Lockdown for how long and how effective is it?

Bhutan went under lockdown  yet again due to Omicron on the 16th January 2022. First 72 hours were announced as the blackout whereby the government was said to be assessing the spread of the virus; of the community transmission at low risk area wangduephodrang, Riruchu.

Since then the 72 hours blackout was turned to lockdown for a week and which again got extended to the two weeks( till 31st January). I don't know how effective the lockdown is and for how long it will go on as the strange thing is that despite complete lockdown, we continue to get increasing number of affected ones in each places and also in places like thimphu where the community spread was detected only after a week of lockdown. What does this indicate? Now Paro dzongkhag which is yellow zone as designated by the government is also on high alert after a driver, the primary contact of the affected one at chukka has been detected positive. I am sure the lockdown is here to stay; but for how long? Is it the only solution? There are more questions than answers! Usually with the lockdown in effect, should the number of positive cases be not decreasing? 

However on our parts, as a law abiding citizen, it's not important to answer those questions, what we must do is abide by the government directives for we fully trust in the wisdom of the government. We ought to follow the protocols put in place by the government and think what we can do to help the government so we can all get through this havoc. But then again the question is for how long? Hard times like this okie for those getting salary at the end of each month, but what about those who depend upon the daily wages? What about those laid off by the companies? Is the lockdown only solution? Perhaps it's time to live with it, the new normal? The questions go on...

Whatsoever, let's be patient and cooperate with the government; for together we can and I am sure there is light at the end of this tunnel. Although there are more questions than answers, what we definitely require for now is to fight against this invisible virus together.

With this I would also like to thank the frontliners who are working day in and day out to keep others like is safe and sound, while they beat the sleepless  chilly winter nights. Thank you health professionals for your tireless effort in combating this virus and. Thank you everyone!  May this pandemic end soon! 

COVID-19 Vaccination

 Bhutanese are so lucky to have a king, people's king at the helm, who serves its citizens with all the love , compassion and care. As the world is been hit by COVID-19 pandemic, Bhutanese has been least affected. As a citizen being the recipient of all these, I have no words to thank. How fortunate and lucky are we to have such a boddisatva dharma king. Perhaps the best and only way is to do our own part of responsibilities and duties deligently. We have our own part to play and we must do that with utmost dedication and integrity.

As the whole world now are racing with emergency vaccination jabs, Bhutan also began its drive on 27the March 2021. It will continue till April 2. The uniqueness is that the government has chosen to do all the eligible people at the same time in one week's time. The monastic community did thier part of blessings and chosed the particular day, time and a candidate to be given the first shot. Today is the fourth day and so far, no serious complications have been reported. I did my jab on the third day. Seeing the number of people turning up to get the vaccine, I am overwhelmed that the public has understood it's importance, the government has done excellent work on awareness and importance. So Thank you my king and the government of day. Thank you doctors and the health professionals for your tireless work. Thank you Dessups for your excellent service. 

Regarding the side effects of the jab, it has been reported that some people had minor symptoms like mild fever, nausea, headache and pain and swell at the site. Some have even reported of their faces being swelled. I personally didn't experience all. I took my jab at around 4pm and by 1am midnight, I started to have a mild fever and as I write this, I am still having the symptoms. I hope it goes was soon. So as per my witness and experience, the real effect of the vaccine seem to come seven to eight hours after you took Jab. But not to worry, it's bearable. For the larger good, for the safety of yourself and others please get vaccine yourself.

Lots of gratitude  also to the government of India for providing us the vaccine despite sharp shoot up in the number of positive cases. May the whole world be normalised soon.  

The contributions and Donations

 Bhutan is a Buddhist country and Bhutanese the Mahayana Buddhist practitioners.The laws of cause and effect is engraved in every Bhutanese mind and we firmly believe in it.

We strive and work hard to make a decent and better living out of it. And hence in general, Bhutanese are warm and gentle in heart, peace loving people. Because of our belief in doing good for the well being not just ourselves but all sentient beings, we try to promote and propagate the good deeds-the very teachings of Buddha and perhaps that’s why there is a stride rise in thing called Donations for instances like construction of that or this monastery or statues, recitation of this or that and so on; perhaps the easiest way to accumulate good merit is in the form of such means. Aldo we hardly question the accountability of such means. But sometimes I wonder if this is not too much? Some people blindly believe and ends up becoming victim of scams. The question is if there will ever be an end to such means or if such is leading to unfair means?  Irrespective of the purpose it serves for good or bad, these kind of acts have only lead to rise in making of easy money. People have began to take advantage of such systems and started to loot instead. The scenarios of day light beggars at thimphu town knocking each and every doors of the building by people as young as aged in mid 20s and 30s says a lot about how such means have gradually changed to this and how people have started exploiting such means. And this has a rippling effect on the genuine ones who are in real need of such schemes. 

Frankly, it’s an embarrassment to seek donations from fellow friends and colleagues even if it is genuinely required, for the good of individual or a community. For instance, from where I come from in a remote village, we are in grave need of fund for the construction of a community lhakhang (monastery). Lhakhang is an inevitable and integral part of a people in every community. It’s a place where people pay homage, seek blessings and solace, where people derive peace, keeps their faith and hopes alive. But even after four long years, the community is unable to build a decent lhakhang.  Though physically the lhakhang is built wonderfully like real Zhangdopelri the interior still lacks the required design and intricates. The monastery still need structural designs, paintings and sculptural works inside.The community people can’t do much than the physical works. Therefore we have but no option to seek external assistance and donations. As a native from the village, it has become our moral responsibility to help revive the treasure of the community. Those of us from the village, the civil servants, business men and others have done a round of collection a year ago. But that wasn’t  enough. 

