Money Doesn't Buy Happiness

It takes my third brain to think 3 idiots dialogue, "exams are one to many, but father is mostly only one in a lifetime". Every time it comes to my mind, it takes me back to my parents. However, it gives me a chance to become a better human every day. 

"Money is not everything in life. Some believe no relationship is possible without money but no amount of money can buy love or happiness". 

  

Many years have slipped thus far celebrating Dashain (one special occasion for my family) in absence of my ageing parents. Although, wishing to mark or be together with them on this occasion has been one of my top priorities for many years now, but never materialized. I failed every year on my promise. When I failed on my promise, I simply blamed the distance. What a silly excuse I have every year? Can they believe me? 

 

I feel bad when I can't make it to occasions like "this" or "birthday" of my kids to celebrate with them. I feel horribly bad, when none of us (siblings) could make it on these occasions. However, to make the situation lively and connected, we try to send them everything possible –cash and other essentials. It gives them nothing but a short happiness. They don't feel impressed with "material luxury". There is always something missing and deep inside they feel bad. They feel incomplete without our presence. We could do nothing but to think and feel bad when we couldn't make it home. Their happiness is us. We are the world for them. They have raised us well, educated and finally made us capable of the outside world. 

 

As a student I couldn't make it to home when they fell sick. Forget about it on some special occasions and holidays. However, I always dreamt that once I complete my studies, I promised I would have time for my parents. I have passed all kinds of tests and exams. I completed my high school and degree and even successfully passed my RCSC. Now I have a job in hand. After joining my job, I thought I would have plenty of time to go home, relax and be with my parents at least during some occasions. I lived with all the beautiful dreams and happy moments, but all in vain. I felt so sorry for deceiving them every year. I never fail to weave a nice dream for next year on "this" or "that" occasion, I will definitely make home and celebrate together with them. I never fail to think that I will give them all the happiness of the world and the happiness they deserve. Deep inside me is burning with guilt and endless dreams keep whirling but never happened. Time flies by and now I have completed my eighth year of service in government. However, one good part is that I have never failed to perform my duties with highest integrity and sincerity. I wish someday I could serve my parents in a similar manner like my service to TSA-WA-SUM. But time is running out of hand!

 

Like my parents back home, other parents might be undergoing similar circumstances these days as the gungtong(urban migration) is on the rise every year. And technology is driving us crazy into new ways of life style. I worry so much about my own life. 

 

We need to seriously reflect that material wealth lives for a short moment. For our parents, nothing matters more than our company or presence especially on some occasions and holidays. Please make time for your parents or make a few calls in a week. It will give them happiness and they will feel warm and connected. 

 

Declaimer: The feelings shared are the authors own.

Honesty Is What It all Counts

"Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) received more than 100 complaints during lockdown" is one of the Kuensel Headlines on September 14. 

The consumers complaining about the price hike, denial of sales or services, sale of expired products, inappropriate product labeling and underweight products to name a few are not something new or something to get surprised off or something to get pained off or something to feel bad. This practice is a very normal thing in our society; it is there with us for all the time and everywhere. 

 

How much do we know about the Maximum Retail Price (M.R.P)?

It is a manufacturer calculated price that is the highest price that can be charged for any product sold from the retailers or it is the price at which the goods must reach the final or the last consumer. 

 

Is it illegal to sell essential goods above its MRP from the retailers? 

Since the day I started shopping or buying goods or anything, I was a constant victim of –mostly inappropriate price and sale of expired products. What about you?

 

Our shopkeepers are mostly or almost barren or do not have any business ideas or proper education on good business policies. They charge whatever or whichever way they feel is okay to sell their goods. For most of them there is no law, they seem above the law, so they don't bother to sell their goods at any price they like. The customer care service is not in their book. They never thought anyone visiting their shop brings them cash or money or other fortune. Whatever, we need honest shopkeepers selling goods at least on M.R.P and nothing more. 

 

While upon asking them about the M.R.P thing, they proudly claim to say that they have paid the M.R.P in the wholesale store, which is never true. On top of the maximum retail price they add carrying charge, labor charge, rent, water bill, electricity bill and fooding charge, which I think is very illegal. My wild guess is that within M.R.P, everything must cover including the service charge they provide to their customers.

