𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐡’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

“Over the course of nearly eleven years, the passage of time has seen some names of people and places fade from my memory. It’s a common aspect of human nature to forget the past, yet certain memories remain deeply rooted in our minds, easily summoned with the slightest provocation.

Just two months ago, I embarked on my inaugural field visit to the districts of Chukha and Dagana since joining the Tarayana Foundation. It proved to be an exhilarating and enlightening experience, introducing me to new facets of life. Engaging with the community members of Metakha and Chaggdokha in Chukha district was particularly memorable, offering profound insights into societal dynamics.

Subsequently, my journey led me to the beauty of Dagana, where the landscapes effortlessly captivated my attention, alleviating the fatigue of long hours on the road. Our first stop was Dorona Chungwa, followed by Sipa and, finally, Thasa. Despite the uncooperative weather typical of early spring, with its gloomy skies and intermittent rain, traversing the freshly ploughed fields evoked nostalgic memories of my village upbringing.

Our field visit proceeded smoothly, with a focus on documenting the ongoing Sustainable Land Management (SLM) training through photography and videography. While Dorona Chungwa and Sipa remained shrouded in wintry chill, Thasa presented a stark contrast with its hot and windy conditions. Although our intended two-day training session in Thasa was curtailed to one due to project replication, it was during this time that a chance encounter ignited my curiosity.

An elderly lady approached me, ‘Is it possible to drop me back to Drukeygang?’ she asked. This simple request sparked a conversation that delved into her past, revealing fascinating tales of bygone eras. She reminisced about the days when journeys between Thasa and Drukjegang were undertaken on foot, a practice no longer feasible due to the limitations imposed by old age. As our conversation unfolded, she recounted engaging in barter-system trade with residents of Taksha. Taksha!’ I asked again, ‘You mean Taksha, Silay, Tsara and all?’ ‘Yes,’ she replied. Taksha held a special place in my heart, being the site of my first school experience. Despite the arduous four-hour trek from the highway to reach its scenic location, the anticipation of returning to school always infused the journey with excitement.

Our school days were humble, devoid of the luxuries afforded to urban counterparts. Wooden-planked classrooms furnished with a single large table, around which six or seven students would gather, epitomized our educational environment. Basic amenities, including food supplies provided by the World Food Programme and the Royal Government of Bhutan, were cherished, with even empty jars finding secondary uses as makeshift skating boards and cooking oil as hair oil. And venturing into the nearby thick jungle to collect edible jungle fruits like walnuts ,monkey apples and so on.

One particularly vivid memory from my time at Taksha was the visit by Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, accompanied by officials, to our school. It was early spring with slight rain, and we the students along with all the teachers were waiting in a long queue for the reception. I was probably seven years old back then having no clue for whom we were waiting. Burning cypress tree leaves at the edge of the path with the senior students and teachers wearing Kabney and Rachu (Bhutanese scarfs). Eventually, so many people arrived with more than 20 horses loaded with luggage.

It was in the next morning assembly when I saw Her Majesty and the Tarayana logo for the first time when she addressed the students. In fact, I had no idea why they visited our school and what we were supposed to do. Standing in the scorching sun was worth the time when we were given so many gifts like trekking shoes, gho, towel, soaps, tooth brush, track suits and an envelope with Nu. 250 each. Wow! That amount was a whole year’s expense for a student like me. The one thing which captured my attention was the trekking boot; thick soled and brownish colored. As the distribution of gifts began, all of my friends received their share and rushed to the hostel happily. Then I stared at my feet, I was wearing my favorite blue colored water-boot. I was excited to upgrade my blue water-boot with a brand new tracking shoe, therefore my full attention was only on the shoes. While my mates each found their perfect size and claimed theirs, I was left disappointed when my size was out of stock, forcing me to wear my blue water-boot for the entire year.

Fortunately, starting the following year, I secured my size and wore them until the end of my sixth grade, enjoying the privilege of being the class captain and selecting my shoes first.

Sadly, the visit ended and we waved white Dhar (scarf), and sang the see off song (Majo, Majo). During that time nothing got into my mind and things made no sense as to why people would come and do such kind work for others.

The generosity displayed during the visit, coupled with subsequent reflection and understanding gained through my education at Royal Thimphu College and employment with the Tarayana Foundation, illuminated the altruistic motives behind such acts of kindness.

Indeed, my interactions with marginalized communities during field visits serve as poignant reminders of my own upbringing and the transformative impact of compassionate outreach of Tarayana Foundation.”