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Buddha Point or Sex Point

2011-11-22T19:48:00.001-08:00

The completion of construction of Budha Dodenma statue at the Kuenzang Phodrang may be delayed due to the lack of fund. The organizers have done all they could looking for funds. In history this could be the first time that the Buddha is in dire need of human help whereas conventionally human beings need Buddha’s help.

Meanwhile the Buddha has seen many things that are happening in and around the Thimphu starting from Royal Thimphu College to Dechenphug. In his abode, he would have turned his eyes and the attention away. But at Kuensel Phodrang!!!! Oh poor Buddha!!! He had no choice but to be witness of all, be it robbery, rape, cheating, gang fight or sexual rampage. He has to smell every odour be it condom under his nose, drain water or human excretions collected at the Olakha. One can only pity the helplessness of the Buddha who is erected to bless the believers and tourist agency with empowerment and money.

Meanwhile, the lovers who want to enjoy away from the prying eyes and the sexual partners who need one stand away from their partners, make the haven out of this place. If you are there for dry picnic or for leisurely walk, you could see plastics, wastes and condoms as if they are doing to insult the helpless Buddha.

I wish this Buddha is made of flesh and blood instead of cement, stones and iron. So that Buddha can insert cotton into his ears when there is rowdy noise, so that he could close his eyes while lovers are on sexual rampage and so that he could cover his nose when he smells the sexual leftovers, human shits and other smells.

As of now we can only pity the poor Buddha.

Of Tercham and Tradition in Bhutan

2011-11-22T00:18:00.001-08:00

G.K Chesterton has said following thing about the tradition. ‘Trading means giving votes to the most obscure of all class-our ancestor. It is the democracy of the death.’ On other hand, Indira Gandhi said, ‘tradition is itself the product of continuous evolution.’

These two quotes seem contradictory in the surface. However, going deep, these two sayings seem to convey the similar meaning. Tradition is not something sculptured in the igneous rock which can’t be erased. Even the rock so rigid and durable is prone to weathering and disintegration over the geographic time. The tradition and culture so rigid but shameful must give ways to more irrelevant and contemporary ones. The tradition must evolve as to suit the time.

The recent report of media said that the ‘sacred dance becomes a cause for cheap laugh.’ This was regarding the Peling Tercham and the response of the crowd. The crowd had reportedly jeered at the naked dancers. One overacting guy was beaten by security personnel. Was he a terrorist where security had to take laws into their own hand? Was he an infidel in the name of sacred belief? Or was he just a man who doesn’t know how to behave?

The media also reported that the crowd was jeering at the poor naked dancers which angered some of the staunched believers. The crowd has no business demeaning our own culture and belief. At the same time, it could be possible that some crowd felt that it was drama of orgy or LIVE pornography. Though the acts of jeering are depreciable, this can also be interpreted as the democratic opinions which every individual is entitled to. This can also be interpreted as a clash of old ideology and new ideology. As an individual, my opinion neither sympathized the crowd or the sacred naked dance, my sympathy lies with those ten poor dancers who braved the chilling cold all in the names of doing national duties by preserving something the crowd failed to appreciate. I imagined some dancers believing themselves to be sacred as they adorned themselves with 1300 years old sacredness just to become the object of ridicule.

The newspaper also said that the dance was first initiated by Monmo Tashi Khewden, the daughter of famous Chagkhar King Sendha Gyab. She was supposedly distracted by local deities or evils while building certain temple. She had no choice but to perform that dance. Given the fact that, people at that time were ignorant and rowdy, the act could have been effective method to entertain them. Thank Goodness, great guru and his consort had to invent dances every time to distract the deities. But then why is it called Peling Tercham? Wasn’t that dance associated with our own saint great Tertoen Pema Lingpa? Wasn’t it him who saw it in his crystal clear vision?

Today the people have changed. Time is dubbed as modern times. Great guru himself said that its people who change not the time. This time is the age of enlightenment in modern concept. With changing of time, even religion and tradition must evolve to suit the moment. The paganism practiced in ancient Egypt is not relevant. The bonism in Bhutan and Tibet is now more or less extinct. This was done by the people in certain time. The incident in Bumthang is a hint that the naked culture is becoming irrelevant despite old school’s defiant attitude to preserve.

While Buddhism has many good things to teach, it has also many bad things to discard. Since Lord Buddha in 600 B.C, the Buddhism has evolved to suit the time, place and inhabitants. Be it Hinaya, Mahayana, Mahamudra or Vajrayana. It is the time, we find alternative Buddhism to suit the modern time. Liberation by seeing, hearing or believing is like thirst is being quenched by looking at the picture of big river. While I don’t dispute the legacy of a Peling Tercham as bad, it is telling that the dance as become irrelevant to the most.

It is the time our lamas stopped talking about some secret teachings or miraculous liberation. This is not the age where people believe that those can run fast as son of God or those who can fight as strength of wrathful Buddha. This is an age of debate, deliberation and democracy. The religion must evolve.

Bhutan; A land of GNH?

2011-11-21T02:50:00.001-08:00

I
 don't understand GNH. I have never understood this noble concept.  
Probably, this philosophical economy concept is beyond my education to 
understand. In high school, we were made to to learn the GNH and its 
concept as delivered by present Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley in one of
 the international conference. GNH doesn't fit into my understanding. I 
sometimes feel confused if GHN is modification of Buddhism. 

I
 imagined that the GNH society should be a place where collective 
happiness with democratic values are prioritized before individual and 
political interest. The wholesaler of GNH is losing the battle as the 
country is face with corruption, crime, unemployment and lifestyle 
diseases. Perhaps, we were never a shangri-la (except from environmental
 point of view). Ours was a country laden with religious and political 
strife since the advent of Buddhism in our country. Today, this GNH 
originator not the happiest country in the world no matter how it likes 
to be brand. There is no real democracy. It is only mirage reflecting 
from the real democracy. There is no independent justice as Bhutanese 
society is close knit.We are economically weak, independence standing on
 the  feet backed by another country is never an independent. 

Reading
 Nov 15th Kuensel where a simple driver Tashi Dawa returned Nu. 6.8 
million to its owner, my mind faintly refuted my notion of non-existence
 of GNH in the nation. People like him who are honest, hardworking and 
compassionate is a proof of GNH without any definitive complexities. 

However,
 this friday, I went through a newsstand where i picked up the 11th 
November  Bhutan Observer. Flipping through  the pages, I saw a 
headline,'when disability has no place in work force.' 

