Lessons From Lockdown

Whether "Lockdown" or "Blackout", it's the same, we are confined to the four walls of our home. Perhaps, this pandemic has equipped us of lockdown dos and don'ts and expected of us as a concerned citizen. 

 

For a long time I have been cautious of porous borders and quarantine centres for the likely source of the virus in the community. There isn't a better option for a heavily dependent nation than to savor the path through collective effort and learning to live with the virus. Today as I sit down for another lockdown experiencing both fun and pain, I worry about the risk of spreading the virus from a careless individual who can undo all our efforts put together thus far. 

 

This lockdown is strangely heartbreaking for some reasons. 

 

I neighbor a family who runs an Automobile Workshop Shop. A man deeply rooted in mechanical skills and entrepreneurial ability is also a man known for his versatile tongue and his ubiquitous influence in the town is known for the number of calls he receives a day. Maybe people feel his good service and kind heart. I guess he has high qualities of a man. For the neighbor's gesture, he gave me free service last month fixing the steering motor. It was an utterly altruistic act and service to behold and there is no doubt for the level of service and sacrifice each mechanic makes in the line of duty from his car workshop.

 

We are into the fifth day of lockdown confined within limited space, it is so sure to cause fatigue and boredom. To keep myself busy, I started by washing my car. It took me at least one hour to bring down all the heavily dusted and muddied bodies. Then I took another half hour to clean underneath the seat and dashboard and windowsill to minute detail. It took my good sum of energy and skills to shine the rusty car, which is aging over a decade now. 

 

With some time in hand, I picked up the bucket, hand brush, surf and quickly rushed backside of the building to give some bit of bath to the carpet which was lying idly for quite some time without use. It took me 45 minutes and a heavy share of energy. So before I took it for drying, I rolled up and left it over the wall to drench its water. 

 

As I was walking, I bumped into my neighbor. We exchanged a few quick wishes and discussed the lockdown situation but only to remain another 72-hour at home. However, one thing caught me so seriously in our conversation. A mechanic wizard who always roars with wrenches in his hand has painfully shared with me, sir, month ending, I have 15 mechanics working with me and in weeks time, I have to pay them their monthly salary. I am worried if the lockdown continues for another week. I am dead as I am already running at a loss. This was the moment I felt pity for him. My heart goes out for service provider sectors, because these sectors have been the key economic muscle of the country but least bothered. They are truly nation builders. I couldn’t say much but felt his pain and concern. 

 

I pray he can regain his faith in the market as this virus eases from the community and his men get back into full swing.  

 

One of the toughest jobs I felt during the lockdown period was to babysit. I wish to be locked up in such a lockdown for at least 30 days nationwide 5 years from today, when my little boy turns 7 years old. By then I would be just sitting in front of TV, around the balcony, reading, chatting and coffeeing peacefully at my own pace and will. To babysit two equally innocent children locked up in a room is a hard battle fought in mud with sticks and stones. It's no surprise; everyone at such an age is proactive and naughty claimed my wife in unison. Perhaps, my two kids would be in line to an award for being active and participatory. I wonder where they get such a luxury of energy and ideas to jump, run, cry, fight, play, etc but I was heavily made to run and nurse them and often be the umpire in their rat race. Anyway, I wish them to grow well into a responsible and dutiful citizen. 

 

This lockdown has been fruitful in many ways. I could complete some of the unfinished work. I could screen some Nepali Movies to my mother who meticulously looks after my kids when we are off to work. I am happy in between, I could share some insights of the movies and make her feel that human touch of the movie. One point is so clear in the movies, the caste and gender is very obvious, so surreal and predicament. I could not only assist my wife in kitchen but also to a great deal of cleaning and arranging things in place. Nevertheless, if I were to zoom in from the satellite image, my body would be appearing so much behind the broom in hand and running after my boy. 

 

It was so naïve of me to think that babysitting is fun. 

 

It isn't at all.

 

I turned back and silently submitted to my wife's feet. 

 

...you win and I lose!

