In the heart of Bhutan’s lush, emerald mountains, a Sikh pre-teen, Rehras Singh Kukreja engaged in a significant cleanup mission on the Tiger’s Nest trail in Paro, Bhutan while hiking on a journey of profound spiritual and environmental significance. At just 12 years old, Rehras, a student of St. George’s College, Mussoorie, and the son of renowned travel content creators and entrepreneurs, Harjinder Singh Kukreja and Harkirat Kaur Kukreja, intertwined his deep-rooted Sikh values with the ancient wisdom of Bhutan.
Hosted by Tourism Bhutan, Bhutan’s Department of Tourism (DOT), this expedition was far from a typical sightseeing tour. Wearing gloves and carrying a bag, Rehras meticulously picked and cleaned trash along the Tiger’s Nest trail. This act of Seva (selfless service) wasn’t merely a task; it was a profound expression of respect for the environment. Each piece of litter removed by Rehras was a step towards honoring the sacred landscape, demonstrating his commitment to environmental stewardship.
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Guided by the wise Tshewang Nidup, a respected figure in Bhutan’s travel industry since 1995 and the owner of Bhutan Expeditions, Rehras traversed this sacred path with a mission that transcended mere tourism. Tshewang, known for his deep understanding of Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, supported and guided Rehras to transform this journey into an enlightening odyssey, revealing the intricate bond between human actions and nature.
As Rehras Singh Kukreja treads softly along the ancient trail, each step is a meditation, each breath a prayer. His simple yet profound act of collecting discarded trash became a moving testament to the Sikh principle of Seva: selfless service. With each piece of litter he removed, Rehras wasn’t just cleaning a path; he was honoring every leaf, every stone, every breath of air in this sacred landscape.
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Rehras’ father, Harjinder Singh Kukreja, watched with a heart swelling with pride: “Seeing Rehras embrace such a profound purpose with unwavering dedication fills me with immense joy. His actions speak volumes of the values we cherish in our family.”
Tshewang Nidup, moved by Rehras’s dedication, remarked, “Rehras’ efforts to preserve the pristine beauty of Bhutan mirror the teachings of Guru Rimpoche. He is a shining example of how the young generation is pivotal in nurturing a sustainable future.”
In a moment of reflection, Rehras shared, “This journey has touched the deepest corners of my soul. I feel a profound connection to this land and its teachings. Preserving its beauty feels like honoring Guru Nanak and Buddha.”
Bhutan is well-known for its remarkable environmental efforts, highlighting its status as a carbon-negative country and its commitment to maintaining a minimum of 60% forest cover as per its constitution. Bhutan’s innovative environmental policies and traditional practices in modern conservation are a testament to its dedication to preserving nature.
Looking to the future, Rehras plans to engage in similar environmental initiatives, potentially joining youth-driven environmental groups. His journey transcends ecological endeavor; it embodies a spiritual pilgrimage and imparts lessons in humility and responsibility, showcasing the profound impact one young individual can have on our planet’s health.
In recognizing the foundational role that education plays in shaping his environmental ethos, Rehras Singh Kukreja is grateful to his school, St. George’s College, Mussoorie, and his esteemed educators. Principal, Rev. Bro. Ramesh Amalanathan, Brother Superior, Rev. Bro. P.U. George, Vice Principal, Rev. Bro. Shaju Thomas, and his class teacher, Mrs. Sunita Jakhmola, have been pivotal in fostering his passion for Socially Useful Productive Work. Miss Mansi Dhunna, Miss Veronica Menezes, Mr. Bhavnesh Negi, Miss Mariana Lawrence, and Mrs. Susan Kurien, who also taught Rehras’ father, Harjinder Singh Kukreja, 25 years prior, have been instrumental in nurturing his environmental stewardship. Their teachings and guidance have been invaluable in emboldening Rehras to undertake such commendable initiatives, reflecting the school’s commitment to holistic development and community service.
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As the world faces environmental challenges, stories like Rehras’ offer hope and inspiration. His actions in Bhutan, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, serve as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to care for the Earth and its diverse ecosystems.
Rehras Singh Kukreja's dedication to the environment on Bhutan's Tiger's Nest trail is a powerful reflection of the country's Gross National Happiness (GNH) ethos. Embracing Bhutan's focus on holistic well-being and sustainable development, Rehras's Seva - a selfless service - is a living embodiment of environmental and cultural preservation. His actions, deeply aligned with Bhutan's harmony with nature, highlight the impact of individual efforts on the broader goals of social and environmental well-being. This story of Rehras and Bhutan illustrates a poignant blend of personal conviction and national values, underlining the profound global importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
