One More Empty Chair

Heart felt message from our Dear Friend 
Image: Pem C

One more empty chair in the Science Department of the Damphu Campus. School has lost a teacher but we have lost a great friend. 

It says –easy to meet but hard to depart. This is so true even for the great enemies. A few days back, we hosted a simple dinner to say a final goodbye to a young and talented colleague of ours, who would be landing in the land of Kangaroos soon. Indeed, the dreamland for all of us. 

 

As we came to say the final few words, we got some personal space to share, learn and express our wishes and more.

 

There are already many friends in line who are leading their way out of our campus in the coming months for the greener pastures. This is becoming too painful, especially for schools and students to lose an experienced pool of people. 

No doubt, the office can replace him easily, but not our friend, not his experience. However, a gathering such as this gives a relaxing moment and a great space to dig deeper down the depth of friendship.

 

We have also agreed and promised ourselves not to forget our culture, values, tradition, country, and monarchs. Nevertheless, to call ourselves Bhutanese.

We are going to feel some emptiness, but this is part of life. We hope the time will heal our hearts. We wish for our friend to bring a lot of fortune to his family and the country. 

Safe Journey my friend!

Depth of friends expression to out going colleague

Work. Life. Pain – Part III

I located my friend [Bhaia] at the corner busy with his business. 

 

I just went around to share about -The Australian Rush and more. In our previous talk, he shared little about the pain of leaving behind family and country to live and work in foreign soil. 

 

Bhaia, everyone, including the government feels the pain of losing a talented pool of young, qualified, trained and experienced people out of the system and the country. This is a serious concern even for a family and especially for the old parents and young kids who are left behind all by themselves. This is too much for a country of a small population. 

 

"Sir, you are one of the lucky guys in the world." "Said Bhaia"

 

"I asked him, why?"

 

You are a government servant. You get paid every month. You don't have to worry about anything. Need not have to work so hard like me.

In my case, year after year, I am away from my family. If I am sick, I don't have anybody around to take care of me. This is because we have less jobs for people like me. And more importantly, the wage is very low. 

Sir,,, in your case, it's not like mine. You have a secure and well paid job in hand.

  

Of course. But, these days more than a job and dignity, money matters for anything and everything. Listen, the monthly salary is just hardly enough for rent and bills and food. I am happy for a few days of the month and rest go by in pity. Nothing much can be done with my salary.

  

Bhaia, with so much pain, sacrifice and hard decisions, our young and talented people are leaving for Australia for the sake of their livelihood and family. As much as I am concerned, I am also equally happy because the money, experience and exposure each Bhutanese gets down there would one day benefit our country.

 

With great assurance, I promised my friend that it will take time, but someday with every bit and piece of money and experience and exposure, we will build this nation ever stronger and beautiful.

I wish our friends in Australia and those who are planning to move out will learn and earn a lot of dollars. And someday we can build this nation to greatness.

Humble Lam Of Tsirang Dratsang

"9:30 am sharp to kick off LA. Shall send the details once prepared." "Command in the group chat from the Principal."

 

It was past 7:41 pm when I read the message. Not very late to float my idea because the next day is a big day for all of us. We are staring a new academic year and we must start well, very well and together with good wishes and prayers. 

 

"I replied." "As we are starting a new academic year, what if we make a collective visit to Dratshang in the morning hours to offer our prayers, good wishes and butter lamps. Just a suggestion. Friends can share your thoughts." 

 

"At 7:42 pm, one agreed. Then many agreeing chats followed. All agreed in unison."

 

"At 7:50 pm, one chat popped up…communicated with Lam Neten. Time fixed is 9:30 am." "Wrote Principal."

 

"The message relieved me immensely. Because the idea worth sharing."

 

"I had a peaceful sleep." 

 

"The next day, I headed directly toward the Dratsang and waited for all to arrive."

 

We set our foot exactly on the agreed time towards the secret altar room for the power and blessing and to sanctify ourselves. 

There were few interesting facts I'd like to share out of my happiness. We were received by Lam Neten which is unexpected of such a profile figure. It was not the first occasion I have seen Lam doing such good service. He is an absolute humble person I have ever seen in the whole community. His humbleness is something we must learn in the public service delivery. 

