The RIGSS Blog

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As I gaze at the vacant chairs before me, my heart aches with overwhelming sadness. The sorrowful emptiness fills the air, and I can feel the weight of grief in the depths of my soul. My throat tightens with an unspoken agony, and I am left to grapple with a sea of emotions that threaten to overwhelm me. Above all, I am consumed by worry - a constant companion in a world that can be so cruel and unforgiving.

The mass exodus that is currently taking place is a profound and palpable burden on our nation. Social media platforms are overflowing daily with news of visa grants and celebratory cake cuttings. At the same time, those who remain behind are left feeling destabilised and distorted. I fear this exodus will only further aggravate the desire of professionals and skilled workers in the country to leave their jobs in search of greener pastures.

Yet, perhaps most distressing is the question of who will continue to provide the essential services that our citizens rely on. As shortages caused by this exodus already hamper our nation, the prospect of people leaving one after another with no end in sight is daunting. The loss of these talented individuals is a tragedy that will be felt for years to come.

Are we powerless to stop this destructive tide? Does this signal the end of hope? Can we not take responsibility and act to save our own country? Our sovereignty is at stake, and we cannot afford to lose it. The COVID-19 pandemic has drained our coffers, but can we abandon our nation in this time of need? We must not make the mistake of neglecting our country's well-being. The consequences of inaction could be catastrophic. We must act now to prevent a miserable death like that suffered by other countries. We must understand that individuals make up the team and cannot afford to lose so many people. Let us not wait for a hard lesson to be learned. Our forefathers fought for our freedom, and we must preserve it. We must love our country and take responsibility for its future. Let us not be the generation that allowed our nation to wither away.

His Majesty The King's vision for Bhutan is to reach unprecedented heights. His Majesty's unwavering spirit and compassion for His people are unmatched. We must uphold the Royal Vision and work on propelling Bhutan forward. We cannot give up now. Instead, we must instantly take responsibility to avoid leaving a legacy of regret for generations. It is up to us to act now before it's too late. Let us put our country before our self-interest.

Forgive me if I come across as pretentious, as I am not. I cannot forgive myself if I do not do everything I can from my little corner today. Although I have my own aspirations in life, such as obtaining a PhD and exploring the world beyond my walls, I have currently put those dreams on hold because the nation needs my time now more than ever. And I, too, often find myself drained and exhausted, with no energy to carry on. But my unyielding commitment to my King, country, and people serves as my last thread of hope.

I am compelled to repay the debt of gratitude I owe for all that my country has bestowed upon me. From my earliest days in pre-primary school to my current position, my upbringing and success have been inextricably linked to the nurturing embrace of my country. I am indebted to our selfless leaders, who have safeguarded our nation's well-being and ensured our prosperity. Can we shirk our duties simply because we face difficulties or seek to outdo others? Do we dare to remain complacent, assuming that others will carry the load and our actions alone will not make a difference? How sad! How many more such attitudes must our country bear before it is hollowed out? Let us remember the power of the individual to effect great change.

It is almost unimaginable to comprehend the immense burden that His Majesty The King must bear alone in these challenging times. Our nation is under attack (from an invisible enemy) like never before, and we must awaken to the urgent call for action. Let us unite and work together to build a stronger and better Bhutan. Even if our impact is nominal, it is our duty to give our best effort in every aspect of our work. Each of our intentional acts contributes to the growth of our nation in its unique way, and we should take pride in our contribution. Whether you are a janitor or a CEO, performing your duties with the utmost professionalism is crucial. Every inaction leads to a gap that could be costly, and modern technology can never replace the significance of genuine human effort. We should strive to give our best in everything we do as our service to the cause of nation-building.

Amidst the difficulties and challenges we face, there remains a glimmer of hope that can potentially change the course of our nation's future. This hope lies in the hands of those fortunate enough to receive higher education and exposure in other parts of the world and who have since returned to our shores. They are our brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, friends, and relatives who possess the knowledge, skills, and experience that can take our country towards unprecedented heights. Those who have been exposed to the broader world and come back to serve have the potential to lead us to a brighter tomorrow. With your guidance, our nation can achieve feats never before thought possible.

Dear fellow citizens, as I conclude this prayer, I cannot help but feel a sense of urgency and responsibility weighing heavily on my heart. Our country is facing unprecedented challenges, and we must act swiftly and decisively to overcome them. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and demotivated during such times. Still, I urge you to remember that there is always hope. We have the power to make a difference, and that power lies within each one of us. We must come together as a nation, united in our commitment to serving our country and making it a better place for all. It does not help to sit back and wait for others to act. We must all do our part, no matter how small it may seem.

And to those who have left the country for higher education, I implore you to consider coming back and serving our nation. Your skills and expertise are needed now more than ever, and you have the potential to be a driving force behind our nation's progress and development. Together, we can build a nation we are all proud of. So let us rise to the occasion and give our best to our country. Let us work tirelessly towards a brighter future, knowing every little effort of ours will contribute to the greater good of the country. Let us remember that our country's future is in our hands, and we must do everything in our power to ensure it is bright.