Lhakpa Quendren

Gelephu—Late Dasho Tshering Wangda, a respected figure with a lasting legacy, was honoured with a State funeral at his private residence at Samtenthang in Samtenling, Sarpang, yesterday.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, along with Governor Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, and Gyalpoi Zimpon Dasho Ugyen K Namgyel, attended the funeral service.

The Prime Minister offered condolences to the family members.

“Even after his retirement, late Dasho remained deeply committed to serving our King and country. He was fondly respected and loved by many. People saw a ‘father figure’ in him and maintained a strong network of friends both within Bhutan and across the border areas in India. He was respected as The Champion of Bhutan-India Friendship,” as posted on his social media handles.

Attendees observed a moment of silence as a guard of honour was presented by the Royal Bhutan Army. The funerary prayers were presided over by Yonten Lopon Trulku Namgyel.

The service was also attended by Royal Privy Council Chairperson Lyonpo Dr Tandin Dorji, Deputy Chairperson Dasho Kesang Wangdi, Finance Minister Lekey Dorji, Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, Speaker Lungten Dorji, nyikems, members of Parliament, and the armed forces.

Indian Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela, the Indian Consul General in Phuentsholing, members of Parliament, representatives, and former ministers from the Government of Assam, India, were among the hundreds who joined late Dasho’s family to pay their last respects.

State funeral service was held at Samtenthang

Dasho Tshering Wangda passed away at Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital around 2am on December 15, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public service, community development, and strengthening the diplomatic relationship between Bhutan and India. He was 72 years old.

He was admitted to the hospital after an elephant pushed him with its leg, causing him to fall from the terrace at 9:13pm on December 14. The incident occurred about 70 metres from his residence.

The late Dasho and his team were scheduled to travel to Thimphu on that day to attend a meeting with delegations from Assam and participate in the National Day celebrations.

“Dasho Tshering Wangda was a pillar of wisdom and guidance. We have worked closely together for over a year. He was a loyal servant to the King, the country, and the people. His legacy in strengthening Bhutan-India friendship will have a lasting impact,” said Dawa Penjor, secretary-general of the Bhutan India Friendship Association, Gelephu Chapter.

After 45 years of civil service, Dasho returned to his village and passionately started Satara Farm on 25 acres of land in Samtenthang. The farm grows a variety of crops, including broom plants, betel, cardamom, bamboo, trees, ginger, and paddy, on a smaller scale.

For the farmers of Samtenthang and his neighbours, Dasho Tshering Wangda is described as a leader who led by example. Samtenthang Tshogpa Tshewang Pelden describes Dasho as a great farming advisor. “He would visit village to village, encouraging us to utilise our land for cultivation and fruit plantation to achieve self-sustainability. He was the most respected man, and his advice greatly helped many of us in farming.”

“His love for the people and his commitment to our community will never be forgotten. His contributions, both direct and indirect, to our development were unparalleled,” she added.

For those who were close to the late Dasho Tshering Wangda, his most valuable advice was simple yet profound: “By 25, secure a job; by 30, get married; by 35, own a house; by 45, start planning for retirement; and by 60, enjoy a relaxed and comfortable life with your family.”

After retiring in 2014, Dasho was once again called to serve as vice president of the Bhutan-India Friendship Association (BIFA), Gelephu Chapter, in 2023. His past diplomatic experience strengthened cross-border relations.

Kishan Nrajary, 59, the headman of Dadgari, a border town in India, was a close friend of the late Dasho Tshering Wangda for over three decades. He attended the State funeral with many Indians from across the border, some coming from as far as Guwahati.

“We have faced drinking water shortages, and Dasho helped us by supplying water. He played a key role in assisting us. It is unfortunate that we will no longer see him,” he said, breaking down in tears as he recalled Dasho Tshering Wangda’s contributions to the people of Dadgari and across the border.

The late Dasho Tshering Wangda began his service in 1969, holding various important roles throughout his distinguished career. In the 1980s, he became one of the youngest dzongdas, where his visionary leadership brought major changes in Haa. Today, the people of Haa affectionately remember him as Drinchen Ghi Pham.

He later became the Director General of the Department of Law and Order, followed by his appointment as the first Consul General of the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General in Kolkata, India, from November 2008 to June 2013. He played a key role in establishing the Consulate Office as the 26th Diplomatic Mission in Kolkata.

In the days following his passing, tributes poured in from across the nation and Assam in India. People from both Bhutan and India, including the media and individuals from all walks of life, took to social media and public forums to share stories of how Dasho Tshering Wangda positively impacted their lives, communities, and the nation.

The late Dasho Tshering Wangda was also a popular singer, having recorded several well-known songs, including Ashi Kuzu Tsari, Jalam Ghi Azhi, Wai Dorozam, Ya Lhayi Zhingkham, and Tencho Lhayi Wangpo, which remain hits to this day. He also performed Hindi songs in India, captivating his audience with his talent.

He was awarded the Red Scarf in 1995 and the National Order of Merit (Gold) in 2012.

A native of Tama village in Zhemgang, the late Dasho Tshering Wangda is survived by his wife and five children—two daughters and three sons.