Hence I have initiated to seek donations from people I know who are willing. My friends have agreed to help me. Please help us revive the glory of the community. Please help the fellow people of our village regain their pride. If you are interested to help in any way, let me know and contact me. The donations howsoever small the amount may be shallnot go to waste. 

When religion become bone of contention

Bhutan may be one of few countries where the constitution of Country gives people the freedom to practice any kind of religion. But just because we have that privilege doesn’t mean we have the right to criticize, defame  or make derogatory comments about others. It’s not only wrong but also kinda infringement of other’s choice and right, so to say. Do what ever you want or think what ever you like, but please don’t bother about what others are doing. I don’t think it’s even a bussiness of yours. Like the Dalai Lama says: “ if you can’t help, atleast don’t harm others”

Lately the social media is so full of shit about Rimpoches and khenpos, attacking them with so many derogatory comments. If we silently witness, some are just beating the bush around, following like a sheep, without even analyzing. How sad that the social media has become a platform to spread and promote such antagonistic wave of hatred and division. The very purpose of social media - to connect for goodis defeated. I wonder how people derive happiness being part of a bandwagon that only promote division, disharmony and unhappiness in a society through such means. A very small society like Bhutan cannot afford division through such negativities. The fact that the constitution grants freedom to practicing any kind of religion should instead bear the fruits of harmonious and porous society, but the sad reality is such freedom is often being being misused for all the wrong reasons, for personal gains, for chauvinistic purpose and so on. 

I am not defending anyone; I just cannot, for it’s the choice of an individual but what we ought to know as a human being in the first place is the basic rights and responsibilities. We are all bounded by certain choices and privileges which are solely ours. It’s sad that the Bhutanese whom we are branded as the happiest people on earth to the outside world have such infections instead. Everyone know how the religion is being used as means to divide and create problems in society. The obvious example is in the Middle East where religion is used to instil fear, wedge war and  invoke terror.That’s why it’s so dangerous to bring religion in the forefront of contention. Religion should instead heal people, bridge different views to a common ground but by and large, religion is becoming a bone of contention inviting hatred and disillusionment among the people, among the sections of communities. Does this indicate the degradation of our generation? Perhaps! 

At the end of day what matters is how good are we for ourself and not about others. It’s how fair and just we are for ourself first. When you point one finger to others, three are pointing back at you. Other’s is of a least concern to us as long as it doesn’t affect or concerns us. Ultimately why accumulate bad karma for ourselves unnecessarily? With this i beseech the almighty to forgive all those whose judgements are clouded by hatred and arrogance. I wish they find peace and happiness despite all these negativities. May the good prevail and overcome these hurdles (བར་ཆད) May the truth find wings to soar higher and further. May those unfortunate ones instead be blessed and cleansed of their negative emotions. May dharma flourish ever higher for greater good. 

Mail man

Do you remember we had someone called a mail man back in the days before the coming of communication gadgets? I fondly remember during our school days when we used to eagerly wait for the mail in a beautiful envelopes from the mail man each week. The head teacher (principals now) or the warden those days would scan the mail received for the week and dispense to the students gathered infront of the hostel some of who received  from their beloved friends and families from different Schools. We would be really sad  and disappointed if we didn’t receive a single envelope addressed to us while other friends would receive handful. Those time it was also a usual practice to receive mail from an unknown friend seeking a friendship from different school. Oh!! how a beautiful memory! Now the world of communication is changed drastically. We have social media and messaging apps to communicate. Hardly is there so- called love letters among the girls and boys in school. Instead mobile phone calls, social media and dating apps have replaced it conveniently. I remember friends being beaten up and shamed in the morning assembly by the teachers because of their involvement in love letter exchange, imagine that was in primary school!

After coming up of gadgets like telephone, mobile phones and now smart phones, it has killed the mailing system almost to the extinction! We have emails now that takes only a fraction of second to pass information. Is there a charm? I don’t know. The very charm of mail system in those days was the fact that it was manned on his back on foot  and seeing the smiles on the face of those who received. It was a difficult specially during the monsoon season when the mail man had to overcome all the hurdles of rain, floods and swollen rivers. The mail man is a defunct post now. How sad! How sad that the children of this generation will never experience the beauty of such a system that once ruled the communication world. This is but a change we must accept ultimately. 

 If you want to experience a pinch of those bygone days, live without a mobile phone for a day. It will be hard, really hard indeed as we are all tuned to and ruled by the privilege of such gadgets. These have become the very life line of our lives. I experienced one time a few days ago, of course not by the choice but by sheer accident. I forgot my mobile charger at Thimphu the previous evening and by lunch time next day, the battery was dead. At that instant I decided to stay for one day without phone and see what it feels like without it. I decided not to borrow friend’s charger as well.  

By evening it almost felt like I was suffering from some kinda disease, like something was missing, I felt restless and impatient, even the television didn’t take my time. The day seemed too long. It was by around 9 pm that I decided to charge my phone as it reached by that the time. Such is our life without phone now. See our kids today how they easily catch up to fiddle and the time they spend with phones and tabs. It’s sad that they spend more time with such gadgets than a quality time with parents. 

Well, it can’t be argued that the invention of such gadgets have made our life better and easier, however we can’t deny the negative effects it has brought along with it. We can’t ignore the fact that some of the obvious cause of common life style disease like obesity and  depression are also very much linked. 

The post of mail man maybe a defunct one, but it has been one of the essential part of developmental process in our country. A thing to be cherished and remember. 

The other side of smile

Dema (name changed) lives in the heart of Thimphu with her husband along with two beautiful kids. She is a house wife, but weaves all day long after she sends off her kids to school and husband to office who is driver in one of the ministry. Thimphu is an expensive city for people like Dema whose husband’s salary is too low to survive. She has therefore resorted to weaving Bhutanese clothes to sell and supplement the expenses of their survival in capital. For now she has been doing well. She is uneducated; life has been cruel for her that when other siblings of her got education, she couldn’t because she is the eldest and had to help her parents.

Dema is from eastern Bhutan, from a large number of families. Her parents are both peasants. Everyone knows eastern parts of Bhutan are famous for producing baby-sitters and so was her village. At the age of 10 she was also taken to Thimphu as a babysitter with the hope that someday she will be able to help the family. The family with whom she stayed wasn’t welcoming. It was not just the babysitting but also all other house hold chores like cooking and laundry. The head of family- father who was like her second father began to treat her different after she became young adult, teasing and waiting for any good opportune moment to take advantage of her. His wife witness and catches this on the spot one day and the fate of Dema is then changed forever. She was chase out of the house. Luckily, as the fate has it, she comes across a boy, her present husband whom they fall in love instantly and decides to marry.

Since then the sun of happiness although dim started to shine on her life. This is blessing in disguise for her she now at least can shed tears of smile, although behind that, she does have a dark shadow that haunts her every now and then. Not all smiles come from that genuine happiness, some are just forced, the fake ones while some are just the reflection of pain inside. For Dema, her smile is not just her acknowledgements to the above for sparing and knowing her plight, but also the reflection of her past, hardships and struggles.

So you see there is nothing as free lunch in life, everything comes with price tag and some day or other we ought to balance or the nature will do for sure. A clear and clean atmosphere is always waiting after horrible hurricane. Happy day folks…..

Breaking Taboos

Hello, I have been on vacation lately and its good to be back!..I have nothing special to share with, the following is a direct copy-paste from The Logical Indian which is a good and inspiring page. I just want to share with my fellow bloggers...have a good reading, happy week days!...:)


“Daddy, I am so scared.” Twelve year old Tanaya ran and hugged her father.

“What happened to my big brave daughter?” “Daddy, I guess it’s blood.. Daddy, I think I saw blood on my skirt today.”

Tanaya had lost her mother six months back and Ashutosh, her father was finding it difficult bringing up his daughter all by himself. He was madly in love with his wife and he had ruled out second marriage options as proposed by his relatives. He was a doting dad and tried his best to be a mother and father to Tanaya.

“Daddy”, Tanaya spoke again. “Daddy, I saw blood in my skirt. Rashi told me that it is periods. I am on periods. Am I on periods daddy?” It was not exactly a comfortable question for Ashutosh so he tried to evade her questions at least for some time.

“Tanaya baby, do you want an ice cream? Chocolate flavour?” Tanaya made a face. “You know daddy, Rashi was right. She told me that you wouldn’t talk to me about this. Even she discusses all this with her mom. I wish mom was alive. I am sorry I told you about this. Just forget that I ever told you this.”

Ashutosh was startled and a little ashamed. He didn’t want to make Tanaya feel bad about something which was so normal. He just wanted to buy some time for himself. “Tanaya sweetie, why would you feel like that? I am your mommy too, remember? I wonder why Rashi would put such things into your head.”

“Then why wouldn’t you talk about it daddy? I am so scared. Will I die like mommy too?” “Oh no baby, never ever say that. You are daddy’s princess.” “But daddy.. blood?” “Come, we’ll go out, have ice cream and then discuss about this. This is a wonderful thing. Always be proud of this.” Ashutosh held his daughter’s hand and escorted her outside the door.

As Tanaya took a large bite off her orange flavoured ice cream, Ashutosh asked her to narrate the day’s happenings. “Daddy, I saw blood on my skirt today and I am very scared.” “Well little Tanaya, let me narrate a little story to you.” “Oh sure, daddy. Make it an interesting one.”

“It is an interesting one, kid. When your mommy was as little as you, she also saw blood on her skirt. She ran up to her dad who told her that she had received the biggest gift of her life that day.” Tanaya had her doubts. “How was it the biggest gift of her life daddy?” “Because that day she got periods for the very first time. It gave her the power to be a mother. It gave her you.” “Does that mean daddy, that I can become like mommy too?” “Yes, of course, you’re already like your mommy with your hazel eyes and chestnut hair.” “Thank You daddy. I love you. I’ll tell that annoying Rashi that my father is the best. He told me everything. I have some more questions but I’ll ask them tomorrow. I need some sleep.”

Ashutosh heaved a sigh of relief. He’d broken a taboo. Tomorrow he would be adequately prepared to break another taboo and talk to her about something society would not have approved of. As he put Tanaya to sleep, Ashutosh could feel his wife smiling at him. He had not been a good husband to her while she was alive but he would try his best to be a good father to their daughter.

