Ageing Love!

89/M old Grandpa and granny eating from one plate - magic of love. 

No sooner had I stepped into the BHU patient's room than my eye caught hold of an old love, an ageing love. Of course, at this age it is time for them to rest in a sheer blissful peace, chant mantras and time to count rosary beads but their situations wasn't so jovial. 

All I could see and feel looking at their warmth relationship is the power of love, love exist throughout and eternally in one's heart.

It may seem absurd to believe in this entwined love story of 89 years old Grandpa and Granny, a primitive love culture in the Himalaya but it is very true, a real take home story. In fact, they've portrayed us the best example, a quality of human bond one should have for any kinds of relationship. I know what it is to love and be loved by someone with uncut heart is a great fortune of life. And that is what I've seen in them.

Although, today everyone mien for happy ending future and the true love but all in uncertainty. Perhaps, if someone desires for happy and unbroken family lineage one must continue from the very primordial time of one owns ancestry otherwise it'll never end like 'First Love'. Happy and strong bonded relationship impart the sense of high integral family values, sincerity and dedication. Remember love works and survive in all types of situations if conditioned properly.

Looking at this seasoned and old love cultures in our society I ne'er feel like to abandon this world of impermanence. But, this same journey of life will never going to spare me and anyone. I feel very sad and empty when I look at this earthy suffering of old age. I can't wait to see this kind of grim situation but it is the part of life. The cause and condition of life improbability start to begin from the time we merely start to swim inside mother's womb. And simply reflecting upon life down to subtle line gives me even more painful. The menace persuasion always starts to fill my mind as soon as I think of old age. All I want is to die as young as possible. I don't want anyone to suffer for me, I wanted to die in harmony, peacefully. 

At the door step to BHU, Zhemgang I was surprised to see very old couple helping each other unwearyingly with much love and care. Although it is time for them to get love and care from their lovable child but the situations wasn't so fair to them.   

They cherish the moments of being in love but for how long? When the uncertainty of life knocks on the door of impermanence they need to license their material presence yet they believe is love that is more powerful than any medicines. Although, I've never known them before, I'm not their biological line, relatives but I started to feel as one, an honest heart to serve them with few basic elements.  We know no one dares to leave this place yet no one can escape the bond of death, uncertainty of life. I know initially they might have fallen in love like you and I do for so many reasons - beautiful and charming life but today same life has reached beyond repair. It would be same for all of us - no matter how rich, how powerful, how beautiful and how famous one is, the path of death is same? I can admit evanescence of life and the moments of ecstasy reminisces far unless you and I sojourn with peace mind. 

Looking at the situations of this senior citizens honestly I don't wanted to live long to the time when I can't eat, sleep, dress, walk and see around by myself. What do you say?

Whatever, maybe the situation, the ingredients of all sacred emotions which binds two lovers with destiny and faith is to remain in harmony and in peace. I wish everyone to have mutual love bond in-between family, lovers and to living world. So, that you'll never regret to the action you've made knowingly or unknowingly. 

Food of LOVE!

I was surprised to see this couple eating together from a single plate, drinking from one cup and sharing what little they've is something we must take as an example. But, can you do like them at this age, when the love has become too old? 

My message to all the lovers is to be tolerant in love, have dedication to each other and be faithful. Because you'll never going to escape the path of death, lonesome and old age. Remember your single love counts more than how you'll live your entire life. 

Please, experience the new height of love every day and every moment...Love happens anyway and then miracle will follow your footstep.

Ap BOKTO's Curriculum!

Day II: Curriculum review and Kagan's structure in place

In the name of Ap BOKTO - let us cement our education system together exuberantly. Let us not forget to invest in right share of education today to our youth because if we fail we'll fail as a nation, if education system fails nothing will going to succeed. 

Although, Bhutan is experiencing a rapid change yet we can't forgo in investing for right education system in place.  The one major changes that was brought in for education sector is 21^st century transformative pedagogy. However, the question arises on curriculum being very vast and need to incorporate/use Kagan's structure is a new challenges faced by school nationwide.   

However, at our level we've reviewed our own subject thoroughly regarding currency, accuracy and challenges that are being underline are submitted to education office to send it to curriculum division, Ministry of Education. My appeal to curriculum designers and ministry would be to review on each subject Dzongkhag wise and not to slash down too many points submitted as the acquiesced proposal is all based on field experience.  

We talk so much about the world class education system of Finland and Singapore but are we ready to accept and change for it?

To put in quality education system our Ministry must put in place the sturdy curriculum - relevant and accurate than vast and irreverent one. Education only subsist if Ministry take full charge in designing appropriate curriculum else the fate of education will remain the same. At the same time close monitoring on implementation and timely reviewing of the content are also equally important.  