 DOR in Trashigang has sacked 10 physically disadvantaged people most of
 which are injured in the line of duty. Department of Road said that the
 removal of the workers were keeping in line with observation of 
National Assembly. One worker Kezangla who served the nation for last 
nineteen years was sacked with compensation of meagre Nu. 25000. He was 
injured by an explosive in the line of duty.  He was untrained and 
unqualified to handle the explosive. Who let him handle the explosive. 
Was it  his supervisor or Engineer? Was it government policy to milk the
 milk against the quality of feed he was given. Someone should take 
responsible for letting an untrained man handling the explosive. Someone
 one must pay for the negligence. The trauma and physical helplessness 
without much of his fault cannot be compensated by Nu. 25000.The National Assembly also need to look into the matter before commenting on work productivity.  
They just can't forget the lesser luck. All in all, GNH nation must be 
able to look after its poor, its illiterates and its disadvantaged. 
There should be some system where children of lesser God is accepted and looked after by the society. 

If You are Caught Lying...Lie some more......

2011-11-21T01:35:00.001-08:00

I have heard somebody saying, 'if you are caught, lie some more.' In the school and home, i was taught that honesty is a good policy while i have observed that the dishonesty is a good politics. I don't know whether lying is a sin because i have never remember going to a hell. On other hand, lying gets one rewarded at the cost of wrongdoings.
if you are first time liar, it is natural to feel guilty. DON'T WORRY!!! just lie for the second time, your guilt will decrease. By the third lie you tell, you will feel excited and most often rewards will come showering. There is no excitement like lying.
Tshering, a conman from Mongar feels that without lies his family of five would have starved. He started lying after knowing that he will get what he wants. With first lies and fake tears in eyes, he sold his copper ring at Nu. 10,000 to a sympathizing and innocent stranger. He told the stranger that he was in debt after death of his wife. The selling of ring was only way to repay it.

Pema, a student from Thimphu always lies to her parents whenever she wants to meet her boyfriend. She makes her girlfriend call her asking her to come for study together. After that she rings up her employed boyfriend and goes for joyride to either Bhudhha Point or Sangaygang. To avoid with collusion of parents and siblings on the way, she sits at backseat. Once she tried telling truth to her mother just to receive lecture for hours.

Like them, many feels that lying is necessities to an extent.

Bhutan:Mother Earth Says Quake Quake Quake

2011-11-16T23:47:00.001-08:00

Bhutan is hosting yet another climate summit for South Asian countries of Asia namely Bhutan, India, Nepal and Maldives. Bhutan ardently hopes that the summit will really help bring positives regional policy and attitude towards climate changes even though she was aware how Copenhagen Climate Summit of world leaders has failed miserably due to disagreement between developing and developed countries. In one of the Climate Summit last year, the president of Maldives Mr. Mohamed Nasheed accused the big countries of Asia trying to submerge his nation under Indian Ocean. On other hand, India and China flatly refused to accept the Copenhagen proposal for the reduction of carbon produce. They blamed the developed country for the menace of nature´s temperament.

Bhutan, one of few countries in the world which absorbs more carbon than it can produce, is zealously trying to initiate the major shift in Asian Climate policies. The big brother India condescendingly comes every climate summit held by Bhutan or any other small brothers. Together, they always sign the agreement wasting more papers than they can recycle.

Bhutan has points here. She has every right to worry about climate change. Bhutan innocently pays price for what other countries do to the Mother Nature. Be it frequent earthquake or glacial melt. In Asia, the flood, earthquakes, tsunami and unseasonal rain have become frequent headliners. These natural calamities don’t spare the innocent Bhutan. On September 21, 2009, an earthquake of magnitude (M) 6.1 with focal depth of about 10 km, hit Tashigang and Mongar killing 12 people and damaging more than 4 dzongs, 36 chortens and 31 lhakhangs. Its destruction of Bhutanese lives and properties was sacrilegious as well as blasphemous if it were a human being. Before country could fully wake up from that nightmare, there was another timely reminder of nature´s displeasure. On September 2011, the earthquake measuring 6.9 magnitudes was felt in Bhutan. The Sikkim Earthquake injured around nine lives and damaged 9000 structures which cost Nu.888 million for national exchequer.

After a lull, there was yet another reminder that the nightmare is still on. Fortunately, the people of Chukha district were mercifully spared of its wrath by 5.8 magnitude earthquake even though epicenter was at Jalpaiguri.

The king and government remained ever vigilant to console and help the victims though Prime Minister is accused by some section of people for being in the foreign land when major disaster struck nation. Perhaps for PM, lobbying for a seat as non-permanent member in UN Security Council is more important as he didn’t return home to console his people. Perhaps, he had kept government in more capable hands. In such crisis, for the people, Royal Bhutan Army personnel are god-sent savior and heavenly carpenter. The soldiers came to immediate rescue during every disaster, be it recurring Chamkhar fire, earthquakes, floods or national security.

Despites its negative side, the disasters both natural and man-made have a positive impact on people and two insurance companies. Like banks, Bhutan Insurance Limited and Royal Bhutan Insurance of Bhutan Ltd raked in profits as more and more people come to insure their lives and properties.

Meanwhile success and failure of this climate summit is yet to be seen. One thing I am sure that the government or Prime Minister will quake to media that the summit is a success while our journalists will hang onto every word uttered from the Holy mouth. In upcoming edition of the newspaper, the news will be a front page one as if signing a bunch of paper makes summit a success.

My only question is where will our Prime Minister incidentally be when next natural disaster strike. In some anti-government newspaper, it was mentioned that PM was at New York attending UN General Assembly during September 18, 2011. Then he went to Japan to address the congress of architecture (till then nobody knew he was an architect). Later he went to attend Buddhist Society meeting in Nitish Kumar’s Bihar. One can only hoped that he begged for Lord Buddha’s intervention from Nature’s fury.

When our PM was at Maldives attending SAARC Summit in his capacity as ex-chairperson, the Mother Earth cried ‘Quake Quake Quake’ at Phuntsholing on November 2011.

And we must not blame him for being away when nature showed its fury. It is not fault. He/government is not responsible for earthquake even if the government support is not adequate for the victims. Government didn’t campaign in 2008 with the promise of adequate support when earth fires its fury. Government tried its best to console the victims through media, MPs and Insurance Companies.

Let me end with the humourous hope that Hon Home Minister doesn’t say, ‘people in southern Bhutan are killed by leaves during storms’ in the parliament´ next time the disaster sweeps the nation because it won’t be condolence.

