Gurkha heroes to get chance of livelihood in UK

London, Jan. 24 (ANI): Even after defending Britain for nearly 200 years, retired Gurkha soldiers are struggling for citizenship rights and a livelihood. But now, a new railway engineering training is being seen as a fresh ray of hope for some of them.

Under this initiative, around 400 Gurkhas could be employed across Britain's railways by the end of the year, if Network Rail appoints the newly qualified engineers, the Daily Express reports.

After reading about the Gurkhas' plight in Britain, recruitment specialists, Bryn Clarke got inspired to recruit Gurkhas for the project. Clarke's company Ganymede Solutions is funding the training.

"I knew all about the Gurkhas but when I read the article and saw Joanna Lumley leading the campaign it reminded me how great these guys are," he said.

Managing Director Gary Hewitt, a retired Wing Commander who had the experience of working alongside the Gurkhas in the Falklands, said, "Gurkhas are renowned for their dedication and high work rate and very high skill set. Typically they have been combat engineers who can apply themselves to a broad range of tasks." Despite sacrificing their lives for Britain and battling in fierce territories to defend British people, the British Government had threatened that many would not be granted citizenship. Now hundreds of Gurkhas are struggling for new opportunities.

Shiparsad Limbu, 46, an ex Queens Gurkha Engineer started his rail safety training this week said, "I have been looking for something new to do with my skills and this is perfect. I have been a combat engineer, a driver and a crane operator in the army and these are all skills that I can apply in this area."

Liberal Democrat spokesman for Defence, Lord Addington also appreciated the move. "This is a very sensible use of a much needed resource. These are people who are committed and companies can capitalise on their skills," he said (ANI)