The Paradox

The stars that twinkles and dances merrily in the middle of sky, who have all the time to watch its happiness and sorrow for that matter? The beautiful moon that brightens the unhappy couple and turns them to a lovely and happy one, who even feels lucky and appreciates this fact?  Very rare! Who would have even felt gratified by the gentle shower that drains all the sad and bad emotions and not cursed the summer rain that sometimes gets lippy? Who have all the time to see the beauty of all these wonders? The music that enthralls and soothes ones deranged soul and crippled body, who even cares when all is well and everything, is alright.  Unless we feel alone, lonely and estranged, we have no time acknowledge these small beauties that enriches our life.

The closest neighbor who lives just a step away; did you even greet and exchanged hi and hello? We have ample of time to chat and flirt with strangers on the social networking sites and hardly a second to greet our neighbor whom we share a lot of resembles. We (and them in return) hear all the loud noises from the blasting woofers in the late evenings, we witness their kids play around, hear all the silly and usual fights and the irony is that we are but a complete strangers!

The long gone friends, whom you shared same clothes once, whom you have had same meals from the same plate, Do you, even care to call them and say “hi dude, I missed you, how have you been?” Once you are apart, taking your own path, you get sucked by the silly things and you are drenched in the rain of clumsiness. We seem to get lost in the world of nowhere, which is so sad.

 Perhaps the line says it best which I read somewhere and which isn’t complete:

“We have more houses but less home, more acquaintances but less friends, taller buildings but shorter temper, more degrees but less senses, more knowledge but less judgment, more experts but more problems, we have done  more things but not better things, we stay up too late and get up too tired!”

Then and Now

The other day Namgang (my friend) and I were gossiping during our leisure time about how life has suddenly changed in time, how we are tuned to fit into that maze of change and how we are made by certain circumstances to change. Change is inevitable you know. As a kid or a young school and college goer, what do we expect from life? The timely entitlements, fun with buddies and laudable result at the end of day were only something that really bothered. There was nothing like living and sailing through as a captain yourself because you have not much to mind about, there were fewer nags, less compromises and fewer nuts to worry about. That period is the best.

And suddenly when you join corporate life, all these begin to fade and this transition is not very easy and hassle free. Your shoulders are bogged with more responsibilities, you have more reasons to worry about, and more things at the date line to be accomplished, more sleepless nights and sometimes you end up blaming yourself for not convincing someone who doesn’t understands you. When put upon the other’s shoe and sit on their chair, we do understand that they were right those times and that our thinking was only from one direction.

Don’t you miss so called college life?  Yes I do! Those silly fights with friends over silly reasons; the times when we witnessed friends becoming crazy over girls and how teachers used to catch and embarrass them in the morning assembly, the teachers themselves hiding their silent crush on the student; the meals which the more you take, the more hungry it would make; the common midnight calls and unforgettable theft cases. Even the undergarment clothes wouldn’t be spared! Is it not funny?

But now when we reminisce back and think upon it deeply, such incidents were but the only essential part of so-called learning. Through all these, perhaps we have become wiser, more tolerant, more vigilant and more decent. Perhaps we have known what an embarrassment or the difference between love and infatuation is? Perhaps what we are today is exactly shaped by those funny and strange moments.

Now what do we have? Only memories of the past which are both sweet and sour! Every day is a routine and scheduled; go to the work, get upset by some silly corporate and professional reasons, come home in the evening, regret about the day, redeem yourself and hope for better the next day. This cycle repeats maybe with slight change. You miss the luxuries you once had the privilege to experience. You hardly have time to contact your best buddies and the tight grip we had once begins to loosen. However at the end its life and it has to goes on. 

Tuition/Coaching in Bhutan

Yesterday after work, it was almost 1800 hours when I reached home. I directly went to the kitchen prepared myself dinner hurriedly for I was hungry and in the midst of it, my mobile was ringing. It was my uncle. We talked about our health; they were all good. He was asking me if there was something called temporary class at Paro. I did not understand the meaning at first. Later I knew what he meant; he was asking if there were tuition classes for students on vacation at Paro. I told that I had no idea about it. His son (my first cousin) has finished class XI science this year and he wanted to have tuition during this winter break. He was also talking of the financial burdens he was going through. For a moment I was sympathetic but then a strong infuriated pulse ran down my nerves and I was suddenly angry. Tuition class? Come on!  Yet I controlled it and seemed normal during the whole conversation. We had some minutes of talk till he gave the phone to my cousin. I directly asked him why he wanted to take tuition classes. He told that XII standard syllabus seems so vast and that he might face difficulties the coming year.

“But I did not, I had not even good reference books to refer, I still managed and my result wasn’t bad” I told. He wasn’t convincing.

Yes forget about tuition or coaching which I have never heard until I reached India, I did not even had the so-called guide or reference texts to study in the tenth or twelve standard. Even then at the end of day, I was one amongst some 145 students who got government scholarship to study outside the country. And I am very much grateful to the government of Bhutan for such good opportunities offered. Especially for families which aren’t strong, getting education is not that easy although the education is still free.

I told my cousin that as long as you work hard with determination and willingness, you will get your share. I told him to come and stay with me and prepare himself if at all he is interested and that I will help if I can. He wasn’t sure; perhaps he is going to take those classes which he said was at Ugyen Academy at Punakha.