--Sreyasi Verma


Let's do our bit! Spread this and help #BreakingTaboos

The greener pasture

Every one of us at some point of time look back and think if only I took a different path; we dream, aspire and envy about the life others have, after all who doesn’t wish and want a better, happier, luxurious and beautiful things in life? But the sad part is that not every one of us is fortunate enough to reach that destination. The bridge that connects one’s present foot to the other often comes with so many prices and so many thorns.

Recently there was a vacant post for pilot in Drukair Corporation Ltd, which I tried my luck. I gave a try not because I do not like my present profession; in fact I very much enjoy my present work, despite the very odd duty timings and not-too-conducive working environment.  Every day I learn new things, touch new things and do new things. But being human, this so-called greener pasture motive had me drive to another land of fantasy. Seniors and colleagues around added the fuel with encouragements. And I am sure pilot is a dream job for everyone; how exciting is to fly over and above the clouds! The profession that involves insurmountable risks is also a very clean and courageous profession which is respected by the society as a whole. Besides the pilots is one of the highly paid professions in any country. You have a better scope in future.

Unfortunately this will be just a dream for ever.

Well, I am not hurt by the failure to get through the written examination, but that day, that very evening after the results were declared, I did realized something which I hope will remain with me and guide me henceforth. The incident has taught me so many life lessons; something in life is never meant to be ours, something is always beyond the capacity of one’s so-called ‘Soenam’ and that all things happen for reason. Even the brain that worked so well once completely does the very opposite at the much needed time. The questions for the written examination were all twelve standard and strangely it was that subject that pulled me down so badly. When expectations exceed achievements which so often happens, it is when we realize that life is fair enough! I also learned that we are what we were disposed to be and it is better to be happy and make best use of what we have and what we are given at hand.

There is always another mountain behind one mountain; we just have to keep walking. We just have to let the wind blow on its own and not disturb its rhythm.

In line with this, once a Bhutanese man went Australia following the steps of others with the hope to make money. He got job which was so easy but was highly paid. His job was just to press the switch ‘on’ and ‘off’. The reward for his simple work bothered him. He asked himself: “why do I get this much pay for just monitoring the switch?” He decided to dig and to his astonishment, every time he switches ‘on’ it triggered the sharp blades that slaughtered live cattle (the bulls). That was when he realized greener pastures are not always green. He resigned and returned to Bhutan.

BOB Incident

Have you ever felt that Bank of Bhutan is deceiving you? I don’t know if it is legally and corporately right about this: charging double for lending an ATM card. Did you ever experience with Bank of Bhutan officials where you were charged double while getting your ATM cards issued after you open a saving account? It happened with me at Paro BOB branch office. I maybe wrong and if I am, I beg my pardon; otherwise I really can’t imagine where the money is going. Although it is just two hundred bucks, how many people are there availing this service?

It was a month ago when I accompanied my sister who was opening saving account. I was her witness. We filled the form duly and the counter lady told us to get the ATM card issued, pointing to a gentleman with white gho who was perhaps an IT personnel.  We were quite happy that ATM card was being issued instantly. It was saving of time for not only us as customer, but also for them. The white man called us to his office, entered something in his desktop and took out an ATM card from his drawer. He made my sister sign and handed over the card to her. He then asked us to pay Nu. 200/- . At first I wasn’t that serious because I thought he was flirting with my sister. I pretended as if I did not care. My sister was serious and getting her purse from her hand bag; In between, I interrupted and said:

 “Seriously sir, because I did not pay at Thimphu; the BOB cuts from the account balance na or is it different here?”

And he was laughing hysterically saying that ATM cards don’t come free of cost as if I was dumb ass and do not know. I told that the money is already deposited in the account and that they can cut from that deposited amount; which is done with Thimphu BOB office. But he was adamant. Then he started lecturing me that it was company’s rule, it is what they do and that we had to pay by any means. There weren’t any logic and concrete reasons. Why do we have to pay double? Any way I did not argue much and let my sister pay, for it was just two hundred bucks.

Then it was again recently where the same thing happened with my cousin brother at the same BOB branch office.

It was completely different when I created my BOB account in the June month at Thimphu BOB headquarter. I deposited some cash that very day and when I got ATM card after about two weeks, I found my balance being de-credited with Nu. 200/- . That was when I knew we had to pay Ngultrum two hundred for domestic visa ATM card. 

Is this not confusing? Perhaps we are made to pay double when we are availed with card instantly. Otherwise what sense does it make? Or is it because there it is head office and here it is just branch office?

The western Thief – Ngalong Gorben (Khegpa)

Did you ever hear of the word Ngalong Gorben? It is a term used in my community. It literally means the western thief, commonly called Khegpas As a little kid, when we used to refuse and obey our parents or elders, they used to say “Ngalong Gorben gi budu Na”; ‘the western thief will take you’ And we used to instantly obey and get with them, because we imagined Khegpas to be no difference than Ghosts. Such was in fact one good trick to allure and lend in the ears of an innocent kid to their wish and I am sure such traits do exist even to this day.  And surprisingly I am yet again amused to hear about this, I feel nostalgic!

Yesterday I called my parents, just a normal call to ask if they were doing fine. They were doing fine, only problem that they and the people over there are alarmed by the presence of Ngalong Gorben, the Khegpas. Frightening the people over there. Everyone seems to be cautious and alert. They said that after the dusk and before dawn, they are unable to roam or walk alone. I even laughed when my parents said that some of the village people have even readied their bow and arrows. Seriously?

