Late on Thursday, 19 November, Badam Maya [Tamang] Gurung passed away and with her a great love and legacy of INF involvement since its earliest beginnings.
Maili Aama, as she became affectionately known by the young men and women under her care at the INF hostel on the site of what is now the Green Pastures Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre [GPHRC], is remembered for her hospitality and open door, visitors were always welcome at her Nayagaon home. Not only was she in charge of the hostel, she also trained those men and women with life skills, weaving and knitting.
Maili was born in Darjeeling but from the age of 12 lived in Shillong where she was cared for by NEB [the forerunner of INF] staff, Beth Allinger and Elaine Crane.
She married Philip Gurung in Nautanwa in 1953, together they supported the initial survey work for establishing NEB in Nepal when Philip joined Pat O’Hanlon and Jean Raddon on their first survey tour of Baglung in 1959. Maili and Philip did not join the first team of NEB members that trekked to Pokhara in November 1952 but they followed and joined them in early 1953, both contributing greatly to the initial establishment of INF’s work.
Philip and Maili built their own house in Nayagoan in 1960 and raised their 7 children there. Maili faithfully served for over 15 years as hostel incharge for the INF Leprosy Programme where she was known for her strict management of the young men under her care.
Maili is survived by 6 of her 7 children, 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Her life and service to INF were celebrated with a funeral service on Friday 20 November, the same day as Philip and her 62nd wedding anniversary.