Thank you, 2016

2016 had been a wonderful year in numerous ways.

The birth of our prince was the best thing that ever happened.

On a personal note, the year was an impartial merger of ups and downs. Glad that I have endured the worst of times, turned it into positive vibes and fared well.

Of all, winning a prestigious scholarship was the most accomplished feeling. Like they say, it was a dream come true.

One of the cherished days goes back to the time when I was invited for a send-off lunch at His Excellency Kenji Hiramatsu’s residence. The event, first of its kind, was brainchild of Japanese embassy, New Delhi, India. The news came like a bombshell. I was the lone Bhutanese among other MEXT fellows from various parts of India.

Never in my life, have I chanced so closer upon such a pluripotent figure and make conversation akin to a long lost companions. HE had every good stories to narrate about Bhutan and shared his beautiful affairs with the tiny kingdom.

We had delectable Japanese cuisines and bantered a lot. In addition, I have also had good chance to rub shoulders with some famed Japanese businessman and well-read Indian officials.

The program ended with a photo session. Getting to pose right next to His Excellency was once in a life time deal done.

As I took my sabbatical leave last year, so did my first batch of students graduate out of high school. Today many of them are freshman in various universities.

We swap words whenever time permits. And it is a sheer delight to know they are getting along well as a conscientious and competent persons. It is my great expectation that, three or four years from now, we would all complete our studies and do ourselves proud.

I have also successfully passed my entrance exam conducted last November. Now my candidature is secured. Come April, I will be enrolled as master student. 

While I can’t wait to start the first semester, I am well aware that the task ahead is daunting. But I am all geared up to embrace it from day one until the tail end. In fact, as a research student I have been put into tests several times. It was challenging but certainly not impossible. 

Another one that makes 2016 a singular year is the fact that, in my quest for learning I have bumped into so many beautiful people. Some days visiting it would be real trip down memory lane.

However, I candidly admit that I failed terribly to keep pace with writing and reading. Few posts on blog and a book to my list, what a disaster it was.

So far, for all the good things that came my way, I thank the omnipotent almighty above for being my eternal guide and answering every call. Special mention goes to my parents, siblings and beautiful other half for everything. And not to go oblivious of all those who resolutely believed in me.

As the promising New Year makes the onward march of time, I commit nothing extraordinary than to just learn, unlearn, relearn and travel a bit.

May 2017 bring us all the happiness.