Well, tuition or coaching may help get immediate colorful results or whatever the benefits it might have, I am always against it. I think it is for those lazy individuals, who want to take shortcuts. It is only for the rich families who have all the luxuries to walk an extra mile. Why take normal academic sessions then? It is all the more a waste of time and resources. If one is incapable, even dozens of tuition and coaching classes will be of little help. Tuition/Coaching is like spoon feeding a child who actually knows how to eat himself/herself. It makes one more complacent, dependent and lazy. That’s my personal opinion though and not to hurt the sentiments of those who are blessed with all the money and facilities, those who have thick pockets to expend and to avail such opportunities.

On the other hand I think if one is really interested, willing and determined, why not concentrate in the classes during normal academic session, revise and test it yourself? I tell it that the reward you get out of your so much effort and dedication irrespective of day and night is so much yours, beautiful and long lasting than you get with the helping hand of others. It is more satisfying and encouraging.

What do you have to say?

Can beggars be chooser?

It’s not first time that I heard about beggars in Thimphu being not only forceful but also rude. There were instances when I heard of the beggars knocking the doors with sticks instead of hand. And with increasing number each day, it’s not only worrying to the residents but also a cause of concern for the government. Frankly I was little convinced when I heard of such stories from various sources including my cousin sister. However they were right!

Once it was my friend who stays with a relative at Thimphu (NPPF colony) and was alone at home, the owners were out to work. He heard a knock at the door. He didn’t give damn on the first knock.  Second time the knock was even louder; little frustrated, he opened the door’s latch reluctantly and he saw a man aged about fifties in ordinary gomchen’s attire. As soon as he opened the door, even without a word from his mouth, the man stepped inside the room and then started to talk. The man told that he resides at Paro Taktsang doing meditation and that he came to collect annual ration. He also boasts of so many other religious accomplishments and stories, which convinced my friend that he was really a realized religious man. He felt touched with all those brags and even though jobless himself (because he is a recent graduate) he searched his wallet and gave the man one hundred ngultrum. There was a beam in the man’s face, he could see it. But there was more to it. The man then began another round of talk that shocks my friend.

“Ja cup thuragmawamo, tshampa tong tongsangmachako” ( is there not even a cup of tea for dry throat of me, tshampa?) came the words. Believing it and feeling pity, my friend went inside the kitchen prepared a cup of tea and offered him. Then another surprise comes:

“Is there no Zaw?”

That was when my friend began to doubt if this man was even a decent gomchen? He told that he has no idea if there is anything as such for it was not his home. With much difficulty, he managed to let the man go out of the house. That evening when his relatives were home, he talked of the day’s incident only to receive some hard-to-digest words.

The same thing happened with me with the same Man! Fortunately I was along with my sister at home. The time was about nine in the morning and we were having breakfast. The door of the house was regrettably not latched. With just a murmur, (not even a clear word!) out of no where came the man. He came directly into the room and repeated the exact words he said to my friend.  That was when I became certain of the man’s identity. My sister told if I had Nu.20 or 30 to offer. The man heard our dialogue and it was surprising to hear him say that he wants at least Nu. 50/-! I had no change but he was again quick to answer about having change with him. After I gave him 50 bucks, he was inquiring if we had a cup of tea for him, immediately the dialogues of my friend echoed in my head.

With changing time the beggars also seem to have evolved and become demanding. I remember reading someone’s blog of the same incident and I realize how true the scenarios are now. So a word of caution to the residents of Thimphu; one should never keep the doors un-latched.

It’s also saddening to see the pristine spiritual religious being tainted by disguised as above. It may not be a serious issue for now, but if certain cautions are not taken, the numbers are on the rise and it will only become worse in the times to come. 

Interestingly just a week ago, I found the same man at Paro bazaar and I was wondering when does he starts his annual retreat at Paro Taktsang?

How can we Curb Unemployment Problem?

Bhutan is a small developing country with small population of approximately about 7 lakhs. The developmental philosophy is Gross National Happiness (GNH) which has gained so many worldwide appreciation and praise. But on the other hand, like any other developing or developed countries, Bhutan has its own share of problems and challenges. Youth unemployment problem is one of the most challenging one that Bhutan is facing and we can’t really afford to stand and stare this exponential growth each passing day. With the development of a people, society and country at large, youth unemployment is becoming a major problem which affects not only individuals, but also the society in every region. And to solve this problem, it is not only the sole responsibility of a government or agencies, non-governmental organizations or private companies or corporations, but a collective responsibility. All must go together hand in hand. Otherwise it would be too far from realizing it and the concept of GNH would be so challenging a task to be achieved. There are various factors that directly or indirectly lead to the problem of youth unemployment in any country.

Unemployment problem can be caused by the lack of necessary and required skill in a relevant field, the mismatch of the job and this is the most determining factor in our country. Every thousands of students from middle and higher secondary schools across the country and graduates from universities both within and outside the country are produced. But what is sad is the inability to absorb these passed out youths because of the mismatch of what they learned and what is required by the employer. This is the major cause of concern for Bhutan government and Bhutanese people. With number of students increasing every year, the problem will only keep soaring unless certain measures are taken care at hand.

