Manchester City Champions League Gamble

For the longest, FC Man City has been eyeing football's biggest Champions League Trophy. And it became more obvious after the arrival of Pep Guardiola, who is one of the best known Football Managers of the modern times. He has the past experience of lifting some of the biggest trophies in the world of football with FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich. 

His managing career at Man City started with a much awaited agenda to bring home the most prestigious football award. 

Pep’s second season in the club [city] was something extraordinary as he won the English Premier League [EPL] and other domestic trophies with extraordinary might and points, which made him special in the club's history. As a football manager, he won the hearts and trust of his owner, clubs and fans around the world. He is the king of football tactician. He was famous for Tiki-taka style of football and possession based games. For these, he has become one of the iconic best, respected and famed football managers not only in England but also in Spain and Germany. 

However, even with all his special tactics, FC Liverpool have been a constant threat to city pursuit of football ambition. It was both an opportunity and challenge for the players, manager, owner and fans to keep them afloat throughout the season. 

The recent exit of Man City in the hands of Real Madrid at Bernabeu was a heart breaking moment for the club, players, manager, owner, and fans around the world. The game of football is so unpredictable as it goes with 50 percent luck and another 50 percent teamwork and individual skills.

I have been an avid City fan for decades now and I have been watching and enjoying every single match they play both home and away. I even burn midnight candles to watch their late games. Because the City plays high pressing and beautiful games. I see football from different lenses and relate it to my everyday affairs and even to my professional growth. This ball game gives me a lot of life lessons –teamwork, management, commitment, dedication, resilience and respect. I also see the unity and power of football beyond the stadium. 

Let me share a few recent blunders Pep did for the city squad –putting such a heavy price tag for Grealish was unnecessary. He cannot fit well in the city team because of the difference in his play style and tactics. Another gamble city overcame was avoiding Harry Kane, it was a good decision for not finally balling this English man. There are other young and versatile players who can change the city squad. I have a big reservation for Erling Haaland and Pogba. I go for Declan Rice over Pogba.

If Man City and Pep want to win Europe’s glorious Trophy, they need to look for a good striker, winger and defence. There are different ways and opportunities to win the trophies. I also have some straight reservations for first choice goalkeeper –Ederson. I have not seen Ederson making a single save from the penalty spot and some critical saves. Pep needs to do some serious homework in these areas should he want to grip his hand on the Champions League Trophy. 

I have always liked the face of City ace Kelvin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. These are the players I have always admired for their skills and vision, commitment and energy, teamwork and dedication. Perhaps, putting up Jesus as a bargaining chip to bring in some good winger, or striker would be a good move for city's pursuit to Champions League and in domestic glory. 

However, one thing I disliked about Pep in recent exit from the Champions League at Madrid was something crazy and uneasy for the football fans around the world. Pep's excitement to improve the defence line by introducing Fernandinho over Mahrez has cost him so much. The big player like KDB shouldn't have been substituted. Instead he should have controlled the game with these players instead of making a crazy substitution and a different game plan. Therefore, City should refresh the depth of their squad, not just going blind with big signings. 

I hope they [City] can crown champions of English League for 2021-2022. 

The King and His Camera -II

Over the years, I have developed a deep sense of passion and love for photography. In fact, I have developed a special relationship with nature and photography. Every step I set, I find a special place for photography –it calms my mind and consoles my soul. I can connect well with my everyday happenings. I can also relate it to my profession and upbringing. 

It is both humbling and inspiring that our great king continues to bless us not only with extraordinary leadership but also with great workmanship of sharing and connecting our countryside especially people, nature, avifauna and development. Nonetheless, lives and activities of our rural communities and youth have deeply touched and are the king's favourite subject. 

We are witnessing a great transaction in our country and around the world in the field of nano-chips, which is becoming the ultimate super power and our king is so concerned to live upto like the other developed nations in the world. And the king shooting the countryside and his people is the true symbol of great virtue, kindness and care, and a new generation of thinking. Not to mention development, modernity and globalization in the heart of our king. And photography is one small part that unites people in one frame, a Royal Frame that will remain for eternity.

