A Journey of Gratitude: From Butter Lamps to the Chief Guest

On the auspicious morning of November 11, 2015, I stirred from slumber at an early hour, propelled by a deep sense of reverence and national duty. The occasion was the grand commemoration of the 60th birth anniversary of the revered Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan. As per a cherished tradition observed across the nation, I engaged in the venerable custom of illuminating butter lamps, a symbolic gesture resonating with profound respect. The heartwarming ceremony known as "choesham" concluded by 8:00 am, leaving me in quiet contemplation.

However, this tranquil morning took an unexpected turn as my phone rang, bearing an unfamiliar number. Intrigued, I answered the call only to find the principal of Tsaling Community School on the other end. This esteemed institution was my apprentice stomping ground. The principal extended an impromptu invitation for me to assume the role of chief guest at the school's elaborate celebrations that day. This unforeseen request stemmed from an unforeseen emergency, causing the original guest of honor to withdraw. Understanding that I was a familiar presence and fitting substitute, I hesitantly agreed to step into this prestigious role, all while being conscious of the fleeting time.

Upon arriving at the school premises, a lively scene greeted my eyes – students, parents, and faculty members had gathered, forming a vibrant tableau on the modest grounds. The principal, along with a few teachers, extended warm greetings, underscoring the camaraderie that marked the academic community. Together, we proceeded towards the designated celebration area. Following a harmonious rendition of the national anthem, I had the honor of raising the national flag – a symbolic act of unity and loyalty.

While the expectation was that I would deliver a prepared speech, circumstances found me unprepared in that regard. Yet, I adroitly adapted, weaving a spontaneous narrative drawn from my personal experiences. Addressing the distinguished principal, esteemed educators, parents, and beloved students, I expressed an overwhelming sense of privilege and honor in being present on such a significant occasion. With sincere gratitude, I acknowledged the warm reception extended to me, as we collectively paid homage to the Fourth King's 60th birth anniversary. In the spirit of this auspicious day, my words resonated with a fervent aspiration for prosperity under the benevolent reign of our monarch.

In the course of my address, I ventured to share an intimate vignette from my life, an anecdote that mirrored the transformative power of the King's benevolence. In my formative years, I had witnessed the influx of non-national workers into our region, drawn by opportunities in construction and other endeavors. These individuals, primarily from Assam, India, gradually became integral to our community. The gradual integration and mutual exchange of language and culture were emblematic of the rich tapestry of coexistence. Their stories of seeking a better life in our land while leaving their own behind left an indelible mark on me.

Against this backdrop, the tale of our local orange trade unfolded – a livelihood that connected us with the bustling market of Nganglam. However, this journey was not without its perils, as criminal activities along the route cast a shadow on our lives. I recounted a disturbing incident involving truck robberies, marking the incursion of mischief along our borders. The increasing presence of these elements heralded more sinister events, which I chronicled on my blog, www.kingyen.blogspot.com, providing an avenue for further exploration.

As my narrative evolved, I transitioned to the darker chapters of my region's history, recounting the harrowing infiltration of terrorists from ALFA and BODO groups. Their presence had plunged our lives into turmoil, compelling us to face a stark reality that disrupted the daily rhythm of our existence. Their menacing actions left an indelible scar, the memory of which still reverberates. These events culminated in the tragic loss of young lives, including a dear friend's, reminding us of the gravity of the situation. Amidst this turmoil, a beacon of hope emerged – our Fourth King, a figure of solace, whose sacrifice and empathy encapsulated the spirit of a true leader. His intervention and relentless efforts underscored the lengths to which he would go for his people.

On this sacred occasion of the Fourth King's 60th birth anniversary, I extend profound gratitude on behalf of our community. His unwavering courage and leadership have lifted us from despair to prosperity, nurturing an environment where industries flourish, educational opportunities abound, and lives are enriched. Today, as we join hands in celebration, let us echo the rallying cry of "Pelden Drukpa Gyello" with unwavering pride.

The dream-like narrative I shared was a testament to the impact of the Fourth King's reign, a testament that culminated as my hand instinctively lifted in the heat of the moment. Yet, it was not a flag but my blanket that yielded to my grasp. The dream had ended, and it was time to embrace reality, as I prepared to partake in the actual festivities at the Bhutanese embassy in Bangkok.

Balancing Dreams and Reality: Embracing Unexpected Paths in Pursuit of Success

Dreams are an integral part of our lives, but not everyone can fulfill them according to their desires. Individuals have their own dreams and aspirations, and sometimes they are forced to abandon their ambitions due to parental decisions. This factor can significantly disrupt personal interests and opportunities in the workforce within our society.

As an individual, I once dreamt of becoming an engineer. However, after completing my secondary education, I did not meet the requirements for pursuing my dream. Instead, I decided to pursue my field of interest and joined a Polytechnic institute. Unfortunately, this did not work out due to conflicting opinions between my brother and me. He wanted me to become a teacher, and ultimately, I had to comply. This experience taught me that sometimes, you don't need a specific plan; you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens.

