The Answer is Within Each Bhutanese –IV

 

"We must realize that knowledge and skills, if not renewed, will soon become obsolete". 

 

I have a bit to share on this –"renewed" and "obsolete". The Royal concern is very much genuine. But how many of us are serious with lifelong  learning, and think beyond mandate and requirement. When we think, we are driven by the genetic and faulty system thinking, we are bound to become obsolete, without good knowledge and skills. Therefore, constant touch and learning of new things, adapting to change has become a must now. I am sure, genetically and by system, Bhutanese on average do not take new learning and somehow become obsolete by 50 years of age. This set an unprecedented risk for the future as it set a complacency and easy-going mindset. 

My father, who is now turning 60 years old, had not only retired from farming but also submitted all his hard earned sacrifices and belongings 15 years ago. I am sure he must have become obsolete long before he thinks he can. So this kind of hereditary and family system is making us weaker and sublime in the pursuit of moving the country forward and strong. Making us hard to adopt and adapt, resilient and astute for the country. Therefore, I strongly feel that, in our system as early as 45 years of age, any individual starts to become obsolete and ruin the charm of life. 

On the other hand, our youth think they can learn when they complete teens. When they come of age, they become naïve; they will beautifully decide to learn at college, then after a job, then after marriage, after kids and in their forties. But, sadly before 50 they retire from life. 

 

When and where are we learning? When are we becoming ready to shoulder responsibility for the country? 

 

"We must inculcate in us a culture of life-long learning".

 

In the winter of 2013, I was at Phuntsholing for some official duty. Nice and pleasant weather for outing for a man who came from higher altitude. Phuntsholing is a much liked place for winter outing for all walks of life –students and farmers alike who love to spend their break in the warm heat of Phuentsholing town. Jaigaon is a common place for many Bhutanese to spend their evenings –some for shopping and others for leisure.

 

Everytime, I make my outing around Jaigaon, I come across almost every senior Indian Shopkeeper who has gone of the age to learn with Indian Telegraph, or daily express paper in their hand. Are they simply killing their time, or updating the latest happening is up to the individual to interpret? 

 

But to me, it gives me some good feelings on Indian learning culture. For a long time Indians have had a life-long learning culture in their genes. This is sure from their talents, wisdom and innovations.

 

Let me share a short conversation I had with a 73 years old cobbler. 

Once I was having a good time with a cobbler in a small corner of a makeshift hut. As he was busy mending my shoes, I was quizzing him about some issues. Many pertinent things came in between and we ended up sharing vast topics. Initially, my expectation was so naive and low, but he proved me right that any Indian genes are capable and do not retire early from life. But, honestly back at home, we hardly take care of such things and imbibe lifelong learning culture. 

 

Now, or never!

 

The Answer is Within Each Bhutanese –III

“What we need now, more than ever, is a corresponding degree of resolve and determination for our national interest”.

This above line from His Majesty’s 114^th National Day Address made me think a lot, indeed very differently and profoundly. 

 

Not so often, but I have the following points to make a statement that is somehow making us shy away from pursuing a collective national interest. I will share. Why?

 

First, our king is working so hard by himself for his common subjects –poor or rich, near or far, landlord or homeless, civilian or security personnel. There is no doubt about it. Needless to say, our Kings have granted almost everything for free and so easily and have secured us from all the danger and threat. Therefore, people don't feel any urgency for nation building. 

 

Second, the government is doing almost everything for free. Maintaining old school building blocks, to community drinking water, supplying unending free bees, to free education, to free healthcare. Our people are pampered so much to the extent that we have forgotten our moral responsibilities and duties. Therefore, people don't feel any urgency for nation building. 

 

I wish our education and healthcare would become a bit expensive and harsh. So, that our people feel some blow of hardship and pain that there is no free lunch in life. 

 

Our kings have cared for us so much that we have forgotten our roles as a responsible citizen. Over the years, people are becoming so easy-going, forgetful and very much individualist.  

 

I know there are good numbers of our Bhutanese studying and working abroad. It is a proud moment for a country like ours. 

 

It may sound a bit odd. I might offend some but this is what takes a country to develop more foreign. 

