Lennock had Lost an Employee, but I Lost a Friend

Image: Sahar Rai

Image: Sahar Rai

Image: Sahar Rai

Image: Sahar Rai

Image: Sahar Rai

In a land where Kangaroos roamed freely, two strangers from the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan found themselves in a dreamland. We met as newcomers to Australia, each feeling like an outsider in a land that was so different from our beloved Bhutan. Little did I know that this chance encounter would evolve into a lasting friendship.

As time passed, Tashi and I went from being strangers to close friends. More than anyone, I've known my friend Tashi for the past 6 months as a cool, handsome man with an amusing nature. Our shared vision for our homeland, Bhutan, brought us together.

We dreamt of a Bhutan where politics would serve the greater good and our tiny kingdom would thrive on ethical and sustainable principles. Our discussions revolved around these ideals, and we felt a sense of urgency to serve our motherland with the utmost sincerity and honesty. 

We deeply promised to take home one, or many ideas and knowledge we observed or gained in a culturally diverse land, or anything worthy to take home for our beloved land would be the future of our land, the added value of the hidden kingdom. We've got miles to go before we sleep in peace, before we fall deep before our bones weaken, and before we promise to build our country into a promising land.

Our backgrounds were intertwined in our conversations, as we both hailed from Bhutanese families with deep connections to the banking and education sectors. Our chats ranged from the intricacies of banking to challenges in the education system. We were both passionate about seeing improvements in critical areas such as health and education.  

Our friendship was as versatile as it was genuine. We seamlessly transitioned from ultra-professional discussions to sharing the tiniest personal details of our lives. We talked about fatherhood, our past relationships—the girlfriend gags—and the ups and downs around Melrose Drive. From cold to scorching heat and shared meals, we used to share unending fantasies for our future.

Amidst our diverse conversations, our unwavering love and respect for our beloved monarchs used to always top our talking list. We shared stories about our monarchs' contributions to Bhutan's progress, and it used to be a source of great pride for both of us to work more sincerely. We were equally proud of our graceful Prince, Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, who is growing up under the guidance of two beloved Monarchs, K4 and K5. This shows the depth of knowledge and vision the King must-have for his country.

As close friends often do, we had our moments of jest and boiling. I had a knack for bringing up nonsense topics, from toilet humor to discussions about the flaws in our education system and the frustrating mismanagement that I've observed as a school lopen. I used to tease Tashi about his uncanny ability to bunk and hide from our boss. Often, we used to play a rat game, but only to fall under Benny's trap, our boss!

One thing was clear: the shared longing for our home, our tiny Bhutan, was deeply wrapped under the rim of our hearts. We missed our aging parents and relatives, the simple joys, and the warmth of our homeland. Lennock lost a gentleman, but I've lost a friend who had become a working partner. Our journey in the land of kangaroos had transformed us, and our friendship was a testament to the enduring connection we had to the land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan.

Best wishes for your new journey; perhaps the least traveled, I'm sure you will reap the best out of it and will prove yourself a gentleman, a true Bhutanese by discipline.

*** ALL THE VERY BEST!*** 

"$"

Farmers' Dream

Dear Farmers of Kikhar, Zhemgang

                                                                                Source: kuenselonline.com

... "I have decided not to continue with mushroom cultivation." Grieved Thinley from Kikhar, Zhemgang on the disappointment of mushroom farming. 

I have passed the following blind comment on the Kuensel post dated October 2. 

"We are too fast to conclude. We must try the maximum, give our best, explore means and need to be innovative. This is good news but discouraging for others in such pursuit. Nothing comes easy. There are no free meals in life."

I am quite adamant that I may have sounded rude and a bit selfish. While I know what it is to lose such a stake, the means of livelihood!

While I can feel the disappointment of our farmers, their time, energy, and resources going down the drain. However, nothing comes for free in life. As much as these aspiring mushroom farmers of a remote pocket of the country, I am concerned and bothered by this news of a failed trial of mushroom farming. This is not the end of everything. We must learn from the failures. 

