World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday

ROHIT RAI
DHARAN, March 3: World War II veteran Lal Bahadur Lohorung Rai, known for his war heroics, celebrated his 100th birthday at his ancestral home at Loke Pangma village in Kadhbari municipality, Sankhuwasaba on Saturday. Rai fought several major wars during his service in the East India Company.

Well wishers, neighbors, family members, and ex-Gurkha servicemen had gathered at Rai´s house to greet him on his birthday Saturday afternoon.

“I want to thank everyone for their warm wishes and pray for their prosperity and healthy life,” said Rai.

To celebrate Rai´s birthday, his son Krishna and daughter-in-law Priya along with his five daughters had reached their ancestral home. As a birthday gift, Krishna and Priya, who had arrived from the United Kingdom, had offered their father a gold ring and Rs 100,000. “He had never asked for a penny from us until now. So taking advantage of this wonderful occasion we compelled him to accept our gift,” said Krishna.

Krishna shared that his mother Yasoda had passed away while his father was 72. “Currently, my sister Ambika´s son and daughter-in-law have been taking care of father while my elder sister visits the house now and then to enquire about his heath,” said Krishna.

A team of ex-gurkha servicemen affiliated to Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen´s Organization (GAESO) and representative of GAESO Women Committee were also present to felicitate Rai. “I feel proud to be a part of this celebration. Rai has always been a war hero for me,” said master sergeant Ramesh Rai.

Unlike other elderly people, Rai does not have health complications. “I still walk to and from Mani Bhanjyang to Khadbari market. This is all because of God´s blessings,” said Rai. Khadbari municipality is at a distance of 4km from Mani Bhanjyang village.

Krishna informed that his father used to smoke till the age of 40 and has now quit smoking. “He eats on time and has good appetite. However, he drinks home- made liquor at home,” said Krishna.

After being recruited in the army in the year 1934, Rai along with his battalion was sent to fight in the Pakistan and Kabul war. Unfortunately, he was captured in Burma by the Japanese soldiers. “We were around 20 and we had run out of bullets. We had to surrender,” said Rai. “But I succeeded in escaping from captivity,” added Rai.