dechen's reflection
An Alternative and Apprentice's Perspective
Thursday, 18 September 2014
Trip to Alma Mater – Ecstasy in travelling to Sherubtse
Conquering five passes in Dochula, Pelela, Yutogla, Thrumsengla and Korila and traversing through series of canyons and beautiful valleys, notably Rukubji and Ura takes one from Thimphu to Kanglung, the home of Sherubtse College. Early autumn scenery passing through the lush green forests coupled with crops nearing harvest nutmegs one’s all senses. Retracing one’s own footsteps took back to those youthful and compelling years in my pursuit of education.
Taking the Thimphu-Mongar Highway took me back to February, 2009 when I first travelled to Thimphu all alone but with strangers. It was the command from the Office of the King’s Chamberlain for His Majesty the King would grant us the audience. In succeeding years, as necessitated by my educational aspirations, I travelled to the capital and other places where I found myself always in the company of unknown faces. However, the tales of historic fortresses of Zhonggar (in ruins today), Jakar, Trongsa and Wangdue Phodrang (under reconstruction), race of three brothers – Kurichhu, Chamkharchhu and Mangdechhhu and the mysterious Nyaladuem kept me engaged all through. The beauty of serene environment, the home for rare fauna and flora gave the life to live with.
Plying the Mongar – Trashigang Highway four times a year for three years in pursuit of tertiary education gave me a vivid picture of a 12 year old boy compelled to leave his beloved parents. In quest of education, an immature boy so attached to his parents and home whose locality of 13 households was his world, have to leave for Drametse to attain his Lower Secondary Education. On the other side of the road at Kilikhar, he would find his helpless Ama with tears running over her face. In early March, 2002, on our way to Drametse, I told to Apa for us to return back home. The place happens to be Zalaphangma, loosely translated as Monkey - Shoulder between Yadi and Pahadrang. Leaving your home fueled by continuous vomiting for a person travelling by a vehicle for the first time saw no solution but want of escape. To worsen the scene, one would see your Apa in tears. However tough the departure was, the call from education was too important to decline.
Today, as I travel, I not only travel in present but also in past with vision for the future.
For my last trip to Sherubtse to observe the International Democracy Day, the scenario, however was different. We were eight in numbers and as interactive as it could be.
On our journey to and fro, our Driver knew almost all drivers who passed by. It testifies how closely knit Bhutanese society is. Roadside peeing and shouting at vehicles passing by suggests there is ‘Outrageousness’ of Drukpa Kuenley in us but do we have that ‘Elegance’ of the Divine Madman? Chewing doma was frequent in the group, rather munching it nonchalantly, depicting the place of betel and areca in Bhutanese lives. Pubs and night clubs have gained their places among Bhutanese and it has reached far and wide. Going to bars, karaoke and clubs was relatively new to me, at least in Bhutan but it was worth trying. However, my pledge of lacto-vegetarian, non-smoker and teetotaller shall be upheld whatever may the circumstances be for I see myself as, if there is one such term called, a ‘social observer’.
After observing the Day, we received blessings from Venerable Trashigang Lam Neten who was presiding the dByar gNes (sic. Buddhist practice where monks do not go out so as to refrain from committing unwholesome acts as walking would take the lives of fellow beings who are growing at this time of the year. They recite prayers and meditate in the temple for certain period of time for the benefit of all sentient beings) at Thubten Chokhorling Monastic College at Kanglung. On our way back, we offered butter lamps at Korila. Earlier today, we paid homage to Saint Guru Rinpochhe and Great Tertoen Pema Lingpa at Membar Tsho. On the other hand, a group of six males perceived inauspicious, imposed in us the fear of insecurity and uncertainty. Superstitious? However, we reached safely to Thimphu thus doing away with any suggestion that traveling in a group of ‘SIX BOYS’- males in our case is inauspicious. The blessings of Venerable Lama and our respective sKyelhas and Yuelhas brought us all safe. On the other hand, vehicles carrying corpse reminded me of the “Ultimate Moment” that we are bound for.
In observing the International Democracy Day, I have heard the grievances of my young friends for lack of opportunities, have seconded the lecturers and academicians’ assertion for reforms and have listened to Leaders’ call for participation. The dilemma – how do I mediate?