 

I look forward to our Bhutanese abroad to come home at the end of study or term with many ideas, experiences and rigor to lead us, show us the path to build our nation together. We look forward to having a good building design, road networking, furnished apartment, smart shopping mall, and restaurant, wholesale store, entrepreneurs and new business ideas. For example, we look forward to many Australian style restaurants making good local cuisine, Japanese working ethics, Singaporean curriculum, Finland classroom, the USA economy and Chinese technology.  

 

Of course, it may take time, resources, planning and discussion but we are there for it. 

 

We must build our country on trust and sacrifice. Please, lead us; show us the foreign experience blended in our system. Let us cross-pollinate great ideas and develop Bhutan like any other nation. This is how South Korea has developed their cities and subways. This is how Singapore has developed their railways network. This is how Silicon Valley was developed.

 

Mathematically, it will be simple for a country small in size and population. Not much resources and structures and systems are required as there is a pool of advanced technologies and smart people. Let us try and show to our kings that we did it for Bhutan and Bhutanese.

The Answer is Within Each Bhutanese –II

The second highlight I am laying down from His Majesty’s 114^th National Day Address is quite seemingly forgotten but important in nation building. 

 

“We know our country best. We are a compassionate and close-knit society. We hesitate from giving honest views or taking bold actions, which might risk offending, or displeasing others. As a result, the strength of our national character, exemplified by courage and determination of our forefathers, has weakened; complacency has set in, discipline has warned, and corruption is on the rise”. 

 

I am zooming in on one small part of our fervid underlying issue that has been knowingly buried for long. Much like any other, our school too has many flaws in system, curriculum, human resources, and mis-match infrastructures to name a few. 

 

I will be sharing my concern on just one flaw: “mis-match infrastructures”. 

 

I am a product of Bhutanese education system. I know the best and the worst part of my school system. There are infinite issues that need national attention and fixing one-by-one. 

 

It is more heartbreaking when the product of the same school doesn't bother to change the flaws when in a position to change them –as leader. They seem least bothered by the practical experience of a bad classroom, dorm rooms, MPH, toilets, roof leakage and water shortage as a student. The unending wars of these amenities have been going on for a century, yet we don’t care and find solutions to solve them. 

 

Perhaps, my stay at the hostel has never been worth remembering. I had to bear the cold winter in the porous classroom walls, hide myself in broken toilet walls to relieve myself and sleep in hostel rooms with broken windows and doors. And even today, most of our school settings are in a similar fate. 

 

Today, as I reflect upon the 114th National Address, I sincerely call upon everyone to look back and see the path we have taken. I plead with everyone to see our school, infrastructures like classroom, hostel, toilet and sporting field which are not up to the standard and sadly very much the same for all levels of schools –primary kids to upper secondary kids, which I feel should be different, which we have collectively failed in our school mission. Anyone can walk in and see “Building Staircase” for primary school kids is much the same or even higher than for high school kids. 

As small as this planning, it costs the nation. Should we seek the opinion of our school going children, parents, public servants, bureaucrats of their dream school, the types of classroom design, hostel rooms and toilets, play field, etc, we are heading into a safe future. Otherwise, we shall continue to falter. We must be mindful of small parts of our big problems. I feel our planners and decision-making body can be a big game changer, but only if they look into small parts from a practical aspect. We need the best structures and facilities at our school first. Since, everything, the future begins here. As school churns out a majority of future citizens. What they see and feel becomes their lifeline and ethics for the rest of their life. Therefore, I beg the pardon of all our leaders to take ample time to plan our school very properly. Adequate location study, land topography, child ratio for the past 10 years must be thoroughly reviewed keeping in mind the future too, before copying and pasting the same old school maps. No "block building style, please!" 

 

Nothing will change unless our school and classroom doesn’t change. Change must begin from a beautiful school building, classroom, hostel room, toilet, good sporting field rather than focusing only on "Office Making".

Like any office, our school, classrooms, hostels and toilets need national attention for its design and layout. School must serve as an example with aesthetic touch for learning and wholesome character building of a nation. 

The Answer is Within Each Bhutanese

I have few to share on the following excerpt drawn from His Majesty’s 114^th National Day Address. In fact, I have underpinned this quite often in my daily conversation with students, colleagues, leaders and parents. 

