''Visit by the Executive Committee to Capt Umesh Kumar Pun MVO and Mr Dan Bahadur Garbuja''

Dear Members,

The executives visited Advisor Capt Umesh Kumar Pun MVO and his sibling Mr Dan Bahadur Purja, at their residence on Saturday, 4 February, on their return from Nepal on completion of their late mother Kalmati Garbuja’s final ritual in Pokhara. According to their tradition, it is the best way to remember her on the 45th day of her demise by offering her soul with lights, worshipping by Pundits and neighbours with bhajan etc. In their tradition, it is believed that she will go to heaven and remain with the angels as ever happily. Advisor Umesh informed us about this taking place at his residence, and we, the executives, took a chance to be there at 3:15 pm to celebrate late Kalmati's 45th-day ritual.

The Pundit conducted the puja virtually, where Advisor Umesh had already prepared everything ready, luckily Umesh's older brother Subedar Major Pun Dilliraj Garbuja and his wife, Mrs Dil Mati Garbuja, were also visiting the UK, and as the older son of the family, he completed all the responsibilities of late Kalmati's sons. Once the Pundit completed his responsibilities, Mr Phakta Garbuja, the senior statesman, spoke about late Kalmati’s life and offered Bhajan. All the neighbours followed him, including members of the executives. Once that was over, the puja came to an end. Everyone was offered chokho food.

Once everyone had food, the Chair/Trustee spoke about the incident of late Kalmati's departure from this world and how the Pun brothers kept their mother's soul alive. She was taken back to Nepal and completed her ritual among the people she liked the most in Pokhara. He further mentioned life is like this, and we all have to go the same way, and we are never immortal and have to be happy. We like our parents to live forever, but unfortunately, that is impossible, and we must understand. Having said a few words, the ladies' coordinator and Mrs Mina Gauchan, acting Area Rep, offered the family Rupa, condolence card and CNS hamper bag.

The CNS were represented by the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Ladies Coordinator and Acting Area Rep, Mina Gauchan, on the day. I like to thank them for their dedication and commitment and for giving such a wonderful time for the support of the members, and it is appreciated.

Well done!!!

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS