Visit to Mr Madhav Bhandari at 57 Garland Road

A visit was organised by Mr Purna Poudel and Mrs Laxmi Adhikari for 1 pm on Monday, 15 June, at 57 Garland Road, Colchester. Mr Madhav Bhandari had recently returned from Nepal following the funeral of his father, who passed away at the age of 93. As many will recall, he lost his mother just a year earlier, at the age of 88 - a succession of losses that is very difficult to bear.

To offer CNS's condolences, the Chair, Advisor Umesh Kumar Pun MVO, Area Rep Mr Purna Poudel, and Assistant Ladies Coordinator Mrs Laxmi Adhikari visited the family's residence. The Chair spoke of the impermanence of life, noting that none of us is immortal and that, sooner or later, this is a path we must all take. He observed that Mr Bhandari's father had lived a long and full life to the age of 93, which was itself something to be grateful for, even though no one can keep their parents forever. The Chair spoke about loss and the importance of helping one another come to terms with it while continuing to live on through cherished memories.

The Chair then asked Mrs Laxmi Adhikari to present Mr Bhandari with a flower and a condolence card, and to place a Rupa around his neck to help guide back any souls that may have departed alongside the deceased. We encouraged him to draw strength from his wife and children, who remain his anchors in this world.

Meanwhile, Mrs Binita Bhandari (wife of Mr Madhav Bhandari) prepared refreshments, and Mr Bhandari introduced us to a wonderful dish called Chukaune (dish from Gulmi), encouraging us to try it. It was truly excellent - Advisor Umesh may wish to ask Mrs Rupa for the recipe.

After enjoying the Chukaune, we said our goodbyes and left the Bhandari family's residence.

May God grant them the strength and courage to carry on, keeping the memories of their parents alive forever.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS