The Reasons WHY I Admire these SIX Individuals

 If I may ever asked to pick top people, really off the top of my head, it will be these great individuals who are not just living/ed a life for them but to the world to look up to them. 

1. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan)

Photo: Official FB Page of HM

Ever since His Majesty ascended the throne as the King of Bhutan, not a single day has passed without inspiring the nation to strive for more. He is truly the People's King — Oxford-educated, handsome, humble and visionary. His leadership extends beyond Bhutan; he stands as a guiding light for the world. 

2. His Holiness the 14TH Dalai Lama

Photo: The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is a global symbol of Tibetan culture. He is the voice of Compassion, Knowledge, Empathy, Love and Kindness.

I see His Holiness as not a religious figure but as a person, so sweet, grounded, who is living as a supreme leader of millions around the world. We must learn the art of living a simple yet meaningful life.

The extraordinary life of His Holiness is so beautiful to watch and feel. To me, it always brings peace of mind and a humble life. I feel His Holiness is one of the most extraordinary people who have ever lived and walked on this planet. 

With His openness, love and compassion for all beings. I would like to think that the world has never seen someone like Him who embodies selflessness, love, compassion and wisdom.

As His Holiness turns 90, I wish His Holiness his long life. May he live many more years without any illnesses. Even more so, His Holiness continues the institution of the Dalai Lama. I would like to believe that He belongs to the world and this universe.

3. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (Singapore)

Photo: tatlerasia page

Lawrence Wong is serving as the current PM of Singapore (204--). The country I admire for many great things, such as democratic transition, low corruption index, education, infrastructure and urban development.

I have seen him not long ago, but as soon as I saw him as the PM of Singapore, I felt so close to PM Wong for the fact that he appears calm with the great personality of a genuine human being, an extraordinary leader. The Harvard Kennedy School graduate is a multi-talented individual with the right skillset because, in the fast-changing world, we need leaders to have such genuineness and talents.  

I wish Mr. Wong could lead Singapore to greatness after a great succession of great leaders like LKY and his successors. I admire these individuals for the foundation they set, not just for Singaporeans, but for other nations to look up to for many things.

4. Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukraine) 

Photo: The Australian

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has served as the President of Ukraine since 2019. A law graduate who once made the world laugh through comedy and entertainment, he now leads his nation through one of its darkest hours of devastating war.

I deeply admire President Zelenskyy for his unwavering dedication, courage, and stamina. He is not just a leader, but a genius, a fighter, a symbol of hope, and a true role model. Many in his position might have fled, but he stayed — risking his own life to stand with his people. That alone speaks volumes about the kind of man he is.

What impresses me most is his stamina — his relentless pursuit of support from the international community to defend his country and his people. Some may call it desperation; I call it resilience and leadership. He leaves no stone unturned in his mission to protect Ukraine. 

This man is a true genius!

Since the first day of the war, I have followed the conflict between Russia and Ukraine closely. The loss of innocent lives, the destruction of cities and homes built with lifetime savings— is heartbreaking. Watching people lose everything in the blink of an eye is painful.

For a long time, I’ve felt that President Zelenskyy deserves the Nobel Peace Prize — not just for his fight, but for what he symbolizes: bravery, unity and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity

5. Frank lloyd Wright

Photo: ArchEyes

Frank Lloyd Wright, the iconic American architect, designer, writer and educator (google) — has always been someone I deeply admire.

Let me share why.

During my high school days, while studying Computer Science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Applications), I'd one big dream: to become an urban planner. Sadly, that dream never materialized. Life took a different turn and I found myself stepping into the world of education becoming an IT and Chemistry teacher instead.

Though I'm no longer in the system, I take great pride in what I accomplished during my time as a schoolteacher. I had the privilege of serving two beautiful schools (Zhemgang CS and Damphu CS), where I wore many hats and engaged with students from diverse backgrounds.

Indeed, teaching Chemistry to the finest brains (science students) of the school was one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. I was entrusted with preparing future architects and engineers, doctors and teachers for the national exams and I did so with passion and discipline. 

