About Me
Greetings! I am Dawa Drukpa, a teacher by profession and a passionate advocate of youth development through the Scouting movement. I currently serve as an Assistant Leaders Trainer (ALT) Scout Leader and am pursuing my Master’s degree in Inclusive Education at Paro College of Education.
Beyond the classroom, I take great interest in reading, writing, and more importantly, helping others—a value deeply rooted in both my personal beliefs and professional journey.
About Me as a Writer
As a writer, I firmly believe in the philosophy: never stop learning. Writing, to me, is a continuous journey—one filled with discovery, reflection, and growth. Over the years, I’ve authored several works, including fiction, non-fiction, educational texts, and research papers.
My most recent publication, Scouting – A Path to Success, is my fourth book, a labour of love dedicated to the Patron of the Bhutan Scouts Association, His Majesty the King. This book is more than just words on paper—it is a resource, a companion, and a beacon for all Scouters, especially those working tirelessly in the field.
Why I Write
Writing has always been a cherished pursuit. It inspires me, surprises me, and encourages me to delve deeper into the unknown. Interestingly, writing and reading have become inseparable companions in my life—much like a girlfriend and boyfriend—they bring joy, challenge, and a sense of wonder.
My involvement with Scouting began in 2000, as a Class IV student at Chungkha Primary School, Chukha Dzongkhag. Since then, I have remained dedicated to the movement, and for the past six years (since 2014), I’ve led Scout troops in various schools.
One persistent challenge I observed was the lack of reference materials tailored to the Bhutanese Scouting context. Even with the 2018 Handbook for Scout Leaders issued by the Bhutan Scout Association, many crucial areas were merely skimmed over. This gap became the catalyst for my latest book.
About Scouting – A Path to Success
This book is a comprehensive guide to Scouting in the Bhutanese context. I wrote it not only out of personal interest but to address a pressing need—the absence of a contextualised reference that supports both Scout leaders and students alike.
During a recent visit to Paro Dzongkhag, I distributed copies of the book to various HSS and CS schools. To my surprise, I discovered a recurring pattern: one teacher managing the entire Scouting program. Despite student interest, many schools lacked active Scout Masters—not due to unwillingness, but due to lack of guidance and resources.
In this light, my book aims to empower every teacher, Scout leader, and member who wishes to carry forward the Scouting mission. It is written in both Dzongkha and English, ensuring accessibility for all.
Challenges Faced
Unlike my previous works, this publication posed unique challenges. It wasn’t the content that tested me—it was the circumstances that followed. From the moment I began writing in 2018 until the official launch by Health Minister Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo, I was deeply engaged in its development.
However, post-publication, certain individuals raised concerns, which proved emotionally and professionally taxing. It made me question the future of my journey in Scouting, though my conviction remains strong.
Since this is a non-fiction resource, accuracy was paramount. Despite multiple revisions, a few minor updates—such as the 2020 Scout population and some outdated diagrams—escaped the final version. I’ve since included a corrigendum and intend to address these in the second edition, pending favourable circumstances.
Final Words to Readers and Fellow Scouters
Scouting is, above all, about experiential learning—learning by doing. It should be fun, yes—but fun with purpose.
Lord Baden-Powell envisioned a movement rooted in character-building, adventure, and moral strength. Sadly, modern Scouting is sometimes reduced to token gestures—campaigns, cleaning drives, or rehearsed programs—while missing the heart of the journey.
To my fellow Scout leaders, I say:
Talk less. Do more.
Balance your seminars with hikes. Replace formality with genuine connection. Focus on the promise, the law, and the lived experience of every Scout.
Being a Scout isn’t just about knowing the salute, handshake, or how to wear a scarf. It’s about understanding the principles, methods, and deeper spirit of Scouting, and using them to develop intellectually, socially, and spiritually.
Let us guide the next generation not only with books and badges, but with wisdom, heart, and action.
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