Thanking the British MP for their contribution to Nepal’s hydropower development, Ghising also urged for further support.
During his visit to the UK, former Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, Kulman Ghising, urged the British government, through MP Alex Baker, to address issues such as equal pensions for former Gurkha soldiers.
During a meeting on Wednesday with MP Alex Baker — a member of the ruling Labour Party and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal (APPG) — former Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, Kulman Ghising, recalled that Nepal’s first electricity project in Pharping was completed 114 years ago under the leadership of British engineers. He thanked the UK for its continued support in Nepal’s hydropower and overall development, and urged the British government to extend further assistance, noting that rapid glacial melt caused by climate change is creating serious challenges for Nepal and South Asia.
Ghising also appealed to MP Baker to take the initiative in urging the British government to resolve, as quickly as possible, the issues of former Gurkha soldiers, including equal pension rights. He mentioned that he has launched the “Ujyalo Nepal” (Bright Nepal) campaign to promote good governance, prosperity, and hope, and is currently visiting Gulf countries, the United States, and the United Kingdom as part of that mission.
Gurkha British Army
On the occasion, MP Baker welcomed Ghising to the UK and praised his contributions toward creating a “Bright Nepal.” She said that former Gurkha soldiers are the foundation of UK–Nepal relations and assured him that she is making every possible effort to have their demands met. She also expressed concern over the impacts of climate change on Himalayan nations and pledged to draw the British government’s attention to the issue through the APPG. Additionally, she commended the contributions of the Nepali diaspora in the UK, noting that young Nepalis in particular are making progress in various fields.
The meeting was also attended by retired Major Jud Bahadur Gurung — a negotiator on the Nepal–UK Gurkha issue — APPG Nepal Secretary Premila Bhan Omen Tamang, and businessman L.N. Pandey.
After completing a two-week visit to the United States, Ghising arrived in London on Monday. At Heathrow Airport, he was welcomed by representatives of Tamu Dhee UK, NRNA UK, and various other organizations.
Both factions of NRNA UK are planning to hold an interaction program with Ghising, and on August 24, he will attend the 16th Nepali Mela organized by Tamu Dhee UK as a special guest.
While in the United States, he participated in various programs organized by different organizations in states including Texas, Michigan, and Washington, D.C., interacting with the Nepali diaspora community.
Ex Gurkha British army, journalist and families
In New York, he and other campaigners were honored with the Global Hero Award by the Hamro Nepali Global organization. He also addressed the 18th conference of the American Society of Nepali Engineers in New York. Likewise, in Boston, he held discussions with Nepali scientists, researchers, professors, and students affiliated with Harvard University and MIT.
With only four months left in his term, Ghising had been dismissed from his post by the Nepal government last March. He then spent some time in Kathmandu meeting with people before traveling to Bahrain last month, where he announced the launch of the “Ujyalo Nepal” (Bright Nepal) campaign.
