Pages of Passion: The Pulsating Rhythms of An Engineer’s Transitions
Vidhyapati Mishra
North Carolina, USA
In “Bhutan to Blacktown,” Om Dhungel shares the intimate chronicles of his life, illuminating his journey from Bhutan to Blacktown with heartfelt candor. Within the pages, Dhungel paints a vivid portrait of his early years, depicting the warmth of his large family and the challenges faced in the Bhutanese educational system. James Button, a former journalist, co-authors the book.
Notably, Dhungel’s exceptional intellect shines brightly throughout his schooling, a trait that sets him apart from his peers. He proudly recounted an incident where he was the sole student to successfully pass the common board examination among a class of twelve students. However, a subsequent fact-checking revealed a poignant truth: his close friend and best classmate, Kala Maya Baral, whom Dhungel declared as failed, could not attempt the exam due to illness, shedding light on the significance of empathy and understanding in the face of apparent achievements. The narrative seamlessly transitions to Dhungel’s college years in Bangladesh, where he delves into his transformation into a distinguished engineer.
Unveiling the Unknown:
This book chronicles the transformative journey of a young engineer, tracing his experiences from the early days in Bhutan to life in Nepal and eventually resettling in Australia. It vividly captures the challenges and triumphs of his immigration, including the poignant moments when he welcomed his family during their resettlement in Australia. Beyond Dhungel’s personal story, the book stands as a testament to the resilience of refugees seeking a better life in a country where the rule of law and dignity prevail, resonating as a powerful narrative of hope and determination.
In actuality, the “Bhutan to Blacktown” stands as a testament to Dhungel’s resilience, family values, and the complexities of adaptation in a foreign land. Their inter-caste marriage presented significant challenges for his Brahmin family. Yet he managed to surmount all obstacles with determination and grace. His ability to overcome these hurdles is a testament to his resilience and commitment to his relationship.
Further, this memoir is a captivating exploration of identity, ambition, and the enduring power of education, leaving readers inspired and enlightened by Dhungel’s remarkable but unique journey. While reading his book, the readers are certain to conclude that this young engineer had been instrumental in revolutionizing Bhutan’s telecommunications landscape. Simultaneously, his personal life has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Moreover, the book meticulously chronicles the historical events that have shaped Bhutan, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the nation’s past. It meticulously traces the footsteps of time, exploring pivotal moments, significant figures, and the cultural tapestry that defines Bhutanese heritage. By intertwining personal anecdotes with political narratives and historical accounts, the book provides a comprehensive view, allowing readers to grasp the interplay between individual lives, politics, and the broader historical context. In doing so, it not only enriches the reader’s knowledge but also fosters a deep appreciation for the intricate connections between personal journeys, political landscapes, and the intricate threads of history that bind them together.
Leadership:
In addition to his professional and personal achievements, the young engineer’s leadership prowess is showcased in the book through his remarkable journey during his schooling and college years. His exemplary leadership skills set him apart, shaping his path toward success. A noteworthy highlight in the book is his vivid recollection of several direct meetings with the fourth king of Bhutan. These encounters not only reflect his exceptional abilities but also underline his significance in the nation’s developmental landscape.
His active engagement in college forums, proudly representing Bhutanese delegations, underscores his dedication. Moreover, his immediate availability, just a call away whenever the Bhutanese embassy required assistance, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his homeland, Bhutan.
Dhungel’s impactful influence extended to his role in the editorial team of The Bhutan Review, a potent monthly bulletin published by the Human Rights Organizations of Bhutan during the 1990s. This publication held immense significance, being widely circulated among Bhutanese refugees in the camps, various donor agencies, and even government offices in Nepal. Dhungel’s involvement in disseminating crucial information through this medium highlights his dedication to advocacy and his instrumental contribution to the community. His active participation in shaping public discourse becomes another testament to his commitment to social change and human rights.
Beyond a personal kaleidoscope, the ‘Bhutan to Blacktown’ explores his community leadership, showcasing his role in shaping the lives of those around him. Through engaging public relations and high-profile connections, evidenced by a foreword from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the book reveals the profound impact of social services.
The Language:
The beauty of his book lies not only in its content but also in the eloquence of its language. The prose is crafted with simplicity, making it accessible to readers from all walks of life. The simplicity of the language, however, does not compromise its richness. The descriptions, adorned with vibrant and vivid imagery, are akin to blooming flowers that paint a picturesque landscape in the reader’s mind. Each page is adorned with narratives that are bold, daring to explore the depths of emotions and the heights of triumphs.
As readers immerse themselves in the pages of this literary masterpiece, they are not mere spectators; they become active participants in the narrative. The words leap off the pages, creating a sensory experience that allows readers to not just read but to see, feel, and even smell the essence of Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Australia. The meticulous detailing and bold narrations ensure that readers not only understand the story but live it, breathe it, and carry its essence within them.
A stunning beauty about the ‘Bhutan to Blacktown’ is that in every chapter, readers are guided through a transformative journey, where the interplay of simple language, flowery descriptions, and bold narrations weaves a tapestry of emotions and experiences. They not only get a complete picture of the young engineer’s life but also gain a profound sense of Bhutanese culture, politics, and history. Reading this book is akin to embarking on an immersive expedition, where every word, every sentence, and every paragraph contributes to the reader’s understanding, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.
Conclusion:
In the eyes of outsiders, Bhutan has long been romanticized as a land of unending happiness, often deemed the last Shangri-La on Earth. However, the ‘Bhutan to Blacktown Losing Everything and Finding Australia’ published by NewSouth and 276 pages long challenges these idealized notions, peeling back the layers to reveal a more nuanced and complex reality. Through its compelling narrative, the book dismantles some of these preconceived beliefs, offering readers a candid glimpse into the intricate tapestry of Bhutanese society. It serves as a powerful educational tool, enlightening not only those unfamiliar with the country’s intricacies but also individuals who might have blindly supported the Bhutanese regime. By unearthing the lesser-known aspects of Bhutan, this book invites readers to question, learn, and empathize, fostering a deeper understanding of a nation that transcends superficial stereotypes in the name of Gross National Happiness.
My suggestion to the authors is to translate this book into Nepali. This would allow senior citizens from our country to read and appreciate Dhungel’s remarkable journey.