Well, about the Khegpas, people say they are also normal human being like anyone of us, who hides by the day and becomes active towards evening or after the dusk, It is said that whenever there is new constructions like bridge or dams, if a human life is sacrificed (put underneath alive) then the life extend is prolonged. The rumor about their presence are only heard in the remote communities and it is said that kids are their favorite targets of kidnaps. Do we hear about them in urban areas? People say they are the secret agents of the government or organizations and that they are highly paid for doing such job.  Do you believe?  Fine, take that as truth about the extension of life but instead use that cheap quality construction materials, will it still resist the test of time? Will it hold the truth behind this nonsense? This I think is unnecessarily hurting and disturbing the innocent and peaceful people. God only knows who such people are, perhaps they are doing other grave things in such names.

I will share a story which happened with me which is related. It was in the year 2010. I finished the second semester of my course and was heading home for the summer vacation. I had to walk two long days, but I decided to cover it in a day as I had no heavy load, it was just a bag of about fifteen Kg. It was raining lightly when I was about to enter my village. There is a small village which I have to cross before I get to my village. I was alone and there was one cattle herder on my way. I forgot to take umbrella and awkwardly I was using my towel to cover my bag backside. He was suddenly alarmed and questioned me. I thought he was crazy, as if I wasn’t from that community, although I I did not know him as a person. He was telling me where I was going, the name of my parents and why I am going? I answered all his questions. He seem to know my father; then only he let me pass!

That day I reached home rather amused thinking that the herder was really mad. I reached home and shared what has happened with me on the way and my parents weren’t surprised! Then only I realized as to why the herder asked me so many questions. Perhaps he was suspicious and wanted to make certain that I belonged to that community. From what I heard the next day you would surprise to know that during those days the parents took turn to escort the day scholar students of the school we studied as a kid. A hell lot of problem and disharmony was caused, everybody was scared. I don’t know when it was stopped, because I had to return back to college. Now again the same story? Please not again.

Personally I thought that Khegpas are only the rumors; that it is just a hearsay passed down to generations, that it is just the defunct tricks to frighten or avoid naughty kids from doing bad things, but it seems it does exist? Even at times when the world is advanced with wonders of science and technology? The better question is why? If it is so, then the various monuments that are wonders of the world should have numerous live humans sacrificed? I think civil engineers should know better. It is the choice between one’s real efforts and/or rely on such orthodox superstitions. Otherwise why create unnecessary disharmony and disturbances? 

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?

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!...

International day of Happiness

Courtesy: Google

20^th march will be observed as the International Day of happiness all around the world declared by the United Nations last year and Bhutan has declared the day as the government Holiday to celebrate the first international Day of Happiness. The Bhutan Broad Casting Service website also says that the date for the celebrations is marked as the 20^th march as it is said to be an equinox day when day and night are of equal length.

Well, it is but a proud moment just to be a humble citizen of a country that has stirred the whole world in convincing the very concept of Happiness; it feels good to know that Bhutan- a tiny country in the mighty Himalayas has been able to push through in adopting the purpose of happiness for a holistic approach towards the development. It is wonderful to know that Bhutan has been able to further the very concept of Gross National Happiness, the brain child of farsighted monarch, the fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck to the outside world. It is with the deepest respect and humble appreciation that I take this time to wish the whole world a very peaceful and harmonious existence.

However this also pops so many questions. As a pioneer in this very cause, it would be the sole responsibility of Bhutan to uphold and maintain that status to the eyes of outside world. The unanimous acceptance by 193 member countries of United Nation in adopting this concept of happiness as an integral part of development means that every country will look up on Bhutan as a role model and that in itself brings a number of questions; I don’t really know if every Bhutanese are happy enough to be looked upon by the others as an example. I don't know how much home work is yet to be done.

 But at the same time, having been resolved and adopted for the better world at large; hope Bhutan will be able to fulfill the prerequisites and that it is not just the external mask towards gaining international attention or a name and fame. Hope this comes as another huge responsibility towards clearing and solving first the ground realities back at home. Hope the Bhutanese at the far flung corners of the country will get the real taste of Gross National Happiness.

The Three Deadliest Words in the world

The past week has kept me busy. When the friends and fellow Bhutanese were having good time celebrating the 33^rd birth day of our beloved king, the fifth Druk Gyalpo, I had my first unit exams. I had no good time even to wish my king, yet better late than never, I would like to wish my king a very happy birth day, may the blessings of Buddha Amitayus always be with you and may the eternal sun of happiness always shine in the land of thunder dragon under your kind guidance and dynamic leadership.

People say there are choices to everything; I don’t know how far this is true. There is a time when nothing works and you have nothing but to resort to certain things which isn't your choice. A lot of choices on the other hand seem to spoil the very sanctity of our good instinct, while no choice is but a curse that haunts and leave us dejected. Sometimes we end up making wrong choices that result a lot of regrets later. Does the god play dice too?

Some days back, I was randomly browsing the internet when I caught a sentence: “the three deadliest words in the world” Do you know what that is? The three deadliest words in the world is: “it’s a Girl” I wasn't shock to know this, but what really shocked me was by the fact that a woman in the southern India strangled eight of her own new born child just because they were all girls. In a TED talk by Evan Grae Davis, the director of the documentary ‘it’s a girl’(below) says that 200 millions of women are missing! That’s a hell lot to be imagined. The talk (video) say it all.

