My Omni Van

As I was driving to town, I was questioning my 5-year old girl on the car I was driving –which car is better, our old car (i20 Hyundai), or this car (Omni Van), she instantly gave me this response. Dad, this car is better. I like this car so much. 

 

Amazed by her response, I was quizzing her more on the car, and every time her answer was the same, this car is very cool and beautiful. I do not know what made her like the Omni van, but I was quite sure it could be the space and more openness of the road view from the car. Perhaps, the words of my daughter had made my whole perspective very different about the car. 

Tsirang is not only known for beautiful landscape and favourable weather but also famed for organic vegetables. In addition, the place is also famous for the Bolero Camper. But of late, I was moved by my daughter's response to the Omni van and immediately set my mind on checking the number of Maruti vans around and perhaps the number was impressive which are on the road and in the garage. The number was palpable. But, one interesting thing is, every time we come across the Omni van, my daughter points her finger and says, dad see, that car looks like our car.

 

The next thought that ran down through my mind was, why is this car so popular in Tsirang?

Through my own experience of a week, or two, I started exploring the extra speciality of this age-old vehicle. The first answer that came to me was that this van is super cool. It is easy to drive and handle, excellent pulling, good ground clearance and comfortable. But above all, it is super spacious. Maybe these are some of the reasons why our oldies and people with business and off road homes opt this vehicle as private, or as Taxi. 

However, the edge of this car is losing its production after 35-year of its production in the market for its long pending call for better road safety.  

My only wish for this vehicle is Maruti Company to look into giving some facelifting on its wood, music system, AC, power steering and few other modern touches, this car would go in the market like a hot cake as it's affordable by all sections of society. 

As I was surfing the net for some information, I came across pretty impressive online reviews about this car and it thoroughly shook me. One said, nice car for big family, comfortable and low price with great mileage. Braking system is excellent, and night driving gives extra coolness. The other said, it is a very simple and cheap car, low maintenance and long lasting. Someone by name, Rahul said, this is a multipurpose car, –for business purposes and an affordable vehicle for large family and taxi operators. I am happy for this van.

However, the other day, my wife flatly rejected my idea of dropping her before I make way to my work. 

She said the car is too noisy and she doesn't want to ruin her status. But, on the other hand, my daughter still has the same pretty answer. 

I told my wife this will be our new family car and someday you will have the taste like our little daughter had for the car and I am sure you would say –this is the best and coolest car I've ever travelled to. 

Seriously, I was falling in love with this car more each time I traveled. Someday, when I retire back to my village -old and simple, I would love to have this classic van as my dream car. Probably, Bugatti, or Ferrari would be out of my sleeves, rest I can manage.

The King and His Camera

Imagine, what would be the subject of a king to put on his camera? Is it necessary for a king to document his Royal tour through a camera lens? 

Well it is certain that our king is so close to young children, the future of the country and the old faces, the vessel of the past generation. 

However, the best collection on our king's camera are his people, beautiful landscape, mountains, valleys, animals, birds, flowers, sunsets, etc. There is nothing more loving than these subjects to a king who is always inspired by the life of ordinary people and the pristine nature our forefathers have preserved for us.

One takeaway so sure for us, however, is simply his benevolence. Compassion. Love. Care!

There were many who talked about the king taking some of the awesome photographs of his people, especially the farmers toiling in the field, cow herders and animals, mothers and children, senior citizens and birds have always captured the heart of thousands of people. 

To me our king taking photographs, especially people, is the symbol of Royal concern. Furthermore, our king photographing birds is something we must be part of preserving nature and perhaps the message is so clear and beyond just the camera angles. Therefore, let us join our king to appreciate the nature and the beauty of each soul.

I heard someone saying, if you want to marry a woman, marry someone who loves animals, she would unfailingly love and care for you throughout. Now I can proudly relate, if you want to live a happy and peaceful life, marry under a king who loves nature, birds and his people. 

I am always impressed to see our king taking some of the most stunning images of the countryside landscape. Nevertheless, some of the most beautiful Kupars of our princesses were personally clicked by His Majesty, which perhaps, has circulated widely among many Bhutanese within and beyond. 

Photography isn't too expensive as one thinks of it in isolation. But, our king does it on a genuine fact and ground. Not just to impress His subjects but to connect and unite His subjects as one nation, one people. 

Also in the eyes of our public, especially the rural friends would feel that our king is simply clicking their pictures without realizing that it is for future planning and development. Perhaps, it is quite sure that only lucky few with utmost blessing would be inside king's camera, but it is more for a king –He is looking for a deeper call and for a nation building than just the beautiful images, it is His concern and way forward to make sure every single life is touched and made comfortable and worthy of basic needs by means of a king's vision.

May you live long and forever young. May your wishes come true. May your vision for the countrymen, women and children be eternal. May your hardship be our guiding stars. May you inspire us beyond office workmanship. And may your beautiful images be revered forever in the history of Bhutan. 

Thank you Your Majesty for making me realize the power and beauty of photography.