Upon reaching Bumthang, I discussed with Mr Kinley of ECB and Mr Jamba of RUB on my research proposal – civic education. That should help me in transiting back to students’ life and possibly train me towards becoming that Mediator.
Saturday, 9 August 2014
“You can write your own destiny” – Excerpts from Royal Address
Reiterating his trademark
message, His Majesty the King addressed the graduates and audience in general during
the 18th Convocation at Royal Institute of Management that, He is taking
a coffee in the beautiful mug made in
Thailand, Coffee and Milk Powder both manufactured by Nestle and Sugar produced
in India. Water is the only component that is the produce of Bhutan.
This article, some might see it
more of a report, is solely based on my comprehension of His Majesty’s speech.
I am solely liable and responsible for, should there be any misinterpretation
of the Royal Address, most of which His Majesty delivered in Dzongkha.
Recognizing
the graduates’ accomplishment, His Majesty acknowledged the lecturers of their
dedicated service to the Country. Paying tribute to our forefathers – blessed
by the Great Buddhist Master Guru Rinpochhe, built by the Great Zhabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal and consolidated by the successive Monarchs, Bhutan is uniquely
placed in her pursuit of peace and happiness. The unscaled mountains to the
North, serene environment - the home for different species of fauna both in the
East and West, and beautiful plains in the South with enough potential to have
airports and easy access to India, Bhutan have huge opportunities for growth.
Although
Bhutan has come by leaps and bounds since the second half of the twentieth century,
“We are still the generation of Nation Builders.” From youth unemployment to
rural - urban migration and subsequent rural depopulation are the concerns the
Country is grappling with. While the massive increase in budget outlay from Nu.
70b in the 9th Five Year Plan (FYP) to Nu. 148b in the 10th
and Nu. 213b in the 11th FYP, with major chunk of investment going
into Hydropower projects reflected our growth, associated problems such as lack
of expertise (human resource and technical know-how), technology and equipment
gave way to problems such as rupee shortage.
Making
special reference of His Majesty the Fourth King, His Majesty apprised the
audience that the Fourth Druk Gyalpo from the very young age of 16 without
completing his studies took the reins of the Country and ushered unprecedented
reforms in all spheres of Bhutanese lives. The current generation with
educational attainment ranging from University Degree to Masters and Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) is expected to serve the nation with dedication, commitment
and fidelity guided by ethics and codes of conduct. Administration and
management vis-à-vis leadership is the way forward. “You can write your own
destiny”, His Majesty said.
Formulation
of National Goals is envisaged as a measure to solve these concerns. Security
of the Country’s Independence is crucial for landlocked country, sandwiched
between two populous nations of the World – China and India. The tragic and
brutal death of Forester Tashi Tsheirng of Phibsoo and similar cases of the
past – cross border kidnapping is matter of great concern. Ensuring peace and
unity within ourselves transcending regional, religious and socio-economic
differences is vitally important for us to say, “We are Bhutanese.” Rule of Law
is a cohesive force that would not only help achieve harmony but also lay
robust foundation for democracy to build on. Towards that end, as much as good
governance, intelligent governance is equally important, if not more. In
addition, the goal of achieving self-sufficiency, a certain degree of
self-sustaining economy is important though we live in globalized and
interdependent world.
Narrating
a story of His trip to Manas where His Majesty divided his entourage into two
groups – Changaps and Chagzhumi and made them compete in boat race, His Majesty
stressed that working with concern is gateway to success. In the said race held
twice in two days, on the first day, two groups were made to race and the group
that reaches first on the other bank was to be declared winner, while His
Majesty accompanied by Gyaltsuen witnessed the race. During the race, there
were shouts, arguments and quarrel and worse, both of the boats were carried
away by the river. On the second day, His Majesty sent Changaps group with the
warning that if Chagzhumi’s group in which His Majesty was also present, happen
to get pass them, then all of them will be thrown in the river. While the
warning was a joke, as His Majesty clarified, the Changaps organised and
handled the race remarkably well as they were too fast to get pass for His Majesty and the Chagzhumi’s group. The
difference, His Majesty emphasized is people’s approach to life with or without
concern.
