Prime Minister Modi in Bhutan

Today is 15th June 2014 and is a big day for Bhutan. The Prime Minister of India is finally here. Although we (the airport staffs) were told in advance to wear nicely cleaned, pressed and polished uniforms, on the day when PM's flight finally landed, we were all chased out by the securities; -Like the dogs.

As per media speculations, he is rumored to have come with billions of rupees to pull Bhutan's economy from doldrums. But let us all not suppose it is the only purpose that brought him here. He is due to address our national assembly. He is also due to meet our Fourth Druk Gyelpo and our His Majesty the King. So let us all hope that he has other pleasing news that are beyond rupees, aids and grants.

When PM's flight landed, it was lot of sunshine and wind outside. Somewhere in hot attic, me and my friends were sweating and were keenly observing the events. We were all enjoying the episode in birds-eye-view. Bouquet presentation by the little children seem so endearing. I am sure it allured India's PM. Listening to children's welcoming lexis, I saw him smiling. But then the cruel wind, ohh! the wicket wind, how cunningly it blew off the scarf from the welcoming hands of our Prime Minister!

Now its lots of rain here. Good for the wilting paddy plants. Thank you Modi ji for bringing in lots of rain. We welcome you to our beautiful country.  We all hope you will have a memorable time in Bhutan. 

Big News for Bhutan

 Prime Minister, Narendra Modi

As per media sources in India, the new Indian Prime Minister, His Excellency Narendra Modi  has picked Bhutan for his first foreign visit. He is scheduled to visit Thimphu any time in the month June. I am excited and happy. In preparation to his visit we are going to see so many training flights in Paro. I am also expecting meet some Indian officials from Gujarat too. It is going to be a busy day in Paro airport. In days time, our airport will be decorated, security system will be enhanced, ceremonial lounge will be furnished and many more would be done to Welcome the Prime Minister of world's biggest democracy.

His visit is going to keep strategic and political analysts everywhere a lot busier. As such we are already getting a freaked-out comments from the Chinese think tanks. In days time, we are going to see all sorts of analysis. Whatever may be the analysis, one thing is obvious. It shows how deep and profound our bilateral ties are. Our friendship is exemplary in the region and PM Modi's visit is expected to strengthen it further. As stated by some sources, Bhutan is India’s friendliest neighbor and  the level of  inter-dependency we enjoy is for the rest of the world to see. For now, all we can say is that we the people of Bhutan would like to Welcome his excellency with all our heart and soul. More than the aids and grants that India give us, I think its the friendship and trust that counts. 

Packing and Repacking

Ever since the day I finished my exams, I had two things on my mind. -Pack up and then going home! Its just my second year here, but it has made me feel like I have been here for ages already. I feel I am going home after a decade in exile.

So, in last two days I went to meet my professors. I met most of them. I thanked them personally for all the help and support they gave me in course of two years. In fact I wrote them a letter of gratitude! I told them how fortunate I felt being taught by them. I also told each one of them how I will miss them everyday.

I haven't met my class friends yet, but I wanted to meet them too. I wanted to thank them all for being so nice to me. Initially when my room did not have fan and a running water, some of them told me that if I can survive in India, I can survive any where on this planet. So on a lighter note, before I depart, I wanted to tell them how I survived.

But on a serious note, life wasn't that bad. Thanks to the Gujarat University administration. Me and my friends were accorded the best of the best facilities in the campus. We were given the best flat for the cheapest possible rent. Compared to our seniors, we were given the additional facilities like freezer, oven, toaster, larger table and more comfortable chairs. Thank you Gujarat University. I hope you get some more scholars from Bhutan in coming years.

For now its all about packing and repacking in my room. Except my old cloths and few books, I have nothing much to pack. I wanted to make sure that my luggage do not exceed 20 kg. So I pack and repack. Again and again. But to my surprise, my old cloths have started weighing heavy like a metal. If any thing old were to be gold, surely my old cloths testified this statement in terms of their weight! And I am afraid that I might have to part with some of my gold-like cloths here.

My Heritage Walk in Ahmedabad

Last Sunday, I had one of my most memorable days here in Ahmadabad.  Thanks to my Gujarati friends, I was able see some of the most significant and beautiful historical places here. Its in the city which is otherwise known for its over crowded streets filled with sweating and stinking people. Most people call it Lal Darwaza. 