As always I made it a point to be ultra-punctual, always entering and leaving the classroom on time, with very few exceptions. I believed that if I wanted my students to be responsible citizens, I had to role model those values myself.

What stood closest to my heart, however, was a dream I couldn't fulfill becoming an urban planner or architect. But I found joy in sharing that dream with my students. 

I often spoke to them about my passion for design and urban development. I talked about the marvels of the modern world like Abu Dhabi’s skyline, Marina Bay Sands, the Eiffel Tower and I would ask: Why can't Bhutan have its own blend of traditional and modern architecture against their name? 

I encouraged them to think bigger, to become the designers, architects and engineers who would reimagine Bhutan's future infrastructure.

And that's where Frank Lloyd Wright comes in.

I admire Wright not just for his genius, but for how he transformed the very idea of what architecture could be. His work is not merely about buildings it's about harmony between nature, design and human life. And more importantly, his concept of "Organic". I've watched several documentaries on his creations and the philosophy behind them. "Fallingwater" is one that truly captivated me, a breathtaking blend of form and environment. I hope to visit it in person someday.

I have a deep love for architecture and built environments. Like Wright, I dream of a Bhutan where innovation meets tradition, where the next generation, perhaps some of my own former students, rise to build structures that inspire the world.

That is my hope. And that is why I admire Frank Lloyd Wright.

6. Steve Jobs 

Photo: Vox web

Steve Jobs was the man behind the iPhone and Mac. Perhaps, he was one of the greatest minds the world has ever known. 

A true technology genius, he didn't just invent products; he created the future. His work made technology not only powerful, but also beautifully simple, so elegant in design and experience that people instantly fall in love in one touch.

Today, Apple has become more than just a brand. It's a symbol of innovation, luxury and trust.

Steve Jobs gave the world a device that feels almost magical, something that connects us, entertains us, supports our work and keeps us organized, all with a touch. 

I still remember the moment I first used an iPhone, a black iPhone 7 back in early 2019. That was it. I was hooked. Since then, I've become a loyal Apple user for two simple reasons: timeless design and incredibly smooth performance.

By some grace of luck, I've been using a MacBook Air (2015) since 2019, and in 2023, I upgraded to an iPhone 14 Pro. These devices are more than tools, they are experiences. I simply love them.

Wherever you are, I hope you can feel the appreciation from millions like me. Your creation have changed the world of technology.

As iPhone has become a status symbol, it even did not spare my mom falling for this phone, someday she wants to own one. 

Thank you, Steve Jobs. 

A symbol of love and loyalty

"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 father-son bond -the quiet hope a father carries that one day his son will care for him through life’s difficult moments, especially in old age.

When I look back on my own life, what touches me most is the unwavering love of our parents. They sacrifice so much, shielding us from the harshness of the world, guiding us toward the right path, and providing us with the best they can—be it food, clothes, or comfort. 

All of it, done selflessly, with the hope that when they grow old and vulnerable, we will be there to support and care for them in return.

For every single parent, what they hope is, their children become good human beings. Serve the nation with loyalty, dedication and raise another great generation. The question is, are we really nurturing another generation of loving human beings!. 

I hope this story is true and not just a fictional one.  

 

 

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. 

Punatsangchhu Happiness

I grew up watching the groundwork of one of the biggest Hydropower Projects in the country a decade ago. Back then as a little schoolboy, traveling between Tsirang and Thimphu used to be entertaining stretch between Wangdue and Tsirang. Not sure about the other passengers, but I have a deep inclination towards this project and seamlessly made memories to last eternity. It was around this place I saw heavy and complicated machines operating on the walls and deep valleys like in dreams. 

Like any other traveler, every time I take a journey, I purposefully take a chance to keep myself awake throughout the area so that I can silently enjoy the unearthing and tunneling work. On several occasions, I counted the number of long and big lorry ferrying with project materials only to find the numbers were puzzling. However, what amazed me most was the tunneling works and still today I find it to be an amazing art of human work. The tunnel always kept me wondering about the depth and its ending points. I never felt my bus journey was boring and long. I too never felt the roads were bumpy, risky and slippery unless I started to drive myself a decade later. 