Guide link

https://www.hostgator.com/blog/ways-increase-blog-traffic/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=genericsearch&gclid=Cj0KCQiAip-PBhDVARIsAPP2xc37L285lYsk2wjBn7GFmeuabeu_1xQrXBod3ynBFcS9of4xqdc2Jo8aAgGyEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

 

For the love of literature, the passion for traveling, reading, photography, sanitation, education, roads, development, technology, patriotism, accountability, risk-taking, sense of duty, public service, corruption... I would be delving deep into these subjects for the sake of my own country. 

 

The above link shall remain as the design guide incase for making some images look attractive in blogging and any other presentations. The site looks honestly subtle and resourceful for anyone looking to give some lively looks to images and presentations. 

 

This link is drawn to keep track to my blogging site and for future references and not for any other purposes. I sincerely acknowledge the site for wonderful information and pieces of advice to upscale the online site such as blogging. 

Book Review: Make Your Bed

Make Your Bed: Little things that can change your life…and maybe the world. 

 

Should I claim this book to be the best I've ever read? Yes, undoubtedly one of the best books. But, hopefully it's not the end of my reading journey. I am hoping to read many great books. In fact, I have plenty on my bucket list. However, if I don't pass on the happiness and excitement I experienced reading this book, it won't be fair on my part to appreciate the author for bringing such a great piece of literature. I truly admire his beautiful thought that was well crafted into a formidable wisdom and life advice. The more I think and apply the book's wisdom on a daily basis, learning the art of making my bed, I feel closer to the author. 

 

"If you can't do 

the little things 

right, 

you will never 

do the big things 

right."

  

At night, you will go and find your bed –clean, fresh, beautiful, organized and welcoming. It sets you up in the right mind and attitude, not only to sleep but also it gives your whole day a sense of purpose and meaning. Above all, it deeply churns out many wow and spine shrinking feelings.   

 

The best thing you see before going to bed is your made bed. This habit sets the power and will to even organize your work place, to be ready for the next day. It sets you up for success in life as a more systematic and organized person. Therefore, learning to make your bed to perfection is a lesson to give importance in any tiny work you perform. 

 

"Making your bed 

may seem insignificant, 

but it sets you up for 

success." 

 

If you make your bed every morning very properly, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and by the end of the day that one task will have turned into many tasks completed. Therefore, tasks as small as making your bed will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter a lot. 

 

The following are the 10 topics discussed in the book by the author to lay down the idea of how the simple task of making a bed is important and necessary in life. Also remember the Author of the book brings in a simple topic of making a bed to pass down many other tiny works that matter in life, which we don't consider important ultimately are so most important.

 

#1. Start your day with a task completed

Well, it may sound small. One successful task as significant as making your bed, you will be setting yourself up for a successful day. Admiral always found solace in the simplest task of making his bed each day and every morning.

 

#2. You can't go it alone

Christopher Columbus is known to be the man to discover America, but he didn't do it alone. He couldn't have because the oceans are challenging at times with no advanced tools and equipment in hand. The secret is to find people to love and who love you back. 

 

#3. Only the size of your heart matters

It doesn't matter what job you do. It doesn't matter whether you are tall, short, man, woman because what defines you as a person is underneath all that. The size of your heart is what matters for any task you are set to go.

 

#4. Life's not fair –Drive on!

Life is not easy; don't try to make it that way. One must overcome adversity no matter what. You are the only person responsible for determining your fate so drive on till the very end. Therefore, keep trying is the only solution for anyone and anywhere.  

 

#5. Failure can make you stronger

Failure is inevitable; it's part of everyday life. You need an incredibly strong determination and tenacity to succeed and work hard towards your goals in all odds. 

 

#6. You must dare greatly

In order to be able to learn from your mistakes, you first have to be willing to make them. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you, just because you failed in the past, it does not mean you will fail again. Don't be afraid of trying again and again and again until success is by your side.

 

#7. Stand up to the bullies

Bullying can exist in many forms and it can happen anywhere and to anyone. Learn to adjust and overcome the tide and circumstances of life fragility. The other end is safer but it lies in your hand to stand up stronger and firm.

 

#8. Rise to the occasion

You have to be your very best in the darkest moments. Learn to adjust and make it happen. Get help from smart people and friends. Include family members. The end is sweeter and beautiful. 