English PLC

The main focus for English department encircle within the dimension of literature, language and composition. On these basis our English teachers felt that curriculum would best suit if more importance is given to language development rather than literature for preprimary to middle secondary section. As they have seen and felt that the rapid growth of language development takes place maximum at this stage of life and the class level.  

Dzongkha PLC

Obviously, the Dzongkha teachers felt that the standardization of the Dzongkha spellings need to be address soon. They felt some of the important Dzongkha literature felt neglected and need to be reintroduce conspicuous topics like Lagsey Langdor, Ashi Nagsa, Namthar and some subterranean text before its cessation, which has the ability to change the mindset of our Youth into today's rapid changing world. They also felt that the present curriculum has diluted long standing culture of Bhutanese civilization and the existence before it dies completely.  

Math and IT PLC

Our maths and IT teacher felt that the present curriculum for all the level seemed to be beyond their level. Some of the content present in lower classes were not toning when they reach to higher classes. Moreover, some of the maths teacher pointed out that what they are teaching in middle secondary mathematics (i.e. understanding mathematics) is a curriculum that has been derived from Canadian syllabus and when they reach to higher secondary, the change in content to ISC brings so much of disproportion and content mismatch ideas that could be one main reason why our present twelve graduate is not in a position to score good mark and couldn’t perform well in their higher studies.  They have pointed out that the lack of proper working model or teaching-learning materials are also the main concern they think are hindering the better learning outcome for mathematics. Teachers felt that need of common rubrics to assess students, need of reintroducing some of the imperative topics according to their standard or omitting some of the unwanted topics are also the highlight of the curriculum review work. Moreover, some teacher’s share their views on doing away with back answer key for the activities as it simply promote the habits of manipulating answers and makes students lazy, but same can be given to teacher’s manual book in which teachers can tell the answer only after the work is being done by all the students. So, in this way better learning outcome and healthy practicing habit can be inculcate to every students. Some teachers felt that there are broken topics like Matrix which is giving them trouble to make the lesson appropriate and connect the links and ideas is also a big test.  However, IT teacher felt that the up gradation of windows, software and latest information in the textbook are necessary to build rhetoric learning in our child.  

Day II: Presentation on curriculum review work

Science PLC

Teachers teaching lower and middle secondary classes felt that the present science subject has so much broken, irreverent, complex and repeated topics which are actually encumbering on timely completion and better learning outcome of the students in the subject. They felt the new science curriculum has come through lots of research study but there are still room for improvement like streaming down of too many practical activities for each topics.

  

All the science teachers felt that the contents that was given for higher secondary curriculum are too vast, irreverent and broken concepts are taxing on why our science students are unable to perform well in exam.  Teachers are made to deal with demanding situations without any proper working model, suitable classroom setting and laboratory environments. There are problems of classroom size and lab size to class strength which are also the main reasons for poor learning results. Science teachers finally land up teaching the concept as what is given in the textbook merely explaining the practical work through hand and verbal gesture. It is difficult to making them believe on the abstract things without any better facilities like working equipment. It is difficult to improvise all the concept in the form of chart paper all the times and verbal explanation which ultimately would result in poor performance and even many students lose their interest in learning the subject. Every time we land up teaching the theory concept making our students build up their own concept in their mind though hand and bodily gesture which at time is very difficult. We are indeed facing boundless challenges with inadequate teaching learning materials, overhead projector seemed must at this time and system support. Tell me for how many times should we say Backmann's experiment and Etherification process looks like this or that from the board or chart paper. I am bit worried about how my students will put me in their sphere when they reach to degree level on this and that explanation. Moreover, I also felt timely supply of chemicals, reagents and equipment in school is must and important to cover up syllabus in specified period.

Humanities PLC

Teachers teaching arts and commerce subjects felt that some of the topics has no fixed or prescribe textbook, vague/less contents for some topics, lack of continuity of ideas, concepts of principles and concept assumption are all mixed up in some subjects, need to reduce accountancy content, need only one textbook for the subject covering all the topics in order to reduce the cost and the confusing factor, need updated version of textbook with current information intact, need to update the textbook every four-five years duration to timely keep track of the changing facts on the subjects matter, need teachers manual book in order to guide students uniformly and to maintain the standard of every school and need for updated version of maps, data and figures will undeniably solve all the standing problems of education far and wide.

Some teachers from humanities department pointed out that there wasn't much link between GNH and history subject. As they said that GNH is a developmental philosophy and history usually talks on country's history and political issues of past and the present. They felt that linking GNH and history content is creating many uneven ideas and conclusion among different legion/social groups.

Need to do away with the content of Gandhi's philosophy or history as it usually contradict or has no links on Bhutanese philosophy, culture and life accounts. Our teachers felt that the view that is given or reflected in history of India brings some social prejudice and different political views for Bhutanese democracy.

