The Happiness Centre in Phuentshogling welcomed the new calendar, celebrating healed hearts and battles won against alcohol and drug addiction. The New Year celebration had no alcohol, only reflection, gratitude and resolve.
It is the last day of 2025. 36-year-old Chado Namgyel, the in-charge of the Happiness Centre, led members in preparing for the New Year celebration.
Chado once lived with addiction. He slipped into it during his high school years, driven by youthful curiosity. Years of struggle followed, until he found support at the same centre.
Recovery did not end with rehabilitation. Chado credits the centre’s focus on aftercare for preventing relapse, something many recovering addicts struggle to overcome. Today, Chado gives back to the place that gave him a second chance.
Recognising the importance of aftercare, the centre celebrates the New Year as part of its aftercare initiative. It creates a safe space for the recovering addicts to heal, rediscover joy, and celebrate life like anyone else.
Chado Namgyel said, “The main objective of the programme is to let people know that drugs and alcohol are not a necessity. These are not needed to enjoy and celebrate. So, I feel it is something that is made up in our minds because I no longer need them. All that you need is moral support.”
Many members, like Chado, say joy and happiness do not come from alcohol or drugs, but from within.
“This is my second year celebrating the New Year without alcohol or abusing substances. The celebration shows that we can enjoy ourselves without alcohol or drugs. I was once addicted, and we believed there was no fun without them. That belief was not true,” said a recovering member, who does not wish to be named.
Bhup Dhoj Ghaley, the founder and project director of the Happiness Centre said, “We want to assure the safety of our recovering members and those who are currently residing at the centre, availing themselves of the services. Because times like this carry a high risk of relapse. Our members need care, entertainment and a sense of belonging. When they cannot celebrate while others do, the risk increases.”
Thromde officials and other local authorities joined the celebration in support of the programme. Their presence offered encouragement and reassurance to the recovering members.
As the year ends, the celebration at the Happiness Centre becomes more than the start of a new calendar. It marks progress over past struggles.
Kinley Dem
