Cham Bahadur Pun

Ex-British Soldier, Social Worker, Tourism promoter, Historian, Cultural Writer

Cham Bahadur Pun

Cham Bahadur Pun  (Nepali: चाम् बहादुर पुन; 29 November 1955)[2] is an ex-Gurkha soldier turned social worker. He served in 2nd Gurkha Rifles regiment in Hong Kong, Brunei and UK. After leaving Gurkha service, Pun has devoted most of his time in social activities such as rebuilding and education efforts in hometown in Myagdi district.

Personal Details:

Name : Cham Bahadur Pun

Born : 29 November 1955

             Myagdi, Nepal

Service: Ex-British Soldier (from 1973 to 1988)

Rank : Corporal (Naik)

Unit: 2nd Gurkha Rifles

Occupation: Social Worker, Tourism promoter, Historian, Cultural Writer

Website: www.chambahadurpun.com.np  

Education

Pun received his school education from Kafaldhara Primary School  in Kafaldhara, Annapunar Rural Municipality Ward No. 8, of Myagdi district.  

Career

Pun joined the Gurkha Regiment  in  1973 where he achieved the rank of Corporal. In his 15 years of service, Pun served as Gurkha officer in Hong Kong, Brunei and Britain. As part of the British Army Overseas Exercise, he received training in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, Cyprus, Canada and Belgium. During this period, he additionally worked under International Relations Division.

 

Social Work

Pun started social work from 2000. Initially, he was associated with Himal Multi Purpose Limited, Nepal Magar Association and Myagdi Sampark Samaj-Kathmandu. In 2004, he led the production and exhibition of the documentary “Destination Mahavir” at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival. He also conceived and produced the first film based on the culture of the Pun community, called Aezu-2 (Pun language) for which we honoured.

In 2010 he played an important role in the establishment of Kuldevata Karbakeli Baba temple. From 2014 to 2016, when he was Treasurer of Pun Samaj Nepal, he directly provided assistance to victims of Myagdi, Kaski and Tanahun districts who were affected by the Kali Gandaki landslide caused by the disastrous 2015 earthquake. He also contributed personally to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

On November 8, 2015, he led the construction and installation of gold plated statue of kula deity belonging to Pun community in the courtyard of Karbakeli Baba temple. The official unveiling of the red-headed vulture statue was done by Honorable Vice President Mr. Nanda Bahadur Pun. The same year he established a fund in Kafaldanda Basic School, Myagdi District, to give priority to financially disadvantaged, poor and talented students. In 2017,a 2-floor building consisting of 8 rooms was constructed in Kafaldanda Basic School for the use of library, computer education room and meeting hall.

With a view to promote community-based tourism and increase the standard of living of the local people, Pun also helped built and operate a comfortable 2-storey 12-room guest house for the convenience of devotees visiting Karbakeli Than. He took initiative to display archaeological, historical, cultural materials in the Pun Community Museum. An Eco Trek Society trail has also been laid out connecting Karbakeli village with the beautiful Ghorepani village of the famous Annapurna trekking trail.

Pun also undertook effort to contribute cultural artefacts belonging to Pun community in International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.

Books

भूमध्यरेखा, (Bhumadhyarekha), Fineprint (2010)

 

(Pun Samudayako Chinari), Books Himalaya (2021)

Gurbuja (Pun) khalakko Chotkari Parichaya, Sarbada Printing Solutions (2019)

Karbakeli Book – vol. 1,2,3  (self)

Karbakeli Puja Bidhi – vol. 1,2 (self)

Karbakeli Than Nirman- vol.1,2 (self)

 

Decorations and Medals

Honourable Felicitation , 2009, Nepal International Indigenous Film Festival

Honourable Felicitation, 2010, Magar Film, Music and Literature Committee

 

References

EnglishNepali