 

“Creating greater economic prosperity for our people and the nation remains an important national goal. If our country prospers, the people will enjoy the benefits as they become more confident and self-reliant and develop a greater sense of belonging to our country. Should we fail, our people will suffer”.

 

How many of us are so serious about jobs we do, business we operate, entrepreneurs we start and service we provide? Despite the best laws, policies and SOP in place, we still lack individual ethics.  How many of us think wisely and are futuristic that if a country prosper, ultimately people reap the benefit. Thus, there is no doubt for chest-out confidence and self-reliance.   

I met one friend during online training that we shared together a few years back. He seems so confident and proud in his tone and face for his country, people and progress. He shared so many beautiful developments, progress and almost everything he shared with me hits the Genius Book of world record. Almost everything he brings in for the discussion is world’s top structure, monuments and architecture pieces. I was dumbstruck by his confidence. He sees and considers nothing, but his own country and people. The conversation went for 30 minutes. In the final words, he knew Bhutan only for “Gross National Happiness” and “beautiful kings”. I was made to think more for my actions as a responsible citizen and a paid civil servant. 

When I am in a good mood and time, I share the benefits of a developed nation. First, people don’t have to burden much. Second, people reap ample benefit of everything. Third, enduring life expectancy for all. Fourth, better livelihood thus more family prosperity. Sixth, better classroom walls. Lastly, a strong nation and a secure future for our younger generation. 

However, these come only at the cost of greater personal sacrifice and national unity supported by a culture of hard work and determination. Should this nerve in each citizen, there is no doubt for development, harmony and national security. The torch is in our hand. Whether to light the path ahead, or not depends upon the will of each citizen.     

 

It is not just enough to give a mouth service and claim to be a patriotic citizen. We should be a doer rather than a mere observer. Should these two align together, there is no doubt for the country to attain greater prosperity, happiness and strength within one generation.

Japan rose to world power soon after the horrible World War II. South Korea did after the Korean War. And these two countries are not very far away from us. They have never waited for God to change everything and sworn in false patriotism. 

They only and only had one national goal - Japan First! Korea First! Thus, today they are superpowers of Asia. Foreigners often scratch their back for engineering sophisticated toilet systems and Nano-chips. 

Should we be one in the list, it is now in our nation's court as the King Command on 114th National Day Address, the future of Bhutan is secure free of Corruption and Individual Accountability.  

Translation of His Majesty’s Address to the Nation on the 114th National Day

His Majesty The King of Bhutan Addressing The Nation 
(From His Majesty's Personal FB Page)

This address is copied from His Majesty's FB Page for personal and future reference. I would be giving a few reflections on the address (part-by-part) in coming days.

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On the auspicious occasion of our National Day, I offer my deep prayers to Guru Rinpoche, humble reverence to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and profound gratitude to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. I extend my heartfelt Tashi Delek to the people of the 20 Dzongkhags and Bhutanese living abroad. 

Despite the threats from the Covid-19 pandemic, we have continued to successfully pursue our national goals. This is due to the blessings of the Triple Gem, the good fortune of our leaders, the merit of our forefathers, and the unified efforts of our people.

 

The Royal Government has successfully vaccinated the vast majority of our people. This was possible through the generous assistance of many countries like India, the United States of America, China, Denmark, Bulgaria, Croatia and other partners like the COVAX Initiative. The quality and efficacy of vaccines such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, and Sinopharm have been impressive. The people of Bhutan deeply appreciate the assistance provided to us during these difficult times.

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Today, our Nation stands secure and peaceful. Yet, the foremost question in our people’s minds is when the pandemic will end. While it is difficult to provide a definitive answer, the most important task ahead is for us to remain fully prepared and vigilant. 

 

We need to strengthen our efforts to fight the pandemic. Led by our Prime Minister, our ministers and senior government officials have been serving to the best of their abilities. Our civil servants, members of the armed forces, De-suups and other volunteers have served with dedication. Our people have also stepped forward to serve despite their own difficulties. Members of our monastic community have performed prayers and rituals to avert the dangers posed by the pandemic. As a nation, we can be proud of the manner in which we have demonstrated exceptional resilience.

 

As we grapple with the challenges posed by the pandemic, we must not lose sight of the many important national tasks ahead of us. Preparing our people for the future is one such immediate task. 

