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. 

Rare Collection of His Majesty's Quotes to Mark 42nd Birth Anniversary

 

I've picked this beautiful Kupar of HM to remind 

of our selfless king in action. 

Pic: HM Facebook Page

On this joyous occasion of the 42nd Birth Anniversary of our Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty The King, I would like to offer my heartfelt prayers for the long life, peace and happiness of His Majesty. 

As we celebrate this special day in an unusual mode, I made up my mind to copy a few random quotes of His Majesty from my old diary, which I feel is appropriate sharing at this critical juncture, when the whole of humanity is undergoing tremendous knocks from the coronavirus. 

These quotes are my everyday guiding stars. And there is so much we can do for the country as a citizen –truly, madly and deeply!

If this Royal word doesn't excite you, make you more humble, more noble, more human, NOTHING WILL. 

” Our King

Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality. 

 

” Corruption

Corruption is unambiguous. There is no great, or small corruption. And no one is above the law. 

” Wonderful Leader

I will follow in my father's footsteps. My father set the bar very high. He was a wonderful leader.

” Teacher and Education

I will always support teachers throughout my reign. I will give you more importance and more recognition than any other sectors because you are going to make the greatest difference to the future of our country.

” Unity

We must always stand united in spirit and purpose. We must always be one nation with one common goal.

” Our Effort

A careless person’s mistake will undo all our effort. It will undo everything we have achieved so far.

” Our Peace

We are the guardian of our peace, stability and harmony. Bhutan being a small country with less population has a great advantage and can be well organized.

” Smallness, Responsibility, Government, Virus

At such a time, we must exhibit the strength that comes out of our smallness, remain united and support one another. During such exceptional circumstances, the government will take the responsibility of alleviating any suffering to the people due to the virus.

Long 👏👏👏 Live

Your Majesty

Looking Back to My Radio Days

My parent had in black color 
90's model or early 2000's

source: google

Today, as I recall back to my childhood days of 2002-3, it gives me some melancholic feelings of listening to 2PM "Live Call in Show" hosted by, Ugyen Tshering Nagadik and Sharpem Sherpa.

Back then, radio used to be one of the biggest pride and possessions, means of information and entertainment. In the midst of day's meal my family briefly catches the 10AM Lhotsham (Nepali) bulletin and a few songs before heading into afternoon works.

With technologies in its best form, the existence of close-knit family culture and unity is in the verge of extinction. All we can do now is, keep those memories hiding inside and move on with life. 

Fast-forward, many years have elapsed and the voices of my radio still echoes inside me, but just in hope. Today, whenever I'm driving I prefer FM Radio to pools of stored songs. 

Today, I listened to the same talk show from a younger generation of hosts by name, Tshering Wangmo and others. Like the old hosts, they keep the show going forward by being–so lively and eloquent, but not much of the old songs are being on the playlist and on request from callers, signaling the taste in music has gone far to hip-hop, love songs, et al.

I used to thoroughly enjoy the radio show with unflattering energy and spirit. One thing that gripped me so much is the politeness of the hosts. I wish we had such services in daily affairs, business, and in offices. Today, embarking into a sophisticated world of technologies is only making our lives more difficult to be that old community and losing the edge of humanness is everyone's guess. 

The first English song I listened to was "Whisky in the Jar" by Metallica. This song used to be one of the most requested and heavily played songs in those days and one of my favourites too. Not so sure, how many callers have known the meaning of the song, but to me it's nothing more than the title of the song and the singer, raspy voice and few heavy metal echoes. 

Today, with access to a limitless platform, I took advantage of the Internet and my self-containment mode mood, I hooked up reminiscing about my young days, giving me ample space to find the meaning of the song I listened to. 

Whisky in the Jar is an Irish tale-song of a highwayman who was betrayed by his lover and sung by The Dubliners folk band in 1962. The song is one of the oldest and most loved songs probably originated in the mid-17th century and has dozens of forms. However, Metallica, an American heavy metal band had made this song to another generation of rock fans with their version in 1998.

Music is something that everyone loves to listen to and be with. It has the power to connect, calm and reconnect old memories of a person, and forgone days. Music has the power to heal and help overcome life difficulties. It consoles the heart and soul, and makes you forget everything. 

 

I wish I'd the Panday's voice and Udit's melody, Richard's vocal and Dylan's composition. These are the voices I grew up listening to and they made me a whole different person -strong, wise and sensible, altogether. 

 

There is no denying that my taste in music has not changed much, both old and classic still hold a special place in my heart, and it's all to that sweet little radio that has shaped my taste in the world of music. 

 

 

Book Review: The Tentacles of Love

The tentacle of love is a beautiful book by a Bhutanese author. It has got a lot of motivation for the reader. Though the whole package is about the expedition of a teenager to experience love, it has way more to extract especially for young people. 

It's a pretty impressive and immaculate story to reflect upon in life. 

The most striking part of the book is the undying support from Yoezer's parents. This idea holds true parallelism for all. Yoezer is shattered by the betrayal of his love but his parents were there to heal his scar. 

A word of praise for Mr. Tempa Tshering for promoting the culture of writing.

The book is worth reading. 

 

Review: LUNANA: A Yak in the classroom

Why Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom a must win Oscar movie?   

The story is about dreams, passion, education, hardship, culture and the rapidly changing scenario of a small kingdom wedged between two Asian giants. The movie opens up to tell the story of a young school teacher, who dreams of going to Australia to pursue his singing career. However, he was sent to the world's remotest school for a year where he starts to become more thoughtful, subdued and slowly begins to realize life beyond Capital. 

 

1.    The lead actor by name Ugyen Dorji looks so natural and spontaneous, appealing and lively with his role. He has a natural flow of acting and to me he looks like a born actor. Probably an actor without any makeup face has impressed me a lot. 

 

2.     The lead actress by name Saldon was extra special –natural flair and unique charisma. 

 

3.    Supporting roles by name Michen and Singye put up their part so well and matured, natural and spontaneous. They are the ones who hooked me so much in the story. The supporting role should be like how they did in Lunana. 

 

4.    Pem Zam and her friends have utterly stunned the scene with their childhood innocence. At such a young age without any exposure beyond their village, they proved their elegance and innately talented acting characters in the movie. They all are the real heroes and charmers! 

 

5.    Asha Jinpa has given everything with his power and space. We get the sense that the role of a community leader is much beyond and powerful. This should be the sense of duty to TSA-WA-SUM. I can relate to someone's quote –"It takes a village to raise a child" is never far from the truth. 

 

6.    Angles and frames are technically great. DoP (Director of Photography) must have a good vision of the movie. These two qualities gave the film extra beauty and specialty. The other technical aspects such as direction, location, time (season), movie time (length), setting and lighting were well taken care. The movie was packaged and rendered professionally and technically well. 

 

By my rough guess, this movie should win the Oscar. 

A must win for me!