Ap Dorji Penjor in military
Ap Dorji Penjor, son of aum Peldon, was born on the year 1964 in Kuenzangdra which is a small village under Bumthang Dzongkhag. Being the eldest amongst the siblings (two younger brothers) in the family and raised by a single mother, he had responsibilities on his shoulder. So, from a young age itself, he joined the arm force and had to go through vigorous training. After few years, he had to return to his village to help his mother and younger brothers where he worked as a sheep herder in Tendrelgang, Bumthang.
Thus, fate had a role and aup Dorji met aum Gyem Lhamo to whom he married and had four children.
Aum Gyem Lhamo from long time back
Aum Gyem Lhamo is the eldest daughter of aum Dorji and ap Tawchung. Born and raised in Tendrelgang, Bumthang on 1963, aum Gyem Lhamo had to manage both the indoor and outdoor household chores. At the age of 23, she married Dorji Penjor and settled in Chamkhar, Bumthang with their first child, Minjur Dorji.
It was through their eldest son, the couple came to know about the Truelku who was seeking for a serene place for retreat in 2010. Due to their utmost devotion to Dharma, they decided to offer a small plot of their land in Tendrelgang for Truelku’s retreat. This was a brave act of faith in Dharma since the couple never heard about the Treulku before. The idea of serving the Buddhist Master itself was a great privilege and opportunity for them.
Sonam, Rinchen, Tshering and Minjur; children of the donor(left to right)
Ap Dorji Penjor and Aum Gyem Lhamo
Later, the villagers pleaded Truelku to construct a monastery. Once again, the couple offered their land for the construction of the monastery and today, the monastery is a sacred place for the villagers. The couple and their children continue to be patron and offer their services to the Truelku assisting in propagation of his holy activities.