Senior Citizens Seminar 2025

Dear All,

As planned, the Senior Citizens’ Seminar was held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, in Studios 1 and 2 at Firstsite.

The Assistant Food Coordinator, Mr. Kul Prasad Limbu, and Mr. Singha Bahadur Limbu, with the kind support of ladies from the Gurkha Home, led the catering for the seminar. Together, they prepared tea, coffee, biscuits, and a traditional meal of pork and chicken curry, paneer, chutney, and basmati rice.

We were also privileged to be assisted by Dr. Mohan Pun, Dr. Sonya Limbu, RN Rashita Bishta, RN Ranjita Sherchan, Dental Nurse Sujana Gurung, and Dental Nurse Sita Dewan, all of whom gave their time and expertise to support our community including support from Vice Chair, Ladies Coordinator, Cultural Coordinator, and Advisor Unesh Pun MVO.

Senior citizens began arriving at 2:30 pm, and the programme officially opened at 2:50 pm with a welcome address from the Chair. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of self-discipline, community behaviour, and personal responsibility, particularly when in public spaces. He reminded everyone to take pride in their appearance and conduct, noting that the annual Senior Citizens’ Seminar plays a vital role in fostering the dignity and respect shown by members of the Colchester Nepalese Society in wider society.

Following the Chair’s address:

· Dr. Sonya Limbu delivered an engaging talk on kidney disease and obesity. She stressed the importance of maintaining kidney health, the risks of neglect, and the dangers of obesity. She encouraged senior citizens to remain active, fit, and attentive to their health for a better quality of life.

· Dr. Mohan Pun then spoke about cancer, focusing on lung cancer as well as breast, skin, prostate cancers, and heart attack. He explained their symptoms, treatments, and the critical importance of early diagnosis, noting that timely detection offers the best chance of recovery.

· Dental Nurses Sujana Gurung and Sita Dewan shared valuable advice on dental hygiene, stressing the need for regular care to preserve healthy teeth and avoid preventable problems.

After the presentations, the seminar moved to interactive health stands where senior citizens could receive direct support:

· Stand 1: GP consultation (in Nepali)

· Stand 2: Blood pressure checks

· Stand 3: Blood sugar testing

· Stand 4: Dental care and tooth-cleaning demonstrations

This practical session allowed everyone to receive health checks and advice in their own language while learning essential techniques for maintaining both general and dental health.

I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and dental nurses for their invaluable contributions. Their commitment not only informed but also empowered our senior citizens to take better care of themselves. I also warmly thank all the participants, whose presence made the seminar a success including the Vice Chair, Ladies Coordinator, Cultural Coordinator, and Advisor Umesh Kumar Pun MVO.

Finally, the day concluded with refreshments and a delicious meal provided by Assistant Food Coordinator, Mr Kul Prasad Limbu, Mr. Singa Bahadur Limbu, the Gurkha Home team, and drinks from the Colchester Nepalese Society. All thoroughly enjoyed the food and fellowship.

Well done to everyone involved for making this seminar a success.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS