Gratitude Doesn't Say It All:

Dear Madam,

I have written a story again. Despite me best efforts, I couldn't attach it. So here it's for your consideration. Please go through and forgive me for my ignorance regarding the use of computers and modern technology.

With warm regards,

Sincerely,

Gratitude Doesn't Say It All:

Everyone feels grateful to someone in life. It may be a parent, teacher, relative or even a friend. I have been inspired and influenced by a great many people in my life, like my late Ma, my bro-in-law, my late professor. They allare wonderful human beings and I remain eternally indebted to them. But the greatest influence on my life hasn't been a human being. She has been more than a living being to me though. She is God's greatest gift to the world - the country called BHUTAN.

The year was 1989. I's like a lost soul desperately trying to earn a living. I's working as a sub-editor of a bilingual magazine published from Kolkata which didn't pay me enough to survive in the rat race. Then happened the interview at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, by the fag end of December, 1989 and life was not to be the same for me anymore.

It's not so much as the financial stability that this majestic, mesmerizing country has provided me over the years. It's more to do with my all round growth that Bhutan has wrought about in me.Todaymy students, colleagues, even people who don't know me all that we'll, I mean, complete strangers, compliment me stating what a good human being I am and how I am aninspiration to many. I accept their compliments and reflect on Bhutan's countless munificence and benevolence on me....

If I'm a good human beingtoday, it's all thanks to Bhutan for I've seen in her Monarchs, her people goodness aplenty. If I'm more compassionate, kind and lovingtoday, it's all thanks to Bhutan for in the simple act of a student picking up an injured insect and keeping it out of harm's way, I've seen and understood the true meaning of love and compassion.

Bhutan has taught me so many values that a lifetime may not be enough to talk or write about them. What would I have been, how might I have shaped up and where would I have landed up had Bhutan not embraced me and provided me shelter with open arms?

I'm a Proud Indian but if there's a second or third life, I'd love to be given another chance to serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum (the Monarchs, country and her people) for bringing the best out of me.

I do wish that people the world over get a chance to know, learn about this magnificent, Himalayas country for their own growth, fulfillment and happiness. I love Bhutan and acknowledge her as the greatest influence on my life.