My Journey With Tarayana

“In December 2011, I was fortunate to begin my journey with the Tarayana Foundation. Following my initial training, I was posted to Mekuri in Pemagatshel in April 2012. I was then in my early twenties, having grown up in an urban setting where life’s necessities were always easily accessible. When I first learned about my posting, I had no idea that the experience would transform my life so deeply.”

Mekuri was unlike anything I had ever known. The village was four days trek away from the Dzongkhag Administration and two days from the Gewog Centre, scattered across three hamlets, Bangyul, Mekuri, and Durungri, with 111 households in total. Nestled between 500-900 meters above sea level, it was remote in every sense of the word.

The community lived without electricity and without reliable communication. The houses were made of bamboo, with roofs of banana leaves. Water was scarce, sanitation was poor, and income opportunities were almost nonexistent. Even the solar systems given to civil servants would fail during the long, heavy monsoons.

Stepping into Mekuri felt like stepping back in time. I still remember how difficult those first weeks were, the long walks, the isolation, the lifestyle so different from my own. But slowly, something shifted. By living alongside the villagers, sharing their meals, their stories, and their struggles, I began to see life through their eyes. What once felt overwhelming became a source of strength.

Over time, genuine bonds were built. Together, we worked hand in hand. Men began making bamboo and cane products, reviving skills passed down through generations, while women led cotton production and weaving, opening doors to self-reliance. And when electricity finally reached Mekuri in 2015, followed by road access in 2016, I saw hope sparkle in the community’s eyes.It was as if new life had been breathed into the village.

For me, Mekuri was not just a workplace; it was a teacher. I learned that true service is not about completing tasks but about listening, respecting, and walking alongside people. Every community carries its own wisdom, and when we honor that, nothing is impossible.

What I carried back from Mekuri is more than memories; it is a reminder that with compassion and unity, even the most remote corners of Bhutan can blossom with hope and dignity.”

Ugyen Tshomo, one of the Senior Field Officers of the Tarayana Foundation, shares her inspiring journey of service. From her early posting in the remote village of Mekuri to years of working closely with rural communities, she reflects on the challenges, the resilience of the people, and the transformative impact of Tarayana’s mission. Her story is not only about her own growth but also about the hope and dignity brought to the lives of those she served.