Introduction to Char Bhanjyang

Char Bhanjyang Tamu Samaj UK (CBTS (UK)) is a non-political,non profitable, social organisation open to all the people of Char Bhanjyang residing in UK. Char Bhanjyang precisely means four passes between the hills which take a form of saddle between two mountains and Tamu samaj conveys a community of Gurungs.

The four passes here we mean Bhangara, Dadra, Laame and Thanamaula which lies in south of Parbat district, Dhaulagiri Zone. Beautiful villages of CBTS nestled beneath the magnificent, splendid and mighty Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchchhre. Village development committee (VDC) of these four passes are rich in natural, traditional and cultural diversities.

People from this region share a special bond among themselves and values for social and cultural diversification. The early trend of cross cousin marriage in this community might be one of the reasons of strong family ties, however this fashion is slowly fading away due to adoption of new principles of modernisation.

The significant contribution on establishing Char Bhanjyang Tamu Samaj goes to founder Mr Narayan Prasad Gurung (MA). He had the vision, forethought, a genuine concept and above all an innovative brain that successfully established CBTS in Kathmandu on 15 Mar 2003 (1st Chaitra 2059 B.S) despite encountering various challenges. Within the very short span of time it flourished superbly and now the Samaj is also operating in Pokhara, Hong Kong and in the UK independently.

A large number of people from this region started settling in the UK in the mid-2000s, and was in need of establishment of an organisation for social and welfare of the community.

Finally CBTS (UK) was established on 27 May 2007 at Aldershot by the initiation of Lt (Retd) Narayan Prasad Gurung BEM, Hon Lt Chandra Bdr Gurung and Mr Gyam Bdr Gurungwith the following objectives:

a. To provide welfare support to members of the association, relief of financial hardship to sickness, poor health amongst elderly people, victims suffering from natural or other kinds of disasters, victims of war trouble or catastrophe in the UK and Nepal.

b. To enhance community cohesion, promote social inclusion and re-skilling vulnerable people to allow them to live independently through the process of empowerment and maintain our historical good relationship between the people of Nepal and Britain through social integration and mutual support.

c. To promote sustainable development on Health, education, tourism, agriculture and nature conservation for the benefit of poor and vulnerable people in Nepal, particularly in remote parts of Parbat District.

d. To advance education, life skills and to preserve Gurung culture, tradition, language and religion both in Nepal and UK.

e. General charitable purposes in UK and Nepal

Currently CBTS (UK) has 150 house holds, 300 members (excluding children) and 7honorary life members.

Over the years the association has raised funds to help and support in various areas. Most notably so far is the association has financially supported to establish a 10+2 Higher Secondary School in the village of Khalte raising £5000.

Last year the Chairman of CBTS (UK) participated in London Marathon 2010 and raised a handsome sum of £6,000 to establish a Telemedicine Link from CBTS region to UK to help and save lives of all disadvantaged people who are dying due to unavailability of medical support and assistance.

Perhaps, it may not be wrong to say also that CBTS (UK) has been one of the main pillars of Tamu Dhee (UK). Since its establishment, CBTS (UK) members have been a great asset to TDUK in organising various charity programmes and involving in other social activities, raising significant amounts of fund for TDUK lead charities.

CBTS (UK) has further plans to drive its society towards excellence and make the world better place.

CBTS (UK) extends best wishes to all.

“Jai CBTS (UK)”
By Hon Lt Chandra Gurung
Chairman CBTS (UK)