January 7: Five young Bhutanese studying at Sherubtse, the peak of learning, embarked on a special journey, Centenary Walk. Following traditional routes, the five students arrived in the capital yesterday after 21 days to a special reception.Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck was the chief guest at the flag in programme held yesterday morning.

Following the traditional route, they traversed the Kingdom from Trashigang to Monggar, and towards Bumthang from where they carried on to Trongsa to trek further to Wangduephodrang and yesterday, at Semtokha in Thimphu, the five Sherubtseans were joined by well wishers including officials from the Royal University of Bhutan, Ministry of Health and the lecturers and students of Sherubtse College, and some other students joined the group from Semtokha.

At the Royal Banquet Hall, Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck awarded Tashi Khadar and presented certificates and statue of Lord Buddha to the students.

Their Royal Highnesses Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, senior government officials and members of the international community were also present at the function.

In December of 2007, Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck awarded Nu. 100,000 to support the Centenary Walk. The five students embarked on their mission and as they met people on their special journey, they paid tribute to the nation’s monarchs and spread awareness messages on HIV/AIDS, alcohol and substance abuse.

Speaking to BBS en route to Wangduephodrang from Trongsa, the five students said the journey has been the most fruitful and enriching experience of their life.

While they talked about the socio-economic developments that Bhutan has achieved under the successive monarchs, they were themselves witness to the improvement in the livelihood of the people and the community that they came across.

While they shared their knowledge and understanding, the five Sherubtseans also discovered that rural Bhutan had not only developed physically but the people were also well informed and aware.

In following the footsteps of our forefathers, theirs was a journey of discovery, a tribute to our monarchs, an appreciation of a beauty called Bhutan.

And as one of the participants said, the Centenary Walk was the most fruitful and enriching experience of their life.

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