 

However, recently I met one shopkeeper lady in Babesa, thimphu. She is absolutely fair on whatever she sells from her grocery store. While other shopkeepers hurry to finish their eatables or shop items, she sells only after confirming the expiry dates and M.R.P. She makes sure that she sells her goods only after confirming that it is 100 percent safe and standard. Even for some loose items like saag, pumpkin, apple, she does not charge an extravagant price. She does not have any special selling package like other shopkeepers. 

I heard many of her daily customers saying that she treats every customer –big or small, rich or poor in the same manner. In her grocery shop, there is no different price for rich and poor or big or small. She makes sure every customer is treated the same way or given the same service.

 

Right after the lockdown, I was checking the expiry dates of the breed and burns. The other customer who is busy looking for some vegetables came up to me and said, this lady never sells expired products and moreover, she is very fair on the price. Furthermore, she even sells things at wholesale rates if anyone wishes to have things in bulk or at the wholesale rate. 

My request to concerned authorities is to look and explore for Universal Product Price Code or Barcode Reading Systems to be mandatory in all kinds of shops. It may be difficult at an initial phase, but it would definitely be worth doing for the future. It will not only benefit customers but also benefit the government for generating fair revenue through a more transparent tax paying system. This system will benefit everyone. In addition to this, we want the Office of Consumer Protection to make a more reliable monitoring system or timely awareness program through an online program, bbstv program, panel discussion involving shopkeepers from different regions and backgrounds. We don't want different prices for the same goods. Also we need to study carefully on the case of different price system for our foreign tourists, two-price policy should be banned. 

 

She may not be special for rest but for me and her neighbors or daily customers, she is very special. She may be the last or a rare human species or uncommon lady of Babesa. 

Declaimer: The opinion shared is the author's own. 

A Friend From Wangdue

The final vehicle confirmation came at a very short notice. It was already past mid-day. I rushed in haste to catch the only vehicle plying for Gelephu. 

 

The driver was new to me although we live in the same mountain and shop from the same town. He happily offered me the front seat of his utility vehicle. As we progressed with the journey, I could see some farmhouses, farmers toiling in their fields, passerby on their own, birds chirping in styles, winds at its best and sun just like any other day. So, before we progressed deep inside the valley, for the last time I sent my silent prayers to the almighty of giant Black Mountain to safeguard my journey.  

 

We hardly exchanged a few words of introduction with each other; we met a mid-aged man desperately looking for a lift at Tingtibi try-junction. As I heard the driver assuring him the lift, he hurriedly grabbed his bag and took the empty seat behind me. I saw him joyful and happy. 

They quickly exchanged a few words of greetings. 

 

They were lively. I heard them discussing their business affirmation and the details of their travel. However, one thing that interests me more about the man behind me was his native spoken Dzongkha tone, he rather seems very articulative, very fluent, linguistically rich and experienced. Thus, by his Dzongkha silver-tongued, I guessed he must be a native Wangdueip. 

 

I was busy fantasizing with their nice conversation, I occasionally heard them say about the bad road conditions, business, and setting off monsoon season.

 

Just to have a short break of bumpy and winding roads of Tamala, the driver stopped a few miles down the Tamala top towards the face of Samkhara. As we relaxed for a few minutes, we had a quick introduction of each other before bumping up with a more treacherous journey down hill. 

 

As we continued with our drive down, the weather ramped up lightning and thundering, a few miles down, it started raining. We continued our journey in the rain. I could see farmers rushing home, workers sheltering by roadside and under the trees, cars and lorry approaching like a shadow. 

 

Before we crossed Surey road, it started to rain more heavily, thunder and lightning was not only frequent but also more dangerous. So, before we approached the newly constructed Ossey by-pass, I started to have Goosebumps, so many mixed feelings started to appear. 

 

As we finally entered the Ossey by-pass road, it started to rain more heavily and stiffly. I heard drivers saying the road down is more menacing and risky. Thus, he became more careful and watchful of each move. Despite a huge risk he continued down hill. The soil on both the sides of the road were very loose. I could hardly see anything outside except the sound of thunder and rain. 