The Books and the Bhutan

2011-11-14T01:24:00.001-08:00

Coinciding with the constitutional day and the birth anniversary of the Father of Bhutan’s Constitution, the 4^th King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, two books were launched in the capital Thimphu. Two books titled ‘11-11-11’ and ‘The Raven tells a Story’ were launched by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk and Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuk respectively. Both the launches were no surprise attended by many high profile politicians and bureaucrats. No doubt, His Majesty deserved more than such a tribute. Indeed this tribute is such a little drop for the ocean of his noble roles and reign.

However, I have problems with these authors, publishers and the bookstores. Every day, I visit at least one of the bookstores in Thimphu. I look at the shelf where the Bhutanese books are neatly kept in their hard glossy cover. The prices of Bhutanese books are ridiculously high. Even less than a -hundred -page book written by a high school dropout, which has neither the quality content nor the quality paper cost no less than Nu.200.

If the books are written by high profile authors, the prices can be of ‘oh my god’ factor. Worst, the prices are tagged in USD. Conversion to Bhutanese currency means one has to lease out more than thousand bucks. The Bhutanese books seemed to be priced and prized for its paper rather than content quality. The books aimed for innocently rich tourists can be nothing but prostituting of sort with self-flattery. Besides what is the use of Bhutanese author who craves for fame, and whine of lack of audience when the price are tagged beyond reach of ordinary Bhutanese reader.

The wisdom and legacy of the leader must be shared to its people. The Bhutanese authors who use Bhutan and its leader for vested interests like fame and favour must understand that we don’t have to sell wisdom of leader and innocence of citizens to other countries. The authors are Royal Family, Politicians and senior bureaucrats who seemed to feed dry mushroom on the clean plate. One could only wish that the people see their real intention under the façade of printed loyalty and dedication. They must also understand that the wisdom of leader and state of nation should be shared with people first at the reasonable rates rather than selling it to the tourists who wrote in their blogs with lots of misinformation and misinterpretation.

It is quite interesting to notice our politicians and bureaucrats swarming the book launch by high profile leaders despite their packed schedule. It will be more interesting and encouraging if our senior politicians and bureaucrats could grace with their presence during the launch of books by aspiring and young authors. But then the PR of attending the aspiring author’s book launch will not be enough to make up for wastage of their precious schedules.

The Youth of My poety

2011-11-13T03:52:00.001-08:00

The Youth of my poetry is lost
Despairing the love so surreal.
The art of my existence is lost
Designing the success so elusive.

I have never the nature's beauty;
Dripping pearls from morning leaves.
I have never heard the rivers in the valley
Singing its melody in its journey.

I have only seen the people
Rushing for fool's gold of illusion.
I have only heard of human groans
that talk of self motive and actions.

Royal Wedding of Bhutan

2011-11-12T03:31:00.001-08:00

Should Animals be saved from Butcher? Yes but not by buying animals.

2011-11-11T21:54:00.001-08:00

Animal Saving Groups in Bhutan put all their efforts and money on the line saving various animals that are lined up to be slaughtered. They started the initiative as a group of compassionate and Buddhist people who believe that killing animal is a sin and saving is noble action which will help them in accumulating the merits which in turn will help them in their long journey to next birth and longer journey to nirvana. It is interesting to see the religion playing noble role in society like Bhutan.

Many people donate to noble lifesaving cause? With money they (animal savers) earned many animals are saved from the blade of butcher. But are they really saving the animals in general? As long as the meat consumers go on increasing, the animals will be killed. There are always substitute kills for the animals saved. For example, the ten animals are saved at Punakha? Where will the meat for greedy consumers come from? Jaigon or some other places. The animals are killed anyway.

The compassion we have for the to-be-slaughtered animals is misplaced. We saved the animals paying hefty amount to the owner. He felt happy and went home. After two to three months, that same guy will come to the animal savior with frail and weak animals which are not worth more than a dime. The animals’ lovers will feel more pity on the animals and pay him the hefty amount. The greed in human is unlimited. So the animal owner will think from business perspectives. He will come to the animals savers and threatens to kill the animals if not saved. Thus the business of life saving is both lucrative and merit-gaining.

The saving of animals through money is too shortsighted in nature for such a great intention. Instead, the animal saviours must think of educating the people from religious and health perspectives. Tell the consumers and people why animals shall not be killed. Tell the people the hazard of meat and how nutrition is available even in vegetables. Lobby the policy makers and tell about the precious animals’ life.

In the end this is just a humble opinion.

2. The Strange Witch

2011-10-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Garpa (king’s courier cum yeomen soldier) rode to the village on his strong white horse. He came to collect taxes from the people. When he was in the middle of jungle, the horse wasn’t able to move forward. He looked at horse’s rear. He found old frail woman had held two hind legs of horse with her hand. The horse tried to kick old woman but it could hardly move.

The angry Garpa tried to unsheathe his sword to strike old lady. By the spell of old lady, Garpa couldn’t unsheathe his sword. Garpa was frightened. It was surely forest demonness. Garpa chanted mantra invoking protective Buddha. Old lady became dazed for moment. Garpa seized that moment to unsheathe his sword and struck old woman with all his might. Old woman with agility moved away.

Garpa then tapped the horse for full gallop till they came to old discarded temple. He dismounted horse and ran into temple. He hid behind statue of Buddha with his sword drawn by his side. The old witch arrived shortly with her retinue.

“He can’t go anywhere without horse. He will be hiding somewhere here,’’ screamed the old lady. But she couldn’t see Garpa who was right in front of her. Tired, old lady went away cursing her loss of fresh human flesh.

When Garpa came out of hiding he found his horse was missing. He believed it was taken by old witch.

God helps even those who only pray while in distress.

Green Hiker Campaign in Bhutan

2011-10-04T22:08:00.001-07:00

On 27^th September 2011, Green Hiker Campaign is launched in Bhutan by under the initiative of wwf-Bhutan in collaboration with Nature Recreation and Collaboration Division, Ministry of Agricultures and Forests and Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators.

This collaborative Enterprise was conducted to create awareness and educate about the eco-friendly and Responsible Tourism in beautiful but fragile Himalayan ecology. The theme for Bhutan this year was ‘Taking Responsible Tourism to the Himalaya; be a green hiker’ under wider theme of ‘Saving Wetlands Sky High!’ aimed to protect and promote green tourism especially for Himalaya which are located more than 3,000 meter above the sea-level.