Our king's photographs are truly representative of the Bhutanese people from all walks of life, especially from the remotest pockets to the modern lifestyle that our people are adopting from the west. Our king taking time in collecting photographs of all beings and landscape is a symbol of the Royal concern, knowing his people and country, knitting his heterogeneous society in one single frame, above all, it resonates His genuine love, kindness, and timelessness for his country and people. 

This will be one of the greatest legacies of a king looking utmost loyal to his country and people. It is truly a work of nation-building. It is to improve the lives of his people no matter how far and unlucky the places are, the king is always guiding and saving us tirelessly like a true son. The love we receive from our monarch is counted in every shutter button pressed to make a royal footprint and legacy. 

My Omni Van

As I was driving to town, I was questioning my 5-year old girl on the car I was driving –which car is better, our old car (i20 Hyundai), or this car (Omni Van), she instantly gave me this response. Dad, this car is better. I like this car so much. 

 

Amazed by her response, I was quizzing her more on the car, and every time her answer was the same, this car is very cool and beautiful. I do not know what made her like the Omni van, but I was quite sure it could be the space and more openness of the road view from the car. Perhaps, the words of my daughter had made my whole perspective very different about the car. 

Tsirang is not only known for beautiful landscape and favourable weather but also famed for organic vegetables. In addition, the place is also famous for the Bolero Camper. But of late, I was moved by my daughter's response to the Omni van and immediately set my mind on checking the number of Maruti vans around and perhaps the number was impressive which are on the road and in the garage. The number was palpable. But, one interesting thing is, every time we come across the Omni van, my daughter points her finger and says, dad see, that car looks like our car.

 

The next thought that ran down through my mind was, why is this car so popular in Tsirang?

Through my own experience of a week, or two, I started exploring the extra speciality of this age-old vehicle. The first answer that came to me was that this van is super cool. It is easy to drive and handle, excellent pulling, good ground clearance and comfortable. But above all, it is super spacious. Maybe these are some of the reasons why our oldies and people with business and off road homes opt this vehicle as private, or as Taxi. 

However, the edge of this car is losing its production after 35-year of its production in the market for its long pending call for better road safety.  

My only wish for this vehicle is Maruti Company to look into giving some facelifting on its wood, music system, AC, power steering and few other modern touches, this car would go in the market like a hot cake as it's affordable by all sections of society. 

As I was surfing the net for some information, I came across pretty impressive online reviews about this car and it thoroughly shook me. One said, nice car for big family, comfortable and low price with great mileage. Braking system is excellent, and night driving gives extra coolness. The other said, it is a very simple and cheap car, low maintenance and long lasting. Someone by name, Rahul said, this is a multipurpose car, –for business purposes and an affordable vehicle for large family and taxi operators. I am happy for this van.

However, the other day, my wife flatly rejected my idea of dropping her before I make way to my work. 

She said the car is too noisy and she doesn't want to ruin her status. But, on the other hand, my daughter still has the same pretty answer. 

I told my wife this will be our new family car and someday you will have the taste like our little daughter had for the car and I am sure you would say –this is the best and coolest car I've ever travelled to. 

Seriously, I was falling in love with this car more each time I traveled. Someday, when I retire back to my village -old and simple, I would love to have this classic van as my dream car. Probably, Bugatti, or Ferrari would be out of my sleeves, rest I can manage.

The King and His Camera

Imagine, what would be the subject of a king to put on his camera? Is it necessary for a king to document his Royal tour through a camera lens? 

Well it is certain that our king is so close to young children, the future of the country and the old faces, the vessel of the past generation. 

However, the best collection on our king's camera are his people, beautiful landscape, mountains, valleys, animals, birds, flowers, sunsets, etc. There is nothing more loving than these subjects to a king who is always inspired by the life of ordinary people and the pristine nature our forefathers have preserved for us.

