Showing posts with label Tshering Wangda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tshering Wangda. Show all posts

24 December 2024

The Legendary Dzongda Tshering Wangda of Haa

For us, the people of Haa, Dasho Tshering Wangda will always be fondly remembered as the Dzongda who transformed our lives with his extraordinary compassion and dedication.

As a child, I didn’t fully understand the depth of his leadership, but I witnessed glimpses of it. I remember Sunday markets vividly, where my mother would meticulously prepare cheese balls, ensuring they were clean and perfectly wrapped in leaves. “Dzongda Tshering Wangda might come,” she’d say with a mix of pride and respect. And he would—walking among the farmers, inspecting their produce with care, encouraging them, and ensuring they felt valued. He didn’t just stop there. If any vegetables were left unsold, he would load them into his pickup truck and drive 80 kilometers to Chunzom to find buyers, ensuring nothing went to waste.
In a few short years, Dasho transformed Haa. His leadership brought tangible changes to our valley, and in the era where Dashos were feared, he was loved. His connection to us remained strong long after he left.
Some years ago, when my mother visited Gelephu on a farmers' tour, Dasho heard about their visit. Without hesitation, he invited the group to his farm and welcomed them with open arms, calling them, “My Haaps.” It wasn’t just a gesture—it was proof of the bond he nurtured with us.
Listening to stories of him over the years, I realized that Dzongda Tshering Wangda wasn’t just a leader; he was a guardian, a friend, and an unwavering source of inspiration. His legacy is not only the changes he brought to Haa but the countless lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and love for his people.
Dear Dasho, your absence leaves a void that words cannot fill, but your legacy will live on in our hearts and stories. You were not just a Dzongda; you were a family member to us, and we shall forever cherish your memory.
Dasho, you will be dearly missed.