Learnings and Downfalls From the Lockdown

Lockdown –Nationwide! 

It is time for all of us to ask hundreds of questions and reflect upon how well we have spent our ongoing nationwide lockdown. 

It is the eighth successful day (11th August—) of the nationwide lockdown. We are experiencing a life like never before, never in the history of mankind. This novel coronavirus has brought us so many challenges but at the same time a beginning to hundreds of new ideas around the globe. It is like no other time that we are so united for the same cause. 

As the nationwide lockdown continues, we have learnt that we need to eat a calculated amount of everything. We even didn't spare cabbage and radish, which are the two most disliked items for a curry. I have learnt that if we are to die in such a lockdown, it is the vegetable items. 

The following are my random observations which are all my personal views. 

1.     The Government Decision

The decision was made in the early hour of August 11, 2020 (BST: 3:15am), lockdown to happen after 7 o'clock sharp through the official Facebook page of PMO, which has stated as an URGENT NOTICE to be followed by all, nationwide lockdown in the break of dawn. I strongly feel the time of the lockdown was very appropriate and timely because more than half of the population would be still in their bed, which gave everyone very less time for panic, commotion, chaos, fear, movement and crowd gathering. In this pandemic, lockdown is nothing new although we didn't experience it on our own. However, since the outbreak of this pandemic we have heard enough of the lockdown challenges elsewhere and that should be our take home message and we must remain alert and prepare ourselves internally until the end of this pandemic. In such an emergency situation of local transmission, remaining locked at home and going nation-wide lockdown is the only solution from this naughty virus. I am also sure that every one of us was almost sure for the lockdown to happen anytime and I am sure most of us were prepared and ready for this national cause. 

 

2.     The Health Workers

Like no other times, our health workers are doing their job in the call of the nation by risking their own life. For the first time, we realize the importance of our health workers and health profession. Despite such a huge risk, we never heard any health professionals backing up and fearing from their usual duty. If there is one profession that best describes this unprecedented time, it is the health profession. Whatever fear and stigma, risk and challenges they have never fail to provide their services and expertise. We have also seen them giving their best and serving the country in their best capacity all the time. I salute everyone for their dedication and service to the nation.

 

3.     The Police, Army and Forestry officials 

For the longest time, I always regarded and respected our police, army and forestry personnel for their service and dedication to the nation. They have been guarding our home, community, borderlines and the nation. They are our saviors; our hero and the national HERO.  

 

4.     De-Suups

I as a Desuup, I know the challenges and difficulties one faces in such time. Their service is always beyond their orange uniform and the cap they wear. De-suung program was very timely and visionary one. Nothing is as special as this program in this time of need. Although it started as a Royal Vision to basically strengthen the nation in times of disaster and emergency. However, it went beyond that call and the service. So today we see our De-Suups doing their job so well in supporting and helping our people across the country. They are everywhere. As De-Suup marches in their orange uniform, people around –big and small salute them for their hard work and the service they provide. De-Suups at this time are of great help and support. Thank you, Your Majesty For Such A Vision For The Nation. 

 

5.     Online Service

Never before we thought that online service would be this important and necessary someday, especially in times of such lockdown.  As the country goes for nationwide lockdown, online services have become very important and necessary. Therefore, the government and others who are already into the business of home-delivery services have come out with so sweet notification through their webpages, some through their app and other through Facebook page. However, online service seems to be quite unfriendly and challenging. In most of the cases the mobile numbers given were "switched off", some "busy", some "cannot be connected" and few "does not exist". The Facebook page was filled with a lot of grievances, which means our online delivery wasn't effective and timely. Should there be further or second or third time nationwide lockdown, our online service provider must know that their service is timely, effective, smooth and reliable for all times and especially for fast-changing Thimphu online service has become inevitable. 

 

6.     The Public

Despite so many plans and policies in place for this national lockdown, if our people do not behave well, everything would be in danger and unsuccessful one. The degree of success of such or any big or small decision depends upon how well each one of us behaves and listens to each other. This issue is a national crisis and each one of us must play our role as a responsible citizen and must abide by whatever rule is in place. We must behave as one and support each other for such a huge national crisis. So far our public has been the bone of success for this lockdown. Altogether our people have been so decent and smart. We haven't seen and heard anyone disobeying the decision made by the government of the day, we must know that whatever maybe the rule, after all it is for all of us and for the nation. We need such a high level of cooperation, resilience and smartness in our public for all times. Together we can!

 

7.     Lockdown Movement Pass System

One thing that came as a surprise in this lockdown for the people of Thimphu is the "Lockdown Movements Pass System". I wonder if such a system exists in other countries. If there is one thing that compares Dragon King's Farsighted Vision, it is this simple and unique thought that makes My KING the great leader around the world. The movement pass contains all the necessary information while one goes shopping outdoors. It contains the lockdown protocols, location, time and the area for shopping. This movement pass is basically to make this lockdown more friendly and lively and to give a feel that we are still part of each other. 

 

Despite all these learning and downfalls, we still have a long way to savior unseen challenges and future. I hope our national situation would become better as we delve our lockdown journey together. It is for the national cause. Also let us not disappoint our Monarch who has worked so hard and selflessly for our nation for the past eight months. 

 

I always keep this unforgettable quote from His Majesty –"The reckless action of a single person who clandestinely crosses the border for trade, or to meet acquaintances, or to bring someone to Bhutan, risks spreading the coronavirus in their community and in the country. It will completely undermine all our national efforts. Therefore, to be 100 percent successful in our fight against the coronavirus, it will require the unstinted cooperation of each and every person."

Covid-19, Lockdown –Nationwide!

The nation woke up to the news of the nationwide lockdown following a report of a COVID-19 positive case in Gelephu. But it wasn't surprising since we were almost sure that we would end up in a national lockdown one day or the other. It was inevitable. And we are finally under lockdown –nationwide!

It is something very serious and immediate. The call was timely and very appropriate. It needs no further explanation and judgement. It is for the cause of the nation. It is the race for life-and-death call. And the government calls it to save us from the spread of this pandemic. Otherwise, everyone of us would face the same fate. 

Four days already down and we are finally experiencing what it seems to be under the nation lockdown. We have had enough news about lockdown elsewhere. We did not give much attention other must have faced and undergone. It wasn't easy altogether. Through this lockdown, I finally realize why Donald Trump was so furious and arrogant to China for the gift of this virus. So far we didn't have any serious cases of transmission, maybe by the virtue of luck or whatever. But now it's our turn and we must reflect on our own behavior and action despite WHO and MoH requests on every individual of COVID etiquettes.  

Did we pay any attention? Did we listen to the protocols set by the WHO and the Ministry of Health? Did we listen to the feelings of our front line workers?

The first Covid case of an American tourist had shaken us little on the deadliest of the virus in the month of March. The panic and the fear just lasted for a few sweet days. Then the fear has gone forever. Nothing much has changed in our mind. We thought it would come and go. We never thought that this disease would one day enter our locality and put us into such a tight tension that we can't even cross our balcony, into a situation of national lockdown. 

However, under the lockdown, Thimphu looks deserted and more like a black-and-white film of Zhabdrung's era. The only difference is the building and roads. However, with no human being on the street the ever-busy town of Thimphu is now filled with stray dogs, roaring of the thimphu chhu, cheerful sounds of birds, fresh air and absolutely silent express highways. Thimphu looks crazy and sexy and lovely again in a century. Nonetheless, Thimphu looks like a lady in sweet sixteen as the nationwide lockdown continues for the straight fourth day.

I am pretty sure, the rest of the Dzongkhags would be experiencing the same feeling and more importantly the difficult times each one is experiencing having to stay inside without much work and movement - basically cook, eat, sleep, and talk. There is nothing more boring and serious than having to stay home, eat and sleep. 

However, everything in place, I am sure a few more days would bring some happy news of lockdown OPEN and movement FREE, but it won't be the same old days. 

 

The Lucky Friday

If not for all, the first Friday of August 2020 would simply remain as one of the important dates for me. Two very important things have occurred on this day –the successful birth of my second baby and the Champions League success at Etihad Stadium. 

The long awaited birth of my second baby happened on this day at 10:08PM inside #Delivery Room 5 of the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Birthing Center at JDWNRH. I would like to thank all the on-duty Nurses for helping out on the successful birth of my HE Baby, wet cleaner for making sure that the rooms are clean and dustless and security guard for maintaining good professional ethics.  

It was already 12:12AM, when I rushed back home to put my 3 years old SHE Baby to sleep. Although she doesn’t need us more during the day, however, she needs us in the night. We didn’t leave her alone so far despite so many tough situations. This is the time she needs our utmost love and care that is why for some more years, I have happily dumped my Australian dream. Happiness is when you are surrounded by a beautiful family. As a responsible father, I don’t want to seemingly trouble my growing babies. I don’t want them to get isolated from emotional connection when they needed the most. Also I don’t want them to grow up with the money mentality, or everything is money. 

After a quick dinner, I quickly fastened her bed so that she could rest after a long day jumping and running. As I prepared her bed, I put on the tv, searched for the Champions League match day LIVE stream program so that I can do two things together. She didn’t require any explanation or support like other days to sleep. She slept on my left and I continued the long awaited football match of Manchester City. It was an easy win for City boys as they already had advantage of two away goals at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Sterling 9’ goals and Jesus 68’ goals have sealed their victory. They will face Olympique Lyon on 16 August in Lisbon, Portugal. It is in their fate, either of them would face Barcelona or Bayern for the semi-final. However, one lucky team will lift the most desired UEFA Football cup of the 2019/2020 seasons. All the 8 teams, who have reached to quarterfinals, have the chances for the cup. My wild guess is for the City or Barcelona, however, it all depends upon their luck and the chances they create on the pitch. Football is a team game and needs a lot of energy. 

As expected, my wife gave birth to a baby boy and the Etihad success has wrapped my day ever joyfully and happily.

Mixed Bags Of Learning - III

The year 2020 is full of uncertainty and surprises. Never thought that we would land up in such a tight situation and international lockdowns. Never in history have we come with such unpleasant situations, not even the worst hit countries in the wars have suffered with such degree of harm and stressing moments. This is an absolutely difficult time human beings are undergoing and experiencing. Things like social distancing, good hand hygiene and wearing a facemask seemed quite unusual and tiring tasks.

 

 However, in the beginning of the year I committed to read as many books as possible. I made a promise; a thousand promises that shall keep me fit and engage wholeheartedly. I made a great start by reading a book by our local author. Perhaps, I made a great beginning. Although the book came with full of surprises and conflict, however I had a nice reading. Nevertheless, for the first time I fell in love with the Bhutanese book. The language, content and the message was very clear and quite reasonable, which glued me till the very last chapter. Nevertheless, it was worth spending Nu.300. 

 

 Now it is almost a half-year and I have already finished reading around 47 books. Some were quite thick, some sad and few as thin as 12 pages. I even didn't spare some children's books and love stories, which I did for a change and taste altogether. I even read those books that I couldn't read before. Above all, it was nice hanging out with all kinds of books. 

 

So whatever maybe the situation, I promised to continue reading not only for this year but also for the rest of my life. Reading is something that gives me great solace and at the same time calms my mind. It gives me lots of space to learn and understand my life and world around. Reading not only fascinates me but also it broadens my learning horizons. It also helps me unplug myself from the screen and other unnecessary stuff. However, with an arduous journey ahead, I still continue to read on an everyday basis. I am not doing for the sake of 10 Pages a day Reading Journey initiated by VTOB. It is beyond that point. Moreover, I always remain close to what His Majesty has once told us in his visit to ZCS of the power of lifelong reading. 

In this reading journey, I will always have a formidable memory to keep all those hard times and reading journeys. As always, I will keep my reading journey alive. Thank you VTOB for initiating such a noble move -READING!!!

 

Let me put up few of my reading list here;

1.     Turning Point by Pema Wangchuk

2.     Smash and grab by Sunanda K. Datta –Ray

3.     Gyal-Khab by Thakur S Powdyel

4.     Under the holy lake by Ken Haigh

5.     Her last wish by Ajay K Pandey

6.     So close to Heaven by Barbara Crossette

7.     The girl on the train by Paula Hawkings

8.     Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood

9.     Seven years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer

10.  Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

11.  Everything I never told you by celeste NG

12.  1984 by George Orwell

13.  Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 

14.  21 lessons for 21^st century by Yuval Noah Harari

15.  The karate princess by Jeremy strong

 

16. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

 

17. Animal Farm by George Orwell

Mixed Bags Of Learning - II

"Sir, would you like to buy a bicycle?" came a raspy voice of my vice-principal.

 

Bicycle 🚲 Biiiicyccccleeeeeeeeee 🚲🚲🚲

 

I never thought of it. Not even in my forgotten dreams. However, it was a good idea to experience a new thing in life.

 

He took long to convince us on the benefits and goodness of cycling. On the other hand he cleared that all the bicycles are used by tourists. He also reassured us that it should be like a new one. "Trek Company" is famous for bicycles. He excitedly said, "it is not only cheap but also versatile, smooth, comfortable, lightweight and has an attractive design".

 

I quickly checked the "company" and "brand" on the net. I have also checked its market price, design, height and other accessories. It was appealing in design and seems sexy to give a try once. 