As a son of a farmer myself, the pain of losing the ultimate means of livelihood, is nothing more disappointing than this. However, it should be the lesson for the next move, on what went wrong and how to overcome those setbacks. One must have positivity, courage, virtue, workmanship, and never never-giving mentality, and not be a failure-bound person either. 

I am sure the next bountiful harvest is waiting for you all. Keep trying and show to the world that there is still a chance to stand. It shows your courage and will to do the minimum. One need is to be resilient, and innovative, explore beyond normal and be mindful of whatever is planned. 

Innovative means our farmers need to explore and harness endless solutions not only from within but also beyond the border. Great ideas and practical solutions are just a click away as no formal training or need to visit a service center like in the past. There is endless exposure: YouTube, Social Media, Google, etc...Just keep exploring more. 

I have unconditional hope and trust for our farmers who shed a lot of hardship in the sun, and rain. Despite your failure this time, you all deserve our sincere praise. 

Particularly for us, a landlocked country with limited, very limited resources and expertise, we are bound for failure. But every time we step down, we must learn to stand more firm and strong and need to learn the power of setbacks in life. 

I share my raw reverential thought, but the greater share of impact is for the budding entrepreneurs, or enthusiasts young minds striving to be in the pool of farming are at the losing end of the hope. Just forget about one-time failure, tomorrow will be brighter. Keep working more like you all do always. 

Remember you are your sunshine, hero. There is nothing wrong with failing. If you all work with hope, one day, soon enough, you will reap your hardship, the workmanship craft. If not for a bigger dream or kind cash income, it will surely be a great feast for your family and the community. 

Perhaps, every start goes through a tough, same head-scratching experience. Experience of both good and hard times makes one strong and grounded. You must learn all the goodness from these experiences take this failure as your strength and move on with even more courage and power to try more and fail more, and that will surely be your success. 

Full article can be viewed from the given link: https://kuenselonline.com/kikhar-farmers-worry-as-mushrooms-fail/

Ezra Effect : The UC Student—Mentor Session

A journey away from home is both exhilarating and overwhelming. Perhaps, the journey of exploration, growth and adaptation. It tests someone's interpersonal skills and courage to overcome all the diverse challenges that lie ahead.

 

Therefore, my expedition in the Land of Kangaroo is no different. It could be undoubtedly for the place I come from, and the world view I hold of the lake is too big for the ocean to me. 

 

The brief experience of being in Canberra for a little over a month has opened my eyes, but not so much to get along with my university life. The campus to me is like entering into the zombie land. I am still not so sure how many gates the university has in total. Lost several times for not being able to trace back the route, losing my own parked car.  It was a moment of learning and embarrassment; a moment I shall cherish forever. 

 

Amid my lost state of mind, I saw a program called "UC Thrive - Student Mentor Program" through the university portal. I found it interesting and helpful. Because I have field experience in mentoring my students getting along with academics and social affairs. Therefore, knowing the weight of this program, I've registered to clarify all my doubts. 

 

On the evening of 2nd August, I received a mail chat from someone by the name: Ezra Corcuera. He had left a brief introduction in the chat. 

 

"My name is Ezra, and I am your Student Mentor. I am currently in my 2nd year of Master of Information Technology and Systems (MITS) Degree".

 

"I look forward to being your support and key point of contact over the next few weeks. I'm available to meet up with you once a week until week 7. This week let's meet over a Free Coffee at Coffee Grounds on Friday 4th August at 2:30 in the afternoon". 

 

If it wasn't for this affair, it wouldn't have turned out this way. Although the two of us are from different poles, it seems like we were united for the academic cause. 

 

However, due to some personal inconveniences we couldn't meet on the agreed date and time. We sifted to meet on Tuesday of the following week.  

 

He is tall, a nice and cool-looking guy. I can feel his academic voraciousness. In my calculation, he will become ingenious in AI & Machine Learning. 

 

After a quick handshake and self-introduction, we headed to the Coffee Ground with a token coupon for free coffee to enjoy for the session. Perhaps, it's a good way to unite people, and so is our means. 

