Yesterday marked the opening of the 19th Tarayana Annual Fair in Thimphu’s Centenary Park. On the occasion of her 70th birthday, the fair also honours Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the organization’s founding president. His Eminence Vairochana Rinpoche Ngawang Jigme Jigten Wangchuck, members of the Royal Family, ministers, and high-ranking officials joined Her Majesty as the opening day’s primary guest. A picture book detailing the lives Her Majesty has impacted throughout the rural terrain of the nation was introduced during the ceremony. A poem in remembrance of Her Majesty’s decades of service to Bhutan’s most isolated communities was also read by His Eminence Vairochana Rinpoche. Reflecting on the Foundation’s journey, Her Majesty said that it has reached over 1,000 villages nationwide.
These accomplishments over the years, according to Sonam Pem, are a result of the Foundation’s and partner agencies’ combined efforts. Important accomplishments were made by the Foundation in the areas of natural resource conservation, agricultural projects that improved rural livelihoods, and the creation of jobs for young people who had left school. The event is being attended by around 150 villagers from villages that the Foundation serves. With the help of Tarayana’s programs, they have brought their indigenous foods, crafts, and agricultural products with them. Social development, economic empowerment, environmental conservation and climate change, and research, advocacy, and networking are the four pillars that support the Foundation’s work. There are 108 gewogs nationwide that participate in these programs. The Tarayana Foundation reached about 350,000 individuals.
