"Green Chemistry" More Than a Classroom Lesson –II

Cell Phones at School!!! 💣👊💤💔👀👋👎👏

It raises the eyebrow of everyone, even the baggers! 

 

Nevertheless, I want to try something different this "Covid Year". I have shared my plan to teach "Green Chemistry" to two sections of grade nine using cell phones and Internet things. Initially, it created a bit of commotion and hiccups amongst the students –"mobile phone in the classroom!!!"👅, forget about others. Things became clear and okay after I convinced them thoroughly about my plan for the new chapter. We settled well and agreed upon a way forward plan of action. I could hear and feel happy moods already filling up around the corners. I could clearly see much excitement and energy already in their mood. 

 

Then comes the actual day in the next 24 hours. Everyone I informed had come with the cell phones and handed over their phones to me so politely in the early morning. I could see them with completely different moods, overjoyed and excited to ride over the topics. They were ready to explore by themselves. It was the second period, my turn to take them with chemistry lessons after a heavy math class. I went with all their phones. Their eyes were high and bright. And they seem more happy and content.

 

Before I proceeded with my plan for the day, I shared with them the two sides (advantages and disadvantages) of the cell phones. Most of them were already aware of its impact. But, we can't forgo technology things and Internet things in this era. Mobile phones and Internet things have become a very important part of daily lives. All we need is, we need to use them more responsibly and safely. 

 

With caution, I have handed over their cell phones for the class activities. We explored the assigned activities together. We watched video clips in pairs on the assigned topics. They have thoroughly enjoyed the video lessons in their partners. They have answered all the questions assigned to them. Like never before, I could see everyone extraordinarily active, attentive, lively and engaged throughout the period. Like no other period, I saw even the daydreamer and idle students taking up the class activity very sincerely with different charm and everyone has cooperated so well till the very last minutes. Altogether, I have become a very different chemistry teacher at least for the period. Furthermore, we have also chanced up to share some values, sharing, fun time, bonding, living with the Internet thing, screen, civic sense, lifelong learning, patience, Internet glitches and many more underlying issues. 

 

Altogether, we have never felt chemistry would be this charming, fun and easy to learn. 

 

At the end of the period, without any direction, they switched off their phones and handed over to me, so politely and obediently. We need to give them more chances to explore and live their own life. What a beautiful chemistry class I had?

 

..........to be continued!!!

Beyond the US Election

One of the very unique and most tensed yet interesting US elections between two men of completely different personalities is finally over after a neck-to-neck dilemma to White House. Although officially every single vote count is over and time for the new president elect to be sworn in the office, however, Trump accused the new president elect for falsely claiming the victory way before the vote count is over and some states for "officials misconduct" and being "biased" on the Republicans Government. 

Biden is known for his down-to-earth personality and his ability to connect with the working-class people. His eight years as a vice president under Obama, is a major selling point for the Democrats and other admirers. 

Joe Biden has a lot of home assignments to finish before he officially takes over the White House. The Democrat government is now in all respects in an infinitely better position for dealing with the world outside than they were during Trump rule. It is fair to say that the primary responsibility of the untoward president elect is hugely beyond his office walls. It is time to re-establish lasting relationships with other countries and regions diplomatically and more politely. It is time to heal all the actions of Trump's government and put forward for Trump's weaknesses to deal with other leaders. It is time to re-connect and make a new deal especially with the "WHO" (World Health Organization) and bind more international bodies. For the damage caused for the "WHO" by President Trump, he needs to go back to primary school and re-learn the aims and objectives of "WHO". He should know that Health is a right of every citizen and each year WHO saves millions of lives across the world. 

Biden has a big role to play for his divided nation and reunite back as one strong nation and show the world that Americans are a great human race. I have no doubt that Biden will relook at the climate change challenge with other world leaders and make it more lasting for our future generations. It is also time for him to relook on policies of trade deals and solve the immigration issues. He also needs to relook at effective ways to tackle Mexico border issues and fix Russian influence on the North and Afghans. Also on the public censure, which has severely fallen apart like the "Covid-19" infection rate that has become one of the undoubted difficulties and embarrassment for the world's most advanced country. Biden needs to uplift the national honor that has been there for centuries for Americans by building the trust and faith of his people first and to the world across. Time to safely build stronger trade deals with China and peaceful talk with the Pyongyang Government of the nuclear power house safety. Otherwise, there would be an unquestionable security and threats to Americans ahead of his leadership. There is no doubt about the energy and courage of the president Joe Biden to unify the nation both physically and morally and become a humble president of the USA. May the light of happiness once again be shown in the land of English people?