 

It was when he brakes hard his Pickup to turn back, that I realized the danger of life and death. The road inch away was almost breaking into pieces. The collected rains have already damaged several parts of the unpaved roads. Thus, I came to know how road accidents occur during summer owing to bad road conditions and the power of the rain. 

 

So we returned back to a safer place. But the rain didn't show any sign to stop. It was already a quarter past 5. 

 

In the face of confusion, the driver gave us little hope by assuring that we shall get some place to eat and sleep for the night. 

 

It was already pitch dark when we reached back to a little unfamiliar shop. Birds are settling for the night. Two nearby shops were already being closed. Over a coffee, our diver requested for a room since there is no hotel nearby. Without any confusion the shop owner assured his private rooms. So, before light disappoints us more we made an order for a quick dinner. As we waited for dinner, I had my Coca-Cola drink and my friend on the other end of the table ordered for a chilled beer. 

 

After assuring everything for us, the driver left for his cousin's place. 

 

As we sip down our drinks, we discussed many things ranging from bad road conditions to few personal things. We discussed things like politics and government servants. Although we were no way close by blood or by community, we continue to talk about education, health, sanitation, infrastructural development, transport service, telecommunication, technology, rural electrification, construction work, business, film and hybrid cars. 

 

He was very careful in sharing his experiences of working in government offices for many years. He also had a wide experience of travelling around the country and meeting up with different people. I found him not only mindful but also very resourceful. 

 

As an educator, I had shared all the goodness of schools and institutions, teachers and students, books and curriculum, play field and instructor, classroom and building, technology and gadget just to let him know the school has become a very different place from the past. 

 

As we enjoyed sumptuous dinner, we continued to share more on the power of education and family bondage. However, as I believe, he also believes that education is a very important instrument and a powerful positive force in life anywhere in the world. Therefore, as I am, he also hopes that our education system improves and gets better every year and throughout the generation and fulfills the Royal Vision.

 

On the other hand, he worries about the dying culture and tradition. Also quite often he feels obsessed with so many sophisticated technologies in the market and people becoming overly naïve and selfish. As he recalls his youthful days, he had his last sip of beer and said, the real charm of community and family bonds has lost squarely and infinitely. 

 

As we have shared the same bed, we continued to share stories of different places and friends. As we delved deeper into our conversation, interestingly one of my high school classmates is his long time best friend, which has connected us even more as friends-friend. However, I felt sorry for him for being alone at this age and time. As he told me, he has lived a single life for the past seven years. Nonetheless, both their son and a daughter are married and have a secure job. 

 

He is currently working in one of the Stone Crushing Plants in Zhemgang. However, if everything goes well, he dreams of opening a restaurant. 

 

The next day as it was clear, we started only after breakfast. We finally reached our departing destination at around midday. With the final good-bye, we vehemently hope to meet again in some good times to share enduring stories and hope. 

 

 

Declaimer: The article is a writer's own personal experience.

What COVID-19 did ?

This COVID-19 has shaken the world shaken in so many ways. The World Economy disrupted very badly. Thus, it did not even spare a very tiny and isolated nation –BHUTAN! 

However, for us the much alarming fear came only after confirming the country's first COVID-19 case in a 76-year old American guy who came via India tested positive for the disease? The good news was that the impact was felt and the different contingency plans were immediately drawn before the virus spread -beyond. Nevertheless, more hoax was the fear of death and not this Naughty Virus.

1.     There is no room for complacent and easy-going in this war, which we are actually good at. 

1.     Bhutanese poor hand washing habit was greatly enhanced at least for this time. In fact, hand washing can save the spread of so many germs that cause different diseases. Thus, hand washing before and after meals, visiting the washroom, touching animals and other unhygienic places are as important and necessary as always to keep us healthy and fit.

2.     We have learnt about the importance of hand sanitisers. What can it do? Maybe for the first time, we have got mass non-classroom lessons but it was an absolutely impactful and lasting one. I wish the same could happen for our WASTE MANAGEMENT. I pray for another deadliest virus for poor waste management! 

3.     It is a chance for all of us to know the basics of viruses and bacteria, and it's impact. We could at least know that the virus is not alone.

4.     It's a great lesson for our politicians and government to have a good and resilient contingency plan in place for such a huge disaster. Proper distribution of budgets was also felt this time in such an emergency situation. Often I fall in love with this simple yet meaningful quote –"The best way to predict the future is to create it." 

