Know your NA Candidate

Honestly, our party lacks long-term pledges and the environmental conservation agenda to deliver. Thus, I voted but not only for the water pledges. 

While all the political parties gear up to publicize their party, party president, themselves and their pledges for next five years and –beyond, it is also important to know the right party and the right candidate who can possibly serve the nation well. Whoever comes into power, they must keep the wheels of development and progress turning without increasing the national debt. Therefore, they must be creative and workable.

Whatever and however they sell themselves and the party, the only two best and the lucky party will see the light of the day after 15^th October and two losing parties have to be in the queue for the next five years. Although, the journey of the two winning parties will become one step closer in crowning the victory but at the same time it will be more intense and challenging to pass the final test. For which they must be smart and selective for whatever they will talk and how they will walk their talk.  

Whoever comes into power, they must remember that they represent all the four parties in their best suit, they must live up to their full promises from their office or they must remain committed in their good behaviors, actions and will. More importantly, we want proper progress and the wholesome development to take place. We want someone who believes in the most fundamental principles of life and someone who can really unite people as one nation and one people. 

Winning doesn't lie in the party president, party motto and the pledges. But, the winning formula lies in those who have travelled to the furthest and to the remotest pocket of their constituency. They must or have to win the heart of the people they come across. 

I doubt their one-day luck but one is sure to win the race. One will decorate in full blue kabney and the pathang for the next five years. Therefore, I wish good luck to all the party representatives of my constituency on and after 15th October. 

NA representatives of Sergithang-Tsirangtoed constituency.

Reading Solitude

Reading. One word that defines everything. 

Is it necessary to read a book or anything? No. But, reading makes you wise and bold. 

It may be the easiest thing for some and hardest for the other. But for me reading is something that pleases me so much. It's always fun to read some good books. Remember, reading few books will never transform your feelings, make you a good speaker and a writer. But, it can definitely widen your thinking horizon. If you enjoy reading some lines or a few paragraphs a day, that is good enough. Feel happy and satisfied. There is nothing as good as that. 

To my students, I always encourage them to read more books besides their school text to see the world –beyond seeable. Reading makes you feel better, takes you away from bad habits, it relieves your pain, engages your brain cells and more importantly it makes you wiser.

Although, I picked up reading habits quite late in my life due to some circumstances, but I enjoy reading now. I am seriously into it now. Nothing interests me as much as when I am with some good books. There is nothing as special as reading a book now. Please, know that reading happens everywhere –steps, corners, ground, kitchen, bathroom and in the bush. 

Today, to mark the end of reading week, we chose to read outside for 45 minutes. In fact, it was the mass reading that happened in the steps, assembly ground and on the lawn. I enjoyed reading a few pages of the book that I am cemented for a few weeks now. However, it was not so pleasing to see some indecipherable and nervous faces. Maybe reading wasn't fun to them. While few have shown their expensive smiles, which means some have enjoyed reading. I have learnt that perhaps, reading is not everyone's cup of tea.

But, to me reading is always fun and this part of habit will remain forever with me. I read when I am happy, I read when I am sad, I read when I am unable to sleep, I read when I am in pain and more so, I read when I am normal. Thus, I find secret happiness is reading and it improves my moods as well. Thus, there is nothing beyond reading. For me reading will remain impregnable for now and in future. My heart thump when I see some good books and articles around the corners. 

It also injects feelings of eagerness and eases my stress when I am with books or anything that is readable. 

However, it is disappointing to see our youth not taking up reading habits seriously despite repeated requests both at school or at home. I don't know what will actually interest them.

Often, I use this phrase –if you wanted to betray yourself, please don't read anything. 

But, I feel good when I read...

Are we ready for the Water Pledges?

Instead of more water flowing in our water taps, the onset of summer brings in more water shortage. And this is our perennial problem for decades now. Perhaps, there is a very scarce water shortage in a water rich country.  But with the election nearing, party campaigning on high and tight, the hopes in access to safe and sufficient drinking water supply for every household is becoming quite hopeful and impressive, whoever comes into power. Since, all the four political parties have their water agenda to deliver. However, I am a bit worried about this embellish pledge for how far it takes and works for the common need.

