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. 

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.