BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
โฆ๐ซ๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐’๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Phurpa Wangmo
Dorji Lhamo, at the age of 23, has embarked on an extraordinary mission. As the eldest sibling in her family, she carries a sense of responsibility, not only for her loved ones but also for her community. This is the tale of her resilience, her unwavering determination, and her unwritten chapter that is now changing the literary landscape of the country.
In the enchanting small town of Panbang, located in Zhemgang dzongkhag, a young dreamer named Dorji Lhamo found herself at a crossroads after graduating from Zhemgang Central School in 2019. Despite not qualifying for college, her thirst for knowledge and adventure propelled her towards the capital city of Thimphu. With dreams of joining the armed forces, she soon discovered that fate had a different plan in store for her. Although the door to the military closed, a world of opportunities began to open up.
Dorji Lhamo embarked on her journey into the working world with humble beginnings, initially serving at a restaurant before transitioning to a sales position in a shoe shop in Thimphu. However, she refused to confine herself to a single path. Fearlessly embracing the diverse opportunities that came her way, she embarked on a whirlwind adventure, trying her hand at various roles. From working as a housemaid to washing dishes at a burger joint and even contributing her skills to construction sites, she fearlessly embraced every experience.
During a fortuitous encounter with Tshering Denkar while passionately selling books, Dorji Lhamo’s true calling revealed itself. Denkar’s warmth and unwavering support planted a seed in Dorji Lhamo’s heartโa seed that would grow into the “Walking Library.” Inspired to reach more avid readers and create a platform that bridged the gap between literature and eager minds, Dorji Lhamo ventured into the world of marketing. She began her journey by promoting Dechen Wangchuk’s inspiring book, “Define Yourself,” marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Through this experience, she discovered the power of connecting readers with diverse authors and their stories.
Fueled by her passion for marketing and a deep desire to connect with the tapestry of society, Dorji Lhamo wholeheartedly embraced her role. She dedicated herself to promoting books by Bhutanese authors, recognizing that each book holds its own beauty and value. Travelling to different Dzongkhags, she became a beacon of literary exploration, spreading the joy of reading while also seizing opportunities to sell and promote works from a range of talented authors.
From a serendipitous encounter to the creation of an online page, the Walking Library soon became a testament to Dorji Lhamo’s unwavering dedication. Through her innovative platform, she sought to provide greater access to books for those hungry for knowledge. Her belief in the transformative power of literature remains unwavering, as she tirelessly connects individuals with the books they yearn for. Whether it’s a rare gem tucked away on a dusty shelf or a contemporary bestseller, Dorji Lhamo’s Walking Library has become a sanctuary for readers seeking their next literary adventure, where she earns approximately Nu. 15,000 monthly.
In the bustling streets of Thimphu, where dreams intertwine with reality, Dorji Lhamo breathes life into her walking library. With an unwavering passion for books, she has embraced a path that demands physical strength and resilience, overcoming challenges as she connects readers with captivating stories.
Dorji Lhamo, a spirited soul with a penchant for adventure, knows all too well the physical toll her chosen profession exacts. As an active and outgoing individual, she carries the weight of countless books in her own bag, traversing the city’s avenues to bring literature to doorsteps. The burden of her beloved books proves arduous, testing her resolve at every turn.
With an indomitable spirit, Dorji Lhamo tackles the hurdles that impede her mission. Gaining access to offices and spaces where she can showcase and sell books poses a significant challenge. The closed doors and guarded pathways prove to be formidable barriers on her path. Undeterred, she continues to seek opportunities, determined to share the treasures of literature with those she encounters.
In a world that sometimes prioritizes fleeting distractions over the written word, Dorji Lhamo faces the challenge of finding avid readers. Selling books can be an uphill battle as she encounters a limited number of individuals genuinely interested in buying and immersing themselves in literary realms. Undeterred by this reality, she perseveres, understanding that even a single converted reader can ignite a cascade of change.
Every step taken by Dorji Lhamo carries a price. Traveling to different locales to reach potential readers incurs expenses that can strain her resources. The financial toll is further compounded by the physical exhaustion of lugging books from door to door. Yet, despite the weight of these challenges, her determination burns brightly. She knows that each effort brings her closer to cultivating a love for reading within herself and others.
Dorji Lhamo’s commitment to her work rests on a foundation of unwavering dedication. She acknowledges the physical demands and formidable obstacles that lie ahead, yet she remains resolute in her pursuit of connecting readers with the transformative power of books. With tireless persistence, she believes that her unwavering effort will not only nurture the reader within herself but also fuel her passion for literature, inspiring others to embark on their own literary journeys.
In the face of physical exhaustion and the challenges of book sales, Dorji Lhamo’s determination and commitment to her walking library shine through. She stands as a testament to the transformative power of literature, unwavering in her mission to cultivate a love for books in a world hungry for stories that inspire, empower, and captivate.
As she weaves her own destiny, Dorji Lhamo envisions a future where her love for books and marketing merge into something truly extraordinary. Her dream is to establish a company solely dedicated to the sale of Bhutanese authors’ works, nurturing their creativity and connecting them with a wider audience. However, she acknowledges that her journey relies on the continued support of readers, buyers, and those who believe in the transformative power of books.
To the young souls yearning for purpose, Dorji Lhamo offers a heartfelt message. She encourages them to take time to explore themselves and the world around them. Embrace your passions, discover your talents, and acknowledge your weaknesses. In the face of adversity, learn to believe in yourself and love who you are. The road ahead may be challenging, but with unwavering determination and self-love, every dream can become a reality.
Dorji Lhamo’s journey reminds us that sometimes, it is through unforeseen circumstances and unexpected encounters that our true purpose unfolds. As her Walking Library continues to illuminate the path for Bhutanese authors and readers, it is clear that her unwritten story has already begun to reshape the literary landscape of her beloved country.