5.     It is a chance for all of us to keep oneself healthy and hygienic by eating healthy food and not panicking. Nothing can, and nothing shall bar the way, whatever maybe the world situation. After all, life has to go on. 

6.     It is a great opportunity for individuals to showcase their commitment to come together and serve The King, Country and People with Tha Damtshiand utmost dedication. Because at the end of the day we are one integral part of a happy family under One King and One Government. 

Note***COVID-19 has crushed everything –especially economy but everything was in fact built by human beings, so there is nothing much to worry about this break-down.

However, more dangerous was with the increasing Fake Account holders spreading fake news and information, that may put many into unnecessary accounts. Things like Mouth Masks and the myth of Alcohol curing this disease are getting much attention, which basically are min-interpreted by many around the world. Happily some may become drunkard with untrue information.  

Learning and Experience From Korea

The knowledge and experience learnt from KOICA, CIAT program during two months was substantial in numerous ways. Korea is a great country not only in terms of development, and advancement in technology, but also very mindful in preserving, and promoting the environment, and its greenery aspects. In addition education in Korea was deeply rooted in every family blood for a very long period of time, which nevertheless is apposite even in our context. In Korea the education sector gets the highest attention in terms of quality and quantity thus making the education sector one of the most expensive and important sectors. 

I have learnt diverse topics like –development history, role of education, teacher policy and lifelong education, GCED in the era of SDG implementation and gender equality. The ICT session has equipped me to become a better IT literate teacher. Nevertheless, I felt some basic ICT tools are necessary for educators like me in this era of modern society. 

The main motives of KOICA Fellowship Programme are to develop strong networking and partnership between participating countries through sharing of materials and information. It helps one's personal development through different cultural exchange programs and sharing of new educational ideas and knowledge of participants that develops social awareness, better decision-making and competency in the workplace thus making a better citizen. 

  

Understanding of Education System

The training has greatly enhanced my inner and outer belief of education. I have learnt the power of education in Korea, which I felt is very much applicable in my developing country. Unlike other countries, education in Korea is different and unique, as education is everyone's business. After reaching back to my work place, I have successfully conducted a School Based In-service Programme (SBIP) to my colleagues, and students regarding my fellowship programme. I shared with them some of the good education practices of different countries, particularly Korean schools and universities. I have also shared the overview of Lifelong Education of Korea in relation to our Non-formal Education. If education needs to succeed, human resources play a very vital role, and providing timely professional development is seen as a very important area. I have also shared the importance of good teacher policy in Korea, and discussed few policies that are applicable to our Bhutanese context like highly competitive entrance exams for teachers, social status, salary and working environment that plays a very crucial role in the life of every teacher across the globe. Therefore, a good education system comes only at the cost of understanding education policies and systems of other countries.  

      Clean Drinking water and Sanitation

One very important aspect of life is getting access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation in public places and schools. Bhutan being a mountainous country, clean drinking water is always a high-end concern especially for young children at school. However, after my fellowship programme I have learnt that Korea has done a sufficiently great job in providing clean drinking water and good sanitation particularly for students. Therefore, I have worked with the "Save the Children" project and installed water taps at strategic places from SkyHydrant water filter, which I got from Rotary Club of Thimphu (capital of Bhutan) a few years back. I shared the importance of clean and safe drinking water on a day basis with my colleagues and students and ways to improve water management. Moreover, I have shared the good practices of schools in Korea to make my water project more sustainable and realistic. However, there are difficulties in getting resources, expertise and mindset of school children. But, I remained hopeful and optimistic. 

Bhutan has a serious sanitation problem both in school and public avenues. Around 2% of the total population still do not have a proper toilet facility, which means there is still some existence of open defecation and pit latrine culture in some parts of Bhutan (2017 PHCB, Bhutan). According to UNICEF, only 33% of the Bhutanese population have access to basic sanitation services, majorities are in the rural communities. Schools are no exception. It was also found out that one in every five schools lacks functional toilets. One-third of schools have no separate toilets for girls that would generally affect children's well being both physically and mentally.  

