Have you ever asked this question? People might think this as an easy question. I bet this is
not as easy as you think? Until you are asked to explain it to a foreigners you will
never know the depth of this question.Unique identity?
Gho
and kira? Culture? That’s the first
thing that’s comes to our mind. Right? So
what? Does just wearing Gho and kira make you a Bhutanese? Or having unique culture
and identity make you a Bhutanese. Will you
be able to explain why you wear gho and kira apart from the answer of it being
a national dress? When you think it that way, the question
becomes harder? I believe that being Bhutanese is more than just wearing gho/kira and speaking dzongkha.
Knowing
our history. History is one of the most important tools
that can track the story of our existence (in this case as a Bhutanese). Spiritually,
understanding who we are might be a big question. But it’s not uneasy to understand
yourself historically. Who has all the time to read history? plus documentation is
poor in Bhutan. Find other ways, we have lots of wisdom in our older generation! Simply knowing our history will help us appreciate
our identity and build a sense of pride of who we are
Understand
why our Dzongs stands rather than knowing just the names. Dzongs played such a significant role in the history
of our country. Without it, we wouldn’t have survived as a Nation today. Just
knowing their importance shows our gratitude for our forefathers.
Not just
waiting for the government to do everything for you. But making our little contribution
to the community we live in. Small deeds matters. For a while, move away from the
kidu culture mindset and start making
little difference. This could make our lives lot more better!
Just
knowing the definition of GNH is not important as living
by it. Our society is on the phase of
transformation that we even do not know who our neighbors. Do we? Little deeds like having courtesy to
say hello to your neighbor makes you happier than dancing all night in an
unknown space.
Not
just going to a Lhakhang
or religious gathering because you are force by someone (or you feel odd by not
going) but knowing why you are going there. Most often we go to ritual or
preaching just because everyone does. Do you question on such matters? Learning to question is not rude, it
means you are thinking differently .
Kira and Gho. Of course, you know
why we wear it. But do you know, how/when did it emerge? Who designed it? What each
part symbolize? I never asked anyone. Have you? Now, don’t you think it’s
important for us to know it being the citizens of the country.
Do
you know dzongkha
both written and spoken? I mean at least basic for those who went to schools. Now a days it has become a trend for people to proudly say I don’t know dzongkha (I mean the literate ones, sorry for being judgmental) . I don’t blame you, it has
already become a trend, but at least don’t infect your children with this cliche. Teach them to
be proud to speak and write it.
Collective
efforts in times of crisis and not be divided by religious
or political ideologies. Like in the recent earthquake in Nepal. I was truly moved
by what a collective effort can do.
In the end, who are you if you don’t know anything about where you come
from, about your origins, your family, your language, your own culture -Kelly.E
