And Gawa sang for us

Last Friday, my friend, Lhaki Dolma and I were in Dechenchholing School in Thimphu to talk about power of imagination, discovery and creativity to a class.

When we finished our talks we joked with the class as to what they could do for us in return. "We can sing you a song," a boy shouted from the back and immediately buried his face on the table as the class roared in laughter. 

"Ok. Who is singing this song?" asked Lhaki. The kids pointed to a shy boy, Gawa Phuntsho. Gawa's face turned red. "Come on! If you can sing, why not? Show us your talent," I encouraged him. Gawa got up from his seat, walked to a corner to pick up his old guitar and sang us this song.

It was so beautiful that I remarked if it was a cover (I have not been up-to-date with rigsars lately) but he clarified, "No sir, it is mine". I was so moved by the song and amazed at his talent that I immediately asked for his number.

"Now," I told the class, "When I come back from my next my next foreign trip - either in October or latest by December, I will get Gawa a new guitar." The whole class clapped and went, "Yayyyyyyy".

We always complain about this generation being too complacent and not proactive. But I think it is also our responsibility to encourage young talents in every possible manner. My hopes and prayers is that Gawa will one day become a famous singer. I wanted be one. But maybe I was born in the wrong period or a wrong country. I failed. So I like someone who is fulfilling my dream.
I also pray that he grow up to be humble. I have highlighted, promoted and also financed talents before but the moment they become little popular it gets into their head. They forget who first gave them that shot in the arm. Then things die. Talent is gone.

Do you remember the rock band from the Netherlands? I had the fortune of directing them for my documentary, Blof in Bhutan, for a Dutch TV. They are the biggest rock band there and in Belgium commanding the charts for a decade now. Those guys were so humble and in the 2 weeks of shooting they didn't give one single problem. No tantrums. No displays of egos. Nothing whatsoever. When I went to the Netherlands for the Premiere, I just realised how big they were.  

The four boys from Blof were some of the finest people I made 
in this music industry. Extremely talented and equally humble

(NB - Sorry, the song has been trimmed)