Well, Bhutan as such neither have one child policy or similar son preference culture like China nor do we have a system like dowry as India, which is but the biggest cause for  the lost of women, I think we do have increased rape cases, domestic violence and other harassment against women. There are shocking news  about such cases in the medias and this only means a question of how different are we from the rest of world. Of course the organizations like NCWC and RENEW are doing their best to protect and lift up the image of women in the country which is very much appreciated.

ThE ChUnYi Pa LoSaR

Frankly, I never knew until this year that the first day of the 12th month of Bhutanese calender (the chunyi pa losar)is also The traditional Day of offering. From what I read in papers and blogs, it is also a day when the representatives from all over Bhutan offered buelwa (offerings) to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the Punakha Dzong, and hence also the Traditional day of offering.

The day is celebrated with all the vigor and interest, especially in the Eastern part of the country.I still remember when I used to wear the best clothes, taste delicious food starting with the morning Thukpa ( porridge) and the hard brewed Araa with family and friends.

The day is special as it signifies the end of a year of their work and hardship, yet the start of another. It is a day when the family ties are further strengthened and sense of belong further developed. The young boys joins the elders to play various Bhutanese traditional games like Archery, Khuru or Doegor, while young girls cheers and entertains those game with their vocal chords on the verge of damaging with all kind of songs and the elder brings their best brewed Arra and Bangchang.

For me, even though far from family and relatives, for last three years, any days that we consider special, be it losars or thrue or other celebrations, it was all the more same as at home. We Bhutanese MNNITIANS  have came together no matter what and it is one thing I am proud of for being one.. Time is passing swiftly and I don't really know where I will be the same time next year, my days at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) will be always remembered.There is strong cooperation and we have created memories that will be cherished in the days to come.

Like the past three years we tried our best to keep everything Bhutanese, starting from the morning Thukpa. Varieties of Bhutanese dishes were also prepared for the lunch and dinner.If there is one thing I have learnt from such important days, Boys never are bad at cooking, if not best!...:P

Eventually to me, more than the delicious and number of varieties of food items that we prepare, Losars are but the best time for re-union and further strengthen the existing bond of friendship and cooperation.

Thanks Bhutanese MNNITIANS for the wonderful time together! and happy days ahead.

what is the sole purpose of Marriage?

Marriage is one of the most important ingredients of our life. It defines the union of two souls in all  times no matter what. It is very much more than the mere minutes of enjoyments on the bed. It is the joining of two people in a bond that putatively last till death. Of course over the time,  personalities change, bodies age and romantic love waxes and wanes. As a matter of fact no marriage is free of conflict. But at the same time what enables the couples to endure all these hardship is how they handle and mange those problems. Life is so short to brood and play blame game over the spilled milk.

Courtesy: Google

On 19th December 2012 evening, on the day of the Meeting of nine evils (ངན་པ་དགུ་འཛོམས), I was returning from Thimphu to Paro with my cousin brother in white Toyota Hilux. I accompanied my brother who works under the Ministry of Agriculture in paro to Thimphu for some public works. The driver of the Hilux was a comfortable and cordial guy in his late 20s or earlier 30s by his looks. He was from Punakha, but he spoke fluently the Tshangla kha as well.

The time was almost 7:30 PM, when we crossed the Thimphu city gate. The ringtone of driver's mobile rang. It was his wife. All of a sudden I heard the change of his voice in conversation. After a hush of rough and unpleasing conversation he hanged off the call. Again the mobile rang and this time he was explaining in detail. I could hear him say: "I am not hanging out, I came to Thimphu with one sir for some public work, If you aren't believing talk with him....." . He handed over the mobile to my brother  and the moment my brother was trying to explain, she called off the call. The mobile rang once again after about five minutes. This time the driver didn't answer and started narrating the whole stories of his success and failures of his marriage so far.

Before he met his present wife, he was once happily married to another with two children but unfortunately it took a twist and they had to divorce. He says the divorce was because of extra-marital affairs by his wife then. The wife took both kids with her with another man. He was left only with a Maruti car and three bags that contain his basic necessities.

After that fiasco, he hoped against hope and remarried with another woman, the present wife. The interesting side of the story is the present wife is also a divorcee with two children who lives with her and the best friend of his previous wife. She is from Tashi gang Dzongkhag. The driver says she is a good and caring woman. She wakes early, prepares him breakfast and does all the household chores. But there seems to be so many mysteries behind all these goodness, which surprises him too often. What kind of a marriage is it if a bride hides her better half any time her parents inquires of seeing him by stating some silly excuses?

The driver cites one instant where I even felt pity and disgusted at the same time. A brother of his wife is a police constable at one of the police training center. Once the driver was told if he could manage a spare wheel for his vehicle (through phone). He managed to arrange that and told his wife that her brother can take when ever time permits. To his utter surprise, what she told her brother instead was: "keep aside doing your work, he spend all of his leisure time loitering and drinking with friends every day after the office hours." "And now her brother despise me, the spare wheel is still in my house" says the driver. At another time the brother (police constable) came to their house at paro just to meet their son in-law. Guess what? The wife made him to hide immediately from her brother. He had to leave his house to another from meeting his brother in-law. He says he never met her parents and siblings. The ugly part of this is even if her parents and relatives come to meet them, she lies to them saying he is on tour these days.

