Life lessons from the Gurkhas
Whenever I talk about mental health, I usually end up talking about the Gurkhas. These humble and exceptionally brave soldiers from Nepal have fought for the British Army for over 200 years. Bravery, resilience and a kind and compassionate outlook are just a few of the qualities that shine through.
Let’s explore what we can learn from the Gurkhas.
I have a lot of respect for them. Over the last few years through my work, I have been lucky enough to meet serving and former Gurkhas and I've always come away inspired.
This has encouraged me to learn more about them and their history. One of the things that has really struck me is that you really can't find anyone with a bad word to say against them. You're also presented with a long list of amazing feats, that have earned Gurkhas 13 Victoria Crosses, Britain’s highest military honour.
From Lachiman Gurrung, who single handedly resisted a Japanese attack in World War Two, to Dipprisad Pun who defended his position from attacking Taliban in Afghanistan, accounts of staggering bravery follow the Gurkhas around the world.
These two accounts are made even more incredible when you learn that Gurrung held an attack of around 200 Japanese soldiers at bay after losing the fingers on his right hand and his eye. Pun also resorted to hitting the attackers with the tripod of his gun, after exhausting his supply of ammunition, hand grenades and mines.
These tales are also balanced by accounts of incredible hospitality, generosity and humour that is constantly demonstrated by these multi-generational warriors.
Without exception, all the Gurkhas I've met have been incredibly welcoming, pleasant and humble. I've never seen anything that resembled aggression or arrogance, but it should be no surprise that an incredible discipline has always been evident.
During the pandemic, I often drew inspiration from the Gurkhas. One particular veteran, Lalbahadur Gurung who fought the Japanese in Burma for around two and a half years came to mind. He described how he was constantly fighting, that food and water were scarce and that his clothes were literally wearing away in the harsh jungle, but he persisted.
There are also compelling stories from Gurkha widows, who describe how it would be almost four years until they heard from their loved ones during this time.
In the words of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gurkha”.
Despite having so much to explore, I'd like to focus on three easy things we can learn from the Gurkhas:
Have a positive mental attitude
I think it's safe to say that Gurkhas are fully committed to what they do. To fully explore this, I'd like to dig deeper into Lachiman Gurrung's incredible bravery during World War Two.
As I said before, his position was overrun and after throwing back two grenades that landed near him, the third one exploded in his hand. He suffered serious wounds and lost the use of his right hand and eye.
The story doesn't end here though, as he literally drew a line in the sand with his kukri knife and vowed to defend his position to the end. Throughout the next 14 hours, reloading his rifle with his left hand, he held that line.
For me, this reflects the incredible will and discipline of the Gurkhas and there are countless accounts like this. They don't give up and failure is not an option.
I've learned the hard way not to complain to a Gurkha. Without thinking, I once complained about the cold during the 'Beast from the East' snap a few years ago. The former Gurkha I was speaking to simply paused, and recounted, in a very matter of fact manner, a posting to South Georgia and freezing conditions so close to Antarctica.
Sometime later, on a scorching July day, I asked him about the hottest environment he'd been in. Subsequently learning about the harsh jungle of Brunei, and the snakes, scorpions and nasty insects that go with it, really made me appreciate a British summer's day.
All of this was calmly recounted without judgement, without ego and an apparent willingness to do it all again if the situation called for it. All of this really inspired me, and my work.
I know this doesn't just happen. It's a result of discipline and a positive mental attitude. I honestly believe that in terms of mental health, and in many respects productivity, we will rarely achieve something if we lose belief in ourselves and place our focus on the negative.
The right combination of self belief, ability and discipline is sure to deliver something special. I honestly believe that when we keep telling ourselves we can't do something we have little chance of achieving success. It becomes part of our narrative.
In closing, I'd like to tell you about a talk I attended, where two former Gurkhas described the work of The Gurkha Welfare Trust. This amazing charity provides support for former Gurkhas and their families and communities in Nepal.
After hearing about the harsh conditions that are often experienced, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, a number of mental health professionals who were in attendance were concerned. One of them even asked them how they deal with all the mental health issues.
The former Gurkha paused and looked a little confused, before calmly responding that ‘they don't have any'. I learned so much that day. Not just about mental health, but of what is really important. Their values, their connections and the way they approach the world.
Be like the Gurkhas, and try dealing with the world head on. As it really is.
The next part looks at how a Gurkha is likely to behave.
Be humble
As I've mentioned, the Gurkhas have a formidable reputation as warriors. Those that get through the gruelling training often follow in the footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers.
Gurkhas carry out amazing feats in service to the crown and have overcome our fiercest and most fanatical enemies. Most people hearing this though would probably expect to be a little intimidated meeting a Gurkha, but that doesn't happen.
Again, as I've mentioned, the Gurkhas have an equally impressive reputation for their kind, respectful and welcoming nature. This is usually a stark contrast to the boastful, self-centred and belittling approach many 'successful' people adopt in our society.
For me, it's all about showing respect. Whether that's to your colleagues, your job, your family or your community. It should be no surprise that all of these examples are evident when you take a close look at the Gurkhas.
Let's be honest, I don't expect people to go off and develop an iron will and start running up hills with baskets of sand around their necks (a Gurkha recruitment exercise) after reading this, but they could change the way they deal with people. Just one little thing could make a difference.
Think about how you interact with people. Do you show them respect, do you consider yourself superior and do you consider their feelings?
Just go off and watch many of the clips on YouTube to see how Gurkhas conduct themselves. I've yet to hear instructors raise their voices or swear at recruits, but I do see mutual respect. As I keep saying, we really can learn a lot from the Gurkhas.
In the words of Ernest Hemmingway, “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in beings superior to your former self.”
This often comes to mind when I think about the Gurkhas. Now it’s time to look at how you can be like the Gurkhas.
Build a great reputation
I honestly don't think you could put a price on the incredible reputation the Gurkhas have earned through the years. We can all learn something from this, as it doesn't just happen.
As we've already explored, it's safe to say it's well earned. It's also real, which I think is very significant. No spin, no PR and no agenda, just people recounting their own experiences.
I think a lot of so-called entrepreneurs would do well to consider what lessons they could learn from the Gurkhas. All the glamorous pitches and promises in the world ultimately mean nothing if you can't, or won’t, deliver.
There's no substitute for integrity, getting things done properly and treating people right. Unfortunately, they are qualities we don't see enough of in our society.
While few Gurkhas are likely to be considered rich and successful by our standards, I think most of them with have something more precious than any of us will ever gain. Genuine respect, connections and deeds that made a difference.
It's easy to lose a reputation, so I don't think it's a coincidence that the qualities of the Gurkhas and their intense discipline have kept theirs for centuries.
It's also worth considering the aims and intentions of the average Gurkha. I think it's safe to say that it isn't acquiring huge wealth and elevating themselves over other people. It's likely to be on something larger than themselves, and maybe that's why they have a great reputation.
I hope this helped and more importantly, it inspires you to keep exploring the amazing work of the Gurkhas. The work of the Gurkha Welfare Trust > is a great way to start and it's a charity I support. Hopefully, when you think about mental health in future, you'll also think about the Gurkhas.