I am Getting Little Crazy

Many people choose to go to university after gaining some work experience, while others go right after finishing college. I, however, started my higher education a bit later, but I am grateful I had the chance to study at a good university in Australia.

The journey from high school to college and then to university helped me grow and think more maturely. Moving from a rudimentary setting to a world-class campus, I feel very lucky to be surrounded by students who share similar dreams and goals.

University life, as many say, is fun, though it comes with a mix of everything. You might feel relaxed at first, but it usually comes with a lot of responsibilities and accountability.

As part of a unit assignment, I recently submitted a project to design a simple IT infrastructure. We were asked to create a business model, or company that required basic IT infrastructure with cybersecurity at its core. For me, naming the company was easy—I called it "Dodo AutoWork."

While some might not see the significance, the name "Dodo" holds a special meaning for me. It's the name I gave to a bird I heard singing on Gatton Street.

As an enthusiastic bird watcher and photographer, I had the opportunity to observe and photograph a similar bird in Bumthang Valley back in 2016 during one of my trips to the valley. It didn't take much effort to recognize this bird singing; I immediately knew it was an Australian Magpie (Although there are different types of magpies, their sounds are quite similar).

My first night was a bit strange, but it was also filled with memories as I listened to the Magpie's occasional warbling, which kept me company all night.

I have been waiting for the right moment to share my feelings about the name I gave to the Magpie on Gatton Street. So when I had the chance, I chose "Dodo" as the name for my future business venture.

I took a risk, hoping this name would become an important part of my career, inspired by the Magpie's ability to soar high in the sky.

Who knows, maybe I will be the next Bill Gates!

Fictional IT company with this bird's name-dodo!

How Can We Think Better

The Bhutanese Page

Inside Bhutan Page

I recently came across an interesting cover about Thimphu Thromde's plan to introduce parking fees from Changilimithang till the south end. This proposal has sparked a lot of personal opinions. If it is implemented effectively, it could easily generate significant national revenue that would support and sustain essential infrastructure development.

I have a few things to share based on my personal experiences and observations. It's crucial that we move towards a more fair and transparent approach to managing this sector, as our traditional methods seem to fall short of national expectations.

The current human-managed ticketing system, though providing employment for our youth, is not achieving its intended goals. More importantly, we need to consider the lessons we are passing down to these parking fee collectors.

For the present population and the number of vehicles in the country, there are enough parking spaces to be used by all at least in our towns. So to make it tension-free and systematic, why not start an automated system to look after this space. Parking time could range from as little as 15 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours of free parking or paid parking based on location.

In many areas, a simple but effective principle is in place: within the designated time, drivers are mindful of sharing the space with others. This 2-hour free parking window allows drivers to reach their destination, shop, or dine, and return within the allotted time, promoting equitable use of the space.

If someone needs to stay longer due to emergencies or events, they can make a payment through a machine to avoid paying fines. This system fosters mindfulness, responsibility, and a sense of community. To me, instilling such civic sense is paramount. I envision a parking system that is more regulated, systematic, fair, convenient, and efficient than the current human-managed system.

Whenever I consider driving around Thimphu or other towns with parking fees, I hesitate—not because I can't afford it, but because I have often felt overcharged. I have observed numerous instances where collectors have falsely claimed time and fees. In some cases, I have even seen collectors exempt certain drivers they know, such as friends, relatives, or those with high-end vehicles.

I believe the current parking fee collection system is flawed. We must ask ourselves, are we improving? Are we setting a good example for the younger generation? Can we still claim a lack of sufficient funds?

I often feel that our parking system is vulnerable to manipulation. The collected funds seem susceptible to multiple layers of manipulation before reaching government accounts. 

Let me share one example from Damphu Town, Tsirang, where a parking system was introduced. The town, with around 100 parking spaces, does not have a parking fee collection system for its small size. In 2022, the Dzongkhag committee implemented crazy measures to manage parking. 

A 30-minute parking limit was introduced, requiring parked vehicles to keep their parking lights on. I've seen police personnel patrolling the area to ensure compliance, even using whistles to alert drivers when their time runs out. While the idea was generally well-received, some shop owners felt it was unfair. Although I found the concept interesting, it doesn’t seem sustainable in the long run. Human-managed systems are prone to manipulation, leading to unfair practices and fatigue.

I am not sure how it is functioning now, but I feel that the committee should have a backup plan/plan B with clear vision and commitment. It could have easily become successful within a few months if it was done in a good manner. The plan would have gone right with continuing promoting it through in-person advocacy, social media, local TV channels, and direct communication with citizens, emphasizing its immense benefits. 

