Lhagay Tshering - Chased by Untold Story!

Spirituality is a canvas that has fascinated men for ages. Here man’s imagination has given shape to the supreme being. This canvas has not only produced images of higher powers but has also given birth to talented artists. Bringing the art and artist together in the name of faith. And most of them remain in obscurity. Here is the story of one such man, named Lhagay Tshering of Chimi Lhakhang (fertility village), a tiny but picturesque village in Punakha, Bhutan whose story must not get lost. He should be remembered and revered.

Running his small handicraft business, Punakha Masterpiece right from his humble little cottage where the front room forms his workshop strewn with paints, brushes and canvas has a warmth of its own. his conviction to deliver what he does the best makes him strive every single day.

After passing his 10th grade, Lhagay joined the National Institute for Zorig Chusum in Thimpu. He mastered the famed Thangka painting of Bhutan, trained himself to be the best for 6 long years, and passed out in 2014. Since then he has dedicated his life to his work. Cotton canvas, glue made from dead animal skin, natural pigments made from soil, bark of trees and flowers, and gold powder imported from India and Thailand are his forever friends. He knows the magic of giving form to his faith through his paintings and other handicrafts. Under his expertise, each painting becomes a masterpiece. The minute detail catches his inspiration. Through each of his paintings, he connects with the almighty, reaching a higher self without even realizing it.

Now the question is how I met him.

Being an ardent traveller I have been collecting stories for years now. Stories that motivate. Stories that inspire. Stories that stir the souls. Every destination I visit I bring back some memory in physical form like local handicrafts, fridge magnets or dolls. While scouring shops across Bhutan to get the best deal I happen to come across Lhagay. After talking to him I knew not only I had to buy my souvenirs from him but also tell his story. I could not let him get lost like others without having been writing about him. It may be a simple story but his hardworking nature is inspiring in many ways.

Having promised to write about him I was back. And within 2 days of returning, I woke up to a WhatsApp message asking if I had done what I promised. That’s when a realisation dawned upon me. At last, the stories have started chasing me instead. Untold stories of people like Lhagay Tshering!