CNS - Bridging the World Through Shared Experiences: Inspiring the Next Generation"

As planned, CNS children arrived at Studio 1, Firstsite, ready and eager to take part in Bridging the World Through Shared Experiences - Inspiring the Next Generation. Although the event had been moved from Sunday to Saturday, 20 June, to avoid a clash with Father's Day, it did not dampen the youngsters' spirits one bit. A strong turnout of adults filled the room - the old and bold, as they are warmly known - to listen, encourage, and lend the children their courage.

Youth Coordinator Bikash Rai opened proceedings with a warm introduction, setting the tone for an uplifting afternoon. The Chair then offered the gathering some heartfelt, grandfatherly words of advice:

"You were all born and raised here in the UK - but your roots run deep, and your heritage is truly worth celebrating. Being British and Nepali isn't a contradiction. It's your superpower. And whatever path life takes you down, never forget where you come from. Your language, your culture, your values - they are not a burden to carry; they are a gift to treasure.

Today is about learning from the people right next to you - your peers, who truly understand what it means to grow up between two cultures: to speak Nepali at home and English at school, to celebrate Dashain and Christmas. Nobody understands that journey better than the person sitting beside you.

So listen to their stories. Share your own. Be inspired - and be an inspiration. The next generation of Nepali British leaders, creators, and changemakers is sitting right here in this room. Let's have an amazing day together!"

Youth Coordinator Bikash Rai then invited the Chair to speak about his own life journey. 

Born on 22 November 1951, the Chair grew up in the mountain village of Ghandruk, where he attended the local school - writing on black wooden boards - until the age of 14, when his family relocated to Pokhara to further his education. After four years in high school and college, he enlisted in the British Army on 22 November 1969, going on to serve around the world and rise to the rank of Major.

In 1996, he was honoured with the Member of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of his distinguished service. He retired from the British Army in 2000 and subsequently served as a Retired Officer commanding the Army Training Estate in Colchester until 2019.

In 2006, the Chair founded the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) and has nurtured it ever since. CNS today runs Yoga and English classes for members of all ages, alongside a full calendar of Nepali community activities planned a year in advance, supported by a dedicated team of Trustees and committee members. In 2020, together with fellow Trustees, he established Colchester Diverse Communities Network (CDCN), uniting 28 communities from across the world. Since 2023, CDCN has organised the Colchester City Carnival and Funfair - a celebration of diversity and inclusivity across Colchester and Essex.

Three outstanding role models then took to the floor to share their personal journeys.

Ramesh Karki arrived in the UK in 2012 as his wife's dependent and as a mature student, with their young daughter in tow. He began working in restaurants, steadily building his knowledge and experience before opening his own. After several years, he sold the restaurant and moved into retail, relocating to Colchester in 2018 and founding Gurkha Groceries. He now owns two off-licences and is generously willing to offer advice - and even financial support - to aspiring business entrepreneurs.

Nab Gurung of UW Utilities delivered an energetic and hands-on talk that clearly resonated with the room. His message was direct and powerful: start a business while you are young, embrace the possibility of failure, and trust that hard work will always carry you to success. That success, he said, brings financial freedom - the freedom to see the world, enjoy the rewards of your labour, and give your family a truly good life.

Purna Poudel spoke candidly about his journey since arriving in the UK in 2010 to pursue his studies. With limited funds, he balanced studying with supporting his wife, and in 2012, their first child was born - adding to the demands of an already challenging season of life. Through 100% commitment, hard work, and sheer dedication, he built a thriving business and is now the owner of several Sushi outlets across Colchester, Ipswich, and Bury St Edmunds.

All three speakers are a testament to what determination and resilience can achieve, and their stories serve as a powerful inspiration to every young person in the room.

Following the speakers, Youth Coordinator Bikash Rai led a fun and lively game in which participants were invited to step into the shoes of a celebrity and convince the audience they were the last one who deserved to be eliminated. After several spirited rounds, Master Son of Madan and Priyanka Gurung grandson of Min Bahadur and Lachhmi Gurung emerged as the winner - earning a well-deserved round of applause.

The Vice Chair was then invited to speak about the Chair's recent Mayoral Award for Outstanding Contribution to Colchester City, and the Chair was presented with a Khada and a bouquet in recognition of this honour.

In a touching moment, the Vice Chair also announced a personal gift: a £105 donation to the Colchester Nepalese Society in honour of her birthday, which falls on 21 June. Rather than marking the occasion with a cake, she had chosen to give back to the community she holds dear. The room responded with warmth and gratitude, singing Happy Birthday in her honour. A remarkable woman in every sense, the Vice Chair is not only a generous supporter of charitable causes but also a gifted songwriter and composer. In 2022, she produced a music video filmed in the grounds of Castle Park with the talented singer Sunita Dulal - a beautiful tribute to culture and community.

The Chair closed the afternoon by extending his heartfelt thanks to all the adults who came to witness and support the children's programme. The Food Coordinator and his helpers from the Gurkha Home had prepared a wonderful spread of food and drinks for all. Posters in both English and Nepali were displayed advertising an upcoming event: Ovarian and Testicular Cancer Awareness Session on Saturday, 4 July, 2:00 - 7:00 pm, with guest speaker Darren Couchman, Community Engagement Manager at The Robin Cancer Trust.

The Chair offered his sincere gratitude to everyone who made the day possible: Ramesh Karki, Nab Gurung, and Purna Poudel for their inspiring contributions; Youth Coordinator Bikash Rai for his energy and organisation; the Food Coordinator and his team; the Vice Chair; and all the adults who came to cheer on their children, grandchildren, and the young people of CNS.

Above all, a heartfelt well done to every young person who took part. The afternoon was proof - if ever it were needed - that the next generation of Nepali British leaders is ready.

Well done to everyone who attended. You made this day truly special.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair / Trustee

CNS