Dumcho's NOTEBOOK: 29th out of 106

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

29th out of 106

This is a single piece of the day every year where the entire Bhutanese family can perfectly commemorate the political muscle of our late His Majesty the first Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck.

History has taught me the true colour of his courage in the unification and consolidation of the nation at a time when it was sustained with scars of a series of civil wars and rebellions. For many times, it was bedridden with the injuries of the internal scuffles that further worsen the stability by creating a durable political vacuum.

But fortunately, the so-called Lho Mon (Southern Land of Darkness) was destined to have a leader of its own race. On 17th December 1907, the 12^th Trongsa Penlop and the Knight Commander (order of chivalry established by Queen Victoria in 1878) Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously enthroned by the clergy, senior officials, and the people as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan.

Today, this day is celebrated as the National Day of Bhutan.

Unlike the celebrations that take place in other countries, the Bhutanese setting of jubilation is completely on a different note.

This day has prominently given birth to an immortal Wangchuck Dynasty. It has securely established the permanent House of Wangchuck. The founding of the Royal house is an assurance that The land of the Thunder Dragon will be gifted with Dragon Kings who are farsighted, compassionate and powerful at all times beyond compare.

The policy of self-imposed isolation, makes us exhibit our pride to the entire globe for being free from the hands of colonization for many centuries. We need not have to add up in a menu of celebrations to pay homage or tribute to the lives lost in fighting to gain independence, which is a ritual on their national day in many nations. On this day, injected with gallons of triumph, we simply revisit the pages of our unforgettable history. And this year, we read 106th pages of this legendary history.

In number, I am proud to have walked 29 pages of this jubilant national function. However, the same ordinary festivity this year has given me an extraordinary dose of euphoria because I happened to tread on a different planet.

The group of Bhutanese studying in different universities in Thailand parked at the office of the Bhutanese Embassy. It was a moment where I felt homely because, in every direction, I could feast on people adorned with unique Bhutanese Gho and kira. That was one chapter of my life where I didn't miss my home.

I was swimming in the fragrance of a Bhutanese circle. I was laughing on the carpet of Bhutanese humour. And stunningly, I have murdered the used-to-be delay face of 8 hours without notice. Indeed, a great day.

PELDEN DRUKPA GYELPO