Perfect
was the only superlative that I could think of His Majesty’s Address. Hope! At
least half of the 400 or so audience are equally inspired for us to work with the
concern at individual level in particular and national level at large for
Bhutan to move forward. Friday, 8 August 2014
Positive outlook – the way forward
Revelation,
Admission and Realization (Part I)
From a belligerent toddler
to Scouser faithful, I have had exciting journey thus far. Reflecting upon hitherto
experiences compel me to reveal and admit some of the wrong paths that I pursued.
This realization, I perceive will go a long way to attain manhood.
Born in the
hinterland Mongar and nurtured by an illiterate parents, the road travelled was
not so friendly. Rewinding memories of the past – to fetch water early in the
morning before leaving for schools during Pre-Primary days, taking a day leave
during hot summer days to guard corns against the marauding monkeys were burden
at that point of time, but not necessarily now. It was the opportunity afforded
to serve one’s Benefactor and the only Creator. Attending calls and providing
lip services do not qualify one to be a son in the hours of need.
Venturing into the
world of intellectuals was a tough call. In hot pursuit of broadened mind,
often landed up being the victim of corporal punishment. From nettle leaves, cans
and rulers on one’s fingertips to tying one’s head and making graze were some
of the harshest of retributions for failing to solve some algebraic and arithmetic
problems, let alone for poor handwriting. Blacklisting the teachers, turning
away from them ostentatious of one being stranger at some point of time in
future do not set a good teacher-student relationship. On the contrary, it was
the moment to explore alternative strategies to tackle the problem at hand with
tolerant and open mind for what they have bestowed to us.
Being one of the
smallest and youngest amongst one’s peers, one is presented with threats as
much as opportunities. Bullying and teasing are the two commonest moments one
has to confront with. However, reacting with reporting to Teachers and see them
getting punished, piercing with sharp pens with scars still today as vivid as
ever, hitting with gravels at ankles and
see it swollen should not have been the approach. At this point of time, saying
Hi and Bye, How are you to your friends do not in itself justify the spirit of
friendship. Tolerance, patience and acceptance could have built the ties
stronger.
The realization is too
little too late, the only consolation is to admit and express one’s regret. By
then, one would have already lost something precious…. (Part II to be continued…).
Thursday, 19 June 2014
Life in a ward – highs and lows of being a patient
Nothing is certain but the unforeseen
emergencies. Immersed into the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2014, watched what was
dubbed as the clash of the Titans between defending Champion, Spain - La Furia
Roja and the losing Finalist of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands - the Orange.
The match; however, was one sided as Spain were humiliated and humbled 1: 5 by
the mesmerizing Dutch. It was 3:00 in the morning when I went to bed. Suddenly,
I began to feel the pain at my left chest stretching up to the waist. Fever
further worsened my health.
From 05: 00 Saturday, June 14 to 12:
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Rethinking the processes and products of Development
The
waves of development have turned the tide in Bhutan. Interpreting development
as an improvisation and advancement of a certain thing, its impact has been
felt in all areas, viz. politics, economy, culture and the society as a whole. From
democracy to mixed economy, and the changing habits of daily lives in the areas
of foods habits, dresses and expressions, forces of development have reached in
all spheres and in all walks of the Bhutanese lives.
On
the political
front, institution of democracy has opened up the system of the
governance bringing those rulers ever closer to the ruled. Transparency and
accountability have been the hallmark of the system while ensuring maximum
people’s participation starting from voting to decision making. On the other
hand, party politics and hunt for votes have divided communities, neighbours,
friends and families on party lines thus building foes in place of fraternity.
Our
economy
has transformed in form as much as its size. From pastoralist economy and
barter system, transactions in Information Communication and Technology (ICT)
products and hospitality services testifies Bhutan’s transition. The reverse
effect has come in the form of closure of household production of goods such as
mustard oil, dwindling fate of cottage and small indigenous industries and
local delicacies.
In
the areas of culture and aesthetic expressions, the change has been
significant. From constant modification of Gho
and Kira to our perception and
involvement in festivals and rituals, it continues to be an item of necessity
result of its historical significance and accord established long before rather
than feeling of an innate responsibility to be part of it. As rural setting
give way to urban structure, the biggest change is seen in our architectural
designs from dovetail technique and mud houses to quality tested concrete
buildings. Growing popularity of night clubs in the urban centres, decreasing practices
of night hunting in some rural pockets and lingua franca in the form of Dzonglish, at least among literates are
some of the changes that have come about.