Bhutan is one of the five countries in Asia that emphasizes in green tourism. Other countries are India, China, Nepal and Bangladesh which shared the beauty and disaster of unpredictable Himalayas. In Bhutan such initiatives would have never come in more right time when the nation puts a premium on Tourism as one of the leading income generators, and has set an ambitious target of bringing in 100,000 tourists by the end of 2011 which will mount an unprecedented pressure in our beautiful country.

At around 9’clock, around 80 volunteers from gathered at the clock tower at heart of capital of Bhutan. With green shirts and green caps, in front of few local media, the Green Hike was flagged. Then, we headed in four buses to Lamperi Botanical part to formally launch the Hike. In the midst of rare 28 species of 49 rhododendrons that thrive in Bhutan and other rare species surrounding a green lake, the launch was symbolic in harmony with the beauty of nature.

After launching of hike by Ms Ragini, Regional Programme Officer of WWF and few opening speeches Dr Karma Tshering, Chief Forestry Officer and Ms Sonam Choden, Senior Forest Officer, we divided into two groups. One group went to hike Rhododendron Green Trail Walk while others went for Serchu Nature Trail. The Serchu Nature Trail was an hour Hike observing the mysteries of nature. As a producer fron Bhutan Broadcasting Service, I decided to trail Serchu Nature Trail along with my sound man and cameramen whose generous size tortured him to its best.

My job was to document the historic and unique initiative that was developed in India and also to emphasize on dos and don’ts as a hiker. The codes of ethics on the part of hiker are necessary for responsible nature tourism. I tried my best to capture the moment and enact few things that are vital necessities to be genuine green hiker.

After the hike, we had feedback and cleaning session. A student pointed out the trail should have proper signboard, more dustbins. He also observed that few trees are cut on way that could be symbolically detrimental to the first batch of green hiker’s motive. Another guy pointed out that domestic animals wandering in and around that trail has harmed the trail when some hikers prefer to divert from the trail.

A tourist guide said that such initiative was appreciable and he was honored to be the part of it. He wanted to know whether they would be funded to partake in programme more frequently. WWF-Bhutan’s Communication Officer, Ms Yangche pointed out it is too early to talk about www-F’s ability to fund but she would try to involve with ideas and initiatives. However, Chief Forestry Officer, Dr Karma Tshering said if there is any good initiative, he feels that Tourism Council of Bhutan and Ministry of Agriculture and Forests may be able fund the initiatives.

With the Pledge to be Green Hiker, the campaign ended at around 3:30 pm.

From The Pearls of Bhutanese Folk Tales

2011-10-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

The Pompous Tiger and Lazy Ass

Once in the time of ‘Eon of Great Gift’ when animals could talk like human beings, there lived two friends Tiger and Ass. They lived happily as friends till the cruel plot began to form in tiger’s mushy head.

The tiger thought salivating, ‘if I could only eat my friend, it will make a great meal. If only I could find excuse to kill.’ For many days, tiger scratched his head to find a way to kill his seemingly stupid friend. One day, he thought of competition which his friend could never win.

“My friend donkey, we will go to hunting competition. If you catch any game and if I don’t, you can kill me. On other hand if I killed the prey and if you don’t, I will kill you,’’ said the cunning tiger.

The stupid ass agreed and out they went hunting. The tiger sent his friend ass to meadow where there are no animals and tiger went to hill where forest is dense and animals were in abundance. The ass again agreed to do as bided. Donkey went to meadow and slept under the tree to escape from scorching sun. Ass shitted his sides still lying down as it felt so drowsy to stand up.

As the ass kept on lying, without even closing his bottom hole, three fowls walked by him. They thought that ass was dead. They pecked into red meat of his bottom. Assuming ass as dead, three fowls craned their neck inside donkey’s arse hole for more meat. The ass closed his ass. Three fowls necks got trapped and died after few flutters.

Unfortunately tiger couldn’t find a single prey that day. In the evening, tiger came empty-handed to his friend. “Have you caught anything ass,” the tiger asked confident that donkey would catch a fly. The donkey showed three dead fowls still struck in its bottom.

‘How could he do with his ass when I couldn’t catch with my ferocious teeth,’ tiger wondered.

The good natured ass didn’t want to kill lion. Ass even gave three fowls to lion who accepted the defeat with head hung down.

Few days later, tiger thought of suitable plan to defeat ass and regained its lost dignity. Tiger told ass, “ass, I will chase animals down the mountain. You wait at crossroad. If you let any animals escape, I will kill you.’’

Again the ass agreed without thinking twice. As usual, ass slept under shade of tree and slept. When ass woke up, there was no sign of tiger. So, the ass went in search of tiger and found near the base of cliff.

Tiger was attempting to pounce on big wild boar that had its back against the wall of cliff and trying to defend bravely with its strong mouth and tusk. Ass hid behind the bush for sometimes. His friend was not winning the battle.

The ass breathed deep in and brayed it so loud that wild boar ran away with fright. Even the tiger ran away frightened without even looking back. The ass chased away tiger. Even today, it is believed that tiger wouldn’t come to vicinity where donkey lives.

The greatest weakness is when you think you are strong

Death and Birtth

2011-10-04T00:03:00.001-07:00

The Death flies with its toxic smell

Away it takes on its swift wing,

The figure so frail and wrinkled;

The family behind bemoans for a twilight.

Somewhere a woman cries with pain

The pain that will bring smile in her life

A perturbed man holds object of his gain

And hand over to his dear wife.

The circle of death and life continues

The creatures play their assigned part

Laughing, crying, moaning and wailing

Till the Director above calls it cut.

Good Old Days in the Villages of Bhutan

2011-09-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

‘Ajang Dojwang came around asking for favour.’ A fourteen year sister told his nine years old younger brother. Dojwang was a short form for the name Dorji Wangchuk. That was how villagers of Jurme used to shorten the name of a person. ‘If you are not so tired, you can go tomorrow to help them carry manure,’ she would say. A tired brother sulked for a moment. He felt pain in the back from carrying basketful of manure whole day. Then, he would think of all the good things he would get to do. He would get to flirt and teased older girl which would thrill him. He would get to hear the riddle and stories. He would get to meet friends. He would get to look for uncollected sweet potatoes in the red empty field.

“What was Ngotsa (sort of favour) for,” he would ask his elder sister. ‘It is Ara Ngotsha,” she would say. In Ara Ngotsha, the owner of the field would measure the volume of wine to be drunk in frequent intervals. The worker had to finish all the wine given without qualms. If it was fish favour, one would get one or two pieces of fish during dinner as a payment for whole day’s work. Sometimes, the one who worked would take a piece to his/her family back home as a present.

