I have lost a great friend

Sir, Dawa D. Tamang with his boys.
Image: His FB page

 

 

As we come together to bid a farewell to one of our colleagues, the ministry of education is short of one experienced and qualified teacher. 

 

I have lost a great friend, school has lost great asset, ministry has lost a great teacher, and students have lost a very passionate human being. I know how sad and heart breaking it is to lose a single teacher from the field.

 

He is a cool and soft-spoken guy full of humor. He is one of the best-looking guys in the school. 

 

Until the education system and teaching job become attractive and unpolluted, we will continue to lose our teachers. I don’t know why teaching jobs are not grabbing the interest of our teachers and job seekers. If we continue to lose teachers especially the seasoned ones from the field, I worry about the future of education. If education has to prosper, we need a passionate and a self-driven human being moving the motion in schools. The Ministry needs to find some ways and means to hold back the teachers, especially the trained and experienced ones. Only few can understand what it is to be a school labay. 

 

Teaching jobs are not like other professions. Losing even a single trained and experienced teacher from the field is a great loss to student, school and ministry. Anybody can fill the gap but not the space of a teacher. His teaching and content of the subject matter is irreplaceable. I bet you; a person of his caliber will be pretty difficult to substitute. As a teacher, I found him very adjustable, friendly and above all a good human being. Even though he teaches one of the most hated and difficult subjects, school has already seen his potential of teaching and wisdom in the form of a good performance of students in the past years. Perhaps, mathematics is not everyone's cup of tea. 

 

To the world and in the eye of ministry, he may not be anything but in the eyes of our students; he may be worth million dollars. For them he is a hero and a superstar. I saw all science heads bemused so much on his resignation. It came quite abruptly but I knew he would do this journey someday anyway. However, it's a far cry now, we can do nothing but to sit and maneuver the challenge.

 

We wish Sir Dawa a very safe flight to the far away land, in the land of chilips away from the hectic education. 

# India through Bhutanese Eyes

India through Bhutanese EYES.

As we stand to celebrate 50 years of successful diplomatic relationship between two countries, I stand to salute wise and visionary leaders of all times. It is time we must all come together and reflect upon the past and plan for the future to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.

Bhutan and India not only share boundary, but also share strong diplomatic tie that has benefited Bhutan –beyond the sky and the earth. Some significant developmental assistance committed by government of India are hydro-power plants, construction, roads, education, agriculture and health.

Despite its massive population, India successfully made impression of being one of the biggest democratic countries without compromising its culture and tradition, setting a perfect example for a developing country like ours.

Thank you India for helping Bhutan become a beautiful place to live. We will never forget the support and contributions made so far and we hope to continue with the same degree of friendship in the year to come.

Book Review: Emotional Intelligence

Name of the book: Emotional Intelligence

Author: Daniel Goleman

Book genre: Self-help book

Year of publication: 1995

 

The book by Daniel Goleman “Emotional Intelligence” takes us into a journey of self–discovery. It talks about close relationship between IQ and EQ. It says IQ is important but more so EQ is must. Perhaps, human intelligence is far too narrow and that our emotions play a huge role in decision making that lead to mountain of success. Therefore, EQ is the key to both personal and professional accomplishment. 

 

In this grotesque world where people are fully run by technology, this book can give a very effective and practical solution to overcome your daily obstacles with colleagues and bosses. Perhaps for the same reason, I was immensely benefited. More so, I highly recommend this book for teachers and parents. It has lot of practical solution to increase leadership ability, team performance and decision making to personal wellbeing. On the other hand, it also helps to reduce occupational stress and staff turnover. 

 

To the least one can also get to read on how to overcome low self-esteem and become better human being without having to spend any energy. It basically talks about how to manage oneself. Interestingly, this book is the enemy to anger and fury, depression and anxiety. 

 

Amusingly, after having read this book, I come to realize so many scuttle of my life. In this millennial generation, for people with different academic ability, more than IQ, EQ is must. And this book will serve as the perfect guide to unlock your success. Please, read this book!

 

This book is a perfect guide to improve overall quality of life and relationship everywhere. If you are looking for a perfect solution to your fractured relationships with your family, friends and community this book is the perfect guide to your problem. 

If you are looking for a successful career and wanted to champion your professional life, you must read this book. Therefore, better grab a copy and read to understand yourself and around. BE THE CHANGE! 

 

A must read book for parents, teachers, lawmakers and in fact everyone who wants their child or anyone who want to champion in life. This book would be your personal guide. Please grab a copy and do not miss your chance to be a successful person in life. 

5 best places you must visit in Bumthang

Bumthang is located at an altitude of 2800m (9,185ft) above sea level. From the time immoral, the valley is famous for holding many age-old monasteries, Lhakhang's and other secret religious sites more than any other places.

Due to its beautiful landscape, people often mislead Bumthang with Switzerland. For the local people, their main crops still remain buckwheat and barley although potatoes were recently introduced in the valley. 

For centuries the valley also houses for many highly regarded lamas and intellectuals. Above all, Bumthapzams are uniquely tall and beautiful. 

