Former Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay is among 350 De-Suups who completed the 41st accelerated De-Suung training programme on August 1 from Jigmeling, Sarpang.

Dasho Tshering Tobgay said that having attended as a chief guest during the opening and closure of De-Suung programmes and having attended as a speaker earlier, he always wanted to be part of De-Suung.

“Every time I attended the programme, I felt the need to do this course,” Dasho said. “Given that I was in service, somehow I felt it was inappropriate, as it would divert my attention from the immediate tasks in my hand. I could never join.”

Dasho Tshering Tobgay decided to join De-Suung to render service as a De-Suup during disaster and to manage the crowd during public events.

“It’s humbling to see how a De-Suup in uniform is serving people and representing His Majesty individually at the frontline,” Dasho said. “This has motivated me to join De-Suung.”

With Covid-19 and the risks involved, and concerted action led by His Majesty for single-handedly handling the pandemic situation, Dasho Tshering Tobgay said he decided and applied for 38th batch.

“My application was accepted. I wanted to serve in any possible or small ways I can, and De-Suung was the best channel, and during the training, almost everybody shared it was His Majesty who motivated them to join.”

However, Dasho was home quarantined after returning from abroad. Before he could leave for the training, the government had increased the quarantine period to 21 days.

“So, I had to withdraw and apply for 39th batch. But with a rush to attend 39th course and many misgivings on selection process criteria, I withdrew my application.”

Dasho then applied for the 40th batch, but just five days before leaving for the training, he suffered from gout and had to withdraw once again.

Finally, Dasho applied for the 41st batch. He had no high hopes but could attend the programme. “As I had gone through a spell of bad luck for not being able to join, I was lucky this time. I completed the course, and I am delighted.”

During the course, Dasho who was in the Tag company and Platoon 1, said that he had the most memorable time and learnt so much about time management, discipline, food, being physically, and the need to be mentally fit.

“I learnt so much from the different classes during the course,” Dasho said. “I did question about the issue of being punished every time for something that you didn’t do. I realised this was to learn about command and control in terms of disaster. You cannot question, it’s training.”

Dasho said he would carry his De-Suung uniform in the car wherever he goes so that he could serve whenever required.

Dasho has plans to volunteer and register for patrolling along the border, which is critical and essential. ‘I will serve in any capacity as a De-Suup guided by the De-Suung office.”

With many positive and heartfelt messages on social media platforms, Dasho said he was receiving undue attention from fellow citizens.

“I don’t deserve this honour and I don’t need to be singled out. My chapter as a prime minister is old and I am a private citizen now,” Dasho said, adding there are many who have completed De-Suung programme.

Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering congratulated Dasho on the successful completion.

“Together, we will serve His Majesty The King in this fight against the pandemic,” said Lyonchhen.

https://kuenselonline.com/former-prime-minister-tshering-tobgay-is-a-desuup/