Face-to-Face with S.G – Part II

  

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Wednesday, one tough day for the two of us. We came to a critical submit. The point that shall matter so much. Many firm decisions have to be made because it's going to affect someone's innocent life...forever.

 

I was heavily involved in the discussion for several weeks and the positive impact was felt with both the parties. Initially, he assumed that I do not know much about the case I am dealing with. So, he gave me some loosely cooked response. The response created more suspicion than to believe him. He claimed an impossible mission just to escape the rendezvous. 

 

I have changed the topic because I wanted a more real response. I patiently waited for the right moment to strike the gong. I took a different course. No statement and punishment. I requested for an honest reflection on his strengths and weaknesses. Looking at his writing, he was simply giving me some easy response to escape from me. Next I asked him to give me his childhood memories. I even asked him to give me his best and most difficult moment of his life. All these created more fuss. 

 

Every point was made to make a deeper connection and preciousness of our life. The love and care of parents. The hardship and beauty of life. The power one has that can change the course of life and beautiful and luxurious life one can have. 

 

S.G, would you like to continue with your old habit? Are you happy with your life?

 

I could immensely feel the intensity of his heart. There was a bit of hesitation even though he falsely claimed that he already stopped a few weeks ago. I wasn't in a rush to conclude anything nor I have any ready-made solution to offer him. 

 

All I wanted was the more authentic response so that I can help him stay clean, or minimize the intake. I would like S.G to slowly change the course of his life once and forever, the life he had been for the last four years. 

 

Indeed, this is some kind of fashion with our youth today. And there are almost 35% of our productive citizens using this hemp plant which is slowly draining and consuming both our health and wealth. 

 

This is a worrying trend we have for over decades now. There is nothing wrong with this but in the long run this might simply become a problem. 

 

Honestly, at school there are a mix of boys and girls who are into smoking and chewing habits from as low as from grade three, or some even before they enter school. Coming from such a background, we don't feel this is an issue to address since we have big influence from our big brother and neighbourhoods.  

 

S.G's best time for doing this is just before morning study, after breakfast, and after school -just before evening study. And it also happens after night study which puts him to a good night sleep. This is his routine. Nothing can stop him but his determined self can. 

 

In the depth of our discussion, I was taken aback of my hostel life, the hardship, the loneliness because our hostel hasn't changed much over a decade –the barren hostel rooms, water shortage, toilet issue, fooding have crunched all these habits. 

 

This is how this little boy by name S.G has forged into this path. Like this gentle boy, there could be thousands of productive youth involved and more are planning to gallop. 

 

At times I have acted rude like medieval rulers to extract more exact points. I have squeezed him like mustard oil but nothing much has come out of this quiet boy. I was happy that his intake has significantly dropped and started to feel bad for his smoking habit. 

 

We could reach many definitive solutions such as reading, walking, playing, sleeping, eating, chatting, drawing to slowly keep this habit at bay. 

 

Whatever, best solutions we agree upon, it is after all going to matter for rest of his life. And there is nothing beautiful than making someone realize the preciousness and power of human life. 

 

 

 

NOTE: My achievement of the year goes to this little work I have done in a past 2-month period. 

 

 

2022: A Special Year For Us

With heartfelt gratitude, we bring this academic year to a close. It has been a year of great gains, but also one that demanded hard work, persistence and resilience from each of us.

This year shaped us not just academically, but personally preparing us to face challenges we never anticipated. Before we break for the winter break, we gather to celebrate our accomplishments and bid farewell to some of our outgoing friends.

Today, as we reflect on our journey, let's honour the dedication, effort and sacrifices each of us made to reach this point together.

It has truly been a joy and a privilege for me to serve you all.

The introduction of the Bhutan Baccalaureate (BB) was unfamiliar, but we embraced it wholeheartedly. Looking back, we have achieved so many memorable milestones together.