In my two years time, I have already been to that place. Thrice to be precise. I thought I have seen most part of the town. Although infested with mosquitoes, the streets of Lal Darwaza always fascinated me. I have all the good memories of buying second hand books and fake Bata shoes there. I also have memories about how tasty Pani puri in the street made me sick. (or did I over eat?)

But one thing I never knew was that, Lal Darwaza had lot of hidden treasures in it. It is obvious that the city has progressed materialistically, but one thing I never knew about it was that it is equally rich in terms of culture, tradition and history. Look at the pictures below. Aren't they mesmerizing? Through some of the pictures, I can see lot of architectural similarities between Bhutan and the ones they have in Lal Darwaza. Coincidentally, most of the structures in Lal Darwaza are also built around the time, when Terton Pema Lingpa and Zanbdrung were busy building Dzongs and Lhakhangs in Bhutan. Look at the pictures.

  

By the way, my heritage walk lasted for two hours. There were a lot of foreigners too. Among them were the most beautiful looking French girls. I have seen people in the heritage site glaring non-stop at them. But you know my attention was else where! My urinary bladder was full and I was looking for a loo. It was a near emergency case.  God, I nearly had to pee like an Indian man !!  Finally when I found one public rest room our program has also come to an end. So if the pictures aren't good, please bear with me. 

Pani Puri Post

I had a tiresome day yesterday. After a day long sitting, reading and writing, a plate of Pani Puri, I thought would do wonder in soothing both my fatigues, both physical and mental. I was told that it brings back our vitality and strength. So in the evening  we (me and my room mate) went to a place called a Rasranjan, a world class place to eat panu puri. Clean and neat but not cheap. 

Back at Rasranjan, the queue was long. Like me, there were many people who have come to sooth their fatigue. In fact there were whole family who have come to relish and relax with pani puri!

So when my turn came, I ordered double plate.  Just for me alone. But before me, I have seen many people sharing just one plate. ha ha that's my appetite. Sometimes it horrifies myself to the bone too. Anyways I had two solid plates of pani puri and a plate of something which I cannot name it. It looked more like a milk though.

Wooww. that was was a real treat. It took me to the highest point of satisfaction. If someone was there to do some  economic analysis, they would have no doubt found me on my highest indifference curve.

Now for those people who do not know pani puri, you should perhaps travel to India to taste one. It is  available in plenty everywhere. Even in the slums. But I would always recommend you to find a nice-place-to-eat  all the time. And for the rest, I have just few words to describe it. Even a mere mention of it makes my mouth water.  So I call it a mouth watering food.

Republic Day Post

I wish all my Indian Friends a very Happy Republic day.

As the mother India celebrates her 64th Republic day, I would like to join millions around the world in praying for peace and prosperity to flourish in this holy land for eternity. May this great nation achieve all its aspirations. Jai Hind!

This year, I am particularly delighted to see our King grace the Republic day of this great nation. In a most symbolic gesture, the incumbent President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has graciously invited our King as the chief guest! Its a proud and happy moment for Bhutan. This indicates the kind of importance that our closest friend India attaches to us. In other words, it is the celebration of our friendship, faith and trust. 

Our King said; "India is the reservoir of the world's greatest religions; the cradle of great thinkers and leaders; the home of almost 20 per cent of humanity; the guardian of more than half a billion citizens under 20 and the fertile ground for great young talent and discovery of all, flourishing under the world's largest democracy. Bhutan is proud to be India's neighbor and closest friend." Indeed! 

Indo-Bhutan friendship is exemplary. It is indispensable and irreplaceable. Our Friendship is knot of trust. It is time tested!  "Paved with the geo-political and historical foundations" it is the cornerstone for the success of not only Bhutan but also for the regional stability of entire Asia. Therefore, We have a long way ahead.

Of late, Bhutan was seen going rampant making friends around the globe. Some critics called it the need of time, while some considered it as Bhutan's plain ambition. The last one that caught the public attention was China's desire to open diplomatic ties with Bhutan.

