The courage, culture and camaraderie of the Gurkhas were celebrated at RAF St Mawgan as personnel from across the three Services came together for a Gurkha-themed Army Dinner Night.
Held in May, the event formed part of the Station’s annual tri-Service dining-in tradition, with the Army taking the lead this year. Organised by Colour Sergeant Naresh Rai, of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, who is currently serving with the Defence Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract Training Organisation (DSTO), the evening marked the first Gurkha-themed Army Dinner Night held in a tri-Service setting at RAF St Mawgan.
The dining hall was transformed with traditional Nepali displays, decorations and folk music, giving guests an insight into Nepalese heritage and the enduring legacy of Gurkha service within the British Army. The evening also provided an opportunity to strengthen morale and cohesion across RAF St Mawgan’s diverse tri-Service community.
Guests heard from former Corporal Hari Budha Magar MBE and Warrant Officer Class 1 Dhaniram Rai MBE, MBA, who delivered powerful speeches on service, resilience and overcoming adversity. Their personal reflections underlined the courage, discipline, determination and teamwork long associated with the Gurkhas.
Cultural and military displays showcased Gurkha history, the Queen’s Truncheon, Victoria Cross recipients and the Khukuri, the Gurkhas’ famed curved knife. Attendees also watched a Doko race demonstration, offering a glimpse of the demanding physical tests faced by Gurkha recruits during selection in Nepal.
Traditional Nepali cuisine and drinks, prepared by Gurkha chefs, added to the authenticity of the occasion. The night concluded with performances from the Gurkha Khukuri Combat Display Team, pipers, and Nepali and English musical acts, bringing an energetic and memorable close to the celebration.
The evening was an opportunity to share Gurkha heritage with colleagues from across Defence while celebrating the values that continue to define Gurkha service.
Colour Sergeant Rai