It is so obvious to see that young people without a job for long time may probably endanger the very stability and sovereignty of a society and nation as a whole. Youths are always filled with enthusiasm and burning desire with righteous ardor. They need a suitable career to realize their dreams and aspirations. Without a decent job, a proper guidance or engagement, our youths may resort and attribute to so many social problems and lead them to embark the path of degeneration and crimes. Youth unemployment is also an unseen waste of talents and resources. Our dynamic and farsighted kings have always emphasized the importance of youths and youngsters in nation building and that they are the future of a nation, but what a waste it is when number of university graduates sits around all day long roaming the streets, gambling and has no decent career to develop, let alone seek his or her dreams.

To bring our youth to a bright future, our schools, government and youth we have our own chunk of responsibilities. The government must make sure and initiate that the universities and colleges across the country present an appropriate course (the syllabus) that is associated with relevant work experience after the completion of studies. Any company or an employer will never refuse to recruit an individual with sound knowledge of the work with fund of interest and enthusiasms. The companies and the agencies have the responsibility to offer job opportunities with deserving emoluments and rewards. And the youth themselves in turn has to do their best to become qualified and capable. There is no question that a position will be rejected if one has the most suitable talent and capability.

Rural-Urban migration is another most prominent factor that causes the youth employment problem in our country. Bhutan is still developing country, an aid dependent country and not all parts of the country are accessible to better modern facilities. People living in the rural areas without basic facilities like road, electricity, safe drinking water become an easy prey to the modern life in urban centers where such facilities are present. Young students leave in the middle of their schoolings to better life in towns and cities. People abandon their happy and secured life at home in villages, which they think are but the hardest, the cruelest and most unfortunate. They  migrate to urban areas in search of jobs and better facilities where not everyone is fortunate enough to live up to their dreams leading to not only unemployment problem but also many other social problems like gang fights, drug addiction, flesh trade and even suicidal cases at times.

To mitigate this problem, the government must have a balanced developmental strategies and programs in place; the industries must be set up in designated areas where it can retain people in and around and which can benefit people surrounding it. This is where private sector comes into picture and hence private sector must be empowered and strengthened with certain responsibilities, authority and accountability. Private sector is one of the main engines behind any developmental activities of a country and it must be morally supported and nurtured with proper guidance and regulations.

Corruption and nepotism is yet another factor that has a direct link to unemployment problem. Small and religious country like Bhutan can’t afford to have such incidents because it is too small to deceive and be deceived, where everyone can know each other within small span of time.  Corruption and nepotism is the very root creator of the difference between haves and have not’s. But ironically, corruption and nepotism seems to be rampant in our country that every day we hear rumors about recruitments being tainted and disturbed by bigwigs. Such actions deprive the rights of certain sections of society and can hardly progress as compared to those uplifted by some sort of assistance. Hence this must be curbed by legislation of strict rules against corrupted people. As proposed by good governance committee (in national council) in the recent parliament session, the merit-based recruitment and selection process must precede over social connection and there must be a mechanism to fix accountability on heads and human resource officers.

Bhutan may be a tiny Himalayan country, but it is adorned with rich biodiversity and these natural and renewable natural resources must be put into good use. The constitution of the country states 60% of country’s areas to be maintained under forest cover and therefore, maintaining this, the rest must be utilized to a good purpose. The government must come up with various small scale and cottage industries that will absorb and engage number of unemployed individuals. Otherwise what is the use of leaving such resources unutilized and then ultimately giving way to illegal utilization and transactions like the recent one at Paro dzongkhag? Bhutan can also harness various other renewable resources like wind and solar which can be a good alternative towards alleviation of living standards of middle and lower class families, an indirect way to curb unemployment problem.

We have a parent Ministry- the ministry of Labor and Human resources, which coordinate and facilitates an easy outflow of the employment opportunities in the country and which act as a bridge between the employers and the job seekers. A lot of mechanisms and programs are conducted like internship programs to gain experience in a relevant field which is appreciated and which must be continued fairly without fear or favor. There are complains and criticisms about the ineffectiveness of such programs because of the inability of ministry to take action and I am convinced that the ministry has no teeth to really put their efforts to reliable and productive implementation. This must be taken into account with appropriate solutions by the government, morally supported by public as well as the private to further strengthen its capacities with certain legislations and executive authorities to function effectively and independently.

Certain immediate measure like job fairs to sensitize and create awareness about changing the mindset of our youths take interest in blue color jobs, the dignity of labor must be increased an implemented. Certain unconventional methods of earning like betting and gambling which are done secretly in closed doors must be legalized which would reduce the exploitation and increase in taxes. The government must also support civil society organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental organization (NGOs) which takes in large number of personnel.

As stated earlier, the youth unemployment problem should not be thought of as an individual problem, it is a national (perhaps global!) problem and everyone must put their head and hands together. The employers should not too strict, seeking only the experienced ones. How can one gain experience without even getting recruited?  And the job seekers in turn should not be too choosy and think of only the incentives, because there is nothing as free lunch! One must prove that one is capable and deserving. Otherwise the youth unemployment problem will only aggravate in times to come.

PS: An essay i wrote sometime ago; credit also to Mr. Namgang for relevant help..