One takeaway so sure for us, however, is simply his benevolence. Compassion. Love. Care!

There were many who talked about the king taking some of the awesome photographs of his people, especially the farmers toiling in the field, cow herders and animals, mothers and children, senior citizens and birds have always captured the heart of thousands of people. 

To me our king taking photographs, especially people, is the symbol of Royal concern. Furthermore, our king photographing birds is something we must be part of preserving nature and perhaps the message is so clear and beyond just the camera angles. Therefore, let us join our king to appreciate the nature and the beauty of each soul.

I heard someone saying, if you want to marry a woman, marry someone who loves animals, she would unfailingly love and care for you throughout. Now I can proudly relate, if you want to live a happy and peaceful life, marry under a king who loves nature, birds and his people. 

I am always impressed to see our king taking some of the most stunning images of the countryside landscape. Nevertheless, some of the most beautiful Kupars of our princesses were personally clicked by His Majesty, which perhaps, has circulated widely among many Bhutanese within and beyond. 

Photography isn't too expensive as one thinks of it in isolation. But, our king does it on a genuine fact and ground. Not just to impress His subjects but to connect and unite His subjects as one nation, one people. 

Also in the eyes of our public, especially the rural friends would feel that our king is simply clicking their pictures without realizing that it is for future planning and development. Perhaps, it is quite sure that only lucky few with utmost blessing would be inside king's camera, but it is more for a king –He is looking for a deeper call and for a nation building than just the beautiful images, it is His concern and way forward to make sure every single life is touched and made comfortable and worthy of basic needs by means of a king's vision.

May you live long and forever young. May your wishes come true. May your vision for the countrymen, women and children be eternal. May your hardship be our guiding stars. May you inspire us beyond office workmanship. And may your beautiful images be revered forever in the history of Bhutan. 

Thank you Your Majesty for making me realize the power and beauty of photography.

Damphu CS, Hope for School of Agriculture

It was honored for Damphu Central School to have secured the national topper in BHSEC exam 2020. It is not the first that Damphu CS placed such a high mark on academic excellence. Back in 2002, Mr. Ghanashyam Kafley had secured the Bhutan topper in class 10 exam. His record of 96 per cent is still the highest and no one before and after could ever dare to break his record. I have seen him so humble and nice. The latest was in 2015 Mr. Leki Tshering, who scored 80 per cent and came third in Arts stream. This boy hails from Zhemgang CS to pursue his XII and he left his trademark permanently on Tsirang soil. Aboveall, they all have made Damphu CS proud and on toe in academic pursuits. 

In fact, such achievements don't come at the cost of one year and one single person, it is a long way, the collective effort of diverse people all put together gives such flying results. For the longest time, we loosely term it as "phunsum tshogo", and that is true for everything, even if you are on MOON, the same law is applied. 

The school would love to see such history unfolding on and on. In fact, this time the duo made Damphu CS fertinity proud once again –Mr. Kelden Ghallay a science student who topped whole Bhutan (XII) with 92.50 per cent and Ms. Priya Rai a arts student, begged third place with 85.5 per cent, both have done exceptionally well in their academic scores. I wish them good luck in their future endeavours. Although I was one week old on campus, yet I share the achievement together as I believe in this phrase, "no man is an island". They made everyone happy and proud of their individual achievement as I've seen teachers sharing overjoyed happiness in the "DCS Forum" for the past few days. I saw all sorts of happiness being poured out and expressed out in the forum. I realize such moments are extraordinary moments for teachers and school. To me, I feel teachers are the one who feel proud of such achievement more than anybody else in the world. Such achievement makes teachers feel great, gives some personal satisfaction and boosts their morale. I know parents have their own level of happiness, but not as great and special and satisfying as teachers have for their students. 

