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The Gurungs
*** A Brief Introduction ***
Though only about half a million in number, the Gurung people have made
distinct and immense contributions to history and culture and have
demonstrated an unwavering commitment to world peace and progress. At
present, the majority of Gurungs live in Nepal, where they form one of the
many ethnic groups in the country. In Nepal, Gurungs have and continue to
play significant roles in all spheres of country’s development. Outside
Nepal, many Gurungs, some in their renowned role as Gurkha soldiers, have
lived and been exposed to diverse world cultures in areas as different as
Bhutan, Europe, Hong-Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and the United States of
America.
In Nepal, Gurungs can be divided into two categories, highlanders and
lowlanders (though Gurungs are predominantly highlanders). Highlanders
living on the slopes of Himalayas still rely heavily on a pastoral and
agricultural way of life. They grow rice, wheat, maize, millet and
potatoes, normally on terraced mountain slopes. They also derive
subsistence from sheep breeding for meat and wool, using fierce mastiffs
of sheepdogs. Highlanders’ way of life resembles that of Tibetans in terms
of religious beliefs and cultural practices. In contrast, lowlanders are
more influenced by Hindu religious beliefs and practices. It is not
surprising to see Gurungs using a Hindu priest for birth and a Buddhist
Lama (priest) for last rites at someone’s death.
Many Gurung families, however, have another important source of income -
the pensions and salaries of family members who are in the army. Among
them are the legendry fighters of British Gurkha Regiment, who were
honored with Victoria Crosses for their bravery. Indeed Gurungs are
renowned for their role as Gurkha soldiers, making unparalleled
contributions in far flung places such as Europe during World Wars I and
II, Burma, Malaysia, the Falklands, Africa, and India. Most recently,
Gurungs have participated and continue to participate in most United
Nations peacekeeping missions throughout the world.
Despite many pushes and pulls of modern day life, Gurungs are increasingly
eager to learn, preserve, and celebrate their distinct cultural heritage
and practices. This includes not only the various belief systems and
cultural practices surrounding festivals, birth, marriage, and death
rituals, but also the Gurungs’ own language Tamu Kwei, generally
considered a Tibeto-Burman dialect. This effort will continue to provide
invaluable insights and inspiration into the struggles and accomplishments
of the Gurung people.
In an ever more interdependent world, Gurungs face the challenge of
balancing the preservation of their unique cultural heritage with
adaptation to the demands of modern life. The majority of Gurungs still
struggle for basic opportunities to improve their livelihoods. As in the
past, Gurungs need to invest in opportunities that build on their
well-known attributes as people who are hard working, trustworthy,
adaptable, and quick-learners in meeting the challenges of modern life in
or outside of Nepal. At the same time, Gurungs can benefit from support
and guidance from outside individuals, institutions, and governments.
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