Govinda Rizal: A Guardian of Bhutanese Identity and Heritage

By Vidhyapati Mishra

Govinda Rizal, PhD, bid farewell to this world on May 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and inspiration. Born and raised in Bhutan, his life journey took him on a path marked by a strong commitment to education, a sense of identity and dedication to social well-being.

Dr Rizal’s aspirations were shattered when he and his family were forced to flee Bhutan, seeking refuge in the ancestral nation of Nepal. Even as a refugee, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of learning and enlightenment. He prioritized education and studied in Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Japan, thanks to his never-ending quest for personal and professional upliftment.

The third-country resettlement relocated his entire family to the United States. However, Dr Govinda never opposed the initiative. Instead, he made a deeply personal choice to remain in Nepal, believing that his life held greater purpose and fulfilment within the familiar surroundings. He accepted Nepal as the only country in the world to look for help during his difficult days. “Although I am made up of the natural elements of Bhutan, I fit better in Nepal. I have a little problem with language, culture, customs and adjustment.”

While in Nepal, Dr Rizal served as a vital bridge between the resettled Bhutanese community and those still awaiting repatriation in Nepal. His presence was ubiquitous at community events, where he openly embraced his Bhutanese identity and heritage.

Back in the Bhutanese refugee camps, he emerged as a pillar of hope and guidance for his fellow citizens in terms of education amidst the hardship. With his passion for science and his distinctive gift for teaching, Dr Govinda became a revered figure. As one of his students in the mid-1990s, I was very surprised by his mathematical skills, particularly the way he was able to play around the 100-year calendar. Within a second, he would tell the day correctly whenever his students asked him a random year and date. Beyond his role as an educator, he was a source of strength and support for the refugee community, offering advocacy for their rights and well-being.

As a scientist specializing in rice breeding and molecular biology, Dr Govinda was associated with numerous research projects and published several journal articles, contributing to the advancement of agricultural science and global food security. His innovative research paved the way for sustainable farming practices, ensuring a brighter and more resilient future for communities in Nepal and the Philippines.

He was a reservoir of knowledge for the entire Bhutanese community. He penned two notable literary works: ‘A Paradesi in Paradise‘, a poignant autobiographical narrative intertwining his personal journey with a discerning analysis of Bhutan’s geopolitical and cultural landscape, and ‘Bejod Bandha‘, a captivating anthology of scientific stories in Nepali. Further, he was diligently crafting a comprehensive history book on Bhutan. I had the privilege of perusing its draft during my visit to Nepal in 2023, engaging in lengthy discussions with him about its forthcoming release. It is hoped that someone will posthumously publish this book, a project to which Dr Govinda dedicated himself fervently.

As a co-editor of ‘The Bhutan Journal‘, published by the Bhutan Watch, he played an instrumental role in shaping scholarly discourse on Bhutanese affairs. His dedication to fostering informed dialogue and intellectual exchange was evident in the publication’s insightful analyses and thought-provoking articles. In addition to his extensive literary contributions at Bhutaneseliterature.com, he also wrote a dozen articles and opinion pieces for the Bhutan News Service, where he served as one of its contributing editors for an extended period.

Dr Govinda spearheaded the creation of ‘Friends Reunion,’ a dynamic social forum aimed at facilitating information sharing among the Bhutanese diaspora worldwide. This platform quickly gained popularity, emerging as a vibrant hub for discussions and exchanges among the Bhutanese. His untimely death leaves a profound void that will be keenly felt by all who knew him and used his dynamic social forum.

With his down-to-earth demeanor, he always treated individuals of all ages with the same warmth and respect, fostering a sense of inclusivity and friendship. His genuine care for others undoubtedly endeared him to people from all walks of life.

Dr. Govinda’s dedication to the Bhutanese community will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come. He was not just my best teacher and mentor; he was an irreplaceable presence in my life. I will miss him dearly, forever.

Bid adieu, Govinda Sir!

Editor’s Note: Dr Govinda Rizal died when a passenger bus running between Kirtipur and Ratnapark suddenly crashed in front of Kirtipur Ayurvedic Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal on May 5, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Shanta Karki, two brothers, Tula and Shiva, two sisters, Ganga and Lachhi, and his parents, as well as a multitude of relatives, friends, and admirers whose lives he touched profoundly.