BFBS Gurkha Radio is a specialized radio service operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), created to serve the Gurkha community—both active personnel in the British Army and their families around the world. Broadcasting in Nepali, it delivers news, entertainment, and military information that resonates with the rich cultural heritage of the Gurkhas.

Station Overview

• Service Name: BFBS Gurkha Radio

• Broadcast Language: Nepali

• Operated By: British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS)

• Audience: Gurkha soldiers, ex-servicemen, and families in the UK, Nepal, Brunei, and other deployments

• Broadcast Platforms: FM (in military bases), satellite, DAB (in the UK), and online streaming

• Website: www.forces.net/radio/stations/gurkha-radio

Mission and Purpose

The primary aim of BFBS Gurkha Radio is to:

• Inform: Deliver reliable news, military updates, and community information

• Entertain: Provide Nepali music, interviews, and cultural shows

• Unite: Maintain a sense of home and identity for Gurkha personnel serving abroad

• Support: Facilitate well-being and morale for military families through familiar content

Programming Highlights

BFBS Gurkha Radio combines traditional military news services with culturally tailored content:

• News & Current Affairs: Focused on both UK military matters and news from Nepal

• Music Programs: A mix of classic Nepali songs, Bollywood hits, and contemporary pop

• Health & Welfare Shows: Guidance on mental health, family services, and veterans’ support

• Community Features: Celebrations of Nepali festivals (e.g., Dashain, Tihar), interviews with Gurkha leaders, and community stories

• Educational Segments: Especially for youth and families living abroad

Global Broadcast Reach

BFBS Gurkha Radio reaches listeners via:

• FM & DAB in the UK: In garrison towns like Aldershot, Shorncliffe, and Catterick

• Online Streaming Worldwide: Available via BFBS Radio Player

• In Theatres of Operation: Brunei, Cyprus, Falklands, and other military deployment zones

• BFBS App: Free download with full access to live Gurkha Radio and program schedules

Cultural and Social Impact

• Preserves Language & Culture: As the only Nepali-language radio station on UK soil

• Supports Integration: Helps Gurkha families adapt to life in the UK while staying connected to home

• Veteran Engagement: Involves ex-Gurkhas in discussions and legacy features

• Youth Outreach: Informs second-generation Gurkhas of their roots and heritage

Fun Fact

• BFBS (est. 1943) has operated Gurkha radio services for decades, making it one of the longest-running foreign-language military radio services in the UK.