 

#9. Give people hope

"While there is life, there is hope." The task you perform doesn't mean to benefit you alone. It goes beyond. So the ray of hope is alive in trying and there lies the bigger hope for others, even to the invisible one. 

 

#10. Never, ever quit!

Life will get tough at times and things will not go your way. When this happens, don’t quit. The great people have done it that way though many trying failures were actually their source of hope. Just remember, there are no free meals in life. So make it happen for you and others. Learn to make your bed!

 

 

The book is available online. Please download and read this timeless book that provides simple wisdom, practical advice and great encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more and best, even in life's darkest moments. 

For the Love of Zhemgang Birds

I have been to almost every corner of Zhemgang hunting for birds and butterflies for almost half a dozen years. It wasn't easy though, but I had experiences of traveling long and wide into the jungles, valleys and around the bushes looking for birds.

The journey of bird watching is something I have developed long before I headed into Zhemgang. It's been there with me for many years since my boyhood. I used to love their color, feathers and nests. More importantly, birds' flying ability and diving skills used to mesmerize me a lot. Bird nest is something I used to enjoy watching as it was made with extra exquisiteness, very special and architecture. 

The journey I have trodden around the valley of Zhemgang was kept in small ways as zhemgang.gov.bt have featured some of my bird collections in their page. 

Follow this link 

http://www.zhemgang.gov.bt/tourism/serene-wilderness

Whats Wrong with Number NINE

The Telegram group was flooded with mixed feelings. Self-reflection and introspection was heavily made when one of our colleagues sent a screenshot of wrongly written number "NINE" by a grade 10 student. We were not mocking anyone but were lost in deep reflection of our education.

Although everyone wasn't born with the same luck, talent and intellect, we cannot push things for granted. Is it the curriculum that has holes, or the child that is special, or the teacher not meeting the demand? Something we really need to think and re-think. 

One thing is certain that our curriculum doesn't have room for differently abled pupils. Education system is very fixed and rigid. Many have argued that the current curriculum is simply a number that someone obtains in their exam. That means school churns out a huge number of students who can barely cook, write, speak and stand on their own. 

As a way to reflect and introspect our teaching, we landed up pouring out many points, which may, or may not be true. It is worth discussing for the future of the nation.

 

"One said". "Genius".

 

"Something we really need to reflect upon the child, or we. Puzzle to solve". "Said another".

  

"We are heading into a world of uncertainty. Yeah, a lot to introspect, anyway, happy day friends!” "Claimed another".

 

"We need to reflect. A grade ten student, not being able to write the correct number in our national language is worrisome. What's next? Get to know the child first". "Said another".

 

"Lal Said"."I think every solution –if we genuinely find it with our whole heart - might spring into a tasteful solution. I am hopeful the concept of backstories and roadmaps will be of immense help in knowing every child, -their learning and passion".

 

"Our curriculum is so rigid and bulky. Time to replace it with more practical and lively content rather than on a hard-core fact". "Said Puba". 

 

 

Friends, what a coincidence? "A week ago, interestingly I came across one of the grade 11 students who made the same mistake, blind opposite. While I was seriously brooding upon this, it also made me think so much about the child. It may look simple, but to me this looks like a big puzzle to fix". 

My stand is simple and straight. Same student was found glaring in other subjects. Least bothered about class activities and learning. The story doesn't end with one school and one child, almost 30 percent of kids do have interest but in different fields, not in learning chemistry, English and mathematics. It is beyond school, which is more practical in life.  

 

Indeed, educational institutes and universities are trying their best in providing quality education. However, there is a constant threat faced by the Ministry of Education, curriculum developers, schools and teachers who are constantly battling the diabolical fate of deteriorating quality of education. It was also learnt that schools and teachers are not doing enough in tackling this problem.

 

We must know that curriculum, school and teacher alone can't solve this issue. We must know that there are thousands of special kids at school who have severe learning difficulties and different interests. No Chemistry lessons, no Dzongkha lessons, no History lessons would interest them. Despite many systems in place, nothing seems to help them out. The new challenges ahead are spending exceedingly long time on screen and addiction to online games are posing a huge risk in the effectiveness of curriculum since most of the kids are seen lost and heavily driven by other fun.