 

In the secret room, Lam floated the idea to offer bowing together. Lam himself led the session, which is unlikely attitude of such position. We were blessed with such an exceptional piece of example. With little hesitation, deep inside I feel uncomfortable because such modesty is quite hard to showcase so spontaneously. It is also a lesson that each public servant must portray such a humble attitude far from being on the rotating chair. This is above the example set for us by the lam himself. 

 

With utmost silence and discipline, we received blessing from the venerable Lam. Such a token of blessing and organization was something unexpected but we had it in the leadership of lam. 

 

The next, we took a seat in front of the secret altar. 

 

After the blessing was over, Lam came down off his seat and gave us a few pieces of advice and lessons. 

 

He thanked us for making a visiting Dratsang at such an important day. This must be the kick start of any good institution. Lam highlighted that school is as secret as any monastery. Therefore he has high regard for schools and teachers. And moments like this are very special and rare.

 

Teachers are the vast institution who make this world a better place for all. Every single child in life starts with a.b.c.d…& Ka, Kha, gya, nga…to any complexity of humanity all has started from the hand of a teacher. Therefore, the teacher's role is considered so special. We were reminded to continue our secret duties for the benefit of every sentient being now and beyond. 

 

Lam also highlighted, his position today is the sum of all his teachers. Therefore, he always regards all his teachers for being so kind and helpful and resourceful. 

 

We were requested to be one humble human being and continue to serve this nation with integrity and dedication. 

 

Every word spoken by Lam came as humble but with great authority because he meant it for the sake of our innocent pupil who can become the future leader of this country. Our small act of being humble and teaching and showing them goodness and taking them through the right direction can become our own nationhood. 

 

I was thoroughly shaken by the humbleness of Lam for being so authentic and coming down to serve this nation in such leadership is something each one of us should possess, not just for pleasing someone but as a daily habit. 

 

We did not waste an hour session with venerable lam Neten of Tsirang Dratshang on the day of new academic year.

 

Dignity of a man is not made by his possession and power, but simply by his humbleness. 

 

 

Work. Life. Pain – Part II

 With almost 24 hours of serious thinking and re-thinking, questioning and re-questioning, I'm back in the same spot. 

Thinking of more and more for less and less. I was in the mood to seriously get some free sharing and feeling of someone who has worked more than two decades for Bhutan. 

My two kids are back in their play. I did not bother more with dust and dirtying them. It is part of their learning and growing. I don’t want to shadow them too much inside the room. Once I heard someone said this –these days kids are better fed, better looked after, and better cared than our monarchs. True to this fact, often and largely this culture has become a norm these days raising kids. 

 

I slowly parked myself nearby Indian Bhaia, who put me through a serious adrenaline rush the day before on the length of Australian Rush and more. 

 

By far he looks like a patriotic and lovable person. 

 

This time I picked a discussion. Bhaia, how was Bhutan decades ago? Or previously how was Bhutan when you first entered to work? How was the town, people and system? What particular thing do you like most about this country? 

 

With head held high in dignity and proudness, he cleared his voice to tell this story to me. However, in a bit of hesitation, he shared with me – Bhutan is a cold country of helpful, friendly and kind people. I'm yet to meet your king. Bhutan in recent years have made significant progress in development of road, building, school, hospital, drinking water and other facilities. Unlike India, I like free medicare in Bhutan. However, he is quite adamant and yet to determine system and protocol and deeper office working because he doesn't need to hustle on this area. 

 

One thing is so sure that he likes our country for its own set of beauty with the ecosystem still intact for many generations to come. 

 

I fired him back, Bhaia, tell me honestly why do you think many Bhutanese are leaving for Australia. Be honest and give me your thoughts as an expert and foreigner. 

 

He rubbed his head and made this statement. 

 

Sir, I don’t know what exactly is causing this rush, but this is a serious concern for your king and the country. It would definitely hinder nation building as more Bhutanese both young and adult are exposed to foreign culture and work and system. This is dangerous for a small country like Bhutan. 

 

He also told me again that Bhutan is a peaceful country with plenty of jobs. What made him overly reserved on this, I'm still to dig him deeper on some other days. He must have something special to share. 

 

Our thought provoking discussion was cut short by my boy wanting for a call of nature. Nonetheless, time for me to cook for my father.

 

Bye...

 

 

Work. Life. Pain

I rushed outside with my two kids to catch the precious winter sun around the parking lot. Instead, I made a mind to head directly towards my house owner's new building construction site thinking that I can hang up my kids outside longer. 