 

Our journey ahead will be fraught with challenges. Within our lifetime, the global population will increase exponentially to nine or ten billion. This will be compounded by recurring pandemics and the impact of climate change. Unequal access to knowledge and technology will create greater disparities in education, opportunities and wealth. Conflicts among powerful nations may be unavoidable. 

 

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Blockchain, Fintech, Quantum Computing, Artificial Reality, Virtual Reality, Metaverse, Robotics, Machine Learning and Web 3.0 are just some of the rapid and sweeping changes brought about by technological advancements that we are beginning to see. Breakthroughs in nanotech, biotech and genomics will transform the future. What deeply concerns me is whether our people will be in a position to take advantage of these opportunities, or if we will be left behind due to our inability to adapt.  

 

For example, hydropower today is an important source of our wealth. With rapid advancements in harnessing nuclear, hydrogen, fusion, solar, thermal and wind energy, hydropower may soon lose its competitive edge. We may soon become a net energy importer.  

 

Therefore, it is imperative to seize the opportunity and enhance the capabilities of our people, and strengthen the economic and governance framework to harness the potential ushered in by these rapid and dynamic technological changes.

 

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While the school system plays an important role in nurturing our citizens, we cannot rely on this alone. We must not lose sight of the large number of people who are not in schools and educational institutes. Many have completed high school and are still in villages and towns working on farms or in small businesses. There are also those who have jobs in the formal economy. We must realize that knowledge and skills, if not renewed, will soon become obsolete. We must inculcate in us a culture of life-long learning.

 

As Bhutanese, we will embark on our journey together, regardless of socio-economic status and our educational qualifications. We need to be prepared for the future so that every one of us is equipped with the skills, competencies and experience to succeed and compete in the world. We must give utmost priority to skill, up-skill, and re-skill our people to make them world-ready. 

 

I would like to share a conversation that I had with an elderly lady in a remote village. I asked her about some of the important developmental needs of the people in the village. She said that infrastructure like roads and bridges, electricity, drinking water, irrigation, mobile connectivity, schools and hospitals, land, proximity to urban areas and access to shops remained important. 

 

I probed further about her personal difficulties and concerns and asked her how we could alleviate them. After some hesitation, she reluctantly shared that she had come to the painful realisation that money was most important to ensure a comfortable life. She reasoned that money is important to pay for expenses associated with travel, accommodation, children’s education, essential food items, wage payment for farm help, and repayment of loans taken to renovate or build homes. Cash income has also become more important due to the decline of traditional and customary institutions and practices of self-help and community cooperation.  

 

Her observations were very pertinent. We have all seen and experienced how difficult it has become to own decent homes, secure meaningful employment and have steady sources of income. On the other hand, expenditure keeps rising and makes our people’s livelihood difficult.

 

We need to resolve these issues as soon as we can, before it tears our nation apart. Providing Kidu will remain important. That said, depending solely on the government to alleviate people’s difficulties is not sustainable, as the government does not have infinite resources. We will never become self-reliant, if we were to continue to depend on the government for everything.

   

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As our youth mature and become adults, they have to shoulder greater responsibilities. They will need to take care of their parents, work, and build assets to secure their future. When they do not find opportunities at home to realize their aspirations, they will head abroad inevitably. If we are unable to create better economic opportunities for our people at home within a decade or two, there will be a scarcity of young people in Bhutan. 

 

Creating greater economic prosperity for our people and the nation remains an important national goal. If our country prospers, the people will enjoy the benefits as they become more confident and self-reliant, and develop a greater sense of belonging to our country. Should we fail, our people will suffer.

 

When we talk of prosperity and wealth, it is important to distinguish between transient and enduring prosperity, so that we are clear about our national aspirations. For example, it is possible to become wealthy through gambling, rent seeking, and other unethical means. A country can also become prosperous if it looks only at short-term gain at the expense of long-term national interest. We should never go down this path of acquiring transient wealth and prosperity.    

 

Instead, we should focus on creating prosperity for our people and nation in a sustainable manner. A prosperity that is underpinned by good governance, smart policies and strategies, driven by innovation, creativity and enterprise, supported by a culture of hard work and determination. We can also derive enduring prosperity by better understanding and utilising our sovereign prerogatives. We can achieve generational prosperity by supporting our people as they develop their capabilities and realize their potential. We must reinvigorate the efforts made by successive governments on these fronts.