The dinner would be often accompanied by dances and merry making. The dances would give way to Tsangmo where boys and girls competed their wit, intelligence and humour through exchange of a sort of Balladic song. Then, there will be riddle competition where one has to give an imaginary house to know the answer. The one who got more houses were considered as the winner.

As one cuddled up in the bed which were shared by more than five or six person under flimsy sacks or clothes, they would listen to moral stories told by elder people. The long stories were mainly chronicles of rich son and poor son, foolish king and wise poor servant, demonic lamas and saintly disciples etc. The weaker and right side always seemed to win the battle in the end. This was the not only lesson that rightful virtue triumphed at the end, it was also a way to ridicule the rich and powerful people sitting on higher social hierarchy which otherwise were not touchable. In the cold winter night, old people would tell us stories till we feel asleep. With dead like a log relaxation in the night, the similar thing continued next day. When we go back to school after winter vacation, we would proudly sing the song; tell the tales and riddles we learnt during the vacation.

Today, this oral education system seemed to be fading. Even twelve years old nephew of mine in the village cannot tell a single tale. In my time, twelve year old were considered matured enough to marry. Many of my friends who were not admitted in the school married. Today, they have ten to twelve years old children. At twenty six, I feel awkward to answer the question, ‘when are you going to marry.’ Even in the village, instead of talking about oral tradition of education, the children are more into radio and mobile phone. The stories told by school children come right out of few books teachers taught them in the school.

Back in the town, the kid plays violent video games or watch humoristic and violent Tom and Jerry and other cartoons. Slightly older children watch r-rated movies while their parents are busy socializing or partying. Even the housewife engages their free time watching Indian serials and ignoring children. Children are left to glean whatever they want to get from not-so-exemplary society. Teenagers are seen cozying up in the street in branded bizarre western outfit. The teaching of traditional value and culture is almost dead. The only time, most people wear our national dress is while going to Tsechu or school. The kindness to stranger and downtrodden beggar is not often seen. Our people are becoming materialistic. I imagine if there was this rat -race in America during the American Dream euphoria.

The Gross National Happiness is spreading the books while it is decreasing in our values and practices.

Substances, Tobacco and News Editors

2011-09-15T00:28:00.000-07:00

The Tobacco Bill brought storms in the country or should urban Bhutan be the right phrase? Some newspapers conjured many disadvantageous images of ‘Draconian’ Tobacco Bill. One editor wrote many articles supporting their Draconian Theory of The Tobacco Bill under many pseudo-names. Their never-ending editorial and reporters’ ramblings were not enough for the guy. Smokers looked up to them, begging them and praying them for Media Gurus to conjure up the news out of proportion. More than 90 percent of reporters are heavy smokers. They were only glad to produce one-sided and unbalanced articles from their smoke filled offices. Some reporters said that the smoking relax them after long hours of work.

Many people might not know what was the main intention behind objecting to the nobly intended bill. They have cited that it infringes fundamental rights, increases smuggling, draconian in etc. They forgot to mention that they are among the heaviest smokers in the nation and it infringes their right to vested interest.

The recent arrest of an editor and editorial Advisor seems to speak why they really fight tooth and nail against the Bill. The positive testing of Marijuana takes the image to new level. People should know better than to trust every word that flowed from nib of their pen. People should analyze if they are the man capable of informing the nation in the name of GNH and Democracy.

People should also understand why there is no spark in media about their arrest. Is this because it is just another case of drug abuse or is it because they have influence and connection in all other media houses?

My Hate for Bhutanese Media

2011-09-11T21:32:00.001-07:00

Going through various newspapers and Bhutan Broadcasting Service, I am always disgusted. I am not sure whether I am disgusted with media person, government or various news makers (ordinary and extraordinary) of the urban Bhutan. Most people seem to be whining without sufficient reasons. Some whines in the name of Gross National Happiness which we sell abroad like hot cakes. Some whine in the name of equity and justice which DPT government during campaign advertised like some exotic branded kids wears. Meanwhile PDP’s walking the talk thing seemed to be forgotten altogether. It is not that I care of course. I don’t care whether DPT and PDP win or lose as long as my fundamental rights are kept intact and they try their best to perform what they promised. I also accept the fact that no government or system will be perfect.

My irritation is not really with government or opposition despite their controversies, scams, claims and counterclaims. I am frustrated hearing about DHI employees getting more salary, potholes in the highway, girls of draying, housing crunches in urban area, Tobacco bill and so on. As a citizen I care for those legitimate issues. I only wish these urban businessmen, politicians and individuals do not whine their complaints in the name of democracy, Gross National Happiness and fundamental rights. I also hate the media people who do their duties with vested interest and for financial bonuses for more news. Out of 100 news articles they churned very week, almost 60 % percent of them is nothing but repetition of old wives tales. Next 30 percent will be ramblings with no substantial content but full of vested interest.

Most of our newspapers have forgotten the majority of rural people and their interest. The tobacco bill raises a huge storm in urban area that now forced government to amend it in the coming assembly. The lottery case resulted into closure of lottery system. In most reported news articles, either the complainant complained in the name of GNH or Equity or Justice or authority justified in the same name.

Now I am going to complain too. I hope I am not complaining for me. Kengkhar, Jurme and Kheng Gmgdue are some of the remotest gewogs under Mongar Dzongkahg. Until the implementation of 10^th Five Years Plan, they walked for days to get to nearest shops and roads. They still do today despite the construction of road towards their gewogs. In summer, they walked for days for few kilogram’s of rice for Losar and for few kilogram’s of salt for self-consumption braving the torrential rivers, eroding terrains and fierce wild animals. In winter, they came to sell orange, their only cash crops, using their own backs (few rich people can afford mules and horses) for negligible amount of cash.

Three years ago, I have seen them fetching water in their bamboo tubes. Some households take as long as half of the day to carry a load of water. Today, their conditions have not improved much. Still they are happy with the fact that they could use kerosene instead of pine mebchi and jerry can instead of bamboo tubes. I sometimes wonder that those villagers would have used same bamboo tubes given the choice. Sadly, the kind of bamboo they made tubes dried en mass few years back. Elders in the village said that kind of bamboo dried every sixteen years.

I have seen those villagers complaining whenever I went there. I have seen those people rejoicing when I went there. I have seen those people voting with concern during the first parliamentary election as their duties despite the fact none of them understood what democracy was. They were thrilled believing they would get what MPs have promised. Some MPs promised that they would give job to their school going children personally. No wonder, some of them even called MPs to give their unemployed children an employment just to hear an excuse and another promises.

