The Talking Mountain

Culture is a strong part of our everyday lives. It influences right from our views, hopes, values and loyalties towards self and others. Together culture and tradition play a very important role in building strong family bonds from generation to generation.   Nevertheless, to progress further with existing practice of serving meals in traditional etiquette in Zhemgang CS, school has recently introduced the culture of "Phob and Thoray"  (Phob means "small soup bowl" and Thoray is loosely translated for "white scarf")  to uphold our age-old culture and tradition. Perhaps, it may have seemed new to some, fashion to a few and burden to little. But it is for the good cause.  So long the history is known, "Phob and Thoray" has long existed as a part of culture and tradition in some parts of the high Himalayas. But, Bhutan Zhabdrung instituted this culture in the 16th centuries. We have nothing but this very uncommon folklore. Thi...

When the party motto fails, politics is a game of luck and it favors the other party. BPK have lost their third parliamentary primary election for a few silly reasons.   Like any other party, BKP was a good combination of people and could have become one very strong and capable political party if elected.  1. Debasing or uprooting corruption from the system. Word "Corruption" has always a negative connotation for whatever maybe the affairs. People have misinterpreted the concept of corruption this time. Corruption motto did not interest more people. They mean to make a corrupt free society through a good system in the next five years. BKP wanted to debase and uproot all forms of corruption for a better future of the country and people.  2. They have failed because they have not appointed any party coordinators, or they have not used any money to bribe anyone anywhere in any-form.  3. The other could be probably for her straight forward spoken tone, which everyon...

Honestly, our party lacks long-term pledges and the environmental conservation agenda to deliver. Thus, I voted but not only for the water pledges.  While all the political parties gear up to publicize their party, party president, themselves and their pledges for next five years and –beyond, it is also important to know the right party and the right candidate who can possibly serve the nation well. Whoever comes into power, they must keep the wheels of development and progress turning without increasing the national debt. Therefore, they must be creative and workable. Whatever and however they sell themselves and the party, the only two best and the lucky party will see the light of the day after 15 th  October and two losing parties have to be in the queue for the next five years. Although, the journey of the two winning parties will become one step closer in crowning the victory but at the same time it will be more intense and challenging to pass the final test. For...

Reading. One word that defines everything.  Is it necessary to read a book or anything? No. But, reading makes you wise and bold.  It may be the easiest thing for some and hardest for the other. But for me reading is something that pleases me so much. It's always fun to read some good books. Remember, reading few books will never transform your feelings, make you a good speaker and a writer. But, it can definitely widen your thinking horizon. If you enjoy reading some lines or a few paragraphs a day, that is good enough. Feel happy and satisfied. There is nothing as good as that.  To my students, I always encourage them to read more books besides their school text to see the world –beyond seeable. Reading makes you feel better, takes you away from bad habits, it relieves your pain, engages your brain cells and more importantly it makes you wiser. Although, I picked up reading habits quite late in my life due to some circumstances, but I enjoy reading now. I am serio...

Instead of more water flowing in our water taps, the onset of summer brings in more water shortage. And this is our perennial problem for decades now. Perhaps, there is a very scarce water shortage in a water rich country.  But with the election nearing, party campaigning on high and tight, the hopes in access to safe and sufficient drinking water supply for every household is becoming quite hopeful and impressive, whoever comes into power. Since, all the four political parties have their water agenda to deliver. However, I am a bit worried about this embellish pledge for how far it takes and works for the common need. I am happy for the handsome and excited big party promises but worried equally for not being so genuine. I could see their pledges would cost more than a country's total revenue for five years. If this is the case, why our two governments have terribly failed to solve this water problem which they are promising now. They felt the urgency, but they have...