 

“ ”

I'm a new boy in the big UC Campus!

 

Our discussion from personal to academic to computer labs to lecture rooms, the discussion went on for a long. I felt the two of us shared sweet dreams; the humanity to serve our country after our graduation. The experience of coming together proved to be invaluable as it provided a lot of insights into a wide range of topics to foster a smoother transition of my university life and -beyond. 

Academically, my mentor's guidance was like a compass, directing me toward the right courses and units that aligned with my background and experience. With my little programming knowledge, the choice was left up to me to decide. Having heard little experience from my mentor, I decided to opt for Specializing in MITS Cybersecurity. 

Navigating through the labyrinth of facilities and protocols was made simple and digestible. From the library's treasure trove to the nuances of online learning from Canvas and more, I received a comprehensive overview. I was told that UC Campus has one of the best resources both in academic and non-academic discipline which profoundly encouraged me to make the best use of the resources during my two years stay. I was told that some of the best brains of the community are on the campus to help us fulfill our dreams and more. 

Assignments and projects are integral to any academic pursuit, and my mentor's insights proved invaluable. His guidance will surely elevate the quality of my work and reduce anxiety associated with deadlines in the days to come. 

Nevertheless, discussions about assessment and examination formats gave me some more clear understanding of what to expect. From practical assessments to online quizzes and tests, he helped demystify the evaluation process, equipping me to approach any form of assessment with great confidence.

Beyond the academic realm, the mentoring session has fostered my personal growth and confidence and the way I see the University of Canberra. I hope all these long sittings of the two of us will surely help me complete all the units successfully. Hearing about his journey, challenges, and triumphs has instilled in me a great sense of resilience and determination within me to work hard and prove to myself that nothing is impossible. 

Honestly, Ezra Session has given me wings to fly high above the Ngunnawal sky. The session on my new campus extended far beyond mere information sharing. It symbolizes the torch of knowledge being passed down to me, lighting my new academic journey. From the academic sphere to campus facilities, protocols, assignments, projects, and assessments, the session has greatly lifted my mood and is likely to unveil my experience, transforming all unfamiliar into the path of greatness. 

I remain profoundly grateful to my mentor and friend Ezra for the guidance and camaraderie he has given me despite his busy schedule, fortifying me as I navigate the exciting terrain of this new campus chapter, the University of Canberra, the seat of academic excellence.  

Here, I enclose with sincere thanks for inspiring me!

Sancha Bahadur RAI 

Bhutan

 

Ezra (Left) and Me (Right)

Img: Screenshot, UC Canvas

Note: 

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Life of a Car Washer

 Article... coming soon...!

The life of a car washer is a journey that begins before the sun breaks through the icy morning. Each day starts with the promise of hard work and the challenge of battling the elements. From the frosty dawn to the mid-day boiling heat and the windy afternoon, the car washer's life is a relentless dance with the weather.

 

As I step out into the icy morning, the chill seeps into my bones. The first task is to gather my toolssuch as bucket, hose, and shammy. The cars are still wrapped in a blanket of frost, and I shiver as I approach them. The cold water hits my fingers like a thousand pinpricks as I begin to wash the cars, but I press on with determination.

 

By mid-day, the world has transformed into a scorching inferno. The sun beats down relentlessly, turning the cars into ovens. My skin burns from the scalding surfaces as I scrub and rinse, sweat pouring down my face. The wind occasionally provides some relief, but it brings with it a swirling cloud of dust and grit that clings to my wet clothes and stings my eyes.

 

The hours drag on, and my body aches from the constant scrubbing and bending. The car washer's life is not glamorous, but it is a labor of love. Each car I wash is a canvas, and I take pride in making it shine, even in the most unforgiving conditions. It is a battle against the elements and a test of endurance.

 

The afternoon breeze carries with it a sense of relief, but it also brings a reminder of the pain and sorrow that lingers beneath the surface. My thoughts wander back to a time when life was simpler, back in Bhutan, where the mountains whispered stories and the air was filled with the scent of pine. It's painful to think about the contrast between my past and my present, but I persevere, knowing that I must make the best of my current situation.

