Object size: Refer to parts
This image is part of a photographic series "Our Gurkhas: Singapore Through Their Eyes" by Zakaria Zainal, which comprises portraits of retired members of the Gurkha Contingent who had served in Singapore during the most formative years of the nation's history. Bearing witness to Singapore's modernisation and development, they played a vital role as safekeeping forces to neutralise civil unrest such as the 1950 Maria Hertogh riots, 1955 Hock Lee Bus riots, 1964 racial riots, as well as to maintain security during periods of diplomatic tensions such as the Kronfrontasi from 1963 to 1966.The majority of Gurkhas are recruited from a small number of hill tribes in Nepal, and from as young as 18 years old. Spending their prime years in Singapore, they experience major life milestones, such as receiving their first salary to experiencing marriage and parenthood in the country. Though they eventually return to Nepal after completing three decades of service in Singapore, their time here often leaves a lasting imprint, shaping both their professional and personal lives. Each monochromatic mid-body portrait of these former Gurkhas is composed with them posing with documents or photographic records of their service in Singapore. Accompanying each image are anecdotes from them recounting memories of key milestones in Singapore's history, which collectively convey a sense of camaraderie, pride and belonging towards the nation.This portrait of Harka Bahadur Rai (4969) depicts him holding a photograph of himself receiving the Long Service Award from the Police Commissioner. The 56-year-old retired police constable served from 1976 till 2001. Rai shared fond memories of the year 1988, when the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system was officially launched. As Rai was used to getting around on foot, he was initially unaccustomed to taking train rides and even accidentally lost his train ticket during a trip. Rai's experience of travelling mostly on foot hints at the regimented lifestyles and limited circles of social activity the Gurkhas abided by. The community lives within a secured, self-contained compound in Mount Vernon Camp that ensures their impartiality when serving in a multiethnic society.