 

I shared my plan with my wife. To make our conversation short and easy, I told her that the company is offering at a cheaper rate and the bicycles are all in good conditions. She agreed on my choice. I thanked her in silence. 

Next day after a discussion we ordered five Trek Bikes; two "Marlin 6", one "Marlin 7" and two "xCaliber 7". The seller assured to send by bus service. After making all the deals, we made an online payment.

 

As agreed, all the five bicycles have safely reached our place. We all were excited! 

 

As I started to learn a few baby steps, some of my friends were already enjoying the full strength of their bicycle. Some of them seemed really good. I saw two of my friends flying in the air with their Marlin 7. 

I got a lot of help, support and encouragement from all my friends which made my bicycle journey easy, comfortable and lively. I didn't feel any odd. Thanks to all of my friends. Some have even supported my bicycle while I learnt to balance my body and paddling. After their help and support, I took a full charge to learn with courage and determination. I had several cuts and scratches on my legs but that did not matter much in my bicycling journey. I did it. I wanted to desperately ride beside them, perhaps, along with them. 

                                             ***

First day, I almost paralyzed my butt and hands. On my second day, I could balance my body and give a few rough paddling. On my third day, I could give better body balance and give more paddling. And on the fourth day, I became quite confident and could independently ride around. I have not only slammed my legs with my pedal but also hurt my butt so much with the saddle. Indeed, my bicycling journey was initially quite crafty but very adventurous, special, unforgettable and indelible in my whole life. 

 

I still have so much to learn and sweat.

Mixed Bags Of Learning

Lately, I have been engaged with many activities. Perhaps, I am learning to stitch lots of different skills altogether –basketball, bicycling, reading, gardening, planting, cleaning, washing and even sleeping. 

 

However, above all these activities, let me share my few weeks of baby steps in basketball. While one time, I had twisted my thumb and another time I had jammed my index finger. It was horribly painful but learning was fun. 

 

It was only in my high school days that I came across this sport. Till then I have just participated in a few inter-class competitions and played a few other games, all "hum-drum". I never thought basketball needed such time and space to learn. As I grew up with the mindset that "academic" is the only means of survival. And never thought that basketball would be this attractive and fun to play and be around with the company of many friends.

 

I always grew up loving this sport. However, I have never got a chance to train myself. I never went deeper to learn the art of this sport. I realized the beauty of this sport during my late high school days, when one of my best friends got many girlfriends and admirers after the inter-class tournament. Throughout my career, I have seen the power of these games, and unite people like no other thing. There is no bar for country, region, race, gender, community, rich and poor. 

I feel sad thinking about my past school days. There wasn't anyone who encouraged and told us the importance of games and sports in life. I am learning all the way from very basic and it's something very odd and tiring at this age. It is not easy to pick up the skills required for the game. Three weeks down, and I have engaged myself seriously into this sport. Slowly I am learning to adjust myself and learning to enjoy the beauty of this sport. Thanks to the online tutorials "Youtube" for a great learning platform and inspiration. There is nothing impossible today. After going through serious practice and online tutorials, I am feeling better, confident and fit. So far I could loosen my belly size and I am expecting this trend to go -beyond. Initially, it was difficult and odd to learn very strange moves but things are improving everyday. However, despite many odds, I have learnt to live my life in a meaningful way. 

 

I practice twice in a day –1 hour each in the early morning and evening.  

 

So far I have learnt some basics in ball dribbling/handling, crossovers, jab, layups, ball balance/controlling and few faking moves. Furthermore, I have also learnt to organize good games, develop hand/finger power and study the opponents. I am still a beginner. 

 

I wish our curriculum had some chance to include a curriculum that focuses on wholesome development. 

I wish more elite (rich) could come up with a sporting academy like most of our private schools, so that our youth get more opportunities to learn and be themselves.  

I wish our curriculum would be like ZEBRA and not like CROW. Games and sports, entrepreneurship, communication skills, tech savvy, cooking, saloon and self-management are overly becoming more attractive jobs in the world today over 9-to-5 jobs. We must ignite the curiosity in learning in our young kids right from the nursery age and not when they attain 17 years or so. 

 

We don't just want our kids to fill up the gap and present themself. We need mixed bags of learning that will secure our nation. This is how we make our nation great. 

 

Three weeks of running after the ball, often twisting and turning the fingers has so far produced little that I can be proud of myself. 

