Kathmandu, January 25

Chief of Army Staff General Purna Chandra Thapa today said the World War-I had helped the world know about Nepali soldiers’ bravery.

Speaking at the programme organised by Nepal Museum Association to mark the hundred years of World War-I at the NA headquarters, Thapa said that the World War I had given Nepal a recognition in the international arena. “The bravery shown by Nepali soldiers during the world war has made us proud,” said Thapa.

In the World War I, Nepal had sent 16,544 soldiers to fight for the British Army.  “From World War I till date, Nepal has been contributing to world peace. Even now, more than 5,000 Nepali soldiers are under the United Nations working in the war-hit countries to build peace,” he said.

During the programme, Trilok Thapa, 95, who fought during the World War II, and his father, who fought during the World War I, was given special recognition.

Historians, including Prof Triratna Manandhar, Prof Yubaraj Sangroula, Dinesh Raj Satyal, Prof Lalbabu Yadav, Prof Sudrendra KC and Prof Bina Paudel, explained social, political, economical, cultural and historical changes that the World War-I brought about.

Defence Attaché of the British Embassy in Nepal Richard Goodman said the World War-I had marked the beginning of Anglo-Nepal relations.

Chairperson of Nepal Museum Association Prem Sing Basnyat said entire world knew Nepal as a country of brave soldiers.