Therefore, I have been working closely for almost five 5 years with Bhutan Toilet Organization (BTO) basically to fix these social problems at schools. However, keeping public and school toilets isn't that easy and fast. It takes lots of positive energy and skills. Moreover, resources, expertise, mindset, attitude and cultural habits are seen as the major difficulties in our local context. Through the Fellowship Program, I have learnt the beauty of clean toilets across Korea both in public places and schools. Toilets in schools are managed so well, toilets are fantastic and impressive even in primary schools, it is a place most of the school kids love to visit, however, it is opposite in schools in Bhutan. While in Korea, as part of my project titled –Clean Toilet for Better Tomorrow, I got an opportunity to visit World Toilet Association based in Suwon City where I got lots of new knowledge and wisdom from the General Secretary and Staff Members regarding managing public and schools toilets. Taking back all the knowledge and wisdom helped me a lot in sharing information especially to my students. Back in my country, as part of my project assessment, I did an advocacy roll out program across many schools of Zhemgang District and got wonderful support from schools and students. I have shared with them the toilets in Korean schools, and their mentality. Moreover, I have oriented on the pros and cons of a clean toilet for our own health and environment. We have promised to have clean toilets by cleaning our own excrement and adopting a toilet each policy. Moreover, starting from the academic year 2020, as a part of ASPnet UNESCO Programme, I have proposed to UNESCO Netcom Office for “Clean Toilet Challenge”. Therefore in this way, I hope our toilet will become usable and friendly because I always believe in –together we can! 

       Technology in education system

The power of technology in education is immeasurable. One thing I liked very much about Korea is advances in technology and infusion of technology in everyday teaching and learning. After my fellowship program, I felt the need of technology in the classroom more often than ever. Thus, I have shared with my management team, colleagues, and students the need for more technological aspects of teaching and learning in the present era than any other tools. I started teaching more often through ICT based approach –video clips, and online tutorials, which is overly seen as the most effective methods in the present time. I have also shared teaching and learning through technology as much easier, faster and effective across all the subjects. School advocated students to use mobile phones more for academic learning after school, or during home task assignment. Since, I have shared the best practices of Korean school on technology and responsible mobile phone users, I expect in a few years time, we may become a comfortable society like Korea in using technology in the education system. I am sure we may not become like Korean, but we promised to be more comfortable with technology in classroom teaching.  

       Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in teaching chemistry

I wasn’t sure about Global Citizenship Education until I undertook this fellowship program. Moreover, it became clearer only after completing the GCED Online Campus course during my fellowship program. The online campus course has benefited me a lot to understand and to apply in everyday life the concept of GCED. After the completion of course, I realized the importance of this planet, what it takes to pollute the environment, and finally how to apply it in everyday teaching and learning. Honestly, the course had immensely widened my knowledge on GCED. Moreover, as an educator it helped me to preach and practice along with students of varied backgrounds and ambition. Therefore, I taught some applicable topic in Chemistry (Green Chemistry) to equip my students to be a future GCED ambassador, and an agent of change in society. I taught topics like –sustain healthy environment, air pollution, effects of chemical fertilizers, causes of global warming, climate change and polymers by linking GCED pedagogy. After all, we must remember that the world we live in is a world that belongs to the entire living being for eternity. 

Therefore, in this way I have developed a strong sense of learning from Korea into my local context. Topics like education system, teacher policy, lifelong education, sanitation, cultural and environment preservation of Korea had impressed me a lot. After the fellowship, it improved my abilities, skills, and expertise in the diverse education system of the world. Therefore, learning experiences during and after the fellowship program was life-long, and hopefully all these experiences may transform into wholesome development of school, management, students, and community for all times. 

Indian PM Shri Narendra Modi on Bhutanese Soil for Second Time

Bhutan has experienced 17th and 18th of August not only as the diplomatic visit of Indian PM Shri Nadredra Modi but more importantly India as a faithful partner. The visit by Shri Modi seems something very special and Extraordinary about the age old relationship between two countries and Bhutan's diplomatic ties with India and Indians. In fact, India is everything and everywhere for Bhutan and Bhutanese. Since, almost every nuts and bolts comes are Indian made and therefore, we must value India as one of the very sincere developmental partners of Bhutan. 