Midway through, we found ourselves torn between covering the syllabus and managing our time. Despite holidays, illnesses, assessments and an intense academic schedule, we still made time for laughter, bonding and joy.

The year was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Yet, we learned to stay grounded and focused with humility and self-discipline guiding us through the final, most challenging months.

Throughout, I entered this campus each day with the sole intention of serving you with sincerity and integrity. I truly hope your time here has been meaningful, and that you leave with a strong sense of values. That, to me, is the essence of nation-building.

If at any point I seemed strict and unfair, especially about punctuality during SUPW—I ask for your apology. My intention was never to trouble you, but to instill habits that will serve you in life. This too, I believe, is nation-building.

I know some of my personal values like caring deeply for nature, being punctual and managing my own waste, may have seemed unnecessary. But I see these small actions as powerful habits of a responsible citizen. Again, I believe this is nation-building.

Remember that every small, positive habit you build will lead you closer to your dreams. These habits shape not just your life, but your contribution to the country.

Though our mentor-mentee sessions are ending, our bond, friendship and care still continue to be strong and spread beyond this campus.

I may not have met all your expectations, but I gave my role everything I had. I will always be here to support and guide you in whatever way I can. This, too, is nation-building.

If you aim for something beautiful in life, be ready to sacrifice, work hard and give more than what is asked of you. Keep learning. Stay optimistic. Set high standards. These will bring you one step closer to happiness and success.

And when you build a life of discipline and goodness, all the things you desire—home, comfort and love will follow naturally. And yes, this too is nation-building.

Despite the challenges, we achieved so much in a short span of time. As we say goodbye to some of our friends today, let us take a moment to reflect on how far we have come and the strength we have shown.

These experiences must become our guiding principles as we step into the future.

Thank you for your kindness and cooperation. It made my work so much easier. Carry these human values with you, wherever life takes you. Our shared learning and friendships will endure. This too is nation-building.

Please, remain a good human being, regardless of what you achieve in life. It is your kindness that will be remembered most.

I would like you to sincerely honour your parents. They won't be with you forever, and their sacrifices are the reason you are here today. Cherish them with all your heart. And yes—this, too, is nation-building.

Life from here on will get harder. But with the right mindset, you can overcome any obstacle. It won't be easy—but after 13 years of preparation, you are ready for the path ahead.

If I had to name one greatest achievement this year—it would be you, and the incredible journey we shared together. 

Thank you for spending your time with me.

Picture Perfect of Gathering-memories crafted 

Face–to–Face with S.G

”

 

We may forget our actions, but memory remains forever.

S.G and I are made in heaven. The person with a completely different mentality –view –prospect –attitude –likeness and more. He is young and handsome and I am an old looking guy. 

 

S.G is a new boy on the campus. He came dreaming big from far away places; places I have never been to, the place is far away as geographically as it is mentally. Two beautiful souls are in the confluence of Damphu Campus for the same endeavour. For now he is my student and I am his mentor. He is a commerce student, whereas I am a science guy. 

 

S.G and I, both of us like to spend our time alone. One significant trait with S.G, he is a shy goy; hardly mingles with other friends. He wants to spend time fantasizing Marijuana and always wants to be himself like the great Walter Mitty. He has been into this habit since he was in grade nine. Undeniably, he shares to me that he enjoys this part of life –free. He does this every time he misses his parents, which helps him be at his freedom. 

 

S.G and I met each other in the month of May. Since then we have been together sharing many personal journeys. Over the years, we knew many things about each other. We share many common goals, dreams, wishes and future plans. He is a smart guy who can be a great asset to his family and the country as he is physically and mentally strong gentleman. 

 

S.G and I met as part of a new reform –the concept of Bhutan Baccalaureate where mentor-mentee system is one important element. And he happens to be in my group through a random selection process held at school in the beginning of this academic year. I am lucky to have him in my circle. For two years (2022-23), he will be under me for whatever activities that may come under BB. I shall guide him with utmost dedication and sincerity. I have also fancied him many beautiful dreams together on this campus.

