Gurkha heroes celebrate at restaurant opening (From Bucks Free Press)

Gurkha heroes celebrate at restaurant opening

7:30am Monday 6th July 2009 in

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GURKHA war heroes and the Nepalese Ambassador were the guests of honour at the fund-raising opening of a New Denham restaurant.

Ambassador Jhabindra Aryal was joined by Laxman Gurung, 93, who was awarded the Victoria Cross after fending off waves of Japanese troops with just one arm during the Second World War, at last Monday's opening of Nepalese restaurant Lumbini.

The charity dinner, in aid of Tamu Dhi UK, which supports Gurkha solders and heroes, also saw Nepalese dancers entertain the 100 guests, including Hillingdon Mayor Shirley Harper-O'Neill.

Speaking through an interpretor, Mr Gurung, spoke of his joy of being able to attend the ceremony following May's High Court ruling to allow Gurkhas the right to settle in the UK.

He said: “I am overjoyed and very happy with the court's decision. The Gurkhas more than paid the price to be allowed to stay after their contribution to the British.

“It is nice to be able to come to this restaurant and celebrate our food and culture because the future of the Gurkhas in Britain had been threatened – thank you to the British Government and the help of Joanna Lumley.”

Mr Aryal said “it was only right” the High Court ruled in favour of the Gurkhas and added that he looked forward to seeing the 'special relationship' develop in the future.

He said: “It was an immigration issue and we had to respect that decision at the time but it was only right that Gurkhas are allowed to stay after they fought alongside British soldiers.

“There is already a very strong relationship between the British and the Nepalese and Gurkhas, and hopefully the bond will continue to grow stronger.

“Hopefully more fantastic restaurants like this one will spring up to help spread our culture.”

Restaurant owner Kedar Jaishi said: “We opened in April but never got the opportunity to have an opening and to have some of the great heroes and his Excellency Mr Aryal here is a great honour.”