You are our Dynamite

Deal Melissa Wong.

Let be begin with the apology for the delay in delivering your donation packet meant for small school kids. I could receive your donation cartoon box only somewhere in the month of December 2017. By then most of the primary schools [equivalent to elementary school in your place] across the country gets over with academic session. It is almost time for 45+ day’s long holiday, we call winter break here. So, this way I could not delivery your gift pack last year. I kept it hold for the following year, 2018.

Unlike big schools, primary schools reopened only on Feb 13^th for kids. By then again it is time to celebrate HM’s birthday and in between we too have few days New Year’s holiday. So, the month of February in Bhutan is one of the busiest month. That is how I couldn’t reach your donation to schools. Again I wasn't sure to give your donation box straight to schools. I discussed exclusively with my principal for the most appropriate schools and the kids. We discussed about the possibility of more disadvantaged kids within the District [province or state in your country]. Unanimously we finally decided to send your donation box to two schools –Barpong Primary School which house for 23 students and two teachers. Degala Primary School which house for 26 students and two teachers. Degala PS has two muscular teachers who looks after these 26 students; two teachers are their parents, brother, sister, energizer, hero, idol and even a big cat. 

  

I am unsure how shall I begin my conversation with you. I am thoroughly touched by your affection, warmth and concern to my country. I am out of word to describe all these; your love for the Bhutanese children and to my country, Bhutan in particular. I know how much close you are with Bhutan and Bhutanese already. I know the best of the best. Since, your magnanimous action tells us so much more than the words can describe. It is –beyond word to express your novelty. I can’t express your love for Bhutan in any forms of kindness at any cost either.

I was worn in the land of Thunder Dragon, country full of mountains and valleys. You were born somewhere far away in the west to a beautiful island. You live somewhere in the Skyscrapers which I have just seen on television, where I live in the traditional Bhutanese mud house which you are very familiar. It maybe –beyond your dream to recall when I say this to you and you know the best because I knew you have already visited my country for several times now. Perhaps, it is very true and genuine. But it is very happy to say that both of us share a common ideology and the passion for doing a social justice, service above self. We love kids, kids who are unprivileged in thousand ways.

Although Bhutan is govern by the principle of GNH yet it is difficult to meet and cover the days demand, demands of three decent meals for many of us. The reasons could be the difficult land geography and the other could be our fate. For many parents it is always difficult to meet the demands of their school going kids, the basic requirements of stationery items is hard to spell, not to forget their school uniform and school bags most of the time remains as a promising lips story. I mean there is a huge challenge in meeting all these demands.

There are challenges and hope for all these in coming times and you have rescued at least 50 innocent soul this time with your little stationery gift packet. It means a lot for them and Bhutan. It means a lot for the parents of those innocent kids. It means a lot for Ministry of education. It means a lot for teachers working there, in the most remote pocket of the Zhemgang District. Honestly, they are untouched by many modern amenities – motorable road, technologies, market, etc etc…are just their far dream from now.

To reach their schools it can takes approximately four to five hours for a muscular man from the nearest road head. But they may be the happiest people, untouched by all most all the modern gears to drive them away from families and friends. They have plenty of time to play with their mates at schools and parents at home. In fact, they have the luxury of time and space. For these innocent kids you became the new hope and the light even though you are several oceans away.   

I have already conveyed your goodwill messages of hopes and aspirations through their school principals. I hope two school principals would have done it well. These kids are our hope and our future leaders who will be driving us more into the changing world of humanity. I am also very sure they have a very special heart for you. You are already in their heart. You are their idol. You are their point of reference and you will be remembered for rest of their life.

Nevertheless, on behalf of them, their parents, teachers and principals I would like to thank you so much for the donation, donation you have made for these innocent kids of far-flung village of Digala and Barpong under Zhemgang District.

Note: The below are the images of Degala Primary School kids and two school teachers. I will update when I get Barpong Primary School detail images. Thank you so much!

Note: Melissa Wong is a lady who live in Australia. Born in China-Malaysia. She donated 50 numbers of gift packet of basic stationery to primary kids.

What you think about Book Business?

"Dear Sirs and Madams" I have book to sell. Would you all not mind to have a copy each, please? The book is authored by our fellow Bhutanese and it's a good book to read. The book has an excellent inside story. At least you all can buy for your kids, please. The cost of the book is Nu. 350.00.  

"Sir, please can you wait for a moment." I needed to discuss this matter with my wife. I waited with little hope and the reply was, "sir my wife had already planned to buy her hair gel." So sorry Sir. It's Okay. I said. Anyway, thank you so much for your interest. 

Perhaps, the most gut-wrenching moment is when you are made to wait and hear nothing positive. However, I did not stop here. I went straight into different classes and posed the same question.

"Dear boys and girls" I have book to sell. If you are interested to have a copy of the book please you can see me with Nu. 350. To further authenticate and arose some curiosity I have them briefed on the book and the author. I told them it's a good book to read but at the same time I also warned them, the author isn't the owner of Silicon Valley nor an American Boy. The author is an ordinary fellow Bhutanese, friend of everyone. However, I could happily read some reluctant faces in some corners. I have seen many have openly submitted their unwillingness and few have turned down as far as to south.  

So many question started to erupt over into my mind. How many of us read books for fun? How often we take our kids to book shop? Are our kids cultured to buy and read books? Do we want our kids to be a good reader when they finish their schooling? Can reading a book help school going children do better in their academics? Are we still hoping to get all free supply of reading book for our kids? Are we waiting for national reading week to come? 

But in my case, I have to sell those books. So, I kept chasing for each willing buyers till I finish my job. Honestly, I did not stop there when I was tired and exhausted. I tried and sold all the copies of the book like a hot cake.

Anyone planning to publish a book in near future need to ask questions like the market opportunities and the publishing house before putting pen to paper. I see particularly there are huge risk involved in this business. I feel so sorry for the willing heart though. 

If you think reading can create magic, buy a book of any kinds and start to read from now. 

Note: This article is completely a personal expression of the author and do not intend to harm anyone in any form.

You are the greatest gift of all

This week seemed so hectic, full and busy. BBC news wasn't so fair either; Trump falling into Kim Jong Un's trap was the most read international headline. But I was deeply sadden by the death of Science Superstar, Stephen Hawking. Because I look him as a crazy idiot. Perhaps, whole science family would miss his donkey work someday. Although, he left us but his science legacy shall remain forever. We have lost a great mind and a humble human being. But on the other hand, I doubt on Trump's legacy after his presidency. Besides all these attack and uprising of serious political unbalance within and outside we did not forget to make your day special and memorable.  

My Dear Daughter.

18^th March, 5:36PM, 2017 will be a very special for your mom and me. It is the most awaited date for your mom and me. It is the day you came to us as a little girl. The day your mom had risked her life just to get you out. The day your mom had experienced one of the most hurtful pain in the world. The night your mom had a cat sleep because she had to feed you often. I saw these part of your mom since I was busy accompanying your mom to put you into sleep. Needless to say that your big mama and distant Aunty was also present to see you. Therefore, don't forget to Thank Your Mom, big mama and our Distant Aunty when you turn sweet sixteen.   

We are happy for you since you turn one year today. Today is your First Birthday! So, unlike other day, it is a very special day for your mom and me. Today I feel as if I won some Oscar Award for something, felt completely swept up in the euphoric mood.

Perhaps this is your first birthday celebration and having you as our baby girl is the greatest gift of all. We have been waiting this moment for so long and finally it knock the door of your mom and dad. Nothing in the world seemed to me as special as today. It is your day! Nothing in the world would felt so powerful than the love I saw in your little face. Over the months you have given meaning to our life and played a significant role in reshaping our life. You have made us more responsible and watchful than before. You have showed us the triangle of love. When we feel morose, you make us feel happy and when we feel apart, you reunite us. Perhaps, you are an amazing baby girl and we are lucky to have you. 

Your birthday was planned just ordinary and simple, no expensive cake to cut and not even a Happy Birthday Song was played. It was exceptionally humble and Bhutanese style. But remember, we did it worth for you to live another thousand lives and forever with us. We made an offerings of some butter lamps and recited silent prayers for your continued good health and prosperity. Nonetheless, I pray with all my heart to bless you with all the happiness in the world.  Every day when the day turn into a pitch dark with nothing to be seen outside, I used to close my window shutter and used to take a quick watch at your sleep and fall in love with you.  

You have always given us the room to lift our happiness and banish misery. We always enjoy each moment of our life spent with you. One good thing is we are growing old with you and it will be the sweetest memory we would carry till the very end.

We feel happy to see you grow into a strong, bold, unique and beautiful girl but you are becoming more naughty and disobedient. You already started to dominate us. You are the new boss in the town!     

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE GIRL!

First few minutes of your life.
You are measured and weighted. 

You are inside the photo-therapy to
reduce your body bilirubin level. 

Your first official bathe with
your big mama.

This is officially your first
medical check-up for weight,
height and other fitness.

This is your first foot gear.

You are fit and fine inside
Uncle Tshogyal's hemchu.

You are the boss. 

Random Images for the month

I have remained barren for one month without any article and images. It is not because of time. It is all due to my laziness. But, in the mean time I did some readings and photography trips. Here are some of the randomly selected images to present to you all. The pictures that I am posting here is technically fit and no compromise for its quality and clarity. To get a better view of each picture you can always click on the image, I mean full frame view is always recommended. I am sure it may touch your heart and the eye. Enjoy!

Lucky HAAPS

Bhutanese people are known for their politeness, respectful behavior and different level of intelligence. Why is this nation so unique and different from the rest of the world? I have found the answer; it is because we have an extraordinarily cool Monarchs who protect and serve us like a family. 

As Bhutan prepares to celebrate its 110^th National Day celebration, the people of Haa are the luckiest one. I say it, Haaps are the lucky, because for many good reasons.

1.     It is the first ever grand national day celebration held in Haa Dzongkhag with three Kings and the Royal Families.  

2.  Lhakhang Karpo was initially established in the 7^th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo in his mission to build 108 monasteries in one day. According to some local Historian, a black and white pigeon were released to select the sites to build a temples. The white pigeon landed on the foothills of the three towering mountains worshiped as Rigsum Gonpo and is where the Lhakhang Karpo stand today, beautiful and magnificent. The temple was named Karpo, which mean white as it was built on the same site where the white pigeon have landed. Now a seat of Ap Chundu, Haa's guardian deity. After thousands of years Lhakhang Karpo was fasten under the deep simmering light and different fabrics is indeed a proud moment for all the people across the country. It is the symbol of country's wealth and deity that separate us from rest of the world.

3.   It marks the end of old Lhakhang and the beginning of the new Lhakhang seated in the same place. The Lhakhang Karpo is finally being raised after eight long years from the hands some mean and bandit people. Perhaps, the story wasn't so good initially. Today it got extraordinary concretion from Three Kings, the Royal families, dignitaries and the people of Haa. Therefore, in many ways the concretion of the Lhakhang Karpo is the best and lucky among many Dzongs and Lhakhangs.  

4.  It is the opportunity for all the Haaps to show case their talent in varieties of ways. Time for them to reflect back upon their age old tradition and culture. It is a big opportunity to showcase Haap's Auesa, Lolay and Chundu's Gongzhey as listed. Along with the Tokha by His Majesty, the people of Haap and part of Paro valley is expected to celebrate Lomba which coincides with national day in Lhakhang Karpo and expected offerings would follow. Lomba is the New Year festival originally celebrated by the people of Haap, Paro and some part of Thimphu valley. Such coincidences of three big things is extremely rare and fine.

