Ghurka gallery tribute is open for business
A tribute to the brave men of Nepal

Australian Diggers and Nepalese Gurkha troops gather for a photo at Gallipoli, 1915. Photo provided by AWM

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

Their motto says it all:‘Kaphar Hunnu Bhanda Ramro Chhaa’ – it is better to die than live like a coward.

From Gallipoli to Japan, across deserts and jungles, Australians have fought and served alongside the famous Nepalese warriors called Gurkhas.

Even the CA, Lt-Gen Peter Leahy, served on exchange as a company commander with the 10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles in Hong Kong.

Gurkhas still hold a special place in the hearts of those Australians who know of their worth, and now there is the opportunity to visit a special gallery in Sydney dedicated to their honour.

Mani Dewan is the daughter of a Gurkha, and before moving to Australia she served for 10 years with the British Army’s Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps.

Her military service has inspired her to create a permanent gallery in her home that allows visitors to learn more about the legendary race of warriors that once counted her father as a member.

Ms Dewan said she made the gallery in an effort to pay a living tribute to the many brave men of Nepal who have died for their country and for world peace.

“I decided to start small with a permanent pictorial exhibition that tells the story that began almost 200 years ago when the British East India Company was stopped dead in its tracks by the small but deadly fierce-fighting Nepali soldiers on the borders of India,” said Ms Dewan.

“The British general was so impressed by their valour, he recommended recruiting them into his Army.

“With this gallery I hope to increase the Australian public’s understanding of the Gurkhas so they can identify this small group who proudly march every year at the tail-end of the Anzac Day parade.”

Members of the public can visit the Gurkha Gallery at 193 Denison St, Queens Park, Bondi Junction. Opening hours are 1 to 6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Entry is by donation.For more information call (02) 9386 9892