Once he took his wife to his home at Punakha to familiarize with his parents. They were offered dinner prepared by his own mother. Surprisingly he says his wife didn't eat dinner saying the food isn't tasty. She even refused to take a seat and stay there complaining that the home is so dirty. He had to return with her immediately heavyhearted to paro. Since then he is not in good terms even with his own parents.

The driver has tried several time to convince her that they are not made for each other as a couple, that they needed to sort the  hiccups and differences, but she always denies with silly reasons, which has only made him confused and stressed. As a result, his only resort is now to the near by bars.

By the time we reached paro Bongo he was almost wordless. He seemed helpless. He is now very much convinced that he is never meant to lead a very happy married life. He is mentally prepared for the second time failure of his marriage.

I felt helpless too and there was only one thing in my mind: "What is the sole purpose of so-called marriage?"

Youth unemployment at 7.2 percent

It wasn't surprising at all to know that the Youth unemployment in Bhutan is 7.2 percent as of November 27 (by BBS), which I believe has been stagnant or even increasing for sometime. I am rather concerned like what if it continues to beat at this rate? Every one talks of Youth being the future flag bearers, that future of the state lies in the hands of the youths, but I really doubt of a good future of the state, if the future of youths themselves are at stake at the first hand and their problems are not addressed in the second.

I was watching BBS program, the interview by Namgay Zam with the Director of Labor Ministry and the Executive Director of ABTO. It was a refreshing one, although with that same old slogans of a blame game. Our Labor Ministry seems to have so many plans at hand; only challenge being unable to meet the gap of an understanding to change the mind set of youth towards Jobs irrespective of the colors.Tourism Industry seems to be a good resort; where they talk more of the attitude and the skills against the academic knowledge. However at the end my basic questions weren't answered.

Externally every Bhutanese talk of Bhutan being a country of equity and Justice, that everyone enjoys the equal right to express, that everyone is entitled to equal opportunities, but if we take a closer look, I am sorry to say that it is far from truth in reality. Any survey in Bhutan would reveal that rich are always rich and the poor the poorest, that upper ones are always flying while the lower ones on the verge  losing visibility(ས་ཁར་འཛུལ་སག་ས) because things like nepotism and favoritism still exist although these things might be out of any Bhutanese laws.
It was in the year 2011 summer, I was to do do my month long internship(as required by college), I was interested to do at Druk Air, I also had my cousin brother at paro where I would accommodate during my stay, I finished all my proceedings from the Scholarship Division and approached Druk Air. There I was very much surprised that the HR section didn't even look at my documents. Straight away I was said that I can't do my intern there for the simple reason that the organization is busy.  I just wanted to learn something that is all. I could have been a little help to them while learning myself in the mean time, but that was just the waste, I finally did my intern at Bhutan Telecom.

Well, I am yet to join that pack (in fact very soon enough) of so-called 'job seekers' and walk those streets of capital, hear the people say like "He is still jobless and useless" etc, I don't know how much pairs of shoe will be gone, or how much time I would have to starve or walk hiding my face, before I get one.
It is encouraging to know that the concerned Ministries are doing their best to match the mismatched gap. The number of graduates are increasing every year and the competition is becoming tough. As a youth I think it is high time for the government to stop whining and start barking, see where the real problems lies and ask basic questions apart from education systems like:

• Is Rural Urban Migration Problem still addressed?
• Are the Industries and other job creating sources evenly scattered around the country?
• Are things like Nepotism and discrimination completely vanished in the country?

Sometimes it might turn out that it is not always the youth who is at fault.

"Four more years": Barack Obama

Yesterday as Bhutanese walked to various temples and monasteries coinciding the Lhabab Duchen and the Pedestrian day, (perhaps the holiest pedestrian day!) a few million Americans walked to exercise their voting franchise for the 45th president.
Mr. Obama, the current president and the democratic candidate was challenged by the Republican counterpart Mr. Mitt Romney- a Millionaire and the former Governor of Massachusetts.

"Four more years" (Facebook)

Both candidates were almost at tie, from various online polls, and the most 'hard to predict results' ever in presidential election history of America. But ultimately that was just an online, when the electoral results were out, Barack Obama had an easy won over his counterpart.

I watched all the three presidential debates held before the elections and for reasons I don't know, I silently liked only to hear what Mr. Obama was saying. May be that was because I am fan of him.  Mr. Mitt Romney, through out the debates seemed to have only one Point- The Economy of America. Everything he said all converged to Economy and Unemployment, which to me seemed unbalanced, and one sighted.

Well, I am nothing to judge, I am just the ardent fan of Obama, not just because he is the most powerful man on earth (as president) but, as an intellect, as a great orator and as a human being. The way he tackles every disasters, the way he accepts his responsibilities, the way he discharges his duties and follows his instinct, the the way he celebrates his victory and happiness, the way he vanished Osama Bin Laden in 2011....etc..

 "Four more years" on twitter was his immediate response to his victory and I personally feel there is so much meaning in there. Four more years should be enough time to finish his unfinished business both at home and outside the home, and I think it is not only the America that is in safe hands, but the rest of the world as well.

Congratulations Mr. Obama!...:)

Money Factor

Sometimes I like to argue if money isn't everything after all? If it is not the Money that rules everything in this monetary era? Of course money can't bring back the dead to life again, but who on this very earth realizes the fact that he/she will die at any time soon? Who doesn't strive hard to acquiring wealth during this so-called living? Hardly few!
There are Politicians in the name of serving the people at the grass root,whose actual motives are making lump-sum  because everyone knows what politics is. There are so many religious personalities who in the name of their religion or the guru cheats and loots the commoners. Why is everyone hungry for promotions and higher qualification? Because of the status, standard of living, and ultimately wealth (money) again.

