The Talking Mountain

  12th June, 2025 The recent Air India crash taking away precious lives, family, friends and relatives, all gone in ashes.  However, there are always prayers from a tiny country - BHUTAN and this is how I share my condolences with affected families and friends.  It is an extremely sad moment not just for India, but to the whole world of such unprecedented loss. 

"A guy is so skilled. He brought a RAM truck to surprise his dad. A man who always dreams of owning one but brand new RAM is way out of his budget.  So, he went to an auction and found an old dusty one that most people would pass on. It wasn't black, shiny or new. In fact, it looked like it had been through tough years on roads. But, he saw more than rusts and dents. To him it was a project with purpose.  He brought it home and started rebuilding it from the frame up, putting in hours each day fixing what was broken, replacing what was missing and adding touches his dad would love.  Every turn of the wrench. Every coat of paint, and every detail is a quiet promise to give his father something special.  He's not just restoring a truck. He's restoring a dream and the most exciting part is –his dad still doesn't know. So, when he finally hands over those keys, how do you think he will react?" .... I found this short narration touching and beautiful of a true fath...

Source: Transfer market.com As an avid Manchester City FC fan for over a decade, I feel compelled to put into words my admiration for one of my all-time favourite players –  King Kevin De Bruyne . My journey as a City fan began even before Kevin joined the club. I remember watching every match, week after week, during the golden years of legends like  Kompany, Silva, Nasri, Lampard  and of course  Aguero . These players not only made football thrilling to watch, but they also instilled in me a deep love and respect for the game. Through them, I learned more than just football. I learned about dedication, commitment, passion and the value of time –lessons that go beyond the pitch and into real life. Then came Kevin De Bruyne. Watching him play from the very beginning of his City career has been nothing short of inspirational.  His vision, creativity and leadership grew match by match and with every pass, every goal, he made the game look like art. ...

All by sheer luck, I came across a  LinkedIn  post by one of the panel members announcing an online webinar session " walk-in-talk: Fundamentals of research, " on 15th of May by  Bhutan Insights , an educational journal.  This came at a critical time when I was closely eyeing or simply gearing up to polish my research knowledge before actually taking up the course.  Research is the field I was deeply passionate about for a long time, but somehow I was left behind for some reasons. Maybe altogether, it has waited for this perfect coincidence.  I took no chance to escape this golden opportunity for this one-hour session to know first-hand information from some of the research enthusiasts/someone who has made a career out of it and that too are our local friends.  Having studied some units, attended university symposiums and conducted action research back in school, I had already gained a fair amount of knowledge and experience in the ...

What can one accomplish in just ten minutes? Quite a lot. In that time frame, ideas can be pitched and history can shift course. For our team, ten minutes was all we had to present the results of an intensive three-month capstone project—an evaluation of AI’s effectiveness in raising landslide awareness in Bhutanese schools through real-world case analysis. During the presentation, one question from the panel member stayed with me:  “How would our group advise others on the future use of AI?” One of my teammates responded on our behalf, but due to the time limit, we weren’t able to express everything we wanted to say. That question lingered in my mind, prompting me to reflect not just on the project, but on my personal journey with artificial intelligence (AI) and where I believe we are collectively headed. There is no denying that AI is growing at an unprecedented pace. It is no longer a niche interest but becoming a main force across industries from education and healthcare to co...

On March 16, I formally tendered my voluntary resignation, stepping down from my post as a schoolteacher. Writing that letter was an emotional moment filled with uncertainty and deep reflection. Yet it offered a chance to look back on a decade of purpose, growth and service within Bhutan’s education system. My journey began on February 15, 2013, in one of Bhutan’s most remote districts—Zhemgang. Fresh out of college, I was young, determined and slightly apprehensive. But I stepped into the classroom driven by a single conviction: to make a meaningful difference. In Bhutan, schools are more than institutions, they are sacred spaces of transformation. When I joined Zhemgang Central School (ZCS), I did so with the hope of nurturing young minds and growing alongside them. The early days were challenging. Adjusting to the civil service, understanding school culture and living up to the expectations of being a role model demanded deep self-awareness. Every word and action of a teacher is wat...

