Bhutan witnesses the warmth and simplicity of Didi

AgnivoNiyogi | Thimphu

The Prime Minister of Bhutan had said it on Day 1. Bhutan remained witness to Didi’s simplicity and humility on the third day of her visit too.

In her quintessential Hawaii chappals and tant saree, West Bengal Chief Minister embarked upon her routine morning walk on the streets of Thimphu. Despite her packed schedule, she had squeezed time out for her walk today. During her walk, a Bengali family from North 24 Parganas met her and were floored by her charm and warmth.

“We feel our lives have become special. It was great meeting the Chief Minister of your state and having a photograph clicked with her,” said a female member of the group of tourists. A lady, who sells handicrafts on the road right next to the hotel where the CM is staying, echoed her sentiments. She was surprised that a Chief Minister could be so simple and humble.

And not just tourists or local vendors. Even the media delegation visiting Bhutan along with the CM was witness to her kindness. A senior journalist was taken ill and had to be hospitalised; Didi personally visited him and enquired about his health.

Even the writer of this post was witness to a scene where a senior journalist was complaining of cold and out came a tablet from Jangalmahal – Didi’s bag, her companion of all times.

You can take Didi out of Kolkata, but you can never take simplicity and humility out of Didi.

Didi – A lucky mascot for Bhutan

Agnivo Niyogi | Thimphu

Just like Bengalis consider the ‘Lokkhi Pencha’ (barn owl) a lucky charm that brings with it the sign of progress and prosperity, the eagle is seen as a lucky mascot in Bhutan. And when an eagle decides to perch on top of the house of none other than His Highness the King of Bhutan, it is undoubtedly a positive sign.

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, visited the Royal Palace this afternoon to meet His Majesty and his family. As luck would have it, an eagle came and perched itself on the roof of the palace the moment she arrived.

Didi, who was recounting this experience, said that the ‘lucky’ bird flew away just when her delegation was leaving.

Incidentally, Mamata Banerjee has been conferred titles like ‘Goddess of Prosperity’ and ‘Goddess of Knowledge’ by Tamang and Lepcha groups residing in Darjeeling. Clearly her lucky charm has spread to the neighbouring country as well.