I often ask my self: Why do I spent whole night reading and revising again and again those shit theories of some one I never even saw or know? Why do I try hard to pass the exams? Why do I struggle so hard to obtain that sheet of paper called certificate? The answer is simple: That white sheet called certificate will help me make living, it will help me earn and get employed. It will bring in exchange all the necessary credentials of life. Ultimately it all boils down to making money! Making a money is after all making a living.

Last week I went to town in Auto (three wheeler taxi). The fare was twelve rupees and I had no change of one rupee; for that I had to go to near by shop, get change and pay. Those Indians does not spare even a cent you know, and that explains the very value of money and its importance!
And yesterday I was watching Kaun Banega Croepati season six of first November episode, hosted by Indian Mega-star Amitabh Bachchan and I was both sad and happy at the end of show. All the contestants were commoners, from disadvantaged family. I was particularly saddened by the story of a guy named Manish from Rajasthan who got married but his wife left him, because he just had one compartment living room  and that too along with his parents. He tried hard for KBC so that he can make a good home and bring his love back. That was his spirit. Likewise every other's stories were heart breaking. And at last when they were able to take home a good amount  which they can't make even with  a life long savings, in just fifteen to twenty minutes, I felt a sense of satisfaction too.

May be that is why money is called "Kuenga Doendrup" ..:P.:P

Money is also a necessary evil; it drives people to madness. As good as it heals the worst wound of deprivation and unsatisfactory  it also create another row of wanting and desires. As fast as it compensates one debts, it also makes another fresh one! For want of money people to resort to so many kinds of gambling, crimes and professions! And that is the sad part and that is when  money becomes the master. It really is good servant but a bad master!

I was surfing the internet after the dinner yesterday, when I suddenly heard the loud conversation of my adjacent room mate friend with his father: "Dad, send me some cash, I have to buy this, that, and those........." went on with reasons. For a moment, I wasn't feeling good. May be I was feeling alone that when they have, why don't I? May be I was feeling unfortunate. Maybe I was feeling small and inferior.

But instantly I was angry and felt sorry at my self. I was wrong! Why on earth do I need to think of all these? Am I mad?  Why do I need to get swayed by these?  When in reality I have everything I need. I may not have a wealthy parents, but I have parents who loves me more than anything, I have parents who sacrificed everything and struggled so much for me and my education, despite the deprivation, making the man I am right now. And then a broad smile came to my face!...:)..:)
That is when I went with " Money isn't everything".

The Transition.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is known for its rich culture and tradition. It's isolation and domestic polices have helped protect its culture and natural beauty. These are among the reasons it is referred to as the Last Shangri-la, the crown jewel of Himalayas.

With recent transition to the democracy, which did not come through struggle and hardships like other countries of the world,but as a gift from the Throne is valuable and unique.  Bhutan's step to the international community since a decade ago has also brought so many good changes back at home. There has been drastic economic development, the standard of the people has dramatically improved. But the ugly truth is the price that comes along with all these improvements and changes which  are way beyond the imagination sometimes. It seems there are more questions than answers, more problems than solutions.

Adversity, precursor to imbalance and Aberration?

Go back to history when Bhutanese people enjoyed the constant peace in mind (at least), although there were physical hardships. People hardly thought of the competition, the inferiority complexes, the drugs or that fancy fashions. People were least concerned about the external comforts, but with developments and changes, the people has become more greedy- The self sufficiency is replaced by the stock of savings, the early clothes from raw animal skins are being replaced by those fancy dress, which rather seems to bring more ugliness. And not every one of us are fortunate enough to walk that path. We may be born as an equal human being, but some aren't that lucky to have fancy dresses, some aren't that fortunate to have luxurious life as others, or eat in the five star hotels as others. By then a huge gap is being created.

Well, that is when people resort to any kind of crimes to cloud their smallness and backwardness, to fill that gap, or as a compensation for not being able to reach that par.
That is when they resort to things which are more ugly to safe their faces.  That is when the youths resort to drugs and fights, because it is the only rescue for them. That is when prostitution becomes the best resort for the women. Who wants to lose, or be intimidated, or be embarrassed by the society or the surrounding? Who doesn't want be loved or cared after all?
At the end of day, everyone of us are human being, governed by the same emotions, in the small corner of heart, everyone is same and desires the same.

And now whose fault is it? Is it just the youth for drug and fights? Or is it just  the women herself for the prostitution? Does not everyone, the government, the policy, the organizations and an individual responsible? Is it not a combined problem? Rather than playing the blame games upon one another, is  it not high time to curb such problems, before it is too late?

As a child, who would want their mother to resort into such circumstances? But now having already been the water under the bridge, is it not everyone's responsibilities to think back, as to where we went wrong, where such incidents will lead us?

In a country where sanctity is valued  very much, in a land where it is very much difficult even to watch those normal Bollywood and Hollywood kissing scenes with family, such news (Paro Incident) is shocking though. But at the same time, it is but a very good lesson for all of us.Perhaps it is the best time to think if it is but time to legalize such profession or if not how to make sure that such things don't occur in the future. Or is it just the tip of an iceberg?

Some questions will never have answers though!...