‘Kaal Sanga Kusti’ depicts the life of Captain Aash Bahadur Gurung, survivor of a fourth-stage prostate cancer, at the age of 83.

Providing more than a conventional biography, we are exposed to how faith, determination, and benevolence can help one overcome a brutal life. This book, which openly discusses an octogenarian’s past that shapes his present, is a testament to how he was a warrior not only on the battlefield but also in life.

Born in the early 1940s, Aash is the son of Laal Singh Gurung and Daxmi Gurung. Belonging to the head lineage of Khewang village (now renamed as Okhle), Syangja, Aash was a child with an inquisitive nature and a desire to learn. Despite the lack of schools at the time, he had the opportunity to educate himself academically and spiritually under the guidance of a priest who lived nearby, Naradmuni Chapai.

From his vivacious childhood mischiefs, gallivanting with equally mischievous friends and ploughing oxen with his paternal uncle to sleeping on a bed of hay, owning only two sets of clothes and toiling as an army, he has a story that can make any Nepali proud. Presented through the words of Chun, the biography reveals the hardships faced by every other Gurkha soldier serving during that time.

The author, Chun Bahadur Gurung, begins by highlighting how we have forgotten the original names of various places in our country, offering a reality check on how our traditions are fading as the years proceed. Gradually, we delve into its eight distinct chapters that discuss Aash’s military journey, his victory over cancer with the help of Ayurveda, followed by modern medical science, the contributions he made to address various social issues, and the secrets to his marital success.

Additionally, the biographer connects the captain’s military, national, and international struggles with the contemporary social context, shedding light on history rather than just focusing on an individual’s achievements and hardships. ‘Kaal Sanga Kusti’, moreover, is a book that is composed with a scholarly style of writing, structured by a combination of thematic and chronological narration.

The author supports every point he makes with explanations and references. This helps readers understand the topic more clearly. Additionally, the simple language, choice of words, and concise explanations make the book easy to read, understand, and reflect upon.

When I started reading this book, I felt as if I were in a real interview session, patiently listening to everything Aash had in store for me. Each memory he recounted and every individual he cited enhanced my immersive experience while reading. Nevertheless, the waves that carried me into the narrative gradually faded away. What began as a captivating story abruptly shifted into an academic textbook.

The references and justifications included by the writer in the biography promote credibility. However, it also disturbs the pace it maintains. Some events don’t align with any of the context that the book offers. This could have been avoided. Additionally, the constant praise of Ayurvedic treatment, while overlooking the acknowledgement of the contributions modern science has made and continues to make in the medical field, was somewhat disappointing.

Regardless of that, its ability to honour military bravery, shed light on morbid misconceptions regarding cancer and offer a heartwarming story ensures its timelessness in the Nepali book world. Aash’s life is evidence of how inaccurate the ubiquitous notion of cancer not being curable is. Despite being declared a victim of stage four prostate cancer, and the doctors not holding much hope regarding his treatment, Aash did not let it discourage him.

Instead of letting his medical reports be a source of despair, he took them as an opportunity to remain positive and find a way through. As the title indicates, Gurung’s life is indeed ‘Kaal Sanga Kusti’. Hence, to learn about the lives of Gorkha soldiers, understand the power of modern medicinal science combined with Ayurveda and faith, and ponder the adaptation of cultural hegemony in our country, this book is a must-read.

Kaal Sanga Kusti

Author: Chun Bahadur Gurung

Year: 2025

Publisher: Tamu Bauddha Sewa Samiti

Pages: 138