Today, I am in Thimphu. I don’t hear their complaints and compliments. I no longer know whether they exist today. Going through newspapers, I feel Thimphu and few other towns constitute whole Bhutan. The other Bhutan is almost forgotten. That is what I hate about our whining media fighting for advertisement. A teacher in Gasa chatted in the facebook that she doesn’t read newspaper as she sees only disgusting and upsetting articles there. May be she is right….our media caters to Thimphu first and then other towns. The rural majority is gone in the wind when media claims to take responsibility as the fourth Estate.

Of Traditional Healers and Miraculous Healers

2011-09-02T03:06:00.001-07:00

It is disheartening to see how we are fooled by traditional medicinal quacks, traditional healers and miraculous healers. The medicinal Quacks are often shady monks or students of shady lamas who pretended to be making medicines from exotic herbs available in the villages. At one time, I was at home as I had suffered major paralysis. A traditional quack visited our slums. He was selling medicines which were manufactured by his Tsawai Lama and him. He told the group of women that he was approved by some people placed high in the social hierarchy. My sister and few other women confessed about their recurring stomach pain. He told them that they shouldn’t eat for two days. On third day, they should drink their own urine. This would wash away the germs inside the stomach. I couldn’t believe my ears and told my sister not to do but to no avail. She was hell-bent to go ahead and get rid of that problem once for all. The urine may be containing some medicinal value but what if urine has more germs and infections. It was three years ago and today my sister still suffers from recurring stomach pain.

In the village, we get many vagrants selling medicines for few bucks or bartering few things. They made living out of that. Most of them are middleman selling for somebody.

At other time, I watched so called Pamo (Shaman) conducting the extensive rituals to cure sick person. I have heard lot about that Pamo. Firstly, she always extracted or unearthed ‘written curse of black magician which is hidden’ from the rear corner of the house of the host. Secondly, she always built Torma (Sacrificial Stupa) out of few kilograms of butter. Thirdly, it is always done during the night and she should be only accompanied by her Tsangmin/ helper, who was her husband. People only got to see the written curse once she brought inside the house. That night ritual was performed at my friend’s home. My friends’ parents were firm believers though my friend was a born skeptic. The Pamo possessed by deity reached Paro Taktshang and asked the local deity of Taktshang where he had stolen sick man’s soul or not. The deity replied in language mixed of Sharchop, Tibetan and Dzongkha. I thought if deity was drunk since the deity was supposed to talk in Dzongkha as he is from Paro. Then the time came for extraction of Written Curse. I observed her feat stealthily from window. In the moonlight, I could see that her husband was handing a piece of paper as she chanted some incantation. The same paper came inside and we were asked to see the written curse. We all rushed to see what was written. We could find nothing except a letter which was neither Dzongkha letter ‘Ka’ nor ‘Ga’. Her husband told us that the letter disappeared as we all rushed to see. We should have seen it, if we have looked one by one. The paper was new. The condition of traditional paper told me that it was not possible to be inside the earth. The place where earth was dug told me that it should be at least ten years old as it was below foundation of that house. She told the gathering that the sick person who was distant cousin of my friends would be cured. That man died three months later.

Last week, my neighbor who was low income civil servant was pressurized by her father-in-law to arrange ngultrum 30,000. His father-in-law has come all the way from Mongar. My neighbour’s mother in-law was sick. The local astrologer had told that it was a case of sorcery. The sickness was inflicted by local black magician who was in bad terms with them. This time, his father-in-law wanted to go tit for tat and uproot the black magician. The guy chosen was a soldier from Royal Body Guard. He had suspposed to have cured many people and killed the black magicians. Throughout the night, I heard clashes of cymbals, beating of drums and blowing of trumpets. Next morning, my neighbour’s wife was jubilant. She told me that when they cut the human size Torma in the dark, a red liquid supposedly blood oozed out of the Torma. It was then and there cleaned as directed and thrown into river. Was it really a blood? The miraculous healer told the brother-in-law that the black magician will be dead either by accident or dog bite after one week. I am yet to hear the dog bite or accident. I am eagerly waiting. Only I heard was my neighbor pleading landlady that he will pay this month’s rent along with next month’s rent as had paid more than Nu.10,000 as a fee to that healer. ‘After one week’ could mean eternal as there is no time limit.

The recent three cases of traditional healers tell a lot. They are all low income group people. They need the healing power and knowledge to complement their earnings. In Thimphu, most healers come from armed forces of Bhutan. Of recently detained three rapists, two are from ex-armed forces. All are from low income groups. These petty quacks who feed on ignorance of people sometimes get carried away. Under the guise of curing, they ended up demanding more favour which are immoral and illegal. The sexual exploitation from the minor was one of them. The exploitation is bolstered by people’s ignorance and dated traditions existing in our country.

The traditional healing must be made illegal. The unauthorized selling of medicine, I supposed, is being dealt with law by Drug Regulatory Authority. The miraculous healing must be banned after due to process of law and fact. Even some Trulku who seduced young girl saying they have sign of Dakini (angel) should be imprisoned. This practice is not Buddhism but Bullyism. And finally, we have seen many reincarnated lamas. If reincarnated lamas come at this progressive rate, in two hundred years whole population will be Rimpoche. The truelku system can be banned. There was no truelku system in Buddhism till 11 century. The Tibetans have done well of course inventing them.

The Modern Love story

2011-08-28T21:24:00.001-07:00

‘I love you. Don’t forget me,’ she whispered into his ears for the hundredth time in the last three hours. He assured her for the hundredth time that his love for her was true and only the death could separate them. Both of them seemed to mean what they said. They believed that they couldn’t live void of other’s existence at least at the moment.

The cold winter wind was splashing in their faces. Their hands and faces had almost become numb with chilling cold. They didn’t bother the cruel evening wind. They didn’t bother the approaching dusk. They didn’t bother the ominous barking of street mongrels. They were just lost in presence of each other.

‘let’s go home darling,’ Thinley said rubbing his hand against her to keep both of them warm. The giant pines around them seemed like enormous deities protecting their romantic endeavor.

‘Stay for five more minutes. Why are you in such hurry?’Wangmo chided her would be husband (at least she let him feel at the moment). They had been here for more than three hours. When he suggested about going home, she pleaded to stay little more and when she suggested, he pleaded for little more time.