They should also consider making parking signs and placards. Once the trial or warning period ends, implementing fines could help enforce compliance. With consistent efforts, we might eventually see a more organized and mindful community.

I believe this was a good start, but with a more sustainable plan and ongoing effort, it could surely become a a national move. 

We wish to see improved systems across all areas of our development to avoid falling behind and regretting missed opportunities due to falsely caliming insufficeint time and resources. 

I would like to respectfully point out that Thimphu Thromde officials have a lot of home work ahead for the town, including the need for an effective waste management system. The longer we delay, the more we risk fostering complacency among residents. 

The Innocence

 

Mom, Yesha & Reden

Mom & Reden

I recently found these photos on my wife's phone that deeply touched me. They stirred up powerful emotions of longing and innocence, and I couldn't help but was overwhelmed by how much I missed them. 

The images brought tears to my eyes and an intense ache in my heart. It’s heartbreaking to see this captured in the photos, and I can only hope that no other parents or young children have to experience this kind of separation.

My heart aches for my two beautiful kids, who are so far away from us. I feel an immense sense of sorrow for what they are missing out on and for the distance that keeps us apart.

There's nothing more heartwarming than video chatting with our children, who are thousands of miles away, made possible by the incredible advancements in technology and the power of the Internet. It allows us to see and speak with them whenever we want, maintaining our bond despite being separated for over a year.

We deeply regret the time we have lost as parents. There's so much love and emotion we wish to share with our wonderful children, who are currently in the care of my brother, sister-in-law, and our elderly parents.

Each time we connect with them, we are filled with joy and a sense of closeness. Yet, it’s accompanied by the profound sorrow of being apart during a time when they need us most. Seeing them, while brings happiness, also fills us with immense sadness.

One day in the future, as they grow older and begin to find their place in the world, and start to move forward in their own lives, I am quite sure at some point, they will look back and realize how much they have missed us, and perhaps see the selfish part of us. 

When that moment comes, we can only say we are sorry, and make a statement that our choices were made with the best intentions—to ensure a secure future for all of us, and most importantly, to provide them with a comfortable future and education journey with ease and comfort.

Though our hearts ache deeply for them, and their innocence is obvious, each passing second without them makes us feel their absence even more. We long to hold them close in our arms, and share the joy of our family moments.

We eagerly anticipate the perfect moment to reunite with our children, hoping that we shall win the race over time and be with them,,, SOON! Until then, we find comfort in knowing they are safe and well cared for.

FDI in Education Sector

Source: Kuensel Page

Our National paper "Kuensel" editorial on date: August 21, 2024 made an interesting cover on "Second attempt at FDI". It immediately caught my attention, prompting me to share some pressing concerns I have had for a while as a concerned citizen.

The editorial effectively discussed where, how, and when FDI should enter Bhutan and emphasized why it is crucial for our nation—a thought-provoking perspective.

However, a few key points made me reconsider: Is FDI only about improving the ease of doing business? How often do we hear the government talk about creating a conducive environment through policies, plans, and projects? 

In my view, FDI is highly risky and potentially hazardous if not handled with careful consideration. What happened with the Japanese Grant Aid for constructing bridges and other essential infrastructure? What have we learned from this project and the Japanese approach to building a secure and stronger nation? Did we learn how to construct a beautiful Japanese-style bridge after decades of their guidance?

I believe FDI is critical, but it must be managed with meticulous planning and the right mindset, led by dedicated and patriotic individuals. If not, we risk fading Bhutan's reputation.

I have long advocated for FDI in our education sector—not extensively, but at least to establish a few primary and high schools that can demonstrate the importance of education. I can see a lot of opportunities for both the parties, more importantly it will immensely benefit our children and community. We must forge a path of openness and embrace change; otherwise, I don't see a bright future and a changing Bhutan anytime soon. If anything is to succeed, education must be the foundation—if education thrives, nothing else will fail!

I hope to witness some world-class changes in our education sector during my generation, including improvements in curriculum, human resources, and infrastructure. Although we are gradually advancing with initiatives like the Royal Academy in Pangbesa and Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law, we need a few exemplary model schools.

These Royal Dream Projects align with my long-held vision for education. I have always wished for our students to attend the best schools with brilliant minds, dynamic curricula, and world-class infrastructure and facilities that enhance not just learning but also foster personal growth. Attending school is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because we cannot relive our youth, and what happens during this stage is a golden opportunity that will shape the rest of our lives. Otherwise, it's missed forever, infinitively.