5.    It is also one of the big day and the big opportunity for the people of Haa valley to have Royal Audience during their Lomba Festival. And also it may be the very first time practically to meet and have Royal Audience with Gyelsay, the future king of Bhutan. 

Along with the people of Haa, I offer my sincere prayers and gratitude to our Handsomely and Cutely dressed Gyelsay for his long live. 

                                      Pelden Drukpa Gyaloo...for all Haaps and parops!

Moment of Joy.

The academic year came to an end. It is time to reflect upon year long hardship taken with responsibility and dedication. Although, the time was never easy and the share of work responsibility was never ending. Yet we took it very well till the end.

Along with cathartic work it is also time to bid farewell to some outgoing friends as well. Therefore, within the strict timetable and limited time some friends have arranged to play the game of Khuru to forget, unite and rejoice the hardship taken for the whole year. More importantly to welcome new academic year 2018.

I have seen some friends have enjoyed the game, some equally disappointed for not having even one Kharey and other have enjoyed some hilarious jokes and fun from some naughty friends. But, Principal Dobjay Kharey have stolen the whole game. He was the Hero and it took all his Kharey to end the game. 

One of the most interesting thing we have in this big family is we share some common goal. Everyone of us is secretly and differently talented, that makes us unique and different from the rest. Moreover, we also value and respect each other professionally that makes us academically rich and sound. Perhaps, our combined effort, talent, dedication and responsibility we are also professionally fit so much that our school is one of the best performing schools in the country. Hats-off to all of us. 

Actually we are in the place no one even dare to dream, forget them coming in and providing their unwholesome service to king, country and the people. But, we are okay with what is presently available in the place. Zhemgang is culturally rich and unique from rest of the District makes us very special and distinct.  Serenity is less adulterated by outside world. For the nature lover, I must tell you this place is the best to explore –beyond the call of daily life.

As an educator we share and learn endless of lesson outside the classroom from each other without any hesitation are the best practices we have in the school. People like me who has very unfamiliar skill and ability to play the game of Khuru also love to be in the circle. Because I don't need to worry much since some of my friends are even worse than me. They seem least interested for Kharey. It's no surprise that usually my day ends with just countable Kharey even though I try my best to hit on bulls-eye. I have never become a Decorated Player in this game. 

Decorated Mate

Although some friends have astronomical interest in this game. Yet their day ends like mine, without single Kharey which pose danger on the playground and at home from muscular old lady. I like this game because it fills with humors and jokes from some silly mates.

Anyway, remember that it take our dedication and sacrifices to do a good job in the remote part of Bhutan. But, not as much as the game of Khuru we used to enjoy in front of the school lab. 

Finally, I wanted to wish two of my outgoing friend’'s safe journey and happy new academic year in new school; one to Far East corner and one to down south end. I hope and pray for successful career ahead.

Pelden Drukpa Gyaloo...

Lesson to Bhutanese Contractors and Engineers.

Capturing Osama Bin Lhaden had been the main objective of the United States of America since the presidency of Bill Clinton. After the vigorous search he was finally captured and killed brutally by American soldiers. Anyway, the history was made. But, this is not what I wanted to write here. 

I wanted to share two pertinent concerns. First is QUALITY and the second is WORK ETHICS. 

Like how ambitiously America have chased and killed Bin Lhaden, we also need to end this war of quality work and work ethics. Honestly, I don't like the way our contractors perform their work. They are morally and ethically very poor at works. They all work for profit and never work for betterment of the country, forget about providing quality service. 

When was the last time we came before time for our work? Rather, we don't mind to come late for work and day starts with heavy grumble and complain of this and that. We bellyache knowingly or unknowingly for every bits of work responsibility given to us. This is absolutely horrible for a tiny Buddhist nation. With all such poor mentality we can never build secure, stronger and stable nation in any length of time. Which mean we need to plan and send our people back to school for serious lessons on ownership, sense of belonging and responsible citizen. 