Wangmo rubbed her gentle face against Thinley’s face. Then they kissed it gently. The kiss grew stronger and stronger. Both knew where it was going to end. Their eyes searched for convenient spot three steps away. They didn’t care about passerby. After all, who would see them in a compromising posture in the dusk behind the bush? After fifteen minutes, the deed was done with groan and murmur of endearment.

As they departed later, they promised that they would love each other forever. Wangmo went on her way to Jungshina where her husband was waiting thinking that his wife was in the hospital to see sick cousin. Thinley in his novice head thought she was fresh and innocent.

After three months stay in the Trashigang, Thinley married a local woman. His guilt told him to call Wangmo. He felt sorry for cheating on her and betraying. Wangmo was so furious on hearing about his marriage to village local girl.

‘I gave my virginity to you. I was faithful to you,’ she shouted.

‘I am really sorry,’ he apologized sincerely.

‘I don’t ever want to see you again. You cheating bastard,’ she said snapping up the phone.

After half an hour, she was saying the endearment to her husband of three years when he came home from the office.

Thinley still thinks he cheated on Wangmo when she trusted him enough to give her virginity. Wangmo believes that virginity is matter of convincing counterpart.

Second Chance In Love

2011-08-28T21:13:00.001-07:00

My face has become a sharp trough

For tears that flowed through for a year

Then you came to my life out of blue

And finally I called you my dear.

God must have watched my tear s

Falling freely like showers in summers

And He must have sent you dear

To make my life blossom again.

I was lost in jungle of emotional mess

I saw no way forward for otherwise;

Your smiles lit my way with light peerless

Like a gift from a man kind and wise.

Your nature is written in my heart.

Your name is plastered on my lips

The happiness is painted in my face

And the bliss is absorbed in my system.

I thank God for sending me, you;

An angel in human form

To wipe off tears when I am sad

To lean on the shoulder when I cry

They say there always is second chance

Which I didn’t believe till now

You are the second chance that I get

And I am happy that god’s gift for me is you.

Reading doesn’t make man perfect………………………..

2011-08-25T22:41:00.001-07:00

I have been told in my primary school that reading makes the man perfect. I believed the statement at that stage because I seemed to discover that all men in impeccably clean dresses and those who drove car were educated…educated at least more than I was at that time.

Ignorance is bliss. Thus I was told and I never believe it. That was because my siblings are uneducated. Because of their ignorance, they are poor. They couldn’t support me. I had to struggle to get the education.

Today I am grown up and I am educated at least in conventional Bhutanese conception. I realized that reading never makes man perfect and ignorance is really bliss. With reading, man gains knowledge and sophistication to do what they intend to do but it never make the man perfect. Even the men with most acquired wisdom are never a perfect. 99.9% of the educated men transformed into sophisticated crooks. They get whatever they want at the cost of humanity. The businessman goes onto acquire profit with whatever unethical means they can as long as they can bend the rules without breaking. The world is bleeding and become imperfect because of education. Scientists with their invention and discovery brought hazard to world. The religion with its heavenly teaching killed more people than it could cure. We keep on robbing nature and defying its law.

Supporting the statement that ‘ignorance is bliss’ is not only logical but reasonable too. Ignorance makes us free from worry. We can live at present without worrying about future. Scientists make us worry about future or future generation that may never happen. Scientists disturbed the world and nature with their own invention and make people worry about its consequences. Take a global warming as an example. It is them who paved the ways with various means of destruction.

Now let me come to the religiously wise men. They don’t keep people peaceful with their talks about after life like reincarnation, heaven and hell. Scientific and religious knowledge are only two wisdoms that take away the bliss from the people. Other knowledges are derivative of these two.

So, my advice…if you want to be happy, we don’t need knowledge. It only makes us worried, increases our desire and dream. With ignorance, we live for today. We don’t have to worry about next fifty years or generation. So be ignorant and blissful.

Writing is a hell of work

2011-08-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

The writing is easy? Nay, since I knew how to read and write, I have been striving to write a meaningful line. It is always easy to criticize and comment on other’s writing. We just have to pop out whatever biased judgment we possess to pass verdict on their works. When it comes to jotting down few meaningful lines, it gets struck in the throat. Confusion and hesitation reign supreme.

When I say writing is a one hell of job, I don’t mean any type of writing. If given a topic, I can write a hundred pages non-stop. When I say I can, believe me I can. However, such scribbling has multitude of defects. The bible of good writes-up is lost. Less meaning, thin content, more mistakes and so on. The purpose of shortness and sweetness is lost.

I read somewhere the letter written by the great American humorist Mark Twain to his friend. One sentence caught my attention. ‘If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.’ Many of us believe that if we have more time, we can write more. How many times do we hear students complaining about his essay in the exam? ‘I could write only one page because I didn’t get enough time to write more.’ By this what he really meant is that I couldn’t scribble more senseless things because of time limitation.

For great writer, with more time, they write less. They can abridge, edit and precise the content. They can omit the repetition of content, form and language. Thus, they need more time to write less quality writing.

Since when I was in the college, I tried my best to maintain a blog. As far as I remember, I created as many as ten blogs to write about what I see, feel and think. Each time, it failed miserably as I have nothing to write. My thinking failed me. My inspiration has no expression as I failed in vocabulary and quality writing.

This month too, I created the blog www.xpress@heart.blogspot.com. As of now I have two members whose writing I envy. I have posted around five articles which have no significance. Anyway, I am not writing for anybody. I am writing for me. The blog gives me company I cherish to keep. It gives me platform to express myself. In a way, this blog which I intend to keep for as long as I can write is my favourite place, friend and company who listens to my emotions, complains and problems so silently.

I know writing is difficult. I also know that it is not impossible. I may scribble a senseless word, construct an unfinished sentence or compose a meaningless paragraph but as long as I know English and dzongkhag alphabet, I will keep on scribbling.

The hell with the world who think I can’t write

The Real Druk Superstar

2011-08-11T21:45:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, the nation will select one singer as the Druk Superstar out of five remaining contestants. Three male contestants and two female contestants will go all the way out to win the superstar title. Going by public opinion, Karma Phuntsho seems to be favourite closely followed by other two contestants. But twists and turns in commercialized reality singing competition is not new. Anything can happen. For me all the five contestants are talented in their own ways. I must say they really have forte of their own talents.

