POKHARA: The Mechi to Mahakali journey of writer Tim I Gurung — which he undertook in a bid to understand the participation, struggles and bravery of the Gurkha soldiers — has come to a close on Thursday.

Gurung started his month-long journey to understand the perspectives of the Gurkha soldiers who fought in World War II and other battles that followed. He began his journey in Nepal, the land of Gurkhas, after completing his research in the United Kingdom, Myanmar, Singapore and Malaysia among other countries.

During the course of his travel in Nepal, writer Gurung carried out direct interaction with 70 retired soldiers including five women of 25 districts in the country.

At a press meet organised in Pokhara on Thursday, on completion of his trip, Gurung shared this information. He shed light on some important findings of his study.

He said, he found soldiers, who during the war, had survived on forest plants for as long as 14 days. Similarly, he found those who had been sent back empty handed after falling sick. He stated, "After reading dozens of documents and after travelling to about half a dozen countries, I have reached the conclusion that these issues are still under the shadows and no-one has yet carried out substantial research on the matter."

Gurung, who has travelled to almost 30 countries in the world, further stated, like Buddha and Mt Everest, Gurkha soldiers have been imperative in giving an identity to Nepal, and therefore, he took on the initiative to find out more regarding the matter.

After numerous documents review and research in various countries, he had prepared a draft for a book on Gurkhas, which he refers to as the "body of the book". He said that he ventured on the Mechi-Mahakali journey to find the "soul" of his book.

"In my conversations with the many elderly war veterans, I have found the soul of my book," he said, adding that the stories of sacrifice, contribution and struggles of the former soldiers would be reflected in his book. Gurung looks to providing a "complete book" about the Gurkhas to the world.

The book will be published in English language. It is expected to come out towards the end of 2019 and will be reviewed by independent experts. Likewise, the book launch is expected to take place from the UK, Hong Kong and Nepal at the same time.

Till date, Gurung has authored 14 books in English language.