This was received with lot of  intrigue by media houses all over. Many feared rift between New Delhi and Thimphu. Now  that our King and Queen are in New Delhi, its is time to clear the doubts. Its time to reaffirm our friendship. Its time time to further strengthen our cooperation and mutual trust. Its time for Bhutanese foreign policy experts to believe that Indian water is still better than the milk from the rest of the world for Bhutan's progress and growth. 

Thank you Mother India. May god bless you!

I Have Been Travelling a Lot

Of late, I have been travelling a lot. To make it brief, I have been revisiting the places in Ahmedabad. I have Been to Gandinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. I saw Narenrdra Modi, the most applauded man yet considered controversial by many in Gujarat and all Over India. I think I need more time to write about this man, but for now let me tell you, that Modi has his own charm. I really like the way he shared his dream-Gujarat with youths. Modi's education plan impressed me and I would definitely look forward to sending my daughters to study in Gujarat someday. 

Mathma Mandhir in Gandinagar

I saw Chetan Bhagat, who considers himself nothing less than a 'famous selling author' but there are people who thinks he is still a 'pathetic'  junk writer. Well, India is a largest democracy, so views varies. As for me, I think he is a genius in his own class. They way he talked more about his failures than his success showed his simplicity and humbleness. I saw lot of humanness in him. I would definitely like to read his works now. 

I saw Mrs.Tulsi, who played a lead role in erstwhile famous Hindi serial "Kumkum". People stood up with respect and awe when she entered the hall. And at my first glance, it made me think she was Modi's wife.  But I was grossly mistaken. By the way Kumkum has now aged huh....  I think she has gained lot of weight too. But she appeared ever more graceful. 

Lal Darwaza: Red Gate

I have been to the famous Lal Darwaza city. I tell you, its a city of its own class in Gujarat. I was told that most of the inhabitants of the city are Muslims. I was also told that before the present day Ahmadabad, Lal darwaza used to be the main city in Gujarat. Its a city full of life. If you are non veg then the right place to eat is located right next to the tin darwaza (shown in the picture) But I should warn you that the place really stinks with foul smell.

I prefer it calling Akhibara of Ahmadabad, because we get everything between sky and the earth. You name it and Lal Darwaza have it. 

And yesterday I have been to Kankaria Lake. I should tell you that its a world class beautiful place. I have been there already.  Twice to be exact. But yesterday was a special case because I was accompanying my Ahmedavi friend who have not seen Kankaria in decades. It was like taking a person from Lhasa to see the Potala Palace!

On my first visit, a security guard did not allow me to even chew gum. But once inside, its was different story altogehter. I thought he mistook me to a Singaporean. It has many things to see starting from wildlife zoo to botanical gardens. It has good ice cream shops and good restaurants. They sell tasty noodles...and many more..

Kankaria Lake

I think my friends had lots of fun. We rode in the speed boat. Hundred rupees per person for a ride that just lasted less than five minutes! I call it an economic nonsense! It was not worth at all. More over I was restricted to even take photographs. More nonsense. 

On my previous visits, it rained cat and dog. but yesterday it was the excessive sun did the damage. It made me lazy and sleepy. But nevertheless, I think my friends had a great time. I think they enjoyed bunjee jumping like a small kid. To me bunjee jump is like 'get yourslef ejected in the sky for Rs 50/-' it lasts less than a minute. Another economic nonsense......

Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013

I had the privilege of attending a Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandinagar on 13.01.2013. To know more, please search on google. By the way, here are some of the pictures that I took during the summit. More than the summit, I am personally happy to see those famous Gujarati personalities in person. It was truly an honor being among them in the same hall. 

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi.

At the moment he seems to be the man and face of Gujarat. I have not many words that would fittingly describe him. He  has already won the state elcetion with with huge margin of votes. After having listened to him for nearly an hour, I came to know why he matters in Gujarat and in the entire Indian subcontinent. I wish him and Gujarat, all the best. 

By the way, I liked his story about how the Indian snake charmers. The magicians who have now "degererated" and have become people who play with mouse. He also shared a story about an ordinary Indian who talked face-to-face with, the then President of USA, Mr. Bil Clinton. Sorry for not being  able to understand his story in full. (he spoke in more in Gujarati and Hindi)

Disciple Lord Somya Vivek Anand.

I am simply inspired ! Let me recollect some of his words: Simplicity, humility, honesty, charity, integrity, ...Ooohhh god! I forgot most of them. But I am still inspired. Please help me recollect his name.

Author; Mr. Chetan Bhagat

In his face and from his words, I was able convince myself that 'winners don't do different things, they do things differenttly'. He is one of the most influential person in India at the moment. I am thinking that perhaps, it was through his books that he has reached that height. But before that, Chetan had many stories of his own downfalls too. Neverthelss he is, as proclaimed by himslef "not the best author but the best selling author". What more can we expect than this?  

But on the lighter note, I lied to him, when he asked: "how many of you read my book Five point someone?" I raised my hand. To tell the truth, I have a watched "3 idiots" over hundred times already and I did not find the need to read the book that tells the same story. But I would like to assure, Chetan, that I am definitely going to read his "Revolution 2020". Very soon. 

Here is a Chess Champ who hails from Gujarat. 

But I feel like stragling myself....I forgot her name!

I play chess too, but on my computer. I play level one and I have to press (ctrl+z) over hundred times to win the game comfortabley. When the sports Minister of Gujarat introduced her to the audience, I went speechless. It took me a while to come back to my snese.  She is beautiful. Ok. She is attractive Still Ok. But defeated 150 competitors simultanesoulsy to become the world chess champion!!!! That was a BIG WOOOWW. I am envious...kidding!.... Honestly, I would like to congratulate her from the bottom of my heart. Some day I wish I could talk to her in person and learn her tactics too. 

Mr. Suhas Gopinatth.

Have you ever heard a boy who at the age of 14, failed in his school test, but had all the potential of becoming the CEO of a multi million dollar company? If not, then here is one boy form Gujarat. Banglore, Suhas Gopinath. At the moment he is 26 years old but have gone to become the World's youngest CEO. I would like to read more about this CEO in my coming days. What do you think? 

Ha Ha Finally, a man in balck blazer from Bhutan. That is me. Customs officer by profession and blogger & reader by passion. Someday dreaming to become Writer, Teacher and Economist...... Perhaps, I am dreaming the most impossible things in my life. 

By the way, I met the most handsome looking senior citizen of Gujarat. As I passed him, he asked me, where I am from and what brought me to Gandinagar. I told him the truth. We became friends instantly. I took some fantastic pictures with him.  After he was long gone, a thought struk my mind. I should have asked his address and send him the picturers. So if any Gujarati people know his address please email  me @ ktthinley003@gmail.com. I wanted to send him the pictures and write to him. I wanted to remain as his friend forever.

Teach Them a Lesson

Our recent security issue, especially those that involved the forceful abduction of a taxi driver and a village elder in southern part, came as a knock out blow to our security forces. Given the magnitude and nature of the emergency, our security system, for once, looked clueless and totally ill prepared. It brought us lot of anxieties and fears. It made us all feel insecure right in the confines of our own homes!

People everywhere felt terrified to the core. It was a horrendous act that showed absolute disregard for the law and the consequences. It has greatly undermined our security system. I call it an act of terrorism. I wouldn't even mind considering it as an act of war against our sovereign nation!

I was over joyed to read this news in Kuensel. But at the same time I am disheartened to know that, it was our own people, the sons of the soil, who are acting against our nation. I feel more saddened for the fact the they are doing it for petty amount of money! Its an outrageous and totally mindless act. Not only this, in our recent past, there were also news about how a fella killed his own friend just to take away his car!  

Now that miscreants have been nabbed, they need to be taught a lesson they will remember for good. By way of terrorizing people, they have acted against Tsa wa sum (the King, The country and the People) They should be charged for treason! Its their fortune that we have no capital punishment in Bhutan. Otherwise I wouldn't regret seeing those traitors hanged to death in public. Their criminal intent can never be forgiven.

I am over joyed once again. I salute to our Police department for their diligence and effort. With limited crime combating tools, I share their plight. But nevertheless, I remain personally thankful to our Police department for their service to people. You people made me feel safer now. Any potential miscreants should take this message seriously. 'Never  mess with Royal Bhutan Police'.

With such horrifying news making headlines on numerous occasions, I feel, something is really amiss. I wonder, what is polluting the minds of, so called peace loving and GNH advocating people?  

Western Eyes With Eastern Scriptures

Eyelid twitching refers to an involuntary eyelid movement which may happen all of a sudden without any stimulation. For some, it lasts for hardly a few moments and eventually stops. But for some, this irritating and annoying involuntary twitching lasts for days, weeks and months at its worst. Following is what most of the westerners thinks about it:

"The world is full of individuals having some or the other form of muscle twitch in their body.  Involuntary twitches can range from petty and slightly annoying habits to more consistent and highly irritating behavior, which appears extremely erratic and the victim is simply helpless. In most cases, the twitching habit lasts for a short time and eventually fades away, while in some cases it remains for years together as a harmless muscular movement or a highly annoying form of body movement. Involuntary eyelid twitching is one such example. Involuntary eye twitching or eyelid twitching is also known and referred to by many as benign essential blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm or simply blinking disorder. There are different types and forms of this annoying phenomena ranging from mild habitual forms to seriously abnormal forms"

 Like wise, we the Bhutanese (or Buddhist in General) also have our own belief system for this. According to our system, we believe that twitching in different location, especially around our eyes, mean different things. Its as good as  foretelling something in advance! For example, twitching of an upper right eyelid signifies that, a person will soon be blessed with wealth, where as the twitching of a lower right eyelid signifies the impending misfortunes. Similarly, twitching of the upper left eyelid signifies that a person will fall sick, risk being dead and not fulfilling the expectations and endeavors. Twitching left lower eyelid on the other hand signifies that a person will succeed in all his endeavors. 

Personally, I did not believe in this system. Its long outdated orthodox. Logically speaking how can an eyelid twitching bring wealth, death, peace, success, sickness, failure and fulfillment? I simply did not find any correlation there. That's why I have always allowed my liberalness to play a part here.

But last year was a different story all together. I had the longest eyelid twitching of my life. It actually started way towards the end of 2010 and lasted till July 2011. And certainly many things did happen that year in my life. I had the longest eyelid twitching around my lower right eye and upper left eye. Both weren't a good sign. As if the divinity wanted to prove the belief system to me, many unpleasant things ensued in my life:

1. In the January 2011, our family lost almost 25% our yaks in a fire outbreak.
2. I had had the worst possible car accident of my life. (Damaged 3 cars)
3. Lost the gadget that I valued most in my life, -my Camera
4. Lost my most expensive shade, My Rayban sunglasses
5. My father nearly died of a stroke. Many a time, I had to travel between Bumthang and Paro, all alone day and night.
6. Like me, my father-in-law had his share of worst car accident. He broke is leg and nearly killed my grandmother and three other people.
7. I got my  first ever scholarship application rejected by a Japanese University.
8. Got selected for Indian Government Scholarship with flying results! Which many consider as a bad luck because I cannot go and clean toilets and earn dollars. Many still feel going to India for masters as being equivalent to going to a slum.
9. I got Officially warned for writing a letter to my MP on a issue that I did not agree.
10. Became miserably sick in India, from a viral fever.

These things had a profound impact in my life. There are surely things in this universe which cannot be explained in the light of real world phenomenon. Eyelid twitching is perhaps one such mystery that cannot be easily ignored. 

Now that I am having another round of eyelid twitching, I am little anxious. But this time its the upper eyelid of my right eye. It had has been twitching for about a week. To my happiness, it signifies that I will have lot to eat and will be able to accumulate lot of wealth too! And true to the prediction, these days I am relishing a lot on puff in a near by shop. It really taste great. My Indian friends have difficulty finishing just one but there I am easily swallowing two puffs in one go.  As for wealth, I am planning to buy an ipad..but wondering where the money is going to come from....LOL......

Have a nice day folks............................

Movie That Made 100 Crores in Just One Week!

After having watched Talaash, I got the feeling that I watched many movies simultaneously that day. To an ordinary people, It would just appear that a hero in the movie is a Police officer (Surjan as played by Amir Khan) who, after losing his son becomes insomniac and lifeless. He is deeply affected. Overshadowed by the untimely demise of his son, he loses sense and become unmindful about the presence of his equally grieving wife(Roshni as played by Rani Mukherjee). His home completely lacks the light and luminosity of love and intimacy. House for them is just house, not home!

Then somewhere a car plunges into the ocean for apparently no reason. In the mishap, a movie star was pronounced dead . Some calls it a a mysterious death while some knew such cases weren't anything new. Since the deceased belong to the upper strata and affluent class of people, his death pulls the frantic media houses for endless coverage. It brings Police department to pursue the case. The hero gets engrossed, physically and mentally in the case which makes her wife and house more desolate and dismal.  

Roshni finds her ultimate solace in her neighbors ability to talk to the dead. She even claimed to have spoken once with the spirit of her dead son, Kamran. Roshni visits her neighbor regularly to speak with Kamran, but this infuriates Surjan. He seriously doubts about their  neighbor's ability.

As the story starts unfolding, it becomes apparent that the whole story had its origin in the death of a prostitute (Simran as played by Kareena Kapoor) But the problem is, Surjan doesn't know about it yet. Meanwhile, in the process of the investigation, Surjan  meets the dead Simran as Rosy.  Although its a spirit of Simran, in his eyes, she looks real. She even helps him fight his psychological problems, and also helps him with his enquiry! She takes Surjan to a place called 'her place, away from the reach of others' The rest of the plot unfolds the mystery behind the death and soon Surjan realizes that Simran died an unnoticed and unheard death. yea, that is how a poor and insignificant people die in many places.

Later Surjan discovers the remains of Simran from 'her place, away from the reach of others'. He gave her a proper funeral. He overcomes his personal problems and unites with his wife after reading his dead son's words as recorded by their neighbor. 

You see, that's how Amir and team made Rs. 100 crores in just one week and I have contributed Rs.190 in making those crores.

Vicky, (The Sperm) Donor

Image Courtesy: Google

"Vicky Donor" is a movie whose main theme revolves around human infertility and sperm donation. Its a movie about how cash rich people are miserably poor without the bliss of their own offspring. The movie also reveals about how most couples in India are plagued with "first-decide-the-career-and-then-have-baby' problem. As rightly put by Dr. Chadda, (the fertility expert and the principle character in the movie) the infertility problem is a cancer of a modern lives. According to him, it is only through the generous donation of healthy sperm from a happy and worry-free people like Vicky that can save those people from the misery.

Its also a movie about how money can change peoples mind.  At first, Vicky or the agent Vicky as called by Dr. Chadda, finds the concept of "sperm donation" not only disgusting but also finds it amusing and stupid. He, therefore scraped Dr. Chadda's incessant plea to become his useful donor on countless occasions.  But however, in the end Dr. Chadda's persistence pays off. Vicky finally agrees to donate sperm for the first time, and that too for a pocket money! Subsequently, Vicky ends up becoming the Indian Alexander of Dr. Chadda fertility clinic. 

The movie also says a lot about love and romance. Its about a how many Indians stands separated by the walls of different culture and traditions. Its about how people like Vicky and Ashima stands separated by cultures of their regions. But to their relief, there is always one thing, one common thing that can overcome any barriers, however mighty they may be. It is the magic of love and intimacy that brings the fish eating Bengali and money minded Punjabi to tie their knots and do the monkey dance together!

All in all, its a movie that has so many other meanings too. It has been declared as the box office super hit. Producers have made millions already! But I don't know why am I blogging about this old movie here? I am neither infertile nor a sperm donor myself. I am a neither a fish eating Bengali nor a money minded Punjabi too. I don't know why but I found the movie worth watching many times.

By the way friends, I was just day dreaming this afternoon. And strangely this thought came across my mind. The way I became father of three in such a lightening phase, I thought to myself that, I would have also made another Vicky. I don't know which one, the useless sperm, The greedy sperm, or confused sperm. LOL....