 

Like no other place on earth, my two kids like this site because they get to see, touch and play with different things. The shrilling and occasional hammering sounds attract them even more in the area. Apart from this, they also get to interact with different faces and the languages. 

 

For the past few months, the site has become a favorite spot not only for me but also for my two kids for many good reasons. As we watch them work, we get to learn the art of carpentry, masonry, lifting, loading, carrying, mixing, fixing, etc. Above all, the fine hands of Indian Bhaias. The sacrifice they make each second to lift our country to greatness. 

 

One Bhaia in 40's who has worked all his life in building construction with courage picked an unusual topic –The Australian Rush!

 

I guess maybe he must have heard about this news from friends and passersby that every –Nima, Dawa, and Karma of Bhutan are leaving to work and study in Australia. 

 

I honestly do not know why he strangely picked this topic to discuss with me. But, he meant it seriously. I can sense some urgency and authority in his voice.

 

Bhaia, there could be many stories behind this rush. But, to me and what I heard from friends and through social media is that there are part-time jobs for students and good earnings for the dependent paid on hourly basis which we lack here. Bhutanese in Australia are doing so good in the eyes of Australians and in return they are granting more visas. 

 

The other point that came to me was the inflation and salary which is contributing more people and especially civil servants to quit their job and look for greener pastures abroad for work, earn and study.

 

One thing that seriously struck was his tone in which he told me this.

 

Sirrrrrrr...., please, don't leave Bhutan. Here, it is more peaceful (yeha, achaa hay!) Moreover, you are a civil servant and a father. You are treated high in society. You have good future scope. You can do many good things for your king and the country. Your kids need you in every moment of their lives. They are growing, more than the Australian dollars, they need your physical and emotional support. You are educated. The choice is yours. You know the best for your kids. Bhutan is a good place to work and live. There is more urgent work to do here in Bhutan than in Australia. Honestly, there are more jobs in Bhutan than the people here.

 

As I had the sharing and the pain, my two kids had enough for the day. The warmth of the sun. The shape. The touch. The sound. The sand. The soil. The air. 

 

I had to stop him! 

 

Because it is time for us to head home and cook. I was heavily put to think by my friend [Indian Bhaia] with his Soul Piercing Questions!

 

Japanese Made Bridge to Remember – Part V

What have we learned from Japan's Grant Aid Bridge Project? What have we learned for the past 25 years has gone merely by mystery and we have just learnt to fail ourselves? 

Travelling by Tsirang-Wangdue highway for some years now has become more of a distraction than enjoying the journey. As much as the roads are narrow and in bad shape with potholes, I was quite bothered by the Nyara-chu Bridge at Tak-sha becoming ugly with potholes and bruises. 

 

The poor road conditions on the right bank has led to spreading of potholes and other roadside damages. In such conditions, it won't take long to damage the remaining bridge road. In this case, do we have the expertise and knowledge and commitment to redo like the Japanese fine hand.

It gives me some awful memories. Not long ago, this river used to pose a huge risk for travelers having to pass through a scary bridge. Much to our relief, JICA has come as a blessing. But it looks like the pain is long forgotten.

 

This is too much for the people who have travelled miles to help us wholeheartedly. 

Few days back I took refuge near this bridge. The bridge is an exceptional engineering marvel in the valley. It's truly a magical Japanese gift to our nation. As the foundation of the Nyara bridge stands firm in the valley, so is its beauty. Nothing can be compared in the valley as finest as the bridge. This bridge resembles the true strength of the Japanese hand and mind, and more importantly, the discipline of nation building. 

However, it is sad to see the side drains are almost disappearing and many bruises have already formed, some are old and few are fresh. Nonetheless, the most concerning was the massive potholes spreading across the bridge. Nothing can fall but the Japanese workmanship!

There is nothing more shameful for GNH people than this unbecoming. 

More recently, the farm road diversion from the left bank has also added to the wound. It is not the first of such activities. In such a state of nation, sooner than expected, this bridge would soon become a disaster. 

Why I am so obsessed is with our manners. The poor manners of nation building. If we do not take care, who else will. We are the ultimate custodian of the land. Our collective effort can go a long way in lifting this nation from beggars to greatness. 

 

I have profound respect for the Japanese people for being so good and kind for helping us in our development pursuit. I always make time to stop by and see all the beautiful DNC bridges. Perhaps, stopping and seeing work of great quality and beauty makes my day. 