The Irony behind ‘Zhungka Songo’

Have you ever heard of this word: “Zhungka Songo”? Well, it may be first time to many but I am sure most Sharchops would know its meaning. It is a word that is commonly used by most of the people of eastern part especially by those in the remote parts of the country.  Zhungka Songo (roughly government people) literally means those people who are educated and employed, and who resides in urban areas away from one’s home. But not all who dwells in urban centers are fortunate enough to live equal. The name has also been overused and it also means to people who have abandoned their home in villages and migrated to towns and cities in search of better life. And perhaps this is one word that encompasses all the reasons behind Rural- Urban Migration- the most common and prominent problem that Bhutan is facing; leading to yet another critical problem “the unemployment problem”

There are places especially the remote parts of the country which are not yet connected by road or electricity; where people are still illiterate and innocent. Such people are easily influenced by those unreal stories behind so called elite urban life. They become an easy prey to the trap of fallacies behind life in urban centers and are dragged towards it, even by being mere witness to some fancy dresses, the smell of perfume or even by some pleasing rumors. The mindsets of people are such that life at home in village is but the cruelest, most difficult and most unfortunate. Hardly do they realize the clear picture of how people lead urban life. For them every outsider or civil servant or contractors with thick pockets (or seems to have), nice attire and hairstyles are but Dashos and perhaps this is one big reason why there are so many cases of rural people being looted and cheated.

A story about a Voucher is very relevant here: “A woman lives in the capital city whose husband is working at a private company. With the meager wage that her husband gets they are struggling to make their ends meet. While on the contrary her relatives and friends back at home thinks very much the opposite. In their eyes anyone (including her) who lives in town has a luxurious and kingly life. She frequently gets calls from them saying her to recharge their mobile phones. While she does that (fulfill their wishes) with so much reluctance and difficulty, she has her balance in her mobile at negative numbers! Whenever an emergency arises, she has tough time giving missed calls!" Such is the life of so called Zhungka Songo…. (…;(…)

Well, what does this mean? What does it says about an individual, about a society and nation as a whole? Perhaps it’s high time for more sensitization, more awareness and education? This is something to be pondered up on.

And today is blessed rainy Day; hope you had a good day?  I particularly had a bad day, in fact very lonely and dry Thruebab ever till now. Anyway May all the dirt be cleansed and fall season wait with all charm and fun.

What did you do today on Thruebab?

Failures, Frustrations and Final Relief

Life is not always smooth, there are loads of boulders along the way and ultimately its fate and luck that decide and dominate the torrents of life’s episodes (this is what I Feel!). We never know for sure as to what is in store for us and what is to unfold tomorrow or the next day. Sometimes what we expect doesn’t happen while what we don’t aspire and even dream  in our wildest dream happens unexpectedly and that’s when we are made to pause for a moment and ask ourselves as to what this really means and what the hell this has to do with us anyway?

There is not one incident, even a tiny one that isn’t linked and I believe everything is intricately intertwined to each other and there are chains of events that follow. The worst curse that one consider come as the biggest blessing in the later part and the biggest mistakes or decisions one make are only indications or harbinger of something good and vice versa, which we fail to realize often.  Everything happens for reason in fact!

A lot has happened within three months. Since graduation,(in the month of May), there was this constant fear of getting ignored by the society as a whole, this constant fear of failing and being left alone. The consistent thought of “what if at all I am unable to repay my parent’s debt?, what if I don’t get job and am unable to stand on my own feet?, how will I live up to those who has place in loads of trust and hope?” has drained calories of energies and the thought of how do I live up to the expectations of some sections of society was even more torturing and distressing. Yes it is one thing to be able to walk, but another very different thing to be able to walk in equal pace with others with our head held high!

However the period was also one of the busiest, although it was literally a vacation after the college days.  The discouraging vacancy announcements (for it was just one at the most) in organizations like Bhutan Power Corporation Ltd, Bhutan Broad Casting Service Ltd and Drukair Corporation Ltd kept me engaged somehow. I was ever ready and willing to hop on where ever I get into for there was huge and tough competition. The most distressing and discouraging moment was on 3^rd August when the Royal Service Commission (RCSC) announced its vacancies in its website. My profession had just single vacant seat and the number of students vying was more than two scores!

Suddenly the struggles of more than dozens of year’s study seemed to halt! The only thought that came was that I might be left unemployed! That was the moment when I knew for myself how greedy I was. There was no peace of mind, the days were restless and the nights sleepless. Anyone who has gone through this stage will know I am sure and those of you who haven’t yet experience will definitely come for sure at some point of time.

Anyway the vacancies that were announced often in corporations kept my breath and there was little hope. Drukair Corporation was the last to announce its vacancies but the first to complete its formalities- written examination and selection interview. It was also the organization that had highest number of vacant seats which was also the most encouraging. Despite so many rumors going around about Drukair being the most corrupted organization when it comes to recruitment which was disadvantage for people like me. The only way was to prove myself worth and deserving and on due day it was most relieving to see my name amongst five others. Thank you triple gem, thank you parents, Teachers and thank you everyone who has directly or indirectly involved in making me stand where I stand now

This is where I begin another thread of my life and I look forward to serving it to the best of my ability.

