Panas Helping Hands
2250. Sujan Katuwal
2251. Bandana Katuwal
Sujan and Bandana Katuwal, from London, have provided over 250,000 free meals through their charity ‘Panas Helping Hands’.
Originally from Nepal, Sujan initially set up the charity from their Gurkha restaurant in Lewisham to support Gurkha veterans and the local community, through delivering food and other essential items. They donated thousands of meals to the NHS and vulnerable members of the community during the pandemic, and since then to Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.
They also run numerous events around South London that have included a children’s chess tournament for Ukrainian refugees, and fundraisers for flood victims in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Sujan is currently undertaking a 3000 mile walking challenge, to fundraise for ‘Combat Stress’ with Dame Joanna Lumley. Starting on 16 January from the Embassy of Nepal, Sujan is aiming to walk through every London borough, covering one mile for each veteran seeking help for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2024, looking to complete half a marathon each day over 200 days. Through the challenge, Sujan also hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues, while also showcasing the culture of Nepal.
Congratulating Sujan and Bandana on their award, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP, said:
“Sujan and Bandana have worked tirelessly to support those in their community, from veterans to NHS staff. Their latest challenge to raise money to help support veterans struggling with their mental health will significantly benefit those in need.
“It is people like Sujan and Bandana who represent the camaraderie of our community, and I am pleased their contributions are being recognised.”
Robert Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Combat Stress, said:
“On behalf of ‘Combat Stress’ and the veterans we treat, I would like to congratulate Sujan and Bandana Katuwal on receiving the Points of Light award. We are thrilled for them and they thoroughly deserve this recognition. Not only have they done so much for their community through ‘Panas Helping Hands’, but Sujan’s current fundraising challenge to walk 3,000 miles to raise much needed funds for ‘Combat Stress’ and other charities is simply inspirational.
“At ‘Combat Stress’, we know all too well how trauma from military service can, without treatment, destroy the lives of veterans and their families. The money raised by Sujan will help us to continue delivering our specialist clinical treatment and support so more veterans across the UK can rebuild their lives.”
Sujan and Bandana said:
“This is an honour to be named as the Points of Light winners 2024. We are super happy and truly thrilled to be recognised by the Prime Minister. We could not have done and do without the support from the community.
“We are both privileged to be chosen among other individuals who have received this award.”
Find out more about ‘Panas Helping Hands’