However, there is room for improvement for two countries. Any developmental activities two countries undertake to operate like Hydro-power, construction sector, agriculture and education. Whatever, we must plan it properly, mindfully, and appropriately so that we don't need to share the burden hopelessly and one lopsidedly. 

The two-day state visit of Indian PM was seen as a very successful one with formally inaugurating the Mangduechhu Hydro-power Project, Trongsa (MHPA), inside the century old Simotokha Dzong. With signing of documents, Modi's government has assured many beautiful dreams for two countries with MHPA generating huge revenue for both India and Bhutan. However, I hope hydro-power loans remain least active and silent inside Simtokha Dzong under the feet of Zhabdrung. 

I am quite sure Shri Modi would have experienced not only a good sum of Bhutanese culture and tradition, heavy greetings and warm hospitality, style and uniqueness but also official Bhutanese food with the Great Fourth, His Majesty the King, the Queen, Royal families and other dignitaries. 

Like Zhabdrung, I just hope that India respects Bhutan's sovereignty as Shri Modi imbibes valuable lessons from Zhabdrung's blessing from the secret room of Bhutan's Capital. 

I pray for long and stable friendship to remain ever between two countries not only for Modi's government but for eternal. 

Hai Hind India! Long Live India! and Modi's government!

Our Everyday Problem

I can see problems everywhere, and every day, and with everybody. Zhemgang has an unsettled drinking water shortage. Thimphu is crowded with our own people. Phuntsholing, hub to highly polluted air. And Gelephu the Land of Elephants. However, the common problems of ours are – toilets, our waste, poor time management habits, and water shortage, etc…,

Everywhere, every day, and with everyone.

How can we solve this puzzle of ours? Do we need to hire some foreign brains to solve this simple matrix? How long shall we keep our volunteer service alive or go on?

Where are we actually failing –education system or policy level or poor mindset of our people?

I feel GNH country should not behave in such a rude manner. Sometimes, I pity myself as a deep Buddhist practitioner and a follower. Our time is now. We all must act now. We can. Our population is still manageable. If not now, we can never in near future?

First is our Public Toilet/Mass Toilet. "Everyone's property becomes nobody's property." Lately, I have been engaged in a pool of quite unusual Toilet Business. I jokingly told some of the students that our toilet pots have turned into a great antique now. Further, it was very sad to see most of the toilet doors in very bad conditions, completely destroyed. With such conditions, our toilet looks like Ghost. Looks like it was abandoned for a thousand years. Looks like some pigs have used it.

What a shame?

Perhaps, the water shortage was their blatant response. However, I suggested they make a habit of carrying water while making it to the toilet –be it a short or long toilet. Always Use Water! Such simple good habits can solve our toilet problem everywhere. I am happy since everybody promised to use water hereafter, everyone promised to cooperate –for whatever maybe the situation. Together we can. I concluded with –thank you very much!

Second is Our Waste. Despite special reminders and requests, we can still see all kinds of waste everywhere. Recently, I got a chance to share one small successful story of our own Greener Way. The renowned brand name in Thimphu City. However, we don’t feel as good as Karma Yonten feels for the waste. Someone's waste is someone's fortune, someone's money, someone's living, and someone's good luck. I told them –what it do to our environment? How to manage our own waste? How to make a good habit for it?

I am sure some felt for it and few unmoved for it.

Third is Poor Time Management Habits. Particularly, I found Bhutanese are very poor in managing time –be it office time or casual gatherings. Of late, I shared about good time management habits and its benefits. Simply, I want them to be punctual for work, or wherever.

I told them – "time stops for no one. Time waits for no one. And your excuses will never slow down time." It keeps going, and going, and going…!

I have been into the teaching service for seven years now, and the biggest challenge was that almost 99% of us come late for school and other activities. And no one bothers, and no one cares about it. Particularly, it is not good for educational institutions. I don't know the reason, why? However, in my case it is a little different, with my chest wide open, I told them for these many years, I have never come late for school and to other works. Further, as a student and a college student, I have never been late for any activities. Not even a minute late. How? How did I manage to do this simple task? It's very simple. I don't follow time. I do everything on or before time. Before I go to bed, I mentally prepare what to do the next day based on priority –first thing first! Next morning, I wake-up and prepare myself for the day's work.