“What do you do?”

Onetime I was traveling from Paro to Thimphu in a taxi. The taxi driver was a friendly and a jolly one from Tashigang. I was the first passenger to get into; we waited for a while till two others came. It was only four of us altogether. The driver seemed happy for he got passengers which means adding a stack on his wallet. The music player was on and he was equally singing together with each song that echoed in the whole seats. I was in the front seat, but I dared not tell anything about the music although it was too loud for my ear drum. I sat patiently and seemingly normal to him, browsed Facebook and twitter on my mobile.

Suddenly he reduced the volume of the music and asked: “Hang Chag la Nangcha ya tha Sir cho? (What work do you do sir?)” At first I was frightened not because he asked me that question, but because the question was unexpected and ad-hoc. Then I was blushed and embarrassed, because I really didn’t have concrete answer to that particular question. I stammered for a moment and replied: “I just stay in and around! (Ngya Tha Ann Chon Cha!)” Perhaps that was the stupidest answers I ever gave in my life till now. I regret for being truthful, because it embarrassed me, it made me feel too low. Perhaps that’s the price of being truthful always? And maybe my answer also shocked him too, because then, he did not speak even a word with me.  I in turn did the same until the taxi reached Thimphu.

Well, who am I? And what do I do? I ask these questions so frequently, try to find answer, and there are no concrete answers yet, which makes me nothing and nobody, except the fact that I am but a human. Right now, if I am a bird, then I am the one whose wings are not fully developed yet and can’t fly of my own through the currents of wind.  If I am a calf, I am the one whose mother has just stopped feeding me with her milk and sadly who can’t even graze on its own. I have leg that still needs to walk some extra mile to get firm support so as to stand on my own. I have a hand that still needs some stretches to make it work and a head that still waits to be tested for dozen of years’ struggle, so called learning. I am still a tadpole that depends on the waves of water.

And unfortunately and sadly, it is going to be for some time before I develop my own wings or be able to graze myself or before I change to frog. It is a long process, yet I remain hopeful and optimistic.

Retain Rights, Revamp Responsibilities

On April 3^rd, the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa party announced its first ever Slogan teaser competition on its Fan page to make the interactions livelier and to stimulate our imagination on the yet another exciting democratic process unfolding in our country. I was curious to participate. I thought for a while; considering all the circumstances that DPT as a party is going through; with so many of its high profile members in the headlines of media for involvement in various scams. I was thinking in my small views as to what DPT should counter think and be concerned with, to make people believe that they are being dilated if not misinformed; that DPT really is a cause for the Tsa-wa Sum; that DPT is NOT what media and various critics think of; that DPT is genuine with rendering its services, commitments and responsibilities. It is a critical Juncture! That’s when I came with this slogan: “Retain Rights, Revamp responsibilities” which happened to be the winner of the contest.

Yes, if DPT has maligned its own name, it must prove and back all the good things that they have done past five years. It must also accept the fact that there are certain things which the majority portion of society claims failure and they must accept it with dignity and aim to revamp to the higher and better levels.

 With the second parliamentary election of the country nearing the date, a lot of good and bad things seem to be happening in various parts of the country. Although I am in another land, thanks to the various social media like face book and twitter, I can feel every beat and breath of vibes; hear every rhythm of vibrations, the excitements, the struggles, the hue and cries and the various sentiments. Politics seem to be the talk everywhere. It’s interesting to learn about the political fray the country is going through. New parties are struggling to get potential and capable candidates, while the old  are consolidating and expanding their horizon, exchanging the party tickets. There is rumor in every matters, some are serious and very much concerning, while others are casual and mere comic. What does all this mean? To me, it only means that Bhutanese people are serious about their own welfare, that the people now understand the very concept of rights, roles and responsibilities and that its just the beginning and we still have bigger pie to taste in the times to come.

I feel any ruling government is under the very scrutiny of a large number of audiences and critics. Take examples like India and USA. And that’s but very fact and good for it only means a commitment to better function and coordination. It only means a better and larger view after all democracy is about not only knowing our own rights, but our responsibilities too.

Well, I am honoured to be the first ever winner of the Slogan teaser contest; I hope the DPT will consider the simple thoughts of an ordinary mind and that it will deliver and revamp its commitments keeping the rights of people intact. All the best!...

A for April Fool

“Tok tok…..Tok tok….. Sir someone is seriously injured and unconscious; we need your help, you need to come” It was 5:00 AM in the morning and N Buddhan sir was disturbed by that incessant knock on his door. He reluctantly got from the bed to the door; when he heard about one of his students being injured; his sleep instantly vanished. It was Dorji Phuntsho, one of his students in class VIII. “What happened?” asked Buddhan sir.

“Sir you need to go to football ground, one student is unconscious” added Dorji Phuntsho vehemently.

That was how my science teacher- Mr N Budhhan sir,who was also the health-In-charge, was brought to the morning PT (Physical Training) by one of his students, my batch- Dorji Phuntsho back in the year 2004 on this day at Minjiwoong Lower Secondary School under Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag. Recall this: Every boarding schools in Bhutan has a thing called morning PT before the day begins; where the games captain and other school captains coordinates and which is compulsory for all students to take part except those below class three or two. The peaceful sleep of students is disturbed by the noisy sound of Wessel early in the morning. I still remember those times at primary school, of course the bitter ones like how the captains of the school used to guard at the door. If we were late by just a second, we would be whipped by rough belts (or Keras) on our back! That was the power of captains in the primary schools.

