Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck graced the opening of the Tarayana Fair, today. Members of the Royal family were also present. The Tarayana Foundation marked its 21st anniversary today since its inception in 2003. Local products from 16 districts are displayed at the fair in Thimphu’s Coronation Park. Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the founding president of the Tarayana Foundation.
As part of the celebration, the foundation adopts a unique theme to showcase their work annually.
This year’s theme is “Leveraging Conservation Efforts to Enhance Local Economy”.
The theme highlights the importance of conserving and utilising the resources sustainably, and opportunities that can be derived from it.
Hence, the three-day fair showcases a wide range of nature-based products from 16 districts.
74 community representatives are at the fair to promote their products. It will end on Sunday.
While addressing the gathering, Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck shared about her annual visit to the communities and how the Tarayana Foundation has much to be done.
“There is much to be done for Tarayana Foundation. And I pledge that we will work with all of our might to make sure that we serve our people who need our service the most. And I always say it I hope that the work Tarayana does, the way we serve now will no longer be required in our country. That is my ultimate goal and wish. For Tarayana to achieve what we have achieved in the service of our people in the rural areas, the real heroes are our officers, our field officers who are posted in the very remote areas. They have bonded so well with the communities in which they live and serve and that is how they get to deliver Tarayana services, effectively, compassionately.”
As part of the celebration, Her Majesty awarded the Tarayana’s meritorious award to the Bhutan Dragons Motorcycle Club for their continued service.
The Tarayana Foundation has facilitated the construction of 2,770 houses enabling thousands of vulnerable and disadvantaged families to live dignified and stable lives and empowering them to seek opportunities.
Furthermore, more than 50,000 community members have been trained in enhancing construction skills such as carpentry and masonry enabling them to earn a livelihood by the foundation.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Tshering Zam