S.G and I are like brothers now. Two of us share many commonalities of likes and dislikes, hobbies and passion, dreams and wishes, strength and weaknesses, memories and more.  

 

S.G and I came to one interesting conclusion while sitting face-to-face and we agreed on this line –"don't spoil a beautiful life" , which is so precious for a simple reason as this habit of smoking weeds. He promised to reflect upon each time he wishes to blaze these funny weeds. I related to him the preciousness of our life that God has ever gifted to this humanity. 

S.G and I came to a compelling point –both of us know the awful sides of this habit –it slowly destroys one's beautiful life, waste time and money, ruin family and friends, distance from loved ones and children, lose health and appetite, cost the government and community.

 

S.G and I agreed to explore more on pursuing a beautiful life journey by slowly leaving behind this old habit. It is nice to learn that he promised to remain clean from this habit and someday serve -TSA-WA-SUM- with pride and dignity. 

 

S.G and I agreed to continue such sessions anytime and explore more. We are passionate country men wanting to pay back to our motherland who has given us so much free education and healthcare. 

 

S.G and I agreed to commit for the cause of this nation like any other by supporting each other. Interestingly two of us have learnt to value life as it is so precious, more precious than a Diamond. We have also learnt that human form is undoubtedly the first and the last chance to be and experience such a luxurious life. We look forward to harnessing our strength and leaving many legacy behind.

 

Although S.G and I hail from different places and have different upbringing, yet we have many things in common, at the same time we have differences of heaven and hell and that is our strength. He basically had Eastern upbringing, while I come from a typical Southern family. 

 

S.G wishes me to age grey with fine personality, while I want S.G to serve our nation with highest integrity and dignity. This is after all our motherland!

NOTE: This is a story of two innocent souls –a gentle boy S.G and a teacher wishing to move this nation far …

2022 FIFA World Cup to Remember

A much awaited FIFA World Cup is finally here. And all eyes will be on Qatar for a month. Most teams will just shed their tears, while lucky ones will cash their hand on the most prestigious trophy. 

 

Qatar World Cup

 

To watch the football game from Qatar is exciting in so many ways. To host such a world-class sporting event by a country less known to this sport means a lot for other countries. 

 

Mouth-watering Budget

 

To do such a big event, it is anything beyond domestic budget. Therefore, expenses by the Doha government was the oil money; a madness for other small nations wishing to host such an event. However, the investment after all is a long term plan for the good of their own nation. Budget over 200 billion is beyond the fancy of any nation. This amount is just a dream of many other nations. 

 

Stadium

 

source: google

More than watching football, the beauty of the stadium is not only a hope of an advanced architecture but also showcasing of an engineering piece. The high standard is set for the future of this sport. 

 

In Asia

 

Hosting this world event by the Qatari government is a huge thing for other Asian nations too. When big nations like China and India are just dreaming, Qatar hosting this event showed their superiority, a work of great unity, and sacrifice and love for this game.

 

The Eventful Case

Although Asia has a long way to become a football elite, watching some Asian giants is special in many ways. 

 

Big football figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are probably attending their final world cup and watching them always brings huge joy and happiness. The charm they bring in football is extraordinary and like any other football figure, the Messi and Ronaldo effect is set to remain forever.

Source: google

What I also like about football players is the mentality they bring in this sport is amazing and watching them giving 100 percent commitment and love is remarkable. 

 

It was so nice and a proud moment for a Japan and Japanese for showcasing to the world their humanity, the moral duty –human value of how much they care for the waste and surrounding, it is timely and extraordinary in such a big, big international forum and at a time world is gravely suffering from the impact of waste and littering. 

Source: google

It is also a message to the world leaders on global issues to address at the earliest. We must learn this art from this country and we look forward to seeing leaders in power make moves such as this for the future of this planet.

