October
11, 2016
Dear students,
I am honoured, happy and
privileged to write this letter to you from Nangkor as asked by your teacher Nima Zangpo. In fact, I felt
humbled when Nima asked me to write a letter sharing my achievements,
experiences and thoughts on life. I told him that, there is nothing I have ever
achieved in life to write about but, if it is alright with him, I can
definitely share my experiences and thoughts on life from my perspectives. He
obliged but, it took me quite some time to write to you because of my
commitments elsewhere.
Well, let me first tell you
something about your teacher Nima. While I do not know him intimately, he was a
school mate of all my three children and my eldest son knows him very well.
Dear students, I must tell you that you are lucky to have a brilliant teacher
in Nima. I say this because; he was one of the brightest students in his class
certain to make it to ex-country professional scholarship. Unfortunately, he
fell ill for a long time and had to settle for an in-country course. I am glad
he chose to be a teacher as there is no nobler profession than teaching. The fact that, he has asked someone outside
education to write to you is an indication on how innovative he is to
reinvigorate your mind with something different from the never ending rote
learning that you have to undergo.
Now, let me tell you something
about me. I am a part farmer and a part aspiring writer. I live in Nangkor
village. After a stint in government service, I chose to explore life outside
civil service. I last worked as Eastern Bhutan Correspondent for the first
bi-lingual private newspaper Bhutan Observer for over eight years. I was invited
to join Bhutan Observer head office when it became paperless. I declined and
chose to live on my farm.
Following my resignation, I
got offer to work for at least two other newspapers and a private company but,
as of now I find satisfaction working on my farm. At a time, when our country
is faced with the daunting task of dealing with rural-urban migration, I feel
that, I can contribute to this fight by remaining back and showing others on
how satisfying and worthwhile it is to live on our own farms rather than
chasing that elusive dreams and expectations of city life. Today, it gives me
immense pleasure and satisfaction of being a farmer working on my field during
the day time and pursuing my passion of reading and writing in the night.
Dear students, I want to tell
you one thing that, life is becoming tougher with each passing year.
Competition is stiff and it is good. Competitions bring the best out of you.
Honestly, not everyone will be cut out to be excellent academically, but
remember, each one of you as unique individuals have distinct talents to be
realized. Pursue that with passion and you will succeed in life.
As for now, study zealously and genuinely.
Give your best, and success will be yours in the end. In case success eludes
you, you will still have the satisfaction in knowing that at least you have
given your best. That feeling is more important than success itself in the end
as we all have limitations in us. But, what is more important is being a good
and responsible human being. Listen to your teachers and follow their footsteps
by making immense sacrifices for what is noble and good and you will never be
wrong in life.
My letter is already getting
lengthy without really knowing whether I am making any sense. Before I bore you
let me conclude by wishing you my best wishes and greetings. Study, learn,
explore and enjoy your life because this is going to be the best part of your
life.
With warmest regards.
Gyembo Namgyal
Nangkor
gnamgyall@gmail.com
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