When all the bridges are gone, and the good times are forgotten, we do not have any evidence to show to the world that there once existed a beautiful Japanese bridge over our rivers. And we haven't learnt anything, but to sit and watch easy foreign aids come flying. 

One thing is so sure that we have missed the art of making bridges like Japan. In their brilliance, if we have been serious in nation building, by this time we must have something of our own -quality and beautiful Bhutanese made bridges on our rivers! 

I am among many Bhutanese who deeply admire Japanese work that is driven by absolute quality and beauty. What I also like is how they fashion concrete work and forge metal pieces to give true beauty and work perfection. Perhaps, landscaping and finishing touches are beyond comparison. There are dozens of such quality bridges across our rivers making our travel ultra-safe and fun. 

 

Nevertheless for the past 25 years, we have been stupid, so stupid, damn stupid. We haven't learnt anything, but to be so dependent on the foreign help. 

It is my hope that someday, we will be able to construct our own bridge as strong and beautiful and Bhutanese as the Japanese Bridge.

Declaimer: The article is the author's own feelings and does not intend to harm any organization, or individual. It is for future references.

Some random images of Nyarachu Bridge

Public Transport, One Big Puzzle to Fix

I thought the days and time were gone, but Kuensel covered an interesting story on January 20, "Double ticketing and excess passengers in public transport continues". 

To my little knowledge and with my own experience of travelling in a public transport, this is so true. No investigation is required. No document is required. No explanation is required. No further evidence is required. This is an above correct and long standing issue to address especially in our public transport service. 

 

I could sense some foul response given by the ticketing incharge. They are the sole responsible person with regard to issuing tickets whether it is to do online, or through call, or call made to the driver. They should confirm before issuing a double ticket. Or is it that the online app is so foolish, or the ticketing incharge is too clever to adjust the extra funds? This needs to be fixed!

 

As I read the kuensel article, there are many forgotten and blatant lies from the counter incharge, honestly. How can two, or three passengers get the same seat number for the same bus journey? This lie is over extended and excused for so long. 

 

What are our responsible incharges doing all these years? Our trusted RSTA should focus not only on whether someone has a driving license and valid documents, but also on such pertenanint issues. This is a matter of life and death. Therefore, I sincerely request our concerned stakeholders– bus owner, driver and RSTA to monitor on carrying exact numbers of passengers and rightful luggage. Let us be more Bhutanese and civilized for the sake of a long and perilous journey. 

 

Why is this issue still happening and how can it be fixed? We have a localised solution. The solution lies within us. We can solve this puzzle only if we become unkind and with foreign attitude. It also talks about our maturity and practical mindset. We must forget the misplaced compassion of being kind. Sometimes, and in such cases, we can be simply straight and unkind for the journey that is too dangerous and risky and long that lies ahead in the winding roads full of potholes and sharp turning and carefree drivers.

 

It's been a few years now, I stopped travelling by bus not because I have my car to drive. It's because our public transport service isn't clean, honest and too dangerous and too risky and too lenient. Drivers have their own timing. They stop by anywhere they like. They have their own known passengers, or relatives, or friends to occupy the seat, or have time in the bus anytime they like. This is not uncommon for us. 

 

I had some nightmare incidents while travelling by bus. Few times, I have reached to set destination delayed for several hours, or few occasions, I reached my destination next day, and one time I had to call my relatives to pick me up and worst I halt a night in the bus for drivers being so religious that he pick every passengers and their luggage that before it makes the final destination, the bus broke down in exasperation. 

 

I made the following comment on this article. "In my early days, I was one victim of such blatant ticketing systems by the careless ticket incharges. Make it online, or else fix this issue. This is one prolonged issue unseen and unspoken. In my case, I had to pitifully sacrifice my cash-ticket for an elderly lady. From the capital to my home destination, I bear the cost of standing and being so kind." 

 

One says, that's why I never travel by bus. The other says, I too happened to have the same ticket number. Someone should look into this matter seriously. RSTA, please do something. 

 

This is too much for the paid journey. 

 

Honestly, over anything, I love to travel by bus over driving a car. This not only saves cost but also cut down pollution and traffic jams.  

What we pay for the journey is too little to save our life and livelihood?

Therefore, I have sacrificed so much to own a car for the reasons that our public transport is unsafe, messy, difficult and harsh.