 

The other Asian giant –South Korea banging high standards in looks and technology is making their presence strong. The BTS boy named Jung kook and his World Cup song "Dreamers" is making an international headline. It's another proud moment for ROK and other Asian nations for showcasing to the world that Asia also has great talent.

  

 

Source: google

Qatar –the host nation exciting first from the league round shall remain as history. However, the good thing is that they have set their standard in football. 

 

The news of a few players gravely injured at the start of the tournament was indeed not good news for the team, manager, fans and family members.  

 

Undoubtedly, this season of football has disrupted many things, especially sleep and work. Moreover, some cracking late night games weren't easy to watch. But, thanks to the power of the Internet. 

 

My wife and I are having a good time watching some of our favorite team games. My wife who has very little idea about football and pursuing her by my side is a huge task for me as she constantly needs a lot of background information of the player and squad. On many occasions, I acted more like a football pundit and I take this opportunity to better my knowledge of football and knowing players and clubs they play. 

However, more exciting was watching Messi's Argentina and Ronaldo's Portugal, Neymar's Brazil and DeBruyne's Belgium, Son's Korea and Mbappe's France. All the matches were tight and seeing them giving 100 percent showed their love for football and country.

 

It is too early to predict the winner. However, looking at the team of world-class players –I had a wild guess on a few teams like Brazil, England, Portugal, France, Argentina and Belgium. 

 

Another thing I am always fascinated by is the beautiful commentary of English men... Their commentary always adds joy and liveliness to a football game. 

 

Thus, football to me is more than just a beautiful game. 

Her Way : My Daughter In The Pursuit of Education

At her age, I barely knew the existence other than my parents, relatives and a tiny village. Except for a few auspicious hospital visits, I was never exposed to the outside world. At 5, the farthest I knew was the boundary of my home and village. 

”

The Frog in the Well knows nothing of the mighty Ocean

 

A little innocent boy draped in torn clothes and bare feet, I never imagined I would one day sit in front of a power laptop, phone, sofa, have a cosy bed and walk around a high rise building and drive a car.

Fast forward, the world including my village has changed so fast and so much. The road and electricity were never thought to be the basic necessities of livelihood. And more over, people moving outside of their community for education, work and livelihood was never envisioned since farming work used to be the supreme end. 

We never imagined the power of technology would grow this powerful and sophisticated and dictate us like today. Whatever are the happenings; there is no looking back, and gone are the days.

 

Sitting back and seeing my girl who is yet to be 6-year old this March is already way advanced than her parents; she is already so exposed to things such as YouTube, tv, phones, tabs, laptop, computers, books, comic, pen, pencil, colors, geometry box, make-up set, dolls, toys, cars, dresses, shoes, foods, pizza, cake, ice cream, coffee, chocolate, sweets, etc. 

 

I don’t feel so excited, proud, and moved when some of my friends and relatives say –she speaks fluent English. Although she can communicate well with correct grammar and tenses, yet I don’t feel proud, nor do I take any credit. It happened by virtue of being a new era child. Thanks to the power and versatility of the internet and technology.

 

Of course, they are more fortunate than most of us. There is nothing special to feel at an age when things are just away at the click of a button. This trend and fashion will remain forever hereafter is a normal thing. 

 

More than her English, I worry about her flare and tie in our National Language and my mother tongue. These are the two worrying trends I am experiencing in my family and with my kids. Ever since she was born to us, we always focused and wanted her to be exposed to Dzongkha (national language) and mother tongue, but it never happened the way it is thought initially for the fact that English content is everywhere in most lovable manners making escape so hard and omnipotent. 

 

My mother tongue at home is already near to extinction and this is becoming a test of time with my aging parents. However, I keep little hope in my parents to inherit a few important words, culture and tradition to my kids.

 

At 7, I was hardly exposed to, or knew how to say my name. But, my daughter at 5 can easily write her name, draw her favorite food, cloth, doll, place, and more. 