1. Kurjey Lhakhang

 

View of Kurjey Lhakhang from Tamshing monastery

Kurjey Lhakhang is located few minutes’ drive away from Chamkhar town. Kurjey means the body print of Guru Rinpoche. The main temples also called as the Guru Lhakhang, that was built by Trongsa penlop, Minjur Tenpa in 1652. As you travel more inside the Lhakhang, you can see and touch many ancient histories. But more surprisingly one can witness the 16^th century old Cypress tree still standing firm and strong, which was supposed to be the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. The other is the Kurjey Drupchhu, a sacred spring water. Therefore, don't miss the chance if you visit Bumthang valley.

2.  Membar Tsho (The Burning Lake)

 

Path that lead to Mebar Tsho

Mebar Tsho

The burning lake is located along the way to Tang village. It takes approximately thirty to forty minute's drive from Chamkhar town. Mebar tsho is considered as one of the most sacred place in the region. It is believed that the great Terton Pema Lingpa have re-discovered the hidden treasure (the text hidden by Guru Rinpoche).

The place is always filled with the local people from all works of life and as far as Lingzhi. On pick tourist season, many tourists visit the sites to offer some butter lamps and to see the amazing beauty of the lake. But more importantly, one need to be watchful while visiting the sites since the path leading to the main lake is extremely narrow and slippery. The place is not advisable for small kids alone and someone who is a heavy boozer.

3.  Tamshing Monastery

Tamshing Monastery is one of the most important Nyingma Gompa built by Pema Lingpa in 1501. It is one of the oldest monastery in the country. It holds many sacred histories and important relics. Interestingly, the heavy iron net has completely dazed me for its supernatural belief. I wish for my Australia dream and if you happen to be around the valley, please make a visit and throw your wild wishes. It may be possible sometime!

4.  Tharpaling Monastery

 

View of Tharpaling from Gyetsa village

Tharpaling Monastery from mountain top

Men in action to cross the dead lock hill. 

View of Chamkhar town from Tharpaling top

View of Chumey town from Tharpaling top

View of Chumey town

Tharpaling monastery is located above Chumey valley approximately at an altitude of 3,600m. A very narrow diversion road from the national highway goes up to the monastery from Gyetsa village. It takes an hour drive uphill to reach the site. The main part of the monastery was established by Longchen Rabjam in 1308. Chodrak monastery, a place where Guru Rinpoche mediated is also located just above the main sites. The whole flank of the mountain is serene for mind training and meditation. Therefore, if you are looking to calm your mind and body, please do visit and experience the amazing and blessed mountain.

Once you reach on the top, above all the monasteries, you get the best view of Chumey valley to the south and Chamkhar town to the north. The place is simply amazing and simply spectacular. It gives the best feel, the feel that touch heaven on earth.

However, if anyone wish to visit the monastery, the best season is cross summer and early spring. I discourage winter season because it will definitely freeze your ball however it can give the best view of some mountains and the valleys. More so, if the plan is for more detail visit, you need to look for tent and need to pack your lunch. My only advice is carry some sweets otherwise, you will go dry and etiolate on bald mountain top and I am not responsible for that!

5. The Palace of 2^nd King [Domkhar Dzong/Palace]

  

Domkhar palace is located above Domkhar village, few kilometers drive above the national highway on the left bank of Chumey river.

The second king, Jigme Wangchuck have built this palace as a summer residence for himself and the queen, Ashi Phuntsho Choeden in the year 1937. From then it continues to serve as the residence for Trongsa Penlop, the future king.

Inside the palace one can clearly see numerous relics and statue of khandroms. More interestingly one can also get to see the place where late king, Jigme Wangchuck used to meet Ashi Phuntsho Choeden in the room. 

New Dasho Dzongda in Zhemgang CS

It was an honor and privileged for Zhemgang CS family to receive new dasho Dzongda in school recently. Having worked for so many years in different agencies, we hope dasho would immensely benefit the people of Khengrig Numsum, and particularly the schools in the dzongkhag.

School staff waiting for Dasho's arrival

The program started with lighting of butter lamps followed by singing of national anthem and awarding of His Majesty's Academic elite certificates to 8 students [3 girls and 5 boys] of different classes for achieving high grades. Dasho encouraged all the students to work harder and be somebody in future.  

Dasho Dzongda, DEO, Principal, Vice-principal and toppers.

Dasho sharing his think big abbreviation.

Dasho ignite the love for learning and the power of education through his own life experience as a student and now as an administrator. To further brand, encourage and put some wild hope in our students, dasho also highlighted about the difficulties and challenges he have faced as a student. He remained about some of the rapid changes that is happening around in the blink of eye. Perhaps, more interesting was when dasho have shared about his friends Pangtse Dhorma [half-pant] story [laughter...]. 

Interestingly, dasho shared about his THINKING BIG abbreviation. It worked so well for him and made him content with his life. "#B for BOOK. #I for INDIVIDUAL and #G for GOAL." The whole package means; "reading of books help achieve life's goals." Therefore, dasho have requested all of us to read more books. 

In conclusion, dasho have reiterated HM's SMART and heartfelt message –developing good character/good attitude, building high stamina/tenacity, and staying away from bad habits like abusing of drugs. 

Although seldom is a chance for such a delightful gathering however, dasho have promised to come back often. He especially reminded all of them are the dream of His Majesty the King. We look forward to work closely with dasho in years to come and we hope dasho would continuously support us.