Under the glow of the year’s first full moon, also known as the Wolf Moon, a group of youths came together for a better cause. They hosted a moon gazing event for the public for a nominal fee in the capital last night. The event was not just about the moon; it is where astronomy aligned with altruism. The proceeds will go to the Bhutan Kidney Foundation.
A group consisting of enthusiastic youth came together to form the group: Youth for Health and Happiness under the Bhutan Kidney Foundation.
Aptly taking advantage of the first full moon of the year, the group’s first initiative brought together over 60 moon gazers. They defied the chilly winter night at the Kuensel Phodrang to become a part of the experience.
“So, we are mainly conducting this event to raise funds for needy kidney patients as we have personally met with the patients and heard their stories. So, as Bhutanese, we want to help them. For now, money is a necessity for the patients,” said Kinley Pem, a team leader at the Youth for Health and Happiness, Bhutan Kidney Foundation.
While most of the participants were youths, some parents also accompanied their children.
For many, it was their first time gazing at the moon through a telescope.
“As I attended the Star and Moon Gazing programme, I felt excited and happy as it was something I did for the first time. And I think it is a good opportunity for all of us to attend,” said Prakriti Mishra, a participant.
“It is really cold out here, but I had fun. I would say I am grateful to the Bhutan Kidney Foundation and the youth who are helping to organise such an event so that people like us who have never experienced such things can experience them, and it was worth it,” said Karma Lhendup, another participant.
“After knowing about this programme, I shared the information with my children. They got excited and they wanted to be a part of it to see space through a telescope. Though it is very chilling cold at night, they wanted to be a part of it,” said Pinga Prasad Mishra, a parent.
The Executive Director of the Bhutan Kidney Foundation said beyond the amount collected it is more fulfilling to see young minds passionately taking responsibility for a good cause.
It was initiated by youths and when you register you have to pay a minimal fee of Nu 50. Now, these proceeds will help the patients. This is the first youth initiative and we want to continue the moon gazing programmes: not just in Thimphu but in other districts as well,” said Tashi Namgay, executive director of Bhutan Kidney Foundation.
Currently, the Bhutan Kidney Foundation supports over 140 kidney patients spending over Nu 300,000 every month.
The event serves as an example of how small efforts can create a ripple effect of hope and positivity.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Phub Gyem