 

We need to strengthen our foundation by improving the educational standards, craft policies to diversify economic opportunities for our youth, and support private sector growth. The role of the civil servants is critical for this endeavour. Therefore, efforts are underway to reform the civil service. 

 

I am grateful for the tremendous support and confidence we have got in undertaking these reforms. While working with the civil servants, I have been impressed by their qualifications, competence, and commitment to serve our people. As we work with the best of our civil servants and with foreign experts and professionals, we are learning new ideas every day and formulating fresh, clear, and bold strategies for our future.

 

Despite this, I have serious concerns whether we have the will to fundamentally address some of the challenges that I’ve highlighted earlier. Several efforts have been made in the past to reform and improve our governance. However, we have yet to see tangible, meaningful improvements. 

 

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Foreign experts and professionals have commented that our rules, regulations, laws and institutional procedures are among the best in the world. Yet we are not able to reap the benefits. Where have we gone wrong? Could it be due to our misplaced compassion by not holding people accountable, not removing incompetent people but instead tolerating and even rewarding underperformers?   

 

We know our country best. We are a compassionate and close-knit society. We hesitate from giving our honest views or taking bold actions, which might risk offending or displeasing others. As a result, the strength of our national character, exemplified by courage and determination of our forefathers, has weakened; complacency has set in, discipline has waned, and corruption is on the rise. This has unfortunately given rise to a popular perception that two laws coexist in the same country. If we allow such practices to proliferate, we will become more vulnerable to even greater risks and dangers.

 

All of us are aware that we are a tiny, land-locked and developing country with a small population and limited resources. As the world around us changes rapidly and the future becomes more uncertain, we are becoming more vulnerable. 

 

What we need now, more than ever, is a corresponding degree of resolve and determination for our national interest. The strength of our national character, courage, grit, and fortitude must define every aspect of our national endeavor. I have witnessed the boldness, rigor, resolve and sternness that had defined the reign of His Majesty the Fourth King. Unfortunately, these qualities have deteriorated over the last fifteen years of my reign.   

 

From now on, all of us must boldly embrace accountability as a measure of our service, should we falter, deviate, and err in the service of our country. As King, I must first and foremost exemplify the ideal of accountability. I do not say these to trigger any alarm or anxiety. We are not too late in getting our priorities right, re-focusing our national goals, and re-aligning our national priorities and strategies. If the King, government and the people continue to work hand-in-hand with dedication, perseverance and fortitude, we still have every opportunity to further strengthen our country and achieve greater prosperity for our people.

 

As underpinned in our age-old saying, “the golden yoke of secular laws,” accountability must henceforth become the cornerstone of governance. We must correct those who deviate, be firm with those who do not deliver, replace those who are incompetent, and terminate those who underperform and have therefore become a liability to our system and nation. We must not hesitate to expose those who engage in corrupt practices, so that we send a strong signal to deter others from doing so. 

 

There is nothing new in what I am sharing today. These are part of daily conversation among our people while expressing their concerns, hopes and aspirations. Rather than leave these concerns and sentiments within the confines of their homes, 

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I re-articulate them today as the King’s Command on this National Day.

The Season of Awards

As the year draws to its end, chilly weather at its best. It's the season to remember, reflect and introspect for the year which is soon to become history and the past. Perhaps, now it's time to seek blessing for good health, wealth and happiness as the New Year is about to knock the heaven's door in hope. 

 

The civil service medal and promotion were awarded to eligible civil servants. Nevertheless, the certificate for academic excellence was also awarded to school and university students. These are the symbols of great achievement for the recipients and their families, friends and colleagues, schools and institutions. This is how the nation is built. 

 

High school classmates in the Far East were decorated in colorful Gho and a Tsho Lham (Traditional Bhutanese Boot) for the civil service medal. Likewise down South, a close friend of mine was seen offering butter lamps and paying homage to local deities before heading to receive her 10-year service medal.

 

I have congratulated them for servicing the Tsa-Wa-Sum wholeheartedly.  