I have my study duty on Thursday Morning which commences from 6:20am (for 1 hour). I make on time there as well. So, how? I wake-up at 5:50am and prepare myself.

Further, everyday my duty starts from 8:10am. So, how do I manage? I set priority –first thing first! I prepare for the day accordingly. Thus, there is no question of late for my work. It's all about how you take things, and manage things. Being positive to oneself is very important. Being honest to oneself is very important for a successful and happy life. For me, there is no question of this and that excuses someone coming late for their work. I must tell you, coming 10-15 minutes early for your work would ease you and your work. Your day will become beautiful and you will enjoy your work life immensely. There is no harm in coming few minutes early to your work. Remember, your work is lifeline!

Therefore, to make it better and reliable, I have narrated what had happened recently with "Japan's Olympics Minister. He was forced to apologize for being THREE minutes late to the meeting." Can you imagine, it's just 3 minutes late. Here we don't mind coming late for 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours...

In Japan, being unpunctual is a crime and it's a sign of disrespect to other people.

We need the same here. We need a law that protects people who work on time. This simple rule of life can make everyone happy. It can solve toilet problems, waste problems, time problems and even water problems. All we need is good life discipline.

Plastic Carry Bags Gift to My Mother

With the ban on plastic carry bags starting from April fool's day, let me share my little story.  

 

–As a young and responsible citizen, I never have thrown my waste carelessly. As long as I can remember, I have never dumped any plastic related waste out into the environment, –not even a paper, or a sweets wrapper. I am so addicted to this habit. I feel really bad, or kind of uncomfortable when I see anyone throwing waste openly and irresponsibly. Sometimes, I feel so sorry for their loose character. 

 

The other habit I have is – perhaps I carry my own bag during weekend shopping. Any plastic that I bring home never goes out into my bin. I collect all of them and take them when I go home. I called it a plastic gift to my mom. I told my mom; I was able to bring home so many plastic carry bags as a gift for you. Since I saw her having a difficult time especially when she needed to store some edible items and while packing things back to us. Some it goes to my other siblings and few to relatives, but I caution them. Please, use it and dump it properly!

 

Although it is such a small act yet a promising habit that is enough to protect our Mother Nature and put end to many diseases. For this action we need a collective hand and not the law when almost everything comes in plastic packaging. 

 

In 2015, the United States succeeded in reducing plastic and micro-beads usage. Similarly, few other countries took the challenge and they succeeded too. 

 

It's our turn now. Let us also try this national move and feel the change. Let's be the agent of change and holder of this nation.

 

Let's love our actions and love our country hingleyra!

I have lost a great friend

Sir, Dawa D. Tamang with his boys.
Image: His FB page

 

 

As we come together to bid a farewell to one of our colleagues, the ministry of education is short of one experienced and qualified teacher. 

 

I have lost a great friend, school has lost great asset, ministry has lost a great teacher, and students have lost a very passionate human being. I know how sad and heart breaking it is to lose a single teacher from the field.

 

He is a cool and soft-spoken guy full of humor. He is one of the best-looking guys in the school. 

 

Until the education system and teaching job become attractive and unpolluted, we will continue to lose our teachers. I don’t know why teaching jobs are not grabbing the interest of our teachers and job seekers. If we continue to lose teachers especially the seasoned ones from the field, I worry about the future of education. If education has to prosper, we need a passionate and a self-driven human being moving the motion in schools. The Ministry needs to find some ways and means to hold back the teachers, especially the trained and experienced ones. Only few can understand what it is to be a school labay. 

 

Teaching jobs are not like other professions. Losing even a single trained and experienced teacher from the field is a great loss to student, school and ministry. Anybody can fill the gap but not the space of a teacher. His teaching and content of the subject matter is irreplaceable. I bet you; a person of his caliber will be pretty difficult to substitute. As a teacher, I found him very adjustable, friendly and above all a good human being. Even though he teaches one of the most hated and difficult subjects, school has already seen his potential of teaching and wisdom in the form of a good performance of students in the past years. Perhaps, mathematics is not everyone's cup of tea. 

 

To the world and in the eye of ministry, he may not be anything but in the eyes of our students; he may be worth million dollars. For them he is a hero and a superstar. I saw all science heads bemused so much on his resignation. It came quite abruptly but I knew he would do this journey someday anyway. However, it's a far cry now, we can do nothing but to sit and maneuver the challenge.