Anyways, to continue the story, Dorji Phuntsho, who is a teacher himself now in one of the schools in Pemagatshel, accompanied sir to the football ground, where every other student were in full swing with the usual morning exercise. Each student was vigil on that day as no one wants to be fooled around by their friends; hence the students were aware that the day was April fool day except sir himself who was completely taken by the news of injured and unconscious student. When sir enquired about someone being injured, everyone shouted: “April Fool”

He seemed angry at first (we could make from his reaction!) for being lied by his own student. Who wants to be fooled anyway? But still he kept aside and forced a broad smile. He then joined the students into morning PT for an hour and even taught us some tips for the morning exercise.

I don’t know if that’s even right and if the day really is about making others fool. I Google-ed and the following is what I got:

 “April fool’s day, sometimes called All Fool’s day is one of the most lighted-days of the year. Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of new Calendar. The most commonly cited theory holds that it dates from 1582, the year France adopted the Gregorian calendar, which shifted the observance of New  Year’s Day from the end of March (around the time of the vernal equinox) to the first of January.

According to popular lore some folks, out of ignorance, stubbornness, or both, continued to ring in the New Year on April 1 and were made the butt of jokes and pranks on account of their  foolishness. This became an annual tradition, according to this version of events, which ultimately spread throughout Europe. A major weakness of the Calendar-change theory is that it fails to account for the historical record replete with traditions linking this time of the year to merriment and tomfoolery dating all the way back to antiquity.

          Another explanation of the origins of the April fool’s day was provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman Emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed edict calling for absurdity on that day and the custom became an annual event..”

                  

“Let us be thankful for the the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed” ~Mark Twain

  

The last Mid-semester Break

The hostels are all empty and silent, except the dogs that lives in and around the college campus and eleven of us, the Bhutanese MNNITians and few of others. The dogs here don’t bark or cry frightfully at night like in Bhutan. I still remember those sleepless nights at boarder hostels when the dogs howled and cried the whole night in the bright moonlight. Since last Friday, the students have left for their families on mid-Semester break (10 days) and for Holi, the colour festival, which is celebrated irrespective of the age or gender in India.

The past mid-Semester breaks have been very productive and memorable. In the first semester, just after we reached here, our seniors took us on trip to Agra, where one of the seven wonders of the world- Taj Mahal exists. It was one of the most wonderful trip and the memories are still fresh. We visited the nearby historical sites of Fatiapur City too, which is the resident of Akbar, the great Mughal Emperor.

One time, we visited Tsho-Pema (Rewalsar) via Delhi and that was the longest and most exciting trip of all. Tsho- Pema is located in Himachal Pradesh, we went from Delhi by bus to Shimla, spent two days there visiting the places, which is just like Bhutan on a hilly area and then travelled to Mande from where it’s four hours by bus to Rewalsar. We had a monk, who assisted and explained all the important stories behind those magnificent Nyes. The great and wonderful statue of Guru Rinpoche welcomes all the visitors once we face the holy land of Rewalsar. There is Bhutanese Monastery and lodge, specifically for Bhutanese pilgrim which is a good initiative by the government of Bhutan that offers rooms in reasonable rates. If you visit the place, you should go for that…J

In another, we visited Lumbini in Nepal-the birth place of Lord Buddha and returned via Kushi Nagar in India where Lord Buddha had his last sermon and parinirvana. And last semester, we visited Bodh-Gaya;  another trip which I can never forget.  We were again fortunate enough to be accompanied by a monk, Lopen Rinchen Khandu, who is Umze in Bhutanese Monastery in Bodhgaya throughout our stay to visiting all the nearby places.

But this time, the last mid-semester break of my college life, I chose to stay back at college itself for so many reasons. Just after the break we have second Unit test which before used to be about ten days after the break. The college management has changed starting this semester and I thought I could make good use of these break to prepare, yet the funny thing is that even after half the duration of break now, I haven’t started. As too much cooks spoil broth, so are we by  the vacation (leisure time) I think, freedom is never free; it makes us indolent and complacent. It disturbs all the normal schedules and the continuity of everyday routines. We tend to sleep more and have meals on inappropriate time and the result of this is even worse!

I am never convinced with the nature of human as to why do we (I) feel so different during the break, when we are free from the normal schedules and sameness of our life even if it is of short duration; the movies seems to be source of boredom, the books seem to strain our eyes for the first time, our brain is occupied with some thing we don't know and if it is the gossip with friends, the topics are endless. This is the bitter irony of human being. "What do we  (I) want and what is wrong?" I keep asking.

The special Quota for women

To me politics is about making the right choice using our own prerogative, it is about exercising our abilities to the best of our efforts and render the obligated service. And specially in Bhutan where democracy came as a gift from the golden throne unlike other countries which came through struggle and strife, I feel we Bhutanese (both men and women) have rather fantastic opportunity to put into a good use.