 

The civil service award was a way of thanking, acknowledging and expressing gratitude to the civil servants for serving the country with dedication. On the other hand, it also serves as a reminder of the greater responsibilities that are ahead.

 

Friday afternoon I received a warm Tashi Delek message from my previous principal. It was for my Meritorious Promotion. 13 teachers and a principal out of 36 total awardees were in the list. The highest number is no doubt for the teaching force. 

 

 

I was more than happy and proud of myself. It's a lifetime achievement not only for me but also to my family and parents. Over the phone, I have shared my proud moment with my wife, parents and other family members. Within a few minutes, many “congratulation” texts have flooded from them.

 

As I have deeply celebrated each congratulatory message, I took a moment to reflect upon my career as a teacher. I have seriously coerced upon these queries –what have I done so special? Am I capable of the award? Do I deserve this promotion? How much have I benefited the school, students, colleagues and communities? Did I fulfill the vision and aspiration of His majesty The King? 

 

However, I am proud to say that, for the past nine years I have been so well married to a teaching job. Indeed, this noble sector was everything –my livelihood, my happiness, my service and my place of worship. I have trodden so hard, given so much focus in nation building and attention to my work and taken care of thousands of innocent kids. I have tried everything –few failed, but that did not stop me from trying more. There are many success stories, hope and dreams being created for many innocent souls. I have had a lot of experiences and memories of school as a leader, educator and nonetheless as a Role Model to share. 

 

Like any other civil servants, entrepreneurs or businessperson, I always gave 100 percent to my work. I always try hard and give my best no matter what amount of tasks I handle. I have also learnt to sacrifice more for my country. I am committed, I always remain honest and accountable for any work I undertake. 

 

Above all, I am a bit worried about how to maintain the flow of my career -evergreen and worthy hereafter. More than 6-month advantage and pay package, best wishes and trust –it was an achievement –my dedication and sacrifice made for the school made me feel proud. I will always keep myself pushing forward till the end of my service to the Tsa-Wa-Sum.

 

This achievement will definitely remind me to work more and harder for the country and thousands of innocent kids with different dreams and aspirations. Deep inside I feel this promotion is nothing but a symbol of valor, my personal sacrifice and courage trodden with dedication. 

 

To the other end, it wasn’t kind to convince my unschooled mother back home. Perhaps, it was Greek to my father and eldest sister. My achievement to them was very sober. 

 

I felt lucky to share this rare opportunity with many distinguished civil servants. It is my hope that the rest of the awardees and the future recipients will be proud of their legacy, sacrifice, hard work, commitment and dedication.  

 

I would like to express my gratitude to my previous principal (Rinzin Namgyal sir) for guiding me tirelessly and letting me try almost everything I wish. Today I would proudly raise my head and claim that he is my principal. I always see sir as a great friend, brother, idol and more importantly a visionary LEADER. Thank you sir for not clipping my wing under your leadership. You are the man thousands of students and teachers look up to as an inspiration. 

 

I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to my wife, two beautiful kids, principal, vice chair, committee, colleagues and students of Zhemgang Central School for giving me the wings to fly high. 

Butterflies

 

The beauty queen

Taste in the air

The art in the nature

Queen of color

The invisible feast

Queen of the nectar

Water, the life savior

Hello LAL

Butterflies are small flying creatures. It is beautiful and attractive. Found in different colors and sizes, it is one of the very shy and sensitive creatures to photograph. As beautiful as it appears, it is extremely difficult to be around. However, good control over the camera is one way to maneuver the mission. Further, your behavior, body gears and movement also makes your trips successful and fulfilling.

 

I started my journey of watching and shooting this little creature in the year 2013. I lost a good collection (a few thousands) of photographs of roughly 150 different varieties of butterflies when I got a bad hard drive crash. It didn't stop me. I took another journey to keep my passion alive. I started watching and shooting in the next few years. Ever since, I fell in love with this little and beautiful creature in nature. It is nice to hang around with this flying being. Sometime, I wish to fly like them. One of the best moments I ever spent around bushes, fields, mountains, streams and riversides was with this little guy. It will definitely gonna get into my memory for the rest of my life.

The other hope I have with this insect is to go to the valley of Tashiyangtse and Pemagatsel to shoot Bhutanitis Ludlowi, better known as Ludlow's Bhutan Swallowtail. 