Nevertheless, teachers and students representative felt that it is also important to include all the contributions made by our Kings with images and figures to remember and cherish their dynamic rule as a King or kingship in the history of Bhutan. 

Day II: Teachers and students participants 

5 Noble Truth About Bhutan.

google.  Bhutan Map. 

Number 1: Bhutan's isolation
The first national television has arrived in 1999 on the command of Royal King of Bhutan. And internet also arrived only late in 2000.

Number 2: Gross National Happiness
 Although most of the nation measures their development progress through Gross National Product but our visionary Fourth Druk Gyalpo has commissioned Bhutan's core idea of development progress through Gross National Happiness concept. The main inkling of GNH measures environmental protection, sustainable development, cultural preservation and good governance.

Number 3: Environment
 It was relented that Bhutan is the only country that absorbs more cabondioxide than it release out. The only carbon neutral to negative country in the world today at the era of developmental phenomenon. At the same stand forest coverage should remain more than 63% for all times and that was fully roofed by new approach of GNH pillar.

Number 4: Dress code
The dress code of Bhutan is world's big surprise. All the Bhutanese national must wear traditional dress code (Gho for men and kira for women) to work in office and to visit monasteries/Dzongs. We see even more bright and colorful dresses being wore and displayed during the national occasions, festivals/ceremonies. Bhutanese men's gho has the world's largest pocket to hold all necessary stationary for the working days. In fact, for all times we've always surprised the world in cultural and traditional uniqueness.

Number 5: Phalluses
The hanging of wooden man-made Phalluses on the side of every Bhutanese houses is not a surprise culture for us but it's a big, big bombshell for the west. Nonetheless, the paintings of handy and beautiful Phalluses is a common cultural activities to drive away the evil eye and the spirit. It represents a symbolic token of luck, used for house warming rites and represents for many culture demands.

What do you know about Bhutan and Bhutanese? What do you know about outside world? I'm proud to be a Bhutanese. I hold a national citizenship identity of Bhutan and will be Bhutanese throughout. I heard many saying I was born in Bhutan, is Bhutanese, breadth in the Bhutanese air, sleep under the dynamic rulers and will be taking away life in Bhutanese soil. So, I also thought to experience the same and wanted to die in the Bhutanese land/soil.  

Digital Detox

google.com

Do you get restless if you fortuitously leave your cell phone at home for the day? Are you regularly checking for new messages, emails or social media updates, even when you are in the bathroom? Do you text and drive despite knowing possibly deadly consequences?

I have heard about the human being detox from some chronic diseases or from some addiction in-order to become better or reduce the pain but here comes new measures to digital detox which helps human to get out of technology touch for some period of time, when s/he become too addicted into social media. 

Digital detox - refers to a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic gadgets such as mobile phones and computers. It is regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress and focus on social interaction in the physical world.

Many studies showed on - how technology can contribute to high levels of stress, pressure on relationships and family, attention disorder symptoms, certain mental disorders and even health problems. The more things you're hooked into the harder it'll be to get out of it and the more anxiety will crop on. But if one wanted to get out of technology world, a detox can help us release some of the negative accrual and give us some break to make some choices. 

Here are some urgent benefits of digital detox: 

Good mental health: There is a growing concern among scientists that indulging in these ceaseless disruptions caused by digital devices is not good for our brains than excessive sugar, fat and other things we tend to crave are not good for our bodies.

Better human relationships: With digital detox, it is possible to maintain a better relationship. Many people have bad breakups because of a cultural shift from face-face communication and shorter attention span. Spending more time on social media platforms than interacting with people face-to-face in the physical world has a preventing effect on the development of communication and social skills.

Increased Productivity: Mobile devices and gadgets often cause distractions at work leading to poor performance, carelessness, absent-mindedness and failure.

Good Posture: The physical effect of too much technology will be reduced. Such effects include wrist, arm and shoulder pain, ears roaring, eye strain and lack of sleep. 

The Destruction to Continue Beyond Repair

In 2013, I've first walked into this place to be an Educator. It's all about my fate to be in this beautiful place - much untouched from destruction, much isolated and many unexplored nature for human benefits and consumption. Back then Zhemgang was a beautiful place.

Soil erosion - BPC tower

Of course, many things have changed and progressed after my arrival. But, not to this extend of progress. The one that I felt much concern with the establishment of 'New Electric Tower' on mountain top, where the land feature is not suitable to hold these heavy equipment’s and machinery. Once it was a place to remember for its serene nature, a place that has everything intact - from abundant fresh air to greenery. Once it was a heavenly place for countless lives and now it has become a place beyond mention. 