I hope our visionary leaders will prioritize FDI in the Education Sector like any other sectors that are looking forward to generating funds. There is no doubt that other sectors can and will have their turn, but let's make our education sector attractive so that those who come out from it are well-prepared to serve the nation. I feel this is perhaps how a nation is built on shared ideas. 

A Nice Way to Start My Day with Facebook

In today's technology-driven world with easy access to the internet, almost anything seems possible. Like many others, I start my day by quickly checking my newsfeed on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

These sites are typically overflowing with information—some valuable, some less so—making them both time-consuming and a convenient distraction when there's nothing else to do. While social media can sometimes foster laziness, it also keeps us instantly updated on global events, which I find to be an advantage.

Facebook, in particular, takes up a significant amount of my time. Even though I don’t plan to scroll through endless newsfeeds, it’s difficult to resist. I often end up reading and watching a variety of content, both useful and not so useful. However, one thing is certain: I get to keep myself well-informed about local, national, and international news.

Inside_Bhutan Page

Karma Loday's Page

BBS Page

A few years ago, I was really into watching video content, especially pranks and jokes from "Mark Angel Comedy" mostly focuses on education and daily life. It was quite sometime that I did not have a lot of access to his videos. However, recently I have seen him making a content mainly focusing on football mimes and other fun clips that a very much linked to everyone's life.

Lately, I’ve started following two major prank groups—one focused on a tight-knit group of friends, and the other a family that creates prank videos involving siblings and partners. Both groups produce highly entertaining content, although some pranks are quite risky and push the limits of imagination.

"Shammi Uncut x Friends" offers a wide ranges of prank content, often involving friends in various situations- indoors, outdoors, at home, or abroad. Whenever I am feeling bored or low, their videos lift my spirits and help me forget my stress. I especially enjoyed how Shammi celebrated his birthday, getting his face caked and messing up his bed—it was a wild way to mark the occasion!

Shammi Uncut x Friends

On the other hand, "Hanby Clips" features prank videos made by a family, often involving siblings, partners, mom and not even sparing octogenarian grandma. Some of their videos are hilarious, while others are fun, heartwarming, and a bit painful and dangerous to watch.

Hanby Clips

I have a lot of respect for them, their creativity are too good. It's always enjoyable to see them living life to the fullest. Life is a one-time opportunity, and creating such memories ensures they will be cherished long after they are gone—a wonderful way to live a life filled with fun and lasting memories.

Reden's 4th Birthday

Dear Reden,

Four years ago, on August 8, 2020, you came into our lives, completing our family of four. That day, you became a cherished part of our happy family. Your sister Yesha was overjoyed to see your face when we returned from the hospital (JDWNRH). I am deeply grateful to your mom, my life partner, for carrying you for nine months, nurturing you with love and care, and enduring so much pain and hardship to bring you into this world. We will always treasure the moment you joined us.

August 8, 2020, was during the first nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Despite the many strict lockdown protocols, the joy of your safe arrival made everything easier. For so many reasons, August 8 will always hold a special place in our hearts.

I just wanted to share a few thoughts about how we are feeling being away from you and Yesha. It was never our intention to be away from you two for such an extended period. As much as you both feel our absence, we are enduring an even greater pain, thinking of you and Yesha every day, wondering how you are spending your time with your grandparents, Deewa, Demma, Rewang, and Reba. But we find comfort knowing you are absolutely in a safe hand, well cared for. Someday, when you know, you should make a point to thank all your (all) homies.

We understand what it means to be away from home, especially from you two. Words cannot fully express our feelings. the emptiness is so much. Your mom and I have arranged a simple celebration with your cousins, homies, and grandparents. Know that we are always with you in spirit, supporting you in every moment of your life. 

A simple birthday cake, in your favorite Spider-Man colors, is ready, along with a colorful suit for you and Rewang to wear as your cousins and homies sing you a happy birthday. Think that we're by your side, singing along with them.

Enjoy the evening with the cake you love, the colorful Hulk suit (matching with Rewang), some candies, your favorite juice, and a simple dinner to make you happy. We hope you grow into a good human being with love for your family, relatives, community, and country.

Your mom and I have offered a butter lamp and a special flower in your honor here. We wish you a very happy birthday. May all your wishes come true! 

Sincerely

Your Dad and Mom