On Saturday, May 10, my sister-in-law told us about my daughter's annual school sports day. I felt a bit anxious but hopeful about her participation. On May 11, Yesha made us proud by coming in 3rd place in the "Shoe Race". Just before taking a race, watching the videos my sister-in-law shared, I could only see her nervousness. Competing on the track with strong opponents wasn't easy, but she did it and won a medal, which is amazing for her age. As parents, we are filled with pride, not just because of the medal and certificate, but because she engaged in something beyond classroom learning. I believe activities like these, which involve play, discipline and physical effort, are essential for every child's learning journey. They help shape character, build resilience and teach values like determination, perseverance and teamwork. This is just the beginning, but she's already making her mark in the world of sports, and I am so proud of her. I hope she continues...

Trying hard to meet different deadlines, this assignments,,, My Academic Journey at the University of Canberra Time, in its relentless march, has seen two years pass by in what feels like the blink of an eye, marking the end of my extraordinary academic journey at the University of Canberra (UC). With flying results in hand, I am filled with deep satisfaction, gratitude, and pride as I celebrate the successful completion of this unforgettable chapter. There are so many people and places I am thankful for, each leaving an indelible mark on my whole experience. To preserve these lifetime memories, I have had jotted down a few random points yet deeply felt, capturing a journey shaped by intellectual growth, cultural adaptation, and profound self-discovery.   Journey into the Unknown Today, as I stand tall on my achievement, I recall the palpable anticipation that ran through me as I first traversed this expansive campus, my senses heightened by the unfamiliarity of it all. There was a...

Source: SCAS Connections Leadership plays a role in nearly every part of our daily lives. Whether it’s a small group or a large institution, having a good leader makes all the difference. Without someone to guide, inspire, and lead the way, progress is hard to come by. I have always felt that one of the most important places where leadership truly matters is the school. Schools bring together a wide range of people –tiny toddlers just starting out, curious students, mid-career educators, seasoned teachers, and professionals with all levels of experience. And we can’t forget the families and communities that surround them. All of these people look to the school for direction and hope. Because we believe school is a temple and everyone who goes to this place comes out wise and nonetheless, a good human being. In such a rich and diverse setting, good leadership is essential. A great school leader can spark inspiration, encourage growth, and set the tone for an environment where everyone –...

Image: CLCS, Bhutan Perhaps, listening to  Dasho  Chewang Rinzin, the Director of Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS), about professionalism in public service was truly an amazing pursuit in collectively building a great future for our nation.  The topic on professionalism in public service from the  Lee Kuan Yew  school Alumni was great in so many ways.  However, to know that the lack of unity, poor leadership, and self-serving behavior within the government and organizations is in fact posing some unprecedented challenges. The quote "Above the clouds, every day is a clear day" was a powerful reminder for all of us to keep a positive outlook, knowing that better days are always ahead. We were reminded that as educators, we must choose to prioritize the important tasks, like supporting our students, over less important ones like fixing archery matches.  We also discussed in length about the growth vs. fixed mindset which captur...

Source: Dani Redd, 2024 Bhutan's journey towards food self-sufficiency started long before the First Five Year Plan in 1961, and since then, it has been a key priority at every level of the country’s policy. In 1961, a solid foundation was laid after assessing the country’s agricultural needs. However, progress has been slow, and the impact of Dasho Keiji Nishoka, who significantly shaped Bhutan’s agricultural development, seems to have faded over time. To achieve food self-sufficiency, we need to refocus on agriculture, invest in our people, and encourage a mindset of growth. Bhutan needs a leader like Dasho Keiji—someone who is practical, dedicated, and able to inspire real change in every citizen. For a small nation like Bhutan, food self-sufficiency is easy. If we unite and work together, we can lay the groundwork for a sustainable and reliable agricultural future for our children. Ken Haigh pointed out that although 93.8% of Bhutan’s population is involved in agriculture, on...

I have had the great privileged of meeting one great soul from an oil-rich country, South Sudan. I shared many fascinating stories with him about endless things. His name id BOL and he has been living in Australia for over a decade now. Over the months, Bol has become more than just a colleague; he is a great friend. Like anyone, we both have many beautiful dreams.  Through the scorching sun and long days, week after week and month after month, we have shared countless conversations—not just to pass the time but to learn from each other. Our discussions have taken us on a journey through education, healthcare, democracy, government, and even personal experiences. And, of course, we never escaped talking about CORRUPTION! Bol is one of the most interesting people I have ever met from South Sudan. His humility and kindness are too far to describe.   Free Health and Education "Did you know, Bol, that in my country, both health and education are completely free?" I asked him one ...