Yet the percentage of women is less in every field not just in politics! And that is where people talk about some special quota system for women. Yes women play an important role in the society. They are the root of nurturing love, kindness and respect; however this should not mean that they be entitled to a special quota. While it might have a better impact and possibly better immediate results yet it definitely wouldn’t last long for sure.

Special quota for the women might undermine the very rights of an individual in the long run. It is the precursor to complacency which depreciates their very potential and moral responsibilities. This would ultimately lead to unhealthy environments hovered with incompetent and unproductive portion. If women think they are left out, there are always platforms to raise voice and make it heard. Women must prove themselves that they are equally capable, that they can equally lead and make changes as men. The willingness and confidence must come from within genuinely and naturally and not because of some reservation or some kind of coercion. As the fruit made to ripen naturally is always tastier than the one artificially ripen by the use of some gases?

Quota system may also be the precedence of very dangerous trend; this may or may not be applicable in Bhutan’s system but see for instance, in India, there is special quota for the backward state people for their education. This has very good mission of leveling the haves and have-nots but time has only proven that it is more of harm than good. Affluent and powerful people misuse this privilege for their own benefits and it’s pathetic to see people changing their own surnames to be entitled to such reservation scheme. So the question we might ask our self is whether such quota system will really benefit our women in the long run?

If Bhutan really wants to empower women I feel there are other better ways, which are becoming visible now with awareness and I think we need to further that. We have equal opportunities for men and women, no such thing as gender discrimination (at least on papers)  and I think this is but very perfect environment where incompetent can become competent, where weak and feeble can gain strength, where voiceless can voice. The typical traditional notions of women must be eradicated from the mind set of every Bhutanese people.

What do you think of women and quota system? Do our women really need quota system, not just in politics, but others too?

Why women must be educated, empowered & encouraged?

“Educate an individual to develop a family, but educate women to develop a community”

Well, not long ago, the common notion was men for work and women to serve men, confined to the four corners of an apartment; there was hardly an instant when women broke that shell of confinement. Women were treated like servants, without right to say, right to education and right to rise. However the situations have changed now; the mindset of people has drastically evolved; women have broken that stereotype shell and now where men have his feet women has managed to reached there, Women has conquered what man has; walked where men has. Be it in politics, science, arts, health, or any organizational hierarchy there are women, although the ratio of men still outnumbers women.  And that is one obvious reason as to why women must be empowered, encouraged and enabled.

A mother carries a baby for nine months in pain and shame, eats with shit, sacrifices in rain and sun to protect. If there is one person who knows every movement of child, every strength and weakness, in fact every aspect, it is the mother.  A child is very much shaped by a mother. How good or bad a child becomes later or how healthy or unhealthy a child is all depends on the mother herself.   How can we expect a better and productive child if mother herself isn’t?  How can we expect a chaos free society if the chaotic state of mothers aren’t addressed? Mothers (women) are but the root of everything, the growth, the development, advancement and longevity.  It therefore becomes imperative that the society accepts such facts. It seems that the society and we as an individual have forgotten the value of women. She at the personal level must be aware of all the roles and responsibilities as a mother, as the root of the very existence of life.  And how do we go for it?  Well, with proper care and education, with proper awareness, empowerment and encouragement.  Strong messages of important aspects like the consequences of giving birth to large number of child, the advantages of being healthy and happy must be reached to the mothers in the far flung corners.

But the irony is that women are still considered inferior, incompetent and weak, we still have lots of blatant violence against women; there are rapid rise in rape cases and harassments. I feel the more campaigns we talk about empowering women, the more such unfortunate incidents tend to occur and that’s saddening.  Almost every day we hear and read about the merciless and shocking news of an innocent girl being molested or gang raped and the culprit either being escaped or sentenced. I feel such things have become very casual in the daily life of ours. Imagine 20-30 years from now into the future, how will the state of the women, ultimately the sate of world be if such things are not addressed and considered with proper precautions and judgments before it is too late?

Now we have started to hear lots of unimaginable acts like mothers strangling her own new born child and preferring abortion just because the child is but a girl, a huge problems of gendercide is robbing off the women from coming to the life, which results to sex trafficking . From where and why has such stigmas evolved?  Although Bhutanese girls are fortunate enough comparatively with no gender discrimination and equal opportunities, we have huge gap in the ratio of men to women in any fields. There is sudden rise of the violence against women, flesh trades are coming into existence and these are some of the wide areas, where policy makers might consider lifting up the status of women. With two political parties headed by women presidents now and gearing for the 2^nd parliamentary elections, hope more Bhutanese women are encouraged and empowered.

Happy International Women's Day!

Cheat or Cheap?

Life is short and that is so obvious. But I sometimes feel people are often misconstrued by this very fact. It is ironic to see people walking down the streets and bars with common slogan: ''Life is short why not enjoy to the fullest today" Well, that maybe true and that life is unpredictable and unprecedented yet this doesn't mean we have all the liberty to spoil its charm and value by engaging into some unhealthy and unsound activities. There are so many other good, healthy and re-creative things to hook up with, which rather adds value and enriches the very meaning of life.