 

In this line of work, there are simple things to keep in mind – how to spray water on the car, how to use a chamois to dry it, and which car to wash next. But the most important lesson I've learned is to give my work 100 percent of my effort, not just for the company's benefit but for my own sense of pride and accomplishment.

 

Despite the hardships, there are moments of joy in the car washer's life. I get to see a parade of beautiful cars, some of them the dream cars I once watched on television, driven by famous people or sports icons. I may not own these cars, but I am fortunate to wash them, to touch a piece of automotive history, and to take a quiet moment to dream.

 

As the day draws to a close, I stand amidst a row of gleaming cars, their metal surfaces reflecting the setting sun. The pain and sorrow are momentarily forgotten as I take a moment to appreciate the fruits of my labor. The company and I are in a win-win situation. I walk away from the car lot, tired but content, knowing that I've given my all.

 

The life of a car washer is not glamorous, but it is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of happiness, one car at a time.

Let Me Talk FOOTBALL

I'm neither an expert nor a player. But, I love football for many reasons. It not only keeps one fit and healthy but also grossly unites people from across the globe. Football is one of the most loved and watched games in the world today.

 

Initially, we thought legend Pelé and Maradona were the ultimate superheroes to ever play this sport showcasing skills and talent. However, this became far from the truth when Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set their foot on the pitch, they seemed to dominate football. They have expanded this sport so much that it has become unpredictable and versatile in showcasing both the technical skills and mental stamina of the players. 

Messi and Ronaldo are the people's sensations not only in skills and talent but also for scoring goals.

 

Both Wayne Rooney and David Beckham were known for their kicking skills -people loosely joke Beckham's Banana Kick and Rooney's Bicycle Kick. These skills not only inspire the younger generation and football fans but also give hope to anyone who thinks of football as a career. 

 

Similarly, Neymar and Mbappé are recent charms known for possessing incredible talent, looks and pace. 

 

Now the debate is between Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

"Who is Number One in the world?" 

"Who is better?"

"Is it fair to differentiate these two football GOAT?"

 

One thing is clear. Ronaldo is tall and has rugged looks, while Messi is a fair, gentle and sublime man. 

 

Messi and Ronaldo are the most talked about and popular football figures both on and off the pitch, in person and on social media, they are everyone's sensation and favorite for now. They may change but not their records like the name and fame they have earned in the world of football. Both the players are different yet special on their own. And I do not find any space to separate them, and both of their achievements on and off the pitch are history and record. 

 

Messi is a gifted left-footed, while Ronaldo is Vice-Versa. Messi is so good at dribbling and so is Ronaldo. Ronaldo can score some great goals, so does Messi. To me, I see Ronaldo as an incredible individual player with great technical abilities and speed, while Messi seems like a complete player -as a team and individual.

 

Perhaps, this duo has revolutionized football for all time. 

 

"However, I'm an Avid Messi Fan for different reasons (secret 👀)".

 

What both players have done in this sport is far beyond a comparable value. Both the players have achieved everything –Fame and Money. Anything that is made for football! 

 

Now for the upcoming 2023 Ballon d'Or award, I have my dream player. I've been admiring this footballer for so long along with other players. What he did for his country and clubs is in history. What he did for the fans, football enthusiasts and young players will be more than just watching and enjoying football games.  

His passing ability is the one that sinks my heart week after week. Because of this one player, I've never missed a single Manchester City match. He is the guy who creates impossible passes and scores some impossible goals. He runs miles for his team and the club. 

 

Although, there is just a slim chance for him to win, however, I wish the Ballon d'Or (21-22) goes to Kelvin De Bruyne. I wish he continues to inspire every aspect of football. 

For the bigger share of achievements Messi did for the year, I see more chances (80%) of him winning the award, but I have some instinct and faith that Bruyne should come near to Leo even if he isn't winning the award.

Pic Source: Google

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.