Life After Double Jeopardy: The Unyielding Spirit of Captain (Retd) Rajendra Sherchan MBE

Captain (Retd) Rajendra Sherchan MBE, the Vice Chair of the CNS Executive, greeted us warmly at his residence. His demeanour was calm, and his spirit was unbroken despite the harrowing experiences he had recently endured. As we settled in, we couldn't help but be amazed at the strength and resilience of this extraordinary man who had stared death in the face not once but twice and lived to tell the tale.

In early January 2024, while travelling in Nepal with seven others, including his mother-in-law, Captain Sherchan's Four by Four faced a life-threatening ordeal. They were navigating a treacherous uphill road when a truck barrelled down from the opposite direction, occupying the narrow path. Forced off the road, the vehicle tumbled down the hill, rolling over three or four times. Miraculously, a tree halted their descent, preventing what could have been a fatal plunge.

Captain Sherchan remained conscious throughout the ordeal despite the vehicle's violent rolling. Although his right side was injured, he quickly assessed the situation. With remarkable composure, he extricated himself from the vehicle, then rescued the other passengers, administered first aid, and ensured everyone was safe. The tree that had saved them symbolised hope amid the chaos, a testament to their luck and Captain Sherchan's quick thinking.

But fate wasn't done testing him. Not long after this incident, while taking a bath at home, Captain Sherchan suffered a sudden fainting spell and fell in the bathroom, causing a loud noise. Fortunately, his children were working from home that day. Hearing the commotion, his daughter tried to get a response by knocking on the bathroom door. When there was no reply, she called for her brother, and together, they managed to unscrew the door handle and pull their father to safety.

Rushed to Colchester General Hospital, Captain Sherchan was discharged a few hours later with injuries on his left side from the fall. Yet again, he had narrowly escaped a grave situation thanks to the timely intervention of his family.

As Captain Sherchan recounted these events, the room was filled with awe and gratitude. The delegation, led by the Area Representative Gurdon Road Dipen Mohora, had offered moral support and brought some cheer to the captain's home. 

Accompanying the Rep were the Treasurer, Ladies Coordinator, Area Reps, Highwoods and Greenstead Mrs Usha Gurung Ghale, Area Rep Gurkha Home Jas Kumari Gurung and I, the Chair.

Jas Kumari Gurung offered Captain Sherchan a traditional RUPA, a sacred thread meant to bring back lost souls, a bouquet, a get-well card, and a basket of fruits and juices. It was a gesture of solidarity and a wish for his swift recovery and good health.

The visit was marked by warm conversations and a sense of community. Everyone marvelled at Captain Sherchan's unyielding spirit. We blessed him, hoping such tragedies would never cross his path again. Having spent nearly two hours in his gracious company, we left his residence around 18:15, our hearts full and our admiration for Captain Sherchan immeasurable.

His wife had prepared excellent refreshments, and as we departed, the taste of her hospitality lingered, a reminder of the resilience and warmth that defines the Sherchan family. Captain Rajendra Sherchan's story is one of survival, bravery, and an unbreakable will to live, inspiring all who have the privilege of hearing it.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS