Modernization and Us.

We live today in a critical situation when modernization, urbanization and western influences have begun to get the better of our old age culture, customs and traditions. Rapid development has brought about many changes, which has suppressed and are suppressing our tradition and culture. The glamour and the glitz of the western world has so influenced and blinded us that we are thus deviated from our own identities. 
Ladakh, years before was a virgin and pristine valley, untouched and unknown to the western chasms of modernity and technology. Ladakh now has been robbed of her chastity and purity owing to her opening up to a new facade of western living.
Bhutan-The Last Shangrila sadly awaits the same fate perhaps. Our generation lives in a false world of make believes. Those alien life style make us great impostors and not innovators that would certainly and utterly disgrace our ancestors. We prefer shirts and trousers to ghos and kiras. The discotheques and parties attracts us more than any adage religious ceremonies. The language we use betrays our own culture and our melodious folk songs hushed up and defeated by those loud noises of drums and savvy instruments.
What we need now is that inspiration from history, which will make us proud to call ourselves Bhutanese; an inspiration that will reveal our true identity. Cultural dilution can result in the changes of familiar old traditional ways and perceptions and the dire consequences can only be understood over time.
A new challenge awaits the generation to remove the soul-less veil that has been draped over our eyes. Unity amongst us will certainly help in our strive to preserve our priceless gems. Holding firm to our values, customs and beliefs, in the years to come will affirm our status and identity as Bhutanese. Awakening from the lure of westernization and embracing one's own genealogy can enhance a better and secure future for the upcoming generations and make us feel proud to call ourselves as Bhutanese not merely by birth but as true Drukpas from the core of our hearts.