Damphu CS has a fully-grown campus for multi-learning. The school has grown so great in "agriculture". Along with academic learning, the school has various learning platforms such as agriculture farming, piggery, poultry, fishery, dairy, cardamom and orange. This is more than the mandates of a normal school system. Damphu campus is doing quite well in all these pursuits as well, even more so if this institute is fully assigned for agriculture academy. It can do more magic!

Agriculture is a discipline of multiple sciences and in the 21st century we must view agriculture through different lenses. Time to revolutionize agriculture by using technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors and GPS technology. These advanced devices and precision agriculture and robotic systems will allow farms to be more profitable, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly. This is the future of agriculture and we must live up to these changes and it is time for us to develop inch-by-inch a Bhutanese version of "Harvard" and "Oxford" in our agriculture sector.

As I see, Damphu CS beyond academics –has a huge potential to be an agriculture hub, more precisely turning this campus into District Learning Center for farming, or Agriculture-training Center future for the people of Tsirang and beyond as the place is located centrally and on a very suitable climate and has a good land topography. The beautiful campus can easily become a "School of Agriculture" or "Agriculture Academy". It can be a national treasure for the people of Bhutan. 

If there is one thing a country has to develop, it is the agriculture sector. The countries such as Japan, Germany and South Korea have developed thus far in a very short span of time and were credited to expansion in the agriculture sector. We must look into this field of learning, more sincerely and holistically than ever. It is humbling to see a good move the government of the day is pushing through to put a mark on the agriculture sector and the impression is already made by our great monarchs of the past. 

I pray for the best to happen for all of us in the near future. Our strength today is our "smallness", time is now, or it is never. 

Declaimer: The views shared are of the author's own and do not refer to any individual, or any institution. The terms and organization made are for reference.

Her 5th Birthday

 

As you turn 5 today, you are 365 * 5 years old now. We are happy to celebrate your fifth happy birthday in a small family ways yet in a memorable and beautiful ways. 

... I will be sharing all the achievement for the year in a couple of days...At the moment I was packed with meetings and other stuffs to give attention.

Time For a Battle

I have sensed something unusual on the public notice posted on January 1 on PMO's Page. It stated PM Dr. Lotay Tshering will address the nation LIVE from Gelephu on March 2, and urged everyone to closely follow the address on BBS at 9:00 am. 

I've felt a great authority in the lines and expected some change in the current COVID thing -plan, protocol and way forward. Listening to the ever eloquent voice of Dr. Lotay was worth my wait. I got the bull eye with my little instinct. 

Finally, Dr. Lotay has politely dropped the ball in the hands of an individual citizen. There is nothing but to be self-cautious beyond wearing face masks and washing hands to protect our family and community. 

Since the break of this pandemic, His Majesty has been guarding the nation in his might by risking his life and Royal Comfort. Our king did his best without leaving a single subject untouched. He toured on foot to the remotest part of the country to check the difficulties common people face on a daily basis and made everything possible through Royal kidu and even made a supply of daily commodities. His Majesty lives by example but we have failed to keep up the royal vision of our beloved king and there is nothing disheartening than the failed promise.

 

Doctor's run government has done their part well. They did –beyond the call of their mandates. Going by the Covid data, our young government has fairly outperformed many elite countries. There is nothing more satisfying than having one of the best policies in place. I have had my deep appreciation for their decision. 

 

The Covid restrictions have come at different times. For sure, it had caused immense difficulties. But, it's only to manage the spread of the virus in the community, so that it does not pose a threat to precious lives and paralyze our small health system. 

However, I've reservations about a free quarantine system. Although, it was in the best interest of the general public, yet I feel there is one -way traffic and the government bearing every bit of penny at such an hour was something we must relook in near future. I feel the cost sharing basis system would have been ideal, sustainable and more meaningful. 

Making a vibrant system in delivering a public service is a must and we must look from different angles. There should always be a win-win situation; otherwise, change and development we aspire for GNH nation will be just a dream.