My concern is actually not unique and different but worth million dollars. I raise this voice because I love my country like anyone of you. I am saying with our existing work morale, I could see the future of our country in danger. It is sickening every moment with more and more junkie people around. When the population is still manageable, government must plan to eliminate this hide-and-seek game to end from the base through the system of strict monitoring services is in place. We can do it. 

What are some of the corrective method our government is doing to tackle this problem? Why the road that was built few days before has to form crack and cleft? Why the government buildings are poorly built? Why every time the government buildings has to be the victim of wears and tears within few months? Where is the actual lapses –is it the government or engineers or contractors? 

Now it is time to sort it out sincerely. I do not mean our contractors cannot make profit from their work. It is in their hand and it is their right to make any level of profit. But, the choice of their profit shouldn't compromise the quality work done and timely completion of the work. Honestly, I don't like the way they perform their work, ethically very poor. What is our site supervising engineers doing? 

We still do not have clean and healthy toilets in place. But, we never forget to talk about Rocket Science and Artificial Intelligence. 

Footsteps that belongs to 1958 structure.

I have a very interesting fact to share here. It was somewhere in the mid-October I had Aue, Passu the owner of Bhutan Toilet Organization as a guest from capital city. He came to assist my SkyHydrant water filter project that come from Rotary Club of Thimphu, funded by Disaster Aid Australia. The school that I am working is one of the very fine and in fact very old education institution in the country. I feel proud to be in this school. According to some oral history, it says the design of the present Zhemgang CS was indeed copied from Late Father Mackey, a Canadian Jesuit Priest who was responsible for establishing the modern education system in Bhutan. I find the school structure is still strong, firm and beautifully laid. If given a bidding choice, it would fetch the highest bid price because it is still free from crack and cleft. In whole of the Zhemgang Dzongkhag, it is one of the finest and the oldest structure. Of all, I often fall in love with the building design which is very cool.

No sooner had my brief outline of the school was ended than he asked me about the conditions of the footsteps. Footsteps! I was confused. Initially I wasn't sure about his actual intention for asking me this particular question. I told him, it's there, its fine. To better authenticate I took him to the footsteps that lead to the main block. Perhaps, to my utter surprise he told me, isn't that footsteps shining. Not even a single crack and cleft was formed long these many years. I know many dignitaries would have walked across these footsteps and countless engineers may have made from the same building. But, not concern like Aue, Passu did. Had it been the modern buildings, crafty contractors and lousy engineers, the fate of this footsteps might have ended differently. It would have definitely stand for multiple fracture and repairs. There are still many unlearn lessons our people, contractors, engineers and policy makers have to learn from the Late Mackey's buildings. The present schools like Punakha CS, Drugyal CS, Jigme Shurabling CS, Sherabtse College and Damphu CS are the copy of Late Mackey's building structure. The good thing about these building structures are earth quack resistance and corrupt free structure. We need such contractors, contractors of my Grand Father's time. Perhaps, corruption wasn't there. They don't know how to prepare fake bills and eat money. Had it been in the hands of present contractors, this buildings would have gone into ashes and ruins. 

In the same compound, there are some modern buildings. Designed and built by our engineers. Looking at its face, it was built not many years far. But, the way it appears is not so pleasing. It has torn apart into multiple injuries, the doors and the walls are gone –beyond repairs. The footsteps that stand between the two buildings have formed multiple crack. It isn't shining like the footsteps of the old structure. The only difference is that the contractors are different but the same building materials were used. The actual difference is the way it was made. In the first case the strict monitoring, right proposition of cement and other materials was used and contractors wasn't unkind. In latter case, they have breached all the rules of the country. 

Modern footsteps built not very far.

Shapeless and shameless footsteps.  

This is crazy footsteps.

This is how footsteps in government 
land looks like.   

This is completely a failure of lousy supervising engineers and greedy contractors. The main failures comes from our lawmakers. They have failed terribly. But, aren't we failing together?

Pelden Drukpa Gyelo...

This article is completely a personal views and it do not intend to defame anyone.