Bicentenary Celebrations to mark the glorious 200 years of the services of the fearless Gurkha Soldiers of 9th Gorkha Rifles was organized at Pension Paying Office Pokhara with pomp and gaiety on 04 Feb 2017. 

Organized under the aegis of Defense Wing, Embassy of India, which is responsible for the welfare of all Nepal Domiciled Government of India pensioners, Chief of Army Staff of Nepal Army General Rajendra Chhetri along with Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjeet Rae attended the ceremony. Similarly, Lt Gen AK Bhatt, DGMO Indian Army and Colonel of the Regiment 9 Gorkha Rifles also attended the program.

The Colonel of the Regiment was accompanied by Commanding Officer 1/9 Gorkha Rifles and two staff officers.  After an initial tribute to the Martyrs, Colonel Man Raj Singh Mann, Defense Attaché welcomed all and apprised them about the history of 9 Gorkha Rifles.  More than 3500 ex-servicemen and families of 9th Gorkha Rifles participated in the event with zeal and enthusiasm

According to a press release issued by Indian Embassy, there are approximately 90,000 Indian Army Ex-Servicemen and 36000 Para Military and Civil Pensioners settled in   Nepal.  India government has been looking after the welfare aspects of these veterans since 1947.

The 9th Gorkha Rifles has five battalions and its history dates back to 1817, when it was first raised with Gorkha Volunteers as a ‘Local Levy’. The Regiment has distinguished itself in many battles and campaigns in the First and Second World Wars and all the battles fought after Independence.

The Regiment fought the battle of Mesopotamia, Malaya, Middle East, Central Mediterranean and Burma Front.  Third and Fourth Battalion of the Regiment took part in ‘CHINDITS OPERATION’ which operated behind the enemy lines and waged a guerilla war against the Japanese forces.

9th Gorkha Rifles was one of the Six Gurkha Regiments to join Post Independence Indian Army as part of the Tripartite Agreement between Britain, India and Nepal.  Since 1947 the Regiment has fought in the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 and earned Battle Honors of Phillora, Kumarkhali and Dera Baba Nanak.

The veterans also witnessed a special performance by the Brass and the Pipe Bands of the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, Varanasi.  War widows and veterans were felicitated on the occasion with financial assistance in the form of gifts such as Sewing Machines, Wheel Chairs and cash incentives.   Bhu Puu Samitis were also provided with Computers, reiterating the fact that the welfare and well being of all   Ex-Servicemen is of paramount importance to the Government of India.

The event culminated on a high note with a sumptuous Barakhana organized specially for the Bhu-Puus and was widely appreciated by the veterans with overwhelming response.  Year 2017 marks the Bi-centenary of 9th Gorkha Rifles for which similar events are being organized at many places in India, but the commencement of the entire celebrations have been done from Nepal.