nurses for their discipline, professionalism, compassion and contribution to British healthcare, and encouraged them to pass this legacy on to the next generation.
Deputy Mayor of Rushmoor Councillor Jib Bebase also commended the valuable services provided by Nepali nurses to both British society and the Nepali community. Mayor Cullum was honoured with a traditional Nepali Dhaka topi and shawl.
To mark the association’s 18th anniversary, Mayor Cullum joined Vinice Thomas, Director of Nursing and Quality Professional and System Leadership for NHS England’s London region, and Association President Rashmita Darlami in jointly cutting the anniversary cake.
Addressing the gathering, President Darlami recalled that she had been involved with the association since 2015. She said the organisation had gradually developed from a social group into a professional body.
“Our true achievement lies in serving vulnerable people and those in need of care,” she said. “Once a Nepali, always a Nepali; once a nurse, always a nurse. We need the support and participation of more nurses to carry this legacy forward.”
The association’s Vice-Presidents, Indira Basyal Tiwari and Praju Sapkota, provided a brief overview of its activities and achievements since its establishment in 2008.
To raise awareness about cerebral palsy, a documentary produced by the Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy Nepal was screened during the programme. An awareness-raising play written and directed by President Darlami was also performed.
Association Executive Committee members Asha Dhaugoda and Alpana Adhikari, Learning and Development Coordinator Chitra Sanjel, and Amelia Sanjel performed in the play.
Flutist Dhan Bahadur Gurung and community nurse Rati Shrestha presented flute performances during the event. Madal music by Prabodh Bhandari and dance performances by artists including Binu Lamichhane Ghimire, Aditi Adhikari, Bedisha Bhatt and Suraksha Bhatt added colour and energy to the celebration.
Veteran performer and retired Captain Bir Bahadur Gaha also entertained the audience with a selection of popular songs.
Executive Committee member Sunita Bohora Karki, who is due to participate in a half marathon in September, was honoured by the association, along with the artists who performed at the event. Sponsors who contributed to the success of the programme were also presented with tokens of appreciation.
Concluding the event, President Darlami expressed her gratitude to all participants, sponsors, guests, office-bearers and members of the association. The programme was conducted by the association’s Welfare Coordinator, Binu Lamichhane.
Among those attending were Tamu Dhee UK President Jum Kaji Gurung and his wife Kamala Gurung; Jiandelle Chakunda, Nurse Planned Care Lead at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; and representatives of various UK-based organisations, businesspeople and community leaders.
The Nepalese Nursing Association UK has established the Miteri Birthing Centre in Jumla, Nepal. The organisation also provided assistance following Nepal’s devastating earthquake and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the association regularly organises health camps for former Gurkha servicemen and members of the wider Nepali community across different parts of the United Kingdom.
-Bhagirath Yogi
