Object size: Refer to parts
This image is part of a photographic series "Postcards from Singapore" by Zakaria Zainal examining narratives of identity and belonging through the perspectives of children of Nepalese Gurkhas, who were born and raised in Singapore. It comprises of a poignant collection of portraits of these young adults, accompanied by handwritten letters from them dedicated to Singapore, captured a week before their departure from Singapore for good, following the completion of three decades of service by their Gurkha fathers. Their writings conveyed sentiments of sadness and nostalgia at having to leave their lives and memories in Singapore behind, tinged with uncertainty and hope for the future.Portrayed here is Raju Gurung at the street soccer court where he spent his secondary school days playing soccer. His greatest fear was being forgotten by the friends he made in Singapore and leaving all his memories behind here. To him, Singapore was his home and he felt he would never get a chance to play soccer in other countries like the way he did here.Documenting the voices and recollections of an essential yet often overlooked community in Singapore's history, this series contemplates on the challenges encountered by this transient and temporal community in navigating the complex emotional and social landscapes that shape their sense of self. While the Gurkha Contingency and their families have resided in isolated encampments out of the public eye to maintain their neutrality, many of these young people have adapted to local norms to fit into Singapore's multicultural society, eventually developing a profound love and attachment for the nation's food, language and people.