On one occasion, while traveling with my mom, I put my own interpretation and explained many things to her and much later, I realized some discussion was quite funny and useless. I'm so sure, she won't remember beyond a few tunnels and machines. 

The area for most passersby used to be the exhibition piece –especially tunneling and display of machinery. I never thought such Rocky Mountains could be dug like easy Rat Hole and change the course of the powerful Punatsangchhu, since we are incapable of building a suspension bridge over it.  

***

Despite many odds, one thing that never failed to impress me was the Highway Tunnel at Rurichhu. Ever since I saw this breathtaking tunnel, I have desired for many more to come on our roads, since I found this could be a game changer for our country.

Highway Tunnel –DUNGKARBJA, is the Landmark Civil Engineering Piece Born out of PHPA and it should serve as the sample for us to drive deeper into our development paradigm. I hope many more of such pieces will get through the table of our bureaucrats as we become mature and strong in our economic status. Such development will not only reflect on our strength of underground space engineering but also greater human experts and resources. I always wish our civil engineering sector take this matter seriously in hand as we face the razor of the changing times.  

Entry From Tsirang Side

Mid-way Tunnel

Exit Toward Wangdue

Since the never ending roadblocks, falling boulders, sinking areas, potholes, etc, have raised a huge national concern and eaten up a huge government fund every year. We must plan more reliable and safer road networks with tunneling at necessary points. It is high time for us to realize and plan on our past development errors. So far, we have lost invaluable land and other resources into broad valleys of India, we can't afford to lose more of our prestige and scarce land piece anymore. As we progress in a new era, full of technology and experts, one thing I always hope can solve our road issue is underground tunneling technology, it will not only save our land resources, but also rich biodiversity of the plant and animal kingdom. 

Tunneling Lamperi to Hongtsho not only save travel time, but also serve a great deal of snow drive and thick foggy areas and save rich biodiversity. However, this human art takes careful planning and dedication. 

Above all, such development shift would become a country's wealth and strength...

***

Orchid, The Flower For My Girl

 

Down on the hills

I see flowers of different variety

Rose, Rhododendron and Orchid

My favorite is the Orchid

 

Down on the hills

I see flowers of different colors

Red, purple and yellow

My favorite is the yellow 

 

Down on the hills 

I see flowers of different petals

Single, double and three-fold

My favorite is the three-fold

 

Down on the hills 

I see flowers of different height

Tall, medium and short

My favorite is the medium

 

Down on the hills 

I see flowers of different leaves

Broad, small and thin

My favorite is the thin

 

Down on the hills

I see flowers of different fragrance

Sweet, fruity and classic-lily

My favorite is the classic-lily

 

What's your favorite flower? 

I love Orchids! 

A gift to my GIRL -YESHA BABY

Mathematics in My Daily Life

Life is all about math!

From early morning till bedtime, everything falls within math whether one is literate or illiterate, rich or poor, east or west. Everything at home is math. How one prepares, and eats every single meal is the fundamentals of math. From shopping to cooking to playing to music to art, it's the multiple of mathematical principles. 

 

For me math is as simple as this, suppose I am preparing an evening tea for my family. I should know the total number of heads, plus the quality of the tea. The important aspects I must know is how much tea leaves, sugar, milk and other ingredients I need for a quality tea. I have to do a simple math within my head before I lay my hand in action for a tea-making job. 

In everyday happenings, however, one doesn't need to be good at math class or math activities. It all needs one's imagination relating to figures, numbers and the situation. 

Let me share a small anecdote that I can recall of my math class and one of my close friends. I was good at math class. I used to get a lot of appreciation from my math teacher and many friends used to see me as the math champion. I also used to top the math tests and exams, however, I had one friend who was absolutely poor in math class and now interestingly he owns a big shop, and probably he must have counted more money than I would earn in my entire life. He is more successful in financial matters than someone who is absolutely good at math class.

Interestingly it doesn't actually make one wise and rich just by being good at math class or scoring good grades in exams. Therefore, math is a poly-matter and extreme to be with, but not funny as it seems.