RIP, My Old Boxer!

Recently Zhemgang Dzongkhag Tshogdue (DT) have decided an unkind resolution making it compulsory for both town and village people to wear Gho and Kira from 9AM to 5PM. I have really like their antique ideas for a good cause so that our age old tradition and custom is preserved well. As a Bhutanese I am a responsible citizen to uphold my country's law and identity. For me wearing national gears is not so difficult and a big deal. I feel so comfortable and proud to be in my colorful gho. I often prefer wearing of Tshechu color Gho over my Pangtsi Dhorma (Boxer)! But, I have seen people of all works of life pouring out their grievances openly and savagely in some social media.  

According to DT chairman, the decision was taken according to Local Government Act and the book on etiquette's to protect and preserve national identity, culture and tradition. I feel all these are the old thoughts. But, I don’t mean to be unfaithful and doom my country along with few unpatriotic people.

As of now the proposed penalty to those who fail to comply with DT’s decision was quite handsome but unkind. Who told that wearing of National Dress alone can preserve the National Sovereignty?

Although, it is important to preserve and promote culture and tradition and to protect country’s independence and security in the face of changing world. But, not this way. I feel this is too harsh for the people. Let them decide what to wear and when to wear what. If wearing national dress alone can stand to protect us from foreign invasion and danger. I submit myself to be wearing my national dress even while sleeping and to my deathbed.   

I suppose culture shouldn’t be stagnant. It must go on with the change of time. At any time, nobody want to hang in their birthday suit. Our concern authority should have the knowledge that the country’s sovereignty can’t hold by simply wearing Gho and Kira, speaking national language, playing archery (bamboo bow) and eating Emadatshi. There are times and places where individual citizen should be oblique and obedient to law of kingdom.

We live in 21^st century and the world is so open now. The air of change is already overflowing even in our locality and country is experiencing the most dramatic change in culture and the other system that are actually brought by our own people living abroad and some foreigners who visit to see Bhutan’s unique culture. We can’t stop such habit and interdependence to eachother!

I feel completely depending on cultural won't uphold the nation's independency. The time to display of our museum pieces has gone far now and it holds no good meanings either. In present times, the political and economic powers are the two main things that keeps us strong and alive.

Therefore, wearing of Gho and Kira should be made lovable and comfortable and should not be imposed as a law. Anything that comes as an order can never sustain and it won't be durable either. So, far I didn't see any Bhutanese who have said he/she do not love Bhutan. When we love our country so much, it means we love wearing our national dress but appropriately in right place and time.

The policy makers actually have a bigger role to play when such discussion happens. They should be always mindful of the past experiences and the facts. I vividly remember the controversy of half-kira, compelling speaking of Dzongkha as the medium of communication in all the offices and public and the Tracksuits in schools had to overturn because of public infuriation and citizens right.

However, besides everything we must stand to give higher priorities on, how to solve the issue of trash, rural-urban migration, youth unemployment rate and increasing numbers of students involved in alcohol and drugs related crime at the earliest. Likewise, we also have some more urgent needs to reach out at the earliest like modern development –boosting of rural-economic opportunities, supporting more efficient trade and market deal, quality education and reaching out for drinkable water has to be the top agendas for our DT to discuss and not such catastrophic discussion. 

I love my National Dress, DO YOU? 

Here are some comments and feedback on the social media that I captured reacting to the resolution:

Rinchen (Farmer from Gongphu, Zhemgang)

It would be difficult for farmers to work in the farms in gho and kira. “I have not heard of the new rule but I will raise the issue when local leaders come with the news.”

Ngawang Choden (Mother of three, zhemgang)

It would be uncomfortable to work in kira in hot weather. She said that local leaders should have discussed the matter with the people before deciding. “Imposing fine would be a harsh punishment for farmers.”

Norbu Toiisang Lama

He said, national dress is to be worn with pride, not with fear to be penalized. I don’t support the resolution.

Tshering JK Jurmey

I am not sure about the abrupt decision, how people at village will bear the cost of demeanor because of dress code? We know everything about village as most of are the son and daughter of farmer. The decision should should not be made base on our present comfort chair, it’s just my perception…