Even after entering the teaching profession, the desire to become an engineer never completely faded from my mind. The thought continued to resurface because I noticed that many of my friends who graduated from polytechnic were earning a better living as engineers. Ultimately, I realized that money does matter to some extent.

As a teacher, it has become necessary for us to continually upgrade our qualifications. It has become challenging to sustain ourselves with just a degree qualification in this profession, as it is quite precarious. Consequently, I applied for the TICA scholarship program in Bhutan and pursued a Master of Science in Physics. I successfully completed the interview in July last year and received the acceptance letter from Mahidol University in Thailand in February this year.

To my surprise, the Master of Science in Physics program had been revised to Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. This development greatly inspired me because the course aligned with my aspiration to become an engineer. Since I will be studying in a field related to engineering, I do not regret not being able to fulfill my ambition of becoming an engineer. I will give my best effort and trust in a higher power for the rest.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Royal Government of Bhutan, particularly the Ministry of Education and RCSC, for providing free education and offering this opportunity. Furthermore, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Thai government and Mahidol University for considering me for their full scholarship program.

ROAD TO MY CAREER

1. Education and Professional Journey:
2. Dechheling Lower Secondary School: Commenced enrollment at Dechheling Primary School in 1993 at the PP level. 
3. Progressed to Class I in 1994. Advanced to Class II in 1995. 
4. Elevated to Class III in 1996. Promoted to Class IV in 1997. 
5. Uplifted to Class V in 1998. 
6. Achieved promotion to Class VI in 1999 and undertook the board examination. 
7. Sarpang Higher Secondary School: Enrolled in Class IX in 2002. 
8. Successfully completed Class X in 2003 and participated in the BCSE exam. 
9. Zhemgang Higher Secondary School: Enrolled in Class XI in 2004. 
10. Attained completion of Class XII in the Science stream (ISCE) in 2005. 
11. Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag: Took on the role of an Apprentice Teacher at Tsaling CPS in 2006. 
12. Paro College of Education: Engaged in the pursuit of a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree from 2007 to 2009. 
13. Wangduephodrang Dzongkhang: Served as an educator at Bajothang Higher Secondary School from 2010 to June 2015. 
14. Thailand: Undertook a Master of Science (M.Sc) program in Materials Science and Engineering at Mahidol University from July 2015 to July 2017. 
15. Acknowledges the nearly 24-year journey to reach the current stage of their professional career and personal development. Expresses sincere gratitude to the Royal Government and the courageous Kings of Bhutan for their unwavering support.

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Home is a place for love and happiness not for violence

“Home is a place for love and happiness not for violence”

I wish to extend my profound respect and admiration for the pivotal role that your office plays in the empowerment of women, not only within Bhutan but also on a broader scale. It is with a heavy heart that I compose this correspondence to draw your esteemed attention to an ongoing and distressing matter involving the persistent abuse suffered by my illiterate sister within our village.

A considerable span of time has passed since my sister's marriage to a local resident, a period marked by a consistent pattern of verbal and physical maltreatment inflicted upon her by her spouse. This situation remains unaltered despite their joint parenthood and the responsibility he bears as a father to their two children. Regrettably, his conduct in this regard has remained negligent and void of the expected care.

For an extended duration, he was absent, employed as a laborer under subcontractors. Instead of fulfilling his obligations towards his family, he chose to disregard them, resulting in profound distress for my sister. Investigations unveiled his proximity to Nganglam, where he initiated a relationship with another woman. Their interactions extended to nocturnal rendezvous within hotels and work sites, culminating in his being caught in flagrante delicto.

The impact of this situation has been gravely detrimental to my sister, exacerbating her emotional suffering. We have endeavored to enlist the support of the Gewog administration, engaging in mediations with the hope of reforming his behavior and fostering familial support, but these endeavors have not yielded any amelioration; his deleterious conduct persists.

He further exacerbated the situation by eluding us through altering his contact information, purposefully evading our attempts at communication. Subsequently, we uncovered his cohabitation with another woman and her children. Despite our numerous attempts to reason with him via telephone and encourage him to rectify his actions, his willingness to listen remained absent.

Upon successfully establishing contact and notifying him of his grandfather's demise, we implored him to return home to fulfill his responsibilities as a grandson. Although he agreed to return, his behavior exhibited no alteration. Instead, he continued to subject his family to threats of violence and even engaged in a deplorable attempt at assaulting my sister, leaving her in a constant state of trepidation and unrest.

Repeated visits to the Gewog administration by my younger brother and myself, aimed at resolving this distressing matter, have regrettably proven futile. After a span of three weeks, he returned home, accompanied by his second wife, further intensifying the turmoil within the household.

In this critical juncture, I humbly beseech the support of your esteemed office, which has consistently stood as a bastion of hope and assistance. The gravity of the current circumstance cannot be overstated, and we find ourselves deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of my sister and her children. The absence of decisive action against this abusive individual raises concerns about the prevalence of gender-based violence within Bhutan.

I earnestly anticipate a response from your office, recognizing that your intervention holds the potential to markedly alter this distressing situation. Your invaluable guidance and assistance are sorely needed, and we entrust in your office's commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of my sister, along with other vulnerable women facing analogous challenges.