Trump has the "humdrum" kind of personality and dreams for Americans to what Joe Biden has for the country. He became the most repulsive leader not only for the US but also to the world. He failed as a leader to bring up some of his signature issues as the US president: restricting immigration and building a wall at the Mexican border, canceling many international deals on trade, arms control and climate change to name a few. He has also withdrawn many American troops from overseas. And finally, for selfishly trying to withdraw from the WHO board, which was there for ages, is something he needs to seriously learn and relearn.

Personally, I feel president Trump is a carefree guy but a great leader for the Native Americans. He has extraordinary dreams for the United States with the mission of "America First" but he couldn't accomplished all his pledges all through 4 years. I am sure he will heal his heart with his young wife and have a good time for his aging life. He can sleep in peace with no worries to fire anyone or summon anyone to the Supreme Court. He can also dedicate his life to playing golf games all day long. He can have time to reassemble and expand his business affairs. Although it is utterly shameful for Trump to lose this election, he has plenty of time to reflect on his failures and come back strong in the next election.

The President of the US earns the highest respect since the president has a huge role to play for the whole world. However, the United States of America has lost a businessman but not a diplomatic leader.

 

Money Doesn't Buy Happiness

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

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

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Declaimer: The feelings shared are the authors own.

Beyond Objection Term

"Under the agreed terms and conditions, the landowner leases to the tenant a land use for Agricultural Purpose only. However, the landowner does not have any objection if the tenant wishes to Raise Dairy and Poultry Farm for the remaining periods".

I came across this land agreement drawn between a landowner and a wishful tenant. I felt happy for the tenant for taking up such an extent of wishes to help and build the community in a dairy and poultry farm in the locality. We need more of our Youth taking up "Farm Activity" more seriously since it is the lifeline of livelihood for all of us.

"Food security" or "food insufficiency" is one main issue that surged during this pandemic not only globally but also seriously struck our nation with many essential goods. Can we proudly say all our lands are unfavorable for cultivation or bad geographical landscape dilemma or mismatched water availability? However, it takes our willingness and a heart to take-up farm activities more seriously at least to meet the end meet if not to a commercial level.

Wishing him a very successful farming career and the very best as he takes over very important responsibilities that will make him independent and strong. This is how we build our nation stronger and more dynamic for our future.

 

Landowner                    Land lease

xxx                                  yyy

 

Witness

zzz

Azha Pasa, The Hope To Business

Azha Pasa Stall

Lately, Azha Pasa faring into business has amazed me a lot. It is a collection of unique brands of mindset and style. Their page attracted me so much for being honest and displaying utmost interest in serving the people of Thimphu valley and –beyond. I follow every post made online. I silently had a beautiful feeling for showing the real courage and determination and way forward in securing and branding our future in business.  

The one who started this online platform is the same guy who started the "Radio Valley" and "Mojo Park" some years back. He is an engineer by qualification. He left for civil service just to pursue his dreams in the media.  

Recently Azha Pasa outlet has impressed me for their new outlook of their shop, which is located at the KMTS, opposite to Eight Eleven in the heart of thimpthrom. Although it was a new undertaking, however it seems promising. The foundations had been laid for the future of vegetable stores. More than the outlet, it should serve as an example. Furthermore, it should be a lesson for the government to plan on such enterprises, which will benefit the development of the country and tighten the hands of the nation. 

 

However, I have a few random suggestions to Azha Pasa. Installing a cooling system will hugely benefit tender and delicate leafy vegetables. Exploring ways and means on proper packaging systems to all kinds of vegetables and price tags would give another boost to the business firm for authentic pricing, thus, it gives no room for bargain on the label. I strongly feel that a bar-code-reading system would give better attraction and fairness. We don't want different pricing for different people, which is a longstanding hitch. I look forward to Azha Pasa, since the start was greatly admired by people across. I want this start-up business to be the superhero! Should Azha Pasa take it wisely in streamlining this customer care service, it will be a game changer moment for us, the patent of Azha Pasa app is well preserved for all times. Furthermore, do look for some means to install the CCTV, the other necessary list these days for safety reasons. Putting up all these little systems in place would immensely secure the nation. 