For me, none of the five contestants will be superstar. They may win the title but they will not win my heart. An eliminated contestant has won my heart. I am sure he has won many more hearts. He is Tshering Penjor, an amiable and lively man who brings smiles to other’s faces. I didn’t know his heart is golden till he announces that he pledged Nu. 5000n from his Nu.25000 prize money for the kidney patients. His action spoke more than the amount. This action moved the heart of organizer who increased the prize money by another Nu.5000. It moved me to tears. Believe me, till that day I have never cried for any eliminated contestant.

Just after the show, a businesswoman called up to award Tshering Penjor ngultrum 25000. Tshering Penjor didn’t win the title but he won many hearts.

Managing the Druk Superstar Show… Sweet Nightmares

2011-08-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

There is little more than one week left….yes one week. I hated the time I spent cajoling, persuading and arguing with the organizer, crews and the contestants. Now, it is getting over, it is making me little nostalgic.

The reality show Druk Superstar is coming to mature end on 14^th August. Around 28 people came to the stage hoping for Superstardom. Hopes of 22 contestants are dashed like ships dashed into pieces against the rock. Only six people are hanging onto thin rope that has miraculous power to pull up only one. This Sunday on 7^th August another one must go…only five can sing their way till the Grand Finale.

Most of the contestants have their names associated with the local albums. Probably, that is why organizer named the show as “Superstar.” I must assume that they are already stars vying for superstardom. Frankly, I have never seen or heard any one of them before the show. It was weird that I had to handle the supposed stars as my first assignment after joining Bhutan Broadcasting Service. Despite my ignorance of Bhutanese Entertainment Industry, I was smoothly introduced to their egos. Floor Managing is little more than ego managing.

Contestants are also like children asking to visit washroom and to do this and that trivialities. With their tricky smile, I couldn’t refuse them as long as online director didn’t blare into microphone. With organizer came another package; this package is little more difficult to carry. Keeping company’s ethics on one side and meeting organizer’s demand on other side feel like a rope in the tug-of-war. My seniors told me that this organizer is direct and better. I don’t know yet. I haven’t handled any other reality show. I only learnt from seniors that he is famous local actor-turned director turned producer.

Managing the crews is little better. I can always scare them that I will report to company’s management for failing to do their duties. However, when they segregate their works, it becomes difficult to co-ordinate. All of them are my senior. Some have been working for 15 years. A naïve guy right out college telling them to do this and that don’t usually go well.

Anyway, I have to chew my share even if it is stone. I am trying my best despite my worst knowledge on managing the reality show. Till now there was no major setback despite few defamation suit threats, copyright infringement suit threats and advertisement miscarriage warning from BICMA. Now the show is coming to an end, I am getting little tipsy. Probably, I am drunk with attachment to the show.

Anyway, the show must end and another must begin. On 15^th August, coinciding with our neighbor’s Independence Day, Bhutan Star’s organizer is launching the third session of Bhutan Star.

I am readying myself to face another storm of human nature….. that is ego.

Last Letter To Mrs. Ex

2011-08-04T22:49:00.001-07:00

Dear Tomlax,

When I found you in another man's arm, I was shattered. I thought I would never recover from the pain which pricked deep down into deepest abyss of my heart. But I did recover, thanks to playmaker called 'Time'. As the time passes broken heart heals and vivid memory fades.

I know long period of being apart and the distance took us apart. You couldn’t trust me. Now I am thankful to your betrayal and lies. I have become wiser and more mature. The break up has taught me a lot about nature of mundane relationship. Right now, I believe I am ultimately being benefited.

Since our breakup four and half years ago, I have grown up so much. I am not anymore the person who once whined to hear endearment that meant nothing. Today I don’t believe in promise made and endearment said. I just believe anything is possible in the world. If love has strength to break the heart, it definitely has the strength to make the heart. When I first broke up with you, I was naïve doubting about my existence without you. Yet I survived the shock of break up and today I am enjoying the free life un-caged by commitment and responsibility. I am happy that I don't have to laugh with your smile and cry with your frown. I am just happy because I can be me the original self who treads the world alone like a warrior beating every odd staked against him.

When we broke up, I have told myself that I wouldn't let your memory fades away. However, I let it fade as one cannot live in cocoon of past. I have to move ahead. I have world of opportunities ahead. Granted…there is obstacle to be overcome near every opportunity. Yet those obstacles make the world a beautiful place. Life is too beautiful to be left un-enjoyed and too meaningful to whine over memory of broken dreams. Anyway I thank you for walking into my life teaching me the surrealistic nature of worldly relations.

Story of life is not beautiful without tragedy just like song is not melodious without lyrics of sorrow. It was sad to lose you and it was sadder when we assaulted each other physically. I should have acted like gentleman. I was mad with anger and you are too guilty to accept your fault. We did have worst break up in history of love story. I am sorry for not restraining myself like man should be. But that tragedy made me better person to enjoy the better side of life. Life is too short to regret. Life has lots of opportunity to let it go.

Lastly, I must believe that success in life depends on lots of things we choose and lots of things we don't choose. Life is defined by what opportunities we grasp and what opportunities we let it pass. Beauty of life is that we try to choose how we want to live. You chose to live the life your way. I am too learning fast to live the life way I love. Goodbye and have a nice life ahead. It would be last word from me to you if you ever read this piece. if you don’t, my last word was said when we parted our ways.

With lots of regards from once your beggar of beauty and now king of my own will,

The Tale of Broke Dasho

2011-07-28T23:21:00.001-07:00

This is my fourth month in the BBS. By standard of my illiterate villagers, I am junior Dasho because I have completed degree in October 2010. For them any education standard beyond class ten is considered a sure way to much desired title of Dasho. Even my family will be planning to visit Thimphu soon to enjoy the hustle and bustle of town.

Last month, an elderly villager asked me how much I earned in a month. I told him that I earned little less than one and half Thri (Ten Thousand). He exclaimed, ‘that is a lot of money. With that money you can buy house in Thimphu.’ I nearly puked hearing the word. Yet I patiently listened to his tales of how he travelled to Godama (present day) Assam. He told that with three Indian rupees, they used to get a big pot (probably 30 litres) and edibles that a man could carry. I wanted to remind him about changed times and dimensions but I didn’t.

I wanted to give that guy something as a gift from junior dasho (that is me if you doubt). Looking at my purse I saw Nu. 200 hiding sadly with loneliness. I gave out Nu. 100. In my bank account there are only five hundred bucks. In my apartment, I have one blanket, one Dunlop, five cups and plates each followed by most basic necessities like rice cooker, curry cooker and a water boiler.

Yet I felt proud when my villagers called me dasho because it really balms my unreasonable ego.