I am happy for the handsome and excited big party promises but worried equally for not being so genuine. I could see their pledges would cost more than a country's total revenue for five years. If this is the case, why our two governments have terribly failed to solve this water problem which they are promising now. They felt the urgency, but they have failed to deliver their services to people for the last 10 years are something very unexpected.

Now they claim that the main problem of insufficient water supply is all due to the poor water management system in place. Whom shall we blame for this? What have our two governments done for all these many years? We must understand the difference between –physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity. Ours is economic water scarcity, which means improper planning and distribution of infrastructures and insufficient human capacity to meet the demands. Current data states that around 80% of homes lack the access to clean drinking water supply which is something to worry for a small country like ours. 

When our taps go dry for almost every day, should we feel proud of our mountains and valleys or should we feel proud of our governments for not doing enough.

Bhutan being in the greater Himalayas should out-stand with enough drinking water supply. Going objectively by the number of mountains, trees, glacial areas and the population we should easily achieve the goal of clean and sufficient drinking water by now. In fact, this problem should have invariably been solved and focused 10 years before and not now. 

Although globally water is becoming scarce and an extremely rare element. But it shouldn't be an excuse for all of us and walk the talk for the future. It is extremely important that every effort must be made to restore this problem at the earliest not only as a party convention and candidate wooing for a vote in their constituency.  Nonetheless, we can have rice shortage and salt issues. It is understandable for a mountainous country but not this water shortage at all. 

Although, in our context one thing is obvious that human settlement and streams or rivers are perfectly mismatched. About 87% of human settlement is away from the periphery of streams/rivers but it should not be an excuse. Thus, I feel bogus party pledges should not stand for this.

Of late, the research based in London and USA made me think overly for which they have found out that, "levels of plastic fibers in popular bottled water brands could be twice as high as those found in tap water." Which means bottled water is no safer to drink. What are we supposed to drink, when our home taps go dry for almost 24 hours a day?

The more shameless is when you get your monthly water bills so high, when your taps still go dry for a month. Interestingly, water in Zhemgang has become more expensive than Lobster Frittata and forget about fueling your own body with clean water. 

I am a bit worried about the very curious party febrile air forming now about all ambitious promises. However, I am ready to vote for the party whose primary agenda is in conserving environment and not for anyone else. 

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.

Book Review: Emotional Intelligence

Name of the book: Emotional Intelligence

Author: Daniel Goleman

Book genre: Self-help book

Year of publication: 1995

 

The book by Daniel Goleman “Emotional Intelligence” takes us into a journey of self–discovery. It talks about close relationship between IQ and EQ. It says IQ is important but more so EQ is must. Perhaps, human intelligence is far too narrow and that our emotions play a huge role in decision making that lead to mountain of success. Therefore, EQ is the key to both personal and professional accomplishment. 

 

In this grotesque world where people are fully run by technology, this book can give a very effective and practical solution to overcome your daily obstacles with colleagues and bosses. Perhaps for the same reason, I was immensely benefited. More so, I highly recommend this book for teachers and parents. It has lot of practical solution to increase leadership ability, team performance and decision making to personal wellbeing. On the other hand, it also helps to reduce occupational stress and staff turnover. 

 

To the least one can also get to read on how to overcome low self-esteem and become better human being without having to spend any energy. It basically talks about how to manage oneself. Interestingly, this book is the enemy to anger and fury, depression and anxiety. 

 

Amusingly, after having read this book, I come to realize so many scuttle of my life. In this millennial generation, for people with different academic ability, more than IQ, EQ is must. And this book will serve as the perfect guide to unlock your success. Please, read this book!

 

This book is a perfect guide to improve overall quality of life and relationship everywhere. If you are looking for a perfect solution to your fractured relationships with your family, friends and community this book is the perfect guide to your problem. 

If you are looking for a successful career and wanted to champion your professional life, you must read this book. Therefore, better grab a copy and read to understand yourself and around. BE THE CHANGE! 

 

A must read book for parents, teachers, lawmakers and in fact everyone who wants their child or anyone who want to champion in life. This book would be your personal guide. Please grab a copy and do not miss your chance to be a successful person in life. 