Telecommunication
and transportation have been the biggest drivers
of the development. Mobile phone connectivity, access to internet, installation
of telex and postal services coupled with road and aviation connectivity have
sped up the delivery of goods and services both within and outside the country.
The olden day practices of messenger and luggage carrier of the masters, and
the practice of potter and ponies is also declining except in some remote parts
of the country. Television in particular, through news, entertainment programs
and advertisements has brought the globe ever closer. One immediate effect we
see is, our kids are ever attentive to cartoon series and play stations while folktales
of ageing grandparents go unrecorded.
Our
consumption
pattern over the last decade has seen significant shift. From fast
foods to fizzy drinks, rice and ema
datshi (Chili and Cheese) propelled by inflows of rice and curry cookers,
ladles and water boilers, the place of flours of barley, wheat and buckwheat,
pots, zaru and zencha is almost non-existent in rural households, let alone in
urban Bhutan. The ripple effect it has brought about is declining role of our
smiths and artisans. Ever convenient plastics have dislodged the role of fig
and banana leaves, once commonly used for rolling butter and cheeses. In the
same vein, hot cases, flask, plates and mugs did for bangchung, torey and
locally made wooden cups.
Much
has been changed in the spheres of games and sports. While the archery
continues to be the dominant game, partly due to it being the national game of
the country, the zest for football is on the rise, particularly among the urban
dwellers and those coming through the modern education school system. Other games
that have found its place among the Bhutanese includes, basketball, badminton,
tennis, volleyball, carom, snooker and playing cards. On the other hand, games
such as khuru, doegor, soksum, jigdum and pungdo (shotput) with exception to
the khuru are left on the fringes. Archery also has undergone considerable
changes in the form of compound bows and arrows.
Introduction
of modern education system has brought about changes in societal views and ideologies. Individualism,
capitalism and feminism has all established their roots in the country. Individualism
and capitalism has implanted in every individual the belief and confidence in
oneself vis-à-vis entrepreneurial instincts. Inquisitive mind furthered by
drive for profit making, has encouraged rural illiterates venturing into Hazelnut
plantations. Assertion for equal rights have seen women come forward in all spheres
from academia, diplomacy, and politics to sports. On the other side, individualism,
possibly has delinked ties from families, neighbours and communities as
evidenced by unattended elderlies in Bus stations and Hospitals and those
street beggars.
From
schools, hospitals and Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) centres in far flung rural
areas to well-maintained cowsheds, toilet and dustbin put in place in hamlets,
the transformation has been unprecedented. This has contributed in increased
life expectancy and literacy rates, improved living standards and ensured quality
life. However, with the growth of urban centres accompanied by the forces of development,
social evils in the form of pollution, unemployment, migration and rural
depopulation, the phenomenon best described as Goongtong, are on the upward spiral.
Friday, 2 May 2014
Teachers – the unrivalled heroes
Nurtured in the hinterland Bynangri,
an untamed and isolated mind if unattended could possibly have created nuisance
in the community. Enrolling in school education and timely intervention from
ever committed teachers transformed my mind for better; however, not
discounting values infused in me by my illiterate and humble parents. This has
come about by schools put in place, curriculum in the system and teachers in
the classrooms. Courtesy to our visionary Monarchs, Bhutan has grown by leaps
and bounds in so short a time. From infrastructural development to emergence of
newer ideologies from tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, education played
significant role in transforming Bhutanese society, though not singly. Policies
formulated and decisions made by our Monarchs, notably King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck, the third in the line of Wangchuck Dynasty revolutionized internal
system as well as her external policy. Hence, he is deservedly idolized as the Father
of Modern Bhutan.
