A Historical book on Bhutan

A historical book on Bhutan that took 10 years in the making finally made it to its launch yesterday

“Not that I worked on it continuously for 10 years but it has been over a decade. I wouldn’t have had much time but I could manage some time from my busy schedule over a decade or so to get this book together,” said Lyonpo Om Pradhan, writer of The Roar of the THUNDER DRAGON.

He said the writings demonstrate the critical and historical developments that have taken place in Bhutan.

Lyonpo said the country was constantly threatened in the early 20th century by internal squabbles and its very survival was endangered from time to time by powerful neighbors.

It is in this context that few can dispute the determined political will displayed by Bhutan’s rulers, he added.

Lyonpo Om said that it was the Wangchuck dynasty that ensured the country’s sovereignty and was able to safeguard Bhutan from both internal conflict and external threats for the last century.

Moreover he said it is the leadership that has enabled Bhutan to emerge and prosper as a sovereign, independent and finally a democratic nation.

Whatever the system of governance,Lyonpo said it is evidently inherent in the belief of all Bhutanese people that while adopting constitutional democracy, they will always look to their monarch for comfort and to confront dangers to the nation and also their personal welfare and wellbeing.

He said “the people will continue to look up to the King to meet their expectations of the vulnerable sections of the society and be the shield against all forms of bullying, exploitation, corruption and suppression”.

He further added that his positions as an Ambassador and as a Minister whereby he represented Bhutan in many forums has complemented the making of the book.

Moreover, he said this is a part of his contribution to the many young diplomats in the future and even to the general Bhutanese leaders who will be able to gather some information about the country’s background so that they will be able to represent the nation knowing about their past before they can deal with the future.

“You need to know your past, your history, in order to deal effectively with the present,” Lyonpo said.

The editor as well as publisher of the book, Tashi P. Wangdi said he is proud to be associated with the book.

Tashi said the books on Bhutan is mostly read whenever one has to sit for RCSC or all kinds of examinations, and are written by non-Bhutanese but it is for the first time that the book was written by a Bhutanese.

“I think, it would go a long way to help the youth of Bhutan to understand the history of the country ,” said Tashi P. Wangdi.

The book launch ceremony was graced by Her Royal Highness (HRH) Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck.

Ashi Sonam Dechan shared the book that was sent to her by Lyonpo Om Pradhan, the writer of the book two days ago.

“I immediately opened the book and I couldn’t stop reading and I finished reading the book yesterday,” she said.

HRH said, “It is the narrative of a man who has journeyed along with Bhutan for last 34 years and more.Inspired by the service of his father Dasho J.B Pradhan and with the desire to contribute, he served our king, country and people in many capacities shouldering each responsibility with great care”.

“Sovereignty is an important theme in this book” Ashi said, adding that issues of sovereignty came in many manifestations as seen from our past.

“This book journeys from our past to our present and tells us of the wisdom that we have employed overcoming many challenges,” said Ashi.

HRH congratulated His Excellency Lyonpo Om Pradhan, who is also the god father of HRH since 1981. She also thanked him for being truly committed and consistent in shouldering this personal responsibility too.

The book is of 276 pages and worth Nu 1,250.