 

Despite low quality service in place, everything worked so well. There wasn’t much complaint about the servicing. Poor service is something of a quite normal thing in our society. We never demanded for it. We never thought of it, how badly we were treated in the shop, as long as we get our job done, we never realize quality things and effective service to be in place. So far, ours is more like a rough gangsters show. If you like to come and watch, else we don’t bother about you. However, things are changing slowly and it seems everything is fitting into a pattern we look forward to in future. We are gaining experience for a quality, efficient and more transparent system for our children. However, I am optimistic in the words of Benjamin Franklin "Old habits die hard." 

 

I admire this guy for his boldness and courage. For his outstanding work and vision. For setting examples and outsourcing few foreign tests to our locals. It would be rather unwise to let someone plan for us. I see a brighter future of this multi-talented long hair guy. 

 

Looking at their plan for business expansion, my feelings for the team grew indeed even stronger and deeper after the lunch of Azha Pasa app. I am confident of his ability to run a business at a higher level and starting up a more reliable delivery system would further brand his income. The sense of business is great and the future would be even greater and stronger only if things catch up with a quality and effective service system. Indeed, a booster of the hopes and morale of the high state authority and the Dragon parliament. I have no doubt he would raise the standard of business style and opportunity.

 

Like him, we need more engineers working in agriculture and business sectors as their own boss and style encouraging and starring especially the agriculture sector and other aspiring youths. 

 

I hope he will someday have a happier day to cherish and look back and feel satisfied for the deeds. This gentle, a soft and cool looking guy would definitely prosper in his life not only as a "Radio Guy" but also a successful entrepreneurial guy. He would one day have fulfilling days and we want to see this guy walking Thimphu Street in a perfect dignity. 

 

Our new beloved brand Azha Pasa will become one of the Jewels of Thimphu valleys –or at least we should make it one of the real Jewels for the future nation-wide. 

Honesty Is What It all Counts

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

My King! My Hero For COVID-19

As usual I was surfing through my fb to update some news on coronavirus, I came across updates on His Majesty touring the Southern belt personally on foot making our people understand the cause of this pandemic. For a few minutes, I was lost looking at the beautiful Kupar of His Majesty and the team. 

It is absolutely and remarkably beautiful and heart-warming to see our Beloved King toiling and working so hard for the people. It immediately became one of my favourite Kupar. It made my day so happy despite the distressing news of COVID19 across the globe and in nearby bordering towns. 

 

Without much thought, I have downloaded all the photographs and made my phone profile picture just to thank His Majesty for his personal sacrifices made in rain and heat. It gave me a different feeling altogether to talk about the Royal tours. 

 

I have decided never to take away this beautiful Kupar from my phone. Every time I open up my phone screen, it reminds me of His Majesty’s hardship and love for his country. Perhaps, it makes me a better human being each time I see My King in such attire. I keep it in my phone as a souvenir. Indeed, I keep it as a Special Royal Gift. Nothing more can be worth such a noble journey into our southern zone in rain and heat and sun. Our King does such a great sacrifice, while in the west everything goes from the chair. Furthermore, I have immediately put up on my instagram to share my happiness and joyous moments. Also a blog post to remember the day, to feel the day, to get back into such a happy moment, to keep My King close to my heart. 

 

I always look upon My King as a Role Model. An idol. The North Star. True and very genuine human soul, for which I always draw inspiration. I seek solace to move on with life in pain, sorrow and rejection. His Majesty always gives me a new hope to live a beautiful moment of my life not just for this hard time but also for the rest of my life.  

 

My affection, admiration and respect would never be less even at the cost of my own life, even at the last breath of my life, I would still be loving My King who has sacrificed his life just to make his people safe and proud and happy. 

 

I pray for a better tomorrow, a better future, a better world for every sentient being –big or small.

 

With due respect, I thank His Majesty, government, frontline workers and everyone involved in keeping away this deadliest coronavirus at bay, because of you all, we are safe. Therefore, to be safe, everyone needs to be mindful, as collective responsibilities are the only way forward to prevent the spread of this virus in our community. If possible stay home, wash your hand, keep distance and wear a mask. 

 

 All the images were taken from His Majesty's Official fb page.