Delving deeper into the discipline of
modernization without education forming part of it would be unfounded. Interpreting
modernization as a process of refinement and improvisation, education with
investigative and inquisitive outlook propels the former. To materialize this
combination, effective and efficient medium is very much essential. Aside
curriculum and classrooms, teacher’s role is instrumental in transforming the
minds for good. Starting from
alphabet A, B, C and Ka,
Kha and Ga to Civic Education, Collective Wellbeing and Dependent Origination,
the road so far travelled afforded me varied and enriching experiences. In the
process, I reached Nalanda to listen to teachings of Shantideva, sailed with Christopher
Columbus and Vasco Da Gama, explored with Copernicus and Galileo and walked
with Mahatma Gandhi and Sojourner Truth. Through these, I got to see the wider horizon
of the cosmos, compounded with differing physic, interests, faith and
attributes. With your receptive, inquisitive and appreciative pedagogical
instruments, today I can get along with fast evolving dynamics of our diverse
community.
As the Nation comes together to pay
tribute to late Majesty for steering the country on the path of modernization,
observing Teachers Day reiterating his contribution in the field of education and
also acknowledging the selfless service of our noble teachers, the moment is a perfect union. Kudos to Late Majesty and
my Teachers – the unrivalled heroes, Dechen, an inept being has found his
place. However, the road ahead without the guidance of you all, my beloved
teachers would be unimaginable and troublesome. For me, you all have guided me
safely up to here and definitely are the torch bearers as I venture farther.
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Snowfall Holiday – A Reflection
It was 20 past 8 when I received a phone call from a friend of mine
enquiring if it was holiday today for the snowfall for people have shared in Facebook
the post of His Excellency, the Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs declaring
the day, holiday. Upon inquiring
friends, it was confirmed and Bhutan Broadcasting Service’s Radio, the only
broadcast media in the Country also reported the same. No sooner did these
convince us of the decision than friends of mine who have already put their Ghos,
took off their respective Ghos, quite enthusiastically. For certain, same might
have happened to Office goers, trainees and students of Thimphu, however, the
happenings in other Districts are matters of enquiry.
As soon as I learnt that Royal Institute of Management (RIM) will remain
close today, possibly after coming across the announcement from the Honourable
Minister, I have to think on possibility of having presentation on Youth
Initiative for Debate, Deliberation and Development (YIDDD) scheduled this afternoon.
After consultation with Dodum, friends and my fellow presenters, we reached to
a decision that we will present it tomorrow, Thursday, 6th March,
2014. While our program may not have
significant bearings to the community and general people alike, same might have
happened to my fellow countrymen who possibly might have had appointments,
works to be completed, so forth and so on that could materialize only with government,
corporate and private offices delivering its routine services. A day missed,
and potentially a significant part of their lives, taking into consideration
that the decision was ad hoc. Is it a different dimension of the State of
Emergency? Possibly not! What then?
The Bhutanese, a weekly paper, covered a story on the day being declared
as ‘Public Holiday’ by the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. While today’s
snowfall was not the first of the Julian calendar in Bhutan for Thimphu
experienced the first snowfall of 2014 on Saturday, January 11. Since it was during
the weekend, Government has to wait for the snow to fall on one of the
weekdays. So, today was the day! While ‘Public’ was mentioned, the scope of it
was not defined for Civil Servants, Corporate and Private Employees in other parts
of Bhutan, Bumthang for one, went to their respective offices though it also
experienced the snowfall. May be it was not their first of 2014. I wonder, if
people (civil servants, employees) in the Districts of Haa, Bumthang, Gasa and
others get ‘Public Holiday’ during the first snowfall of the year, at least in
their respective Dzongkhags. Thimphu is in Bhutan but Bhutan is not in Thimphu.
While the history of ‘Snowfall Holiday’ is mystery to me, I see room to
reflect on the decision. People in the helm, repeatedly stressed on reducing
number of ‘Public Holidays’, plausibly to complete work on time and ensure service
delivery to the masses, snowfall holiday may contradict its stand. Quite
recently, Blessed Rainy Day (Khrues Babs) did not qualify in the lists of
Public Holidays; however, it was incorporated later. Last year, Meeting of Nine
Evils (Ngen pa dGu ‘Zoms) met the same fate, possibly to reduce the number of ‘Public
Holidays’. These days have place in Bhutanese history and
have been part and parcel of people as an annual event but then their significance
seem secondary to the first day of snowfall in a District. A day missed and a
place lost, may be for greater good!
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