 

We wish Sir Dawa a very safe flight to the far away land, in the land of chilips away from the hectic education. 

# India through Bhutanese Eyes

India through Bhutanese EYES.

As we stand to celebrate 50 years of successful diplomatic relationship between two countries, I stand to salute wise and visionary leaders of all times. It is time we must all come together and reflect upon the past and plan for the future to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.

Bhutan and India not only share boundary, but also share strong diplomatic tie that has benefited Bhutan –beyond the sky and the earth. Some significant developmental assistance committed by government of India are hydro-power plants, construction, roads, education, agriculture and health.

Despite its massive population, India successfully made impression of being one of the biggest democratic countries without compromising its culture and tradition, setting a perfect example for a developing country like ours.

Thank you India for helping Bhutan become a beautiful place to live. We will never forget the support and contributions made so far and we hope to continue with the same degree of friendship in the year to come.

The story of Condom Vending Machine of Zhemgang.

Condom is a thin rubber device worn on a man's penis during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive or as a protection wall against infection. With condom vending machine in place around the town –now some naughty friends can have the luxury of condom almost for free. It cost Nu.5 per service and you can have three-piece of strong and fresh plastic boy in less than a minute in your pocket. The service operate for 24/7 and the choices is all yours. 

Unlike other health services and facilities, condom vending machine did not come for free. Which means health is important and precious. But, getting your share isn't very difficult and expensive. The service is extremely affordable. Use of condom not only prevents STIs but also prevent teenage pregnancy. For those naughty friends the service will, therefore be spontaneous at your best. However, I fear how responsibly the service are being used and operating.

Perhaps, going by strict calculation the costs of the condom machine exceeds superlatively higher than the entire life time services. Still the health sector feels that the service is more important. The service is impressive and sure to bring some positive impact on safer sex life. Any village man come and see this machine can return home not only with fantastic story to tell their wife but also can take home some condom gift easily. 

For the semi–modernize people, the machine is totally foreign and first of its kind but extremely precious in many ways. Of late the machine is gaining its popularity differently and increasingly among our youth and it's always wise for a small nation. The news have even reached as far as to Langdorbi.

Nevertheless, one way to impress your lady on the bed is to have a condom in your wallet. So with the machine at your doorsteps you get your share easily. To be on the same boat, I have rushed to get my share. I tried my luck and got my share in less than a minute. I was thoroughly impressed with such a smart machine service. I promised to keep in touch anytime in future to fancy my safe night. 

Like ATM, condom vending machine also malfunction sometime. So, our collective responsibility is required to fix back the service because it will sure to benefit all of us. 

With change in time and mentality, the service hoped to promote healthy use of condom. I hope our people won't feel cheap to avail this service openly. There is no such big deal to have condom in your pocket. Please, do not feel odd if you see anyone availing this service because our need is same in two different bodies.

Although the service is massive but it would have been best with less complicated process in the machine. Thus, it would save time and save your device perfectly. 

Some piece of concerns and interests shared on social media:

Anonymous view#1: "I shall try once when I come to Zhemgang. But I am worried of customers after taking the condoms."

Anonymous view#2: "Good news and good initiative for a small society like Zhemgang."

Anonymous view#3: "Yeah you can use the machine any time. Its 24/7."

Anonymous view#4: "I would rather go to BHU and get condom for free. I think condoms are provided free from the hospital, is it not?"

Anonymous view#5: "Yes of course you can come to BHU to get condom but in emergency you can always use machine to get three piece of condom, these days Nu. 5 is nothing to ever one."

Anonymous view#6: "Wow! Nice to hear a good news about condom machine installed in Zhemgang. So when I come home, it is easier to get condom from Machine.”

Anonymous view#7: "Wow, now easy to access to customers to opt services. In the past they have to travel almost for 2 kilometers away from the Zhemgang town......"

Anonymous view#8: "This is a good initiative. People should not become the victim of HIV/AIDS."

Condom box is no more serving the purpose
 with increasing population.

Image: google

At the inaugural ceremony of first condom vending
machine installed in p/ling late last year.

Image: google.