Please do not misunderstand me over hunter Frank Ludlow and GeorgeSheriff. I am no way outraging like them in the field of nature. But I am one a serious nature lover.  

Thank you.

xxx

Book Review: Within the Realm of Happiness

by

Kinley Dorji

After a Radio Valley Talk Show hosted by Kunga Dorji, better known as "supe", I came to know Dasho Kinley Dorji more and better than I saw him as a secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communication. Listening to their talk show, I was thrilled to have his book and waited for the book. 

A few weeks ago, I came across a post made by Chablop PaSsu on "BOOKNESE" about the book release, ready for an online order. It took me no time to place an order. With the hope deep inside, I waited for an immediate response from the page admin. After a few hours, it was Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Minister for Economic Affairs who gracefully and coincidentally responded as "Sancha, where are you –I can send you a copy as I got two la". It took me some time to think and respond to Lyonpo. Honestly it took me many more to respond. But, deep inside I needed the book by Dasho Kinley. I was longing read his book. I gave my address to Lyonpo in a personal chat message. It was this special moment I realized how deep and low our Lyonpo is for the common subject. Had a few quick conversations and a few lines of introduction. It made sense on both ends. Lyonpo assured, the book will be sent in the fastest possible express. It also says, cost is notional. No worries sir, as long as your students are happy with you –I can spare a tiny and mighty book for you. Goodnight!

Indeed, it was a beautiful way to end the conversation. Perhaps, I was happy and excited. 

Next day, I received a call from his officer stating the book was sent through taxi service. It will be delivered at your doorstep in next 5-hour. Lost in puzzle, and deeply moved by the kindness, hardly a few more words came to thank the person talking to the other end. Thank you madam. I will let you know once I receive the book. 

It was before dusk, I got a call from Taxi driver saying; please collect your parcel from the booking. I did as ordered. 

The piece of literature I dream for so long from the person I admire so much is finally in my hand. I was happy.

 

Short Reflection

The book is a random collection of 13 short stories, memoirs, and essays from childhood memories and travel tales of the author himself. It's more like a self-reflection and journey made in both good and bad times. 

Going through the short preface, it made me think and rethink. It is very short but powerful. More or less, the introduction covers all the aspects of reflection. 

The first story "Angay" was woven so well that it put me back in time with my 72-year old grandma, who is no more with us. The story was so nicely expressed, more like the "Tom and Jerry" series, the non-violent fight between Angay and the mouse. The battle was a never-ending game. It made me laugh a lot. The last line says it clearly, "the mouse scurried away and disappeared into the bushes".

It took me no time to cover all the stories and reflections. As I read through the book, second in order was "Mi-MI's Surprise, two men, two worlds, pretty woman and so on. The last in order was the answer lies back home. 

"Karma's story", the story of a friendship, lesson of heroes, subject of discussion, matter of time, mystery of Capital, education, exposure, friendship more than a Whisky. The humor created in between was flawless. Story should be something like "Karma's story". 

"A legend that lives" the reflection of deep Bhutanese is an eye opening one. I could realize how important and significant is our "Paro Taktshang", popularly known as Tiger's Nest. And what lesson and values should we take is up to one's will and interpretation. I like how seriously our Bhutanese felt the loss of Taktshang by fire. It was also proven how united and selfless were our people in restoring into former glory back in those times.

My favourite was in between "pretty woman" and "the answer lies back home". A Bhutanese in Japan has no less knowledge and experience. It was worth sacrificing my family time. There were plentiful lessons and wisdom, insight and thought, profundity and versatility, wit and suspense, metaphor and satire in each story. 

The story line was a massive luxury of words and adjectives. Crafted the ideas so well to suit the time and place, mood and feeling, old and young.

Overall, it was special. Thrilling.

As Dasho Kinley puts his end, "it was time to go home", I landed up thinking and lost, into serious and deep contemplation, mesmerised by the fact of a beautiful literature piece. And finally knew how funny and entertaining is our own Dasho Kinley.

 

NOTE:

I sincerely thank BOOKNESE, Lyonpo for sharing the book, officer for taking time to pack and send the book, taxi driver for delivery, Dasho Kinley for the book, my wife for sparing the fare and myself for reading the book very sincerely till the end.