• Book Review
BHARATPUR, MARCH 1
The book 'Kalsanga Kusti', chronicling Captain Ash Bahadur Gurung's inspiring battle against stage-four prostate cancer in his 80s, was launched in Bharatpur on March 1.
Captain Gurung, who embraced a holistic approach combining Ayurveda, modern medicine, and meditation, is now leading a normal life. A medical report from New Delhi's Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre confirms that he is 'clinically cancer-free' (page 90).
Authored by Chun Bahadur Gurung, a former UN Communication Specialist and media educator, the biography spans eight chapters, enriched with references and photographs that vividly depict Captain Gurung's early life, struggles, and triumphs. The book narrates his experiences as a warrior in the British Army, where he served for nearly three decades, fought in the jungles of the Indonesia-Malaysia border, trained in the US, and worked in Britain and Brunei.
The book features a foreword by Prof. Dr. Ganesh Man Gurung, Chancellor of Gandaki University, and has been reviewed by prominent figures, including Dr. Kundan Aryal, Head of the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University; Bhadra Sharma, Kathmandu-based New York Times reporter; and sociologist Dr. Dil Bahadur Gurung.
The launch event was attended by Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Lama said, "This book includes his experiences from his adulthood to old age. It provides profound wisdom to the readers. I am confident that it will also serve as a source of inspiration for me personally. I extend my best wishes for his continued health and longevity."
Even after retirement, Captain Gurung remained dedicated to social services, including the establishment of the Tamu Bauddha Sewa Samiti, providing shelter and education to orphaned children during the Maoist conflict, and contributing through Rotary International. The book release coincided with Captain Gurung's 84th birthday, making the event even more special as he was present to witness the momentous occasion. On this occasion, Captain Gurung also donated 1.5 million rupees to an orphanage and old-age home, the books states.
Beyond being a personal memoir, the book provides insights into the Gurung community, Nepali society, the struggles of Lahure culture, and the racial discrimination faced by the Gurkhas.
Captain Gurung stated, "It took almost two years to publish this book. I am deeply grateful towards biographer Gurung for writing about my life."
