My aim in life; my journey, By Samjhana T

Life has no meaning until you have ambition. Ambition drives people to dream bigger and go further. It is a powerful internal drive to work harder and to steadfastly embrace challenges to make dreams come true. As I grew up in a lower-class family, I have always dreamed of doing something big in my life. I never wanted wealth, fame, name or power. My only aim in life has always been to honestly serve my homeland and, for that, to join the Army. My ambition in life is to become a soldier.

The primary responsibility of the Nepali Army is to protect the sovereignty, national pride and territorial integrity of our nation, Nepal. But the Nepali Army also plays an important role in disaster management, such as search and rescue, maintaining lines of communication and ensuring security. I have always understood that serving my nation and its people wouldn’t be easy, but it has been my dream since childhood.

The Nepali Army has a long and distinguished history. The single major unifying force of Nepal, which had long been divided into many principalities, was the Gorkha-led army. The advent of modern Nepal in the second half of the 18^th century results from the military expansion campaign led by King Prithvi Narayan Shah from his small kingdom of Gorkha (also spelled Gurkha). Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the three Malla kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhadgaon and moved his capital to Kathmandu, providing the foundation of modern Nepal.

In 1814, Gorkha power came into conflict with the British East India Company. Although victorious, the British were greatly impressed by the fighting qualities of their Gorkha opponents. They were so impressed by their bravery and unwavering patriotism that under the terms of the subsequent peace treaty, the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), they started recruiting large numbers of Gorkhas into their own army. The British took to calling their new soldiers “Gurkhas”.

Nepalese Gurkhas have been serving in the British Army for over 200 years, and they continue to serve with distinction to this day. They have gained a legendary reputation for their bravery, loyalty, and exceptional military skills. In recognition of their truly remarkable contribution to the British Army and their outstanding service, the Gurkhas have received numerous awards and honors, including the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration in the British Army. At present, there are around 4,000 Gurkhas in the British Army, mostly in the infantry but also as engineers, logisticians or signals specialists. Every year, the United Kingdom very officially recruits from Nepal. The contingent of new recruits for 2023 totals 204 young Nepalese from some 10,000-15,000 applicants…

Apart from Britain, a few countries such as India and Singapore also hire and recruit Gurkhas. Nepalis serve in the Foreign Legion as well. The Nepali Army has also contributed to numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world. They have been involved in various operations across the globe. Nepalese peacekeepers are highly regarded for their professionalism, discipline, and commitment to maintaining peace and security in conflict zones.

It’s truly inspiring to see the Nepali Army making a positive impact on the world stage through their participation in UN peacekeeping missions. I hope that one day I will also participate in UN missions. And of course, I would love joining the British Army as Gurkhas…  A male bastion from its creation, the Brigade of Gurkhas of the British Army may one day induct Nepalese women. That was the plan of Britain in 2018; in October 2018, the British government announced its decision to open all positions in the armed forces to women, starting in 2020. But in March 2019, the Parliament of Nepal vetoed the change. The recruitment of women into the Brigade of Gurkhas is, at this point, still put on hold.

The qualifications needed to join the Nepali Army include being a Nepali citizen, having completed high school, meeting the age and fitness requirements and passing the selection process which includes written exams, physical tests and interviews. The Nepali Army has eighteen ranks.

Initially, I applied to join the Army Cadets (officer level). I was studying at a Cadet preparation institution. I was dedicated but unfortunately, I didn’t succeed. At the time, I had a crazy schedule as, in parallel, I was studying a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in a private university. I learned a lesson and I was keen to continue to move forward. I’m still proud of myself for taking the opportunity and taking a chance. I learned a lot of things there. Again, I applied to join the Army but at a lower level. And I left the private university to enroll in a bachelor’s degree in a public university where it is not compulsory to attend all the classes.

Despite many obstacles, on November 10, I learned that I was selected for a lower-level military position!

This is just the beginning of the journey, and I am confident that I will continue to excel and climb the ranks. For me, the immediate future is 9 months of military training, before working for the army for 2 years (that duration includes the 9-month training). In 2 years, I will be able to apply for a higher-level military position. During this entire period, I will be able to continue my higher education. I am confident that I will get my bachelor’s degree, which will help me to get a higher-level job in the army.

Military life is full of adventure, excitement, discipline, harshness, challenges and risks. Everything about the soldier attracts and motivates me. I feel that I can serve my beloved country. A soldier works with a mission. A soldier’s motto is do or die. You have to be very alert, active and conscientious. The soldier sacrifices so much, protects the people and serves the country. Being in an army is an honorable thing.

I know that the path I have chosen is not easy. Many challenges and obstacles will await me. I’m not afraid to take a step. I am confident that I will overcome all obstacles.

While I was out running and exercising like never before to prepare for the physical selection tests for the army entrance exam, I came across a super friendly dog. Dogs truly have a way of brightening our day. A dear friend on my way.

It was certainly not an easy journey. In this journey, many people have helped me along the way. I am really grateful to my SEA family and sponsor for everything. It’s always wonderful to have a loving and supportive family by my side. They have been there for me every step of the way, supporting and encouraging me. I am very grateful for everything.

I was eleven years old when I first came to SEA. For me, SEA Home is a family that brings me everything I need, lessons and precious memories that have shaped me as a person. No matter where life takes me, I will always carry all these memories with me. You are amazing. I’m really grateful for everything, Mom.

I am also very grateful to sister Pratikchya for her help and steadfast support.

Thank you to my amazing family.