The Lamichhane Foundation donates over £51 K to Nepal Flood Relief

London — The Lamichhane Foundation (TLF), chaired by UK-based fashion entrepreneur and philanthropist Rabindra Jung Lamichhane, has donated NPR 1.07 crore (£51,727) to aid victims of the recent Bhote Koshi floods.

The UK Charity Commission-registered Foundation transferred the funds directly to the official bank account of the Embassy of Nepal in London. The embassy confirmed that the donation will be transferred to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.

During a special ceremony held at the embassy, Mr. Lamichhane handed over the cheque to Bipin Duwadi, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Nepal in London, and Vidushi Rana, Member of Parliament from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

Calls for international and diaspora support

Expressing her sincere gratitude to Mr. Lamichhane, MP Vidushi Rana highlighted that Nepal requires the assistance of diaspora members for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction. She noted that Non Resident Nepalis around the globe, including in the UK, have stepped up generously following the catastrophe.

Rana also shared that during her UK visit, she met with British parliamentarians to seek support for Nepal’s post-flood reconstruction efforts. She emphasized that Nepal will need to spend nearly 10% of its GDP on reconstruction, making international support essential.

Leader of the Labour Party and former Member of Parliament Virendra Sharma, who was active in UK politics for nearly five decades, praised Lamichhane’s long-standing dedication. Sharma noted that Lamichhane not only steps forward during times of national crisis but also plays a vital role in strengthening UK-Nepal diplomatic, political, and trade relations.

Charge d’Affaires Bipin Duwadi expressed deep gratitude to The Lamichhane Foundation, noting that Mr. Lamichhane had previously provided crucial support during the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic. Duwadi added that the Nepal government is now fully focused on rehabilitation and rebuilding.

Driven by love for the nation

Speaking at the event, Mr. Lamichhane—founder and CEO of London-based fashion brands Genie London and Ravi Famous Ltd, operating for over three decades—stated that helping his homeland during crisis was his moral duty.

“I love my country. When disaster strikes, I cannot remain a passive bystander,” Lamichhane said. “Seeing the devastation caused by the recent floods broke my heart, which motivated me to raise these funds.”

He extended his heartfelt gratitude to all donors and friends of Nepal who contributed through the Foundation.

Former Gurkha officer Lt. Col. Tol Khamcha Magar lauded Lamichhane’s entrepreneurial success and philanthropic efforts as an inspiration to many. Senior community leader Mahanta Shrestha OBE also recalled how Lamichhane consistently leads charitable initiatives and encourages others to contribute.

Board of Trustees members Lakshmi Rai and Surya Prasad Upadhyay shared the Foundation’s vision and future roadmap during the event.

A legacy of humanitarian and social contributions

Disaster & Pandemic Relief: During the devastating 2015 earthquake, Lamichhane provided relief materials—including blankets, tents, and essential supplies worth millions of rupees—via Nepal Army and Nepal Police. He also personally handed NPR 51 lakh to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund in the presence of then-Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

During the second wave of COVID-19, he donated NPR 15 lakh to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and collaborated with the UK’s Swaminarayan organisation to deliver 33 portable oxygen concentrators to Nepal, facilitated by UN Goodwill Ambassador and Bollywood actor Manisha Koirala.

Cultural & Social Initiatives: In memory of his late father, Chandra Jung Lamichhane, Rabi constructed the Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu. He has also donated millions to the historic Kul Barahi Temple in Mallaj (Parbat), the Pashupati Temple in South East London, and the Shiva Cultural and Community Centre UK in Aldershot.

Education & Youth Development: Through the Ravichandra Trust (Nepal), which he founded, Lamichhane currently funds scholarships for 55 underprivileged and bright students. He also actively supports youth sports development in Nepal, particularly football and cricket.

Bridging UK-Nepal Bilateral Relations

As Vice-Chairman of the UK-Nepal Trade and Investment Forum and member of the Advisory Council of the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club London, Lamichhane serves as an important bridge for UK-Nepal diplomatic and commercial ties:

High-Level Diplomacy: Rabi has organized and facilitated meetings for visiting Nepali leaders, including playing a pivotal role in arranging the 2019 high-level bilateral meeting between then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and UK Prime Minister Theresa May.

Dignitary Receptions: He hosted a grand dinner reception at the Naval and Military Club in London in honor of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba during COP26 in 2021.

Parliamentary Linkages: He coordinated the key 2022 meeting between National Assembly Chairman Ganesh Prasad Timilsina and UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

Global Campaigns: He hosted global spiritual leader Sadhguru in March 2022 for events at the Nepali Embassy and the UK Houses of Parliament, promoting cultural diversity and supporting the global “Save Soil” movement launched from Parliament Square.