Dehradun, August 27: The Gorkha community in Uttarakhand has expressed profound sorrow over the recent disaster in Nepal. Padam Singh Thapa, president of the Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha, stated that the longstanding ties between India and Nepal create a shared sense of grief. The organization has 46 branches in Uttarakhand, all prepared to assist in relief efforts. In response to the 2016 disaster, the Sabha sent ten truckloads of relief materials, and this time, all branches are on alert for assistance.
Thapa emphasized, “We urge all members of the Gorkha community in Uttarakhand to step forward. The Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha, established in 1938, has a history of providing aid during crises. In 2016, we sent ten trucks of supplies, and community members participated enthusiastically in relief efforts.”
He added, “All Gorkhas residing in India are deeply saddened by this tragic event. This is a time of mourning. Nepal has faced several calamities in recent years, including an earthquake. We express our condolences for this disaster. The relationship between India and Nepal is ancient, and we have maintained this bond over time.”
Thapa noted, “As soon as news of the disaster broke, everyone, including those with no direct ties to Nepal, felt sorrow for our neighboring country with which we share such close relations. Given the deep ‘beti-roti’ (daughter-in-law) connections between families, those with daughters married in Nepal or those who have brought brides from Nepal are understandably distressed.”
He further explained that the Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha maintains constant communication with the heads of its 46 branches in Uttarakhand. He received a call from Maya, the president of the Rishikesh branch, who informed him that most affected individuals are in the Rasuwal area near the Nepal-Tibet border. Villages around the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers have been severely impacted.
Thapa stated, “Our estimates suggest that the Gorkha community in Uttarakhand numbers around 1.45 million, with approximately 450,000 residing in Dehradun. The Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha is one of the largest organizations. We aim to assist Nepal during these challenging times. In 2016, when a tragedy struck Nepal, the Sabha organized aid, with participation from all segments of the community. Ten truckloads of relief supplies were dispatched from here.”
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