Story of Aila Tshering

It was late autumn of 2014 when I first met Aila Tshering by the roadside. Thereafter, I met her several times during my bird watching expedition. 

Aila Tshering back in 2014-2017

Aila Tshering back in 2014

In a matter of a few years, she became really weak, fragile and in fact old. She is one of the elegant and attractive women I have met around the village. Back then she was strong and talkative. Now she has not only lost her weight but also became forgetful and lost her eyesight. It is equally sad to see that all her hair had turned grey. She can't remember the stories we used to share by the roadside. Perhaps, she used to be my Huckleberry Friend then. 

I used to ask questions on "Birds."

Her answers used to amuse me a lot "the number of birds have declined so much from her childhood days", but she didn't know the reason for it. 

I have shared a few importance of birds to farmers. 

 

Aila Tshering is now 78 years old. She is a tall, fair and beautiful woman with a great personality, to whom I used to share my wilderness so much.

 

However, quite early in her life, she got divorced when her late-son was not even 2 years old. Through all thick and thin, she had sailed well in life; she protected all her property. She continues to live a very independent and a strong life. However, the second phase of life came even harder when she lost her only son who was in his mid-twenties. His death appeared so shocking and at the same time heartbreaking. Since then everything collapsed but not her perseverance and acceptance of life-and-death. Despite all these sorrowfulness in her life, she continued to live each moment of her life meaningfully.

 

However, after a few years of such intense hardship of life spent all alone, the news of the death of her ex-husband shocked and aggrieved her further. Thinking of the past memories and –promises made in heaven have perhaps made her mourn for a couple of days. 

 

                                                       ***

This time I met Aila Tshering-My Old Huckleberry Friend in a different situation. She became very old now. 

 

Once a pretty and fit woman, but now she isn't in a position to keep herself fit and can’t even maintain her poorly built small stone house. She lost all her strength and courage but not her beauty. She does not have anyone to call her own son, daughter or husband. Her house needed a desperate repair. There are two choices -repair an old house or build a new one.

 

To give her shelter and let her happily enjoy life, Dasho Dzongda and his team decided to build a small bamboo mat house for safety reasons and limited time (as summer isn’t very far away).   

 

When I joined the team, the volunteers and DeSuups had already completed around 60 percent of the work. They have already given a promising structure of Aila Tshering's home. Our team continued the work to give a final touch. After two days of intense sweating, we could give the last touch to Aila Tshering's home and finally we could make her smile.

 

As I sat for a quick tea break, I chanced up to listen to her feelings. She already felt happy and lucky. Nevertheless, she feels the past few years have been rather quite hard since her health has deteriorated. 

 

                                                         ***

Her house is located a few meters below Zhemgang-Trongsa highway, which is approximately 12 km towards Trongsa from Zhemgang town. One can spot it on a gentle slope of Pam village under Trong gewog with a majestic view of Tingtibi-Trongsa highway and the East side of the famous Reotala through the little caving window of her new home. One can also have a chance to experience the fresh breeze that rises from the confluence of Wangduegangchu and the Small River that dwells through the valley. Below is the beautiful and fertile valley of Wangduegang and Nimshong village with giant black-mountain as a background, high Kango Pang mountain rises from the base of Mangdechu on the face opposite of her front door and Dangkhar village slightly uphill South. That is where Aila Tshering lives all by herself but so peacefully worshiping the local deity.

 

                                                       ***

Although, one of her cousins from her mother’s side is supposed to look after her legally for assuring all her property but time and situations of him did not favor all time to be by her side. They seldom meet and talk to each other. Along with him, Dasho Ama looks after her welfare. She visits on weekends with some homemade foods and other edible items like rice and cheese. She also washes her clothes and helps her bathe. 

 

I would like to thank Dasho Ama for educating her on how to use the toilet and maintain good sanitation. My gift of a SATO pan toilet was surprising but a promising one. As we finally bid goodbye we also promised to visit her sometime and help anyone like her in the Dzongkhag. It was also a great moment for all of us to help and serve such elderly people. This is how we must build a nation together. 

 

We did everything we could to make her happy, safe, secure and comfortable, like anyone of us; she deserves love, care, compassion, kindness and support from all of us. Whatever may be the fate, rich or poor; she should be remembered forever for she lived her life honestly and sincerely. I pray for her good health and longevity. 

Dzongdhag conferring white scarf to Aila Tshering
for her new house, and we welcomed her inside her new home.

 

Dasho Ama educating her on my SATO pan

Final touchline TEAM, and Dasho Dzongdhag