 

Most of the kids are fond of learning sport, music, dance, yoga, cooking, swimming, painting, carpentry, culinary as full time education. I strongly feel that these fields seem ideal substitutes for kids with learning difficulties and uninterested ones. 

 

Are we preparing our kids to be world ready? 

 

In many aspects, I was fascinated by the Korean Education system. During my Fellowship, I was made to learn a mix of everything. Initially, I felt funny, when I was given a recipe for roasting potatoes and preparing Kimchi. Roast potatoes and Kimchi are the signature dishes for the ancient Korean. Knowing how to roast potatoes is not enough, rather knowing the right temperature; roasting procedures and presentation were given utmost importance. It involved a lot of patience and skills. 

 

In Korea, the curriculum approach is different. Teachers and schools are given a special place and ever since education is everyone's business. Students in their primary grades learn fundamentals such as self-care, sanitation, personal hygiene, family values, age-old tradition and discipline more than hardcore facts and figures. 

 

One touch I have had from their education is the curriculum on neonatal practical care lessons given to every kid in their primary schools. Schools make sure that every kid is given ample time for value education and culture. They introduce music, dance and sporting as part of the formal curriculum in their fundamental years, in their primary schools. Curriculum is such that every learner is given equal opportunity to learn and be part of school education. Blind children as they mature and complete their education gives them a place as a Massage Therapist.

 

There is also a strong hold curriculum on environment, sanitation, culture, self-care, littering and discipline that makes Korea great. The education board considers these learning as very important in nation building.

 

Classes on self-care, wellbeing, environment, sanitation, sporting would rather help add charm and value in a Happy Nation too.  

 

The Key Takeaway from 114th National Day Address

The Royal Vision is so clear, deeply concerning and Bhutanese. 

 

His Majesty’s emphasis on growing new technology such as –Blockchain, Fintech, Quantum, Computing, Artificial Reality, Virtual Reality, Metaverse, Robotics, Machine Learning and Web 3.0 is genuine. If we fail to adopt these changes as a nation, we will fall far behind as a nation. We must know these platforms are the lifeline hereafter.

 

Sweet reminder on our Hydropower. Chipping in for different forms of energy is seen as inevitable as the danger of hydropower coupled with other risky factors is seemingly becoming visible. Therefore, harnessing energy from Nuclear, Hydrogen, Fusion, Solar, Thermal and wind energy is seen as an ideal source of energy for a small nation like ours. 

 

The concern of an elderly village lady is so true, and reflecting. We must know that similar issues such as farm roads and buildings, electricity, drinking water, irrigation, mobile connectivity, schools, hospitals, land and shops are still far from hope for most homes and communities. However, money was seemingly the ultimate ball to ensure a comfortable livelihood. True to fact, building a vibrant socio-economic pathway for a country is an ideal place to start over our issues. 

 

As we embark into a new journey with a technology driven world, building good governance, encouraging innovation, creativity and enterprise mindset must take a deep root at the earliest.

 

His Majesty’s emphasis on accountability is a serious matter of concern. We must continue to embrace any change with greater ACCOUNTABILITY. 

In the service of the nation, I am ready, ARE YOU?

The Special New Year Royal Gift

 

Source: Yellow

His Majesty has been a great source of inspiration. If there is one person I look up to in my life, it is His Majesty The King. 

His Majesty lead our country by example and especially in COVID situations, he has been a true guardian, the hero, the savior, the fighter and the champion. 

The year 2021 was so difficult and challenging yet so uniquely fulfilling. We have sailed so well under the guidance and leadership of His majesty The King. Kadrinche Mewangchoe!!!

 

So as we embark into the new journey, as we write new chapter, I hope and pray for a more fulfilling and successful year ahead. It looks like the journey ahead is perilous and difficult. COVID variants are ominous and human hope is fading. But we must remain in the race, we must fight together until everyone is safe. 

The beautiful Kupar of our Royal Family is a symbol of hope and strength. It continues to give us hope. It continues to unite us as a nation. It continues to give us a moment to reflect upon the value of our family. Above all, we must remember that happiness starts from a home.  

 

I wish everyone a Happy New Year *** 2022 ***