 

More interestingly, she can also easily identify different colors and even complete the alphabet without looking. It is something to feel proud of as a parent, but how to make lifelong learning is a big test of time and age because outside is more beautiful, attractive and interesting than the hardship of learning. 

 

***My Daughter -YESHA making her productive time***

Ap RIZAL, and My Team

Paddy is a lifeline for many farmers of Tsirang. However, in recent years, cultivation of this crop has seen a great decline. The reasons cited were urbanization, water scarcity, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, labour shortage, difficult nature of the work and more.

 

Despite these challenges, it is humbling to see our farmers still upholding age-old practices of paddy cultivation their forefathers have practiced and inherited. Perhaps, the good news is that around 50% of the farmers I know are self-sufficient and few are extraordinary farmers who have their paddy stock for as long as 2-year. 

 

Except for essential goods like salt and sugar and oil, these groups of farmers need not have to worry with lockdown, inflation and ban. For a cultivable land-scarce nation like ours; it would be of great help if another 15% of us are self-sufficient for rice and chili production nationwide. 

 

Passing by around the lust of the paddy field and not being able to help nearby farmers is a big waste of my manhood and able-body. For now, I am living with nothing but guilt and suffocation. 

 

Although paddy work is one of the hectic farm jobs requiring a heavy physical strength, I still want to be part of this work and taste the strength and skill I acquired as a child. And more importantly I would like few of my students to connect farming and hardship our farmers are enduring on a daily basis in the sun and the rain. 

 

I went looking for a farm who could give us a chance to experience the charm of the paddy harvesting process; if not for me, it's for my students who haven't been in the field. For them it will be a lifelong experience.

 

With a heavy heart, one farmer half-way through his life has accepted my request. He knew that we definitely would damage his paddy, yet he accepted my quest and his positivity made my day – sir, we learn through mistakes came as a big relief. With joy overflowing, I returned home with satisfaction and prepared for the next day.

 

Schools like ours have a huge capability of manpower, and giving our students some seasonal break from academic pressure to such exposure and feeling is more than a lesson. For the past 2 years, this idea came, and I buried it deeply within my mind. I couldn't do anything, but remained helpless because of the pandemic and more.

 

For ages, we have lived in a very closed-knit society. We share a boundary as close as what neighbours curry is, and the color of aunty's pants. When we have such a bond and relation, I want to simply spread my wings of goodness in the community in the work we can do so much and perhaps, agriculture is an art, a gift of livelihood everyone of us must cherish with joy, honor, pride and dignity.

 

Son of a farmer passing by a lustrous paddy field always makes me feel proud, and my heart goes out to all the farmers who sacrificed each moment of their life on the farm to make me feel proud and obliged. The place where I was born, raised and educated, I feel I have so much to give and spread love and kindness. 

 

Initially, we went for an hour, but we spent our fulfilling 3 hours in the farm experiencing, experimenting, and mastering the skills required for the job -cutting, handling and stacking. 

I think of this beautiful quote in-between...

 

”

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child!

 

We had a great time on the farm exploring the paddy cutting process practically involving the concepts of force, weight, angle and symmetry. Aesthetics were part of the task because every handful of straw is stacked in the most appropriate manners. 

 

We all could relate to each grain that comes on our table with great endurance, hardship, sweat and blood. We also learnt about the sacrifice our parents are making on each day for their livelihood. Perhaps, it was a good gathering to thank each farmer across the country who is sacrificing for someones' livelihood. 

 

The true beauty of being a farmer lies in the power of hand. More-so, the wealth of a nation lies in the strength of our farmers who dares to sweat in the farm and the power lies in the unity and love we share and spread with our farmers. Each one of us is a farmer in our own way. Let us empower our farmers!

 

As much as I have loved the art of farming, I sincerely hope five students who accompanied me by sacrificing their personal time to be in the farm are the true Pelden Drukpai sons and daughters. I hope they must have enjoyed and made memories of their lifetime. 

 

 

*** Picture Summary of the Paddy Harvesting Trip to Rizal's Farmhouse***