Who should be held answerable for this big environmental causes that can't be repaired with the whole funding that has been incur to build this tower? Should we say 'Government of India or Royal government of Bhutan' for investing to cause this debase work? If it is our government, who have unwisely used the money, no doubt we're digging our own grave yard.

BPC tower - 2016

I'm sure this place will take over next few decades to generate but never to its original firm. What has happened to this most appalling and highly foolish establishment of electric tower, which has caused irreparable damaged to thousands of living beings? We may never be able to undo the damage that has been caused but it is my hope that the government will do whatever is indispensable to rescue this kinds of activities in future for the environmental cause. We say loud that Bhutan is only Carbon NEGATIVE country and if we continue to progress over this kind of unplanned activities to run further how far can our environment sustain. That way - are we not pressurizing our nature?  

Landslide - July 2016

In the hope of few happiness or development we're losing our pristine nature that can't be even regenerated for centuries. With this kinds of human actions in place we're simply losing our nature that gives everything. Perhaps, in the name of country's development are we not creating black mark everywhere without any planned planning? Indeed, we've already lost enough of our environment to developmental activities which can't be undo by any special force. And still we're extracting, how far shall we continue and prolong our unplanned damage. 

 

I cannot say for sure but it may be possible that the tower will give back the human services for what it is meant for. The sole responsible agencies for the damages caused for this mountain top should think whether the demand has met or not. Government of India, Royal government of Bhutan, Bhutan Power Cooperation limited and Ministry of Agriculture are the concern agencies that need to study the feasibility of land features for any developmental activities otherwise, we'll cost even more to generate what we're gifted with.

I know if the Ministry of Agriculture, Bhutan would have barred the funding agencies from environmental clearance issues, this mountain erosion would have not occurred and caused this corrupt damages. If money can buy everything no doubt Bhutan will become next SINGAPORE in few years but where do we stand on only Carbon NEGATIVE country in the world. Isn't it a shameful activities we are planning everywhere. Of course, nothing can substitute the beauty of this mountain but there are other option still left for a wise planner for not aiming to dig and extract this kind of sloppy and unstable mountain in future. 

In 2014, this same spot looks like this - Tshogyal sir (pic)

Land destruction - opposite to Zhemgang Dzong

It is my belief that our concern agencies would have sold this mountain top to counterpart in good faith - based on the primeval conditions are made. Hope the laws that are made aren't go in vain. Therefore, should we chose to withhold the work progress that has brought enough destruction or penalize based on the environmental laws, can it substitute all the damages. I could see careless and unwise planning that has stand out into this electric tower; one not being ethical and the other not being visionary.

But one thing I can assure here without hesitation is countless money will flow in after the project is done, the view at the end of the construction will be consummate but where are we heading for the world's big idea of Carbon Supply.  

Night view of Zhemgang Town from mountain-top 2014

View of Zhemgang - Tshogyal sir (pic2014)

William Shakespeare

Royal Education Council is likely to reintroduce Shakespeare in the English curriculum for secondary schools after nine years gap. It is to replace dramas for present class XI and XII have in the curriculum, from 2017 academic session.

Shakespeare was discontinued in 2006 with the introduction of New Bhutanese English Curriculum. Many had felt Shakespearean language was obsolete and difficult and that is how it came to a halt. 

However, based on the discussions carried out by REC with English teachers across the country, the reintroduction of Shakespeare was deemed important. All the English teachers felt that it has cavernous meaning, much quintessence and values which are not seen in the dramas being taught in the new curriculum.

William Shakespeare  

But with the reintroduction of this new curriculum I am bit confused whether our new generation can adopt with it or not - thou, thy, thee, wouldst, dost. I'm somehow lucky to get last chance to study the old English curriculum when I was in class ten. At least I know who is William Shakespeare and his few textbooks that was there in our old curriculum.  

I wish - All the best for the successful reintroduction of Shakespeare textbook and hope our new generation can get better chance to explore all about Shakespeare in the wheel of technology.  

For more detail: http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=60908

Roles of a Teacher

Ten main roles of a teacher in school. 

i.   Maintain high degree of class discipline which is indispensable for effective learning.

ii.  Take care of the class attendance and the other necessary key records.

iii.  Prepare the result sheets and progress reports of the class students.

iv.  Regularly check the uniform and the cleanliness.

v.   Act as a bridge between the parents and the students on any issues.

vi.  Effectively implement student’s code of conduct.

vii.  Act as a role model for the students and promote wholesome education.

viii. Coordinate students for all types of class competitions – cleanliness, campus beautification, SUPW, reading programme, games and sports, classroom care and development.

ix.  Provide academic, pastoral care and support to each student in need.

x.   Inculcate good character and conduct in each student. 

 P.S: Thank you -  all teachers for the values that you have given to us. You all are great and we will always remember your kindness and the love that you have shown to us.