Caste in Gurkha communities

The patron-client system has become extinct, yet untouchability is still practised among the Gurkhas.

On February 16, I attended an anniversary celebration of a high school in my native village, Chipleti, in Siranchowk Village Municipality, in the north-western part of Gorkha district. I received my primary education there. The special event saw a big gathering, with former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai as chief guest. The programme was organised and sponsored by the school alumni, mainly retired Gurkha soldiers, many of whom have emigrated to the United Kingdom.