5 best places you must visit in Bumthang

Bumthang is located at an altitude of 2800m (9,185ft) above sea level. From the time immoral, the valley is famous for holding many age-old monasteries, Lhakhang's and other secret religious sites more than any other places.

Due to its beautiful landscape, people often mislead Bumthang with Switzerland. For the local people, their main crops still remain buckwheat and barley although potatoes were recently introduced in the valley. 

For centuries the valley also houses for many highly regarded lamas and intellectuals. Above all, Bumthapzams are uniquely tall and beautiful. 

1. Kurjey Lhakhang

 

View of Kurjey Lhakhang from Tamshing monastery

Kurjey Lhakhang is located few minutes’ drive away from Chamkhar town. Kurjey means the body print of Guru Rinpoche. The main temples also called as the Guru Lhakhang, that was built by Trongsa penlop, Minjur Tenpa in 1652. As you travel more inside the Lhakhang, you can see and touch many ancient histories. But more surprisingly one can witness the 16^th century old Cypress tree still standing firm and strong, which was supposed to be the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. The other is the Kurjey Drupchhu, a sacred spring water. Therefore, don't miss the chance if you visit Bumthang valley.

2.  Membar Tsho (The Burning Lake)

 

Path that lead to Mebar Tsho

Mebar Tsho

The burning lake is located along the way to Tang village. It takes approximately thirty to forty minute's drive from Chamkhar town. Mebar tsho is considered as one of the most sacred place in the region. It is believed that the great Terton Pema Lingpa have re-discovered the hidden treasure (the text hidden by Guru Rinpoche).

The place is always filled with the local people from all works of life and as far as Lingzhi. On pick tourist season, many tourists visit the sites to offer some butter lamps and to see the amazing beauty of the lake. But more importantly, one need to be watchful while visiting the sites since the path leading to the main lake is extremely narrow and slippery. The place is not advisable for small kids alone and someone who is a heavy boozer.

3.  Tamshing Monastery

Tamshing Monastery is one of the most important Nyingma Gompa built by Pema Lingpa in 1501. It is one of the oldest monastery in the country. It holds many sacred histories and important relics. Interestingly, the heavy iron net has completely dazed me for its supernatural belief. I wish for my Australia dream and if you happen to be around the valley, please make a visit and throw your wild wishes. It may be possible sometime!

4.  Tharpaling Monastery

 

View of Tharpaling from Gyetsa village

Tharpaling Monastery from mountain top

Men in action to cross the dead lock hill. 

View of Chamkhar town from Tharpaling top

View of Chumey town from Tharpaling top

View of Chumey town

Tharpaling monastery is located above Chumey valley approximately at an altitude of 3,600m. A very narrow diversion road from the national highway goes up to the monastery from Gyetsa village. It takes an hour drive uphill to reach the site. The main part of the monastery was established by Longchen Rabjam in 1308. Chodrak monastery, a place where Guru Rinpoche mediated is also located just above the main sites. The whole flank of the mountain is serene for mind training and meditation. Therefore, if you are looking to calm your mind and body, please do visit and experience the amazing and blessed mountain.

Once you reach on the top, above all the monasteries, you get the best view of Chumey valley to the south and Chamkhar town to the north. The place is simply amazing and simply spectacular. It gives the best feel, the feel that touch heaven on earth.

However, if anyone wish to visit the monastery, the best season is cross summer and early spring. I discourage winter season because it will definitely freeze your ball however it can give the best view of some mountains and the valleys. More so, if the plan is for more detail visit, you need to look for tent and need to pack your lunch. My only advice is carry some sweets otherwise, you will go dry and etiolate on bald mountain top and I am not responsible for that!

5. The Palace of 2^nd King [Domkhar Dzong/Palace]

  

Domkhar palace is located above Domkhar village, few kilometers drive above the national highway on the left bank of Chumey river.

The second king, Jigme Wangchuck have built this palace as a summer residence for himself and the queen, Ashi Phuntsho Choeden in the year 1937. From then it continues to serve as the residence for Trongsa Penlop, the future king.

Inside the palace one can clearly see numerous relics and statue of khandroms. More interestingly one can also get to see the place where late king, Jigme Wangchuck used to meet Ashi Phuntsho Choeden in the room.