Source: Google

I think life is short, so that we know its value and beauty. It is never short so that we can do anything that comes our way.. Life isn't short so that we can change so many partners as we wish There are limitations to everything and we ought to be bound by that. If we don't love from the heart why lie? Why after all have been said and done?
Just a day ago I was talking with my friend about relationship as a girl friend and boyfriend and how it sucks our life if we are unable to keep up to its brim of expectations. At one time we were both saddened because it seemed all isn't well and that somehow we had the same perspective. Of course mistakes are bound to take place for we are human made up of untamed mind but it doesn't mean we go at the extend of an affair with another. The worst thing is when these happens in front of our own eyes. Does a good question not deserve a good response? Does a good man deserve a bad and playful woman? Why do we fail to understand each other or even of we do, why with certain friction, reluctance and uneasiness? Why an awkward and strange displays in front of our own eyes?

I feel the beauty of any kind of relations is (and should be) to be received, to be nurtured, to be accepted and to be believed in. We feel secured resting on the mother's lap. And secretly or openly our heart yearns to be the part of people who matters most. Otherwise I fear if it is a relation at all.

Relationships are never a test!

Surprises are wonderful!

Surprises are always unexpected in life, because it is either when expected things come in unexpected times or when unexpected things happens unexpectedly. Surprises are both pleasant and unpleasant. Some surprise make us special; it make us feel loved; cared and that we are part of something. That's what most surprises are meant for though. There are other surprises which rather instil in us the kind of insecurity and suspicions. And these are mostly with the ones that comes after so many expectations and by the time it come, its value and charm is already lost. Some surprises make us feel too small, too timid and low. Some even robs all the morality and dignity of ours so to say. Surprises are also flattering sometimes.
Not all surprises are worth sharing and worth remembering. Yet every surprise has its own history and a scar of specialty printed in the soft corner of one's soul that affect us in one or the other way.

I am surprised of my self by the mere fact that I am aging every second but I am hardly aware of it think of it. May be that is the biggest surprise to some one who have already realized the fact of this very life- A fleeting, delicate, short and unprecedented life.
 Change is inevitable and with that comes yet another surprise. The fact that I have changed a lot not only physically in appearance but emotionally as well have surprised me. What is more surprising is knowing that I have changed!  But there is one thing in my life that I really don't want to change and I am gonna make sure that it never happens, otherwise the surprises we derive from witnessing other people will only be a surprise and I really don't want to be surprised by that. And that is about being my self principled, loyal and dedicated to my own self and to my Parents.

There are so many types of surprises that makes our life interesting and meaningful. A note of money from the old jeans pocket, midnight call from best friends after longtime, hi and hello from old buddies after long period, are but some to mention that enriches and add value the very life of ours.
It was a week or two past when I realized how much it feels good to be surprised sometimes in life even if it means one time call in a year from the ones we care about. I got two surprised  calls from the ones I look up to and that was when I started to think that life isn't complete without those small entities like simple hi and hellos.


And as a student the most surprising moments are with the examination results we get at the end of day. Because what matters most as a student is the result we bring after all those years of tireless midnight candle burns. With this what surprises me is by the question as to where I have really gone wrong during last three years of college? In a way I am very much surprised! However; eventually what uplifts me is by the fact that I am aware of that! it is never late to amend it!.

All in all surprises are wonderful!..:)

Love: Weakness?

I always try to question and then answer what is the very weakness of an individual? Well; that may differ from one person to another, some are good in studies while others are weak, some robs every medals in games and sport while others are only the witness, but every individual to own credibility have their own share of weakness and the strengths.And that is the beauty of life.

When I rewind back to the school days, I still remember and feel that awkwardness of being a witness to the friends being engulfed by sickness so called Lovesick (that is what they called so..) I never thought and even wished that I become one. Because I was more into myself and and I hardly had time to even think of things beyond certain boundaries. I was always reminded by the innocent parents and relatives who have been but a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. Being the very trustee of the family I never even dared to think of that. So it was rather funny to see friends being carried away by that unreal and coined Love.
But at this very instant I am beginning to wonder if I was wrong. Maybe the time wasn't appropriate  because no sooner than i realized, I was in love! But in the very sense of my own I know where I am heading and I know the difference between and now and that time as well. Having said that I think it is never bad to venture that frontier if at all nature calls naturally because at one point of time in human life for sure it will come so naturally for it is the very part and parcel of life. And we just have to respond willingly and broadly with clear intentions and priorities.

Sometimes I like to be loud even if it means without a crowd to lend me ear because I like to be heard even in the midst of being an absurd! Ever since I ventured this path, I know it is wonderful, it feel good to know that someone is always there for you in thick and thin. At the same time I have realized that it is lot more than a piece of bread and butter. It is not easy. And that is to say that it comes with so many responsibilities, compromises, understandings, adjustments and frustrations at times as well. Not everybody begs except the ones that roams the street and that is because they have no choice! And When it comes to love  I feel every body is under it's shade and that's where we become an obvious beggar. Why everything at the cost of something else?

Nothing seems tethered in life without love. Every body is but a free bird with right to fly but why do we create those demarcations and boundaries? Are these all the very demonstrations of 'us' being subjected to weakness, limitation and fall? Why do we often become emotional? Because humans are but made up of emotions? Of course it is and we are being controlled by that but why don't we know that it is actually happening to us?

Is this the very manifestation of weakness?