Good night folks

The Geography of Bliss

Picture Courtesy: Google

I have just started reading a book by Eric Weiner, Its called "The Geography of Bliss". The title of the book says that its 'One Grump's search for happiest place in the world'. But after having read few pages form the book, I saw humorous and hilarious Eric than the one described by himself on the cover of the book. Journalist by profession, Eric has displayed his unrivaled flair for writing. His writing is anything, but simple and humble that is temple of god. Through witty and often dark humors, (that appears in bits and pieces everywhere in the book) Eric not only entertains readers, but he also educates the reader about the profound aspects of a thing called "happiness and Happiest place".  Someone rightly said that "happiness is reading a book as entertaining as this" 

Happiness, as we know is a very subjective concept. The concept of Happiness differs from one being to the other. Mostly, its often referred to as the state of mind which cannot be quantified in ordinary terms. Its like an illusion! -Empty and always evasive!  As associated by many Buddhist masters, happiness is transitory like a multi-hued rainbow, which appears and disappears in a wink.  Yet, the ultimate aim of every living being is to find it and experience it once.

In "The Geography of Bliss", Eric attempts to bring forth what happiness means to different people in different countries. In other words "The Geography of Bliss" is a culmination of Eric's quest in finding the  happiest place in the world. This quest took him around the world and to the places which even his journalistic brain knows not much about. Finally, he puts forward as to what happiness is in ten different countries as follows:

1. In the Nederlands, Happiness is a number
2. In Switzerland, Happiness is a boredom
3. In Bhutan, Happiness is a Policy
4. In Qatar, Happiness is winning a lottery ticket
5. In Iceland, Happiness is Failure
6. In Moldova, Happiness is somewhere else
7. In Thailand, Happiness is not thinking
8. In Great Britain, Happiness is a work in progress
9. In India, Happiness is a contradiction
10. In USA, Happiness is Home.

Of the ten chapters, I have just finished reading about what happiness means in Bhutan. As always, I went blank while I was reading about happiness being a policy in Bhutan. Here the happiness policy has a reference to Bhutan's development paradigm called Gross National Happiness (GNH). From my personal understanding, policies never bring happiness to all sections of society in equal terms. For that matter, tobacco control act and the most infamous pedestrian day in Bhutan, I think are the living example of happiness policy that failed.  

In Bhutan, as I said earlier, happiness has a different meaning to different people. And therefore there are many people who do not buy the happiness definition given by our senior bureaucrats including some of the Minsters and the 'Think Tanks' alike. Their definition of happiness is quite different from the happiness that most Bhutanese envisages. It may not be documented anywhere but for them Happiness means travelling around the globe selling happiness. For them Happiness also means more land, more money, more power, and silencing the critiques. At the end of the day, Happiness for them is all about settling for a fat TA and DA from the public exchequer and still telling to the world that money and materialism are things that GNH do not advocate. We do not  know how far the news is true, but today, there are already a lot of rumors about how some section of Bhutanese society  are unduly profiting more from the happiness policy then the rest!

I agree with Eric with all my heart and soul on the count that Bhutan is not Shangri-La in any sense. People  definitely do not live 250 years! Rather we have many people living miserably below poverty line. There are people who toil day and night but ultimately settle for hand to mouth in the end. Crime rate is alarming. More  than ever, the level of corruption has reached a threatening level. We have a crises in the interpretation of laws and unilateral decisions have been made banning even our culture and traditions. People are getting kidnapped and paying ransom to those identified gun men and god knows what our security people are up to. We have our ambitious youths who wanted to become doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects and bureaucrats but are naively told to go and join farming sector. They are frustrated and crazily angry with the happiness policy? 

Coming back to the book, I liked the way Eric went wordless when Linda Leaming, asked him about how happy he was rather than how busy he was looking for it. I thoroughly enjoyed Eric's trip to Bhutan with a guide who , I think requires a lot of orientation himself. I think Tashi has truly depicted how 80% of Bhutanese people are to Eric. Bhutanese people indeed consider white languors as good omen and brown monkeys, the otherwise. Based on the reason he gave, I think Tashi was not wrong either when he said that the rivers and lakes are different. It is also true that we have lamas who can heal cancers, but I would not recommend all the American cancer patients to come to Bhutan, because already our GNH lamas getting polluted by dollar power.

I also liked a part when Eric asked Bhutanese home Minister about the relationship between the Happiness and Nagasaki. The answer from our minister was equally hilarious one too, but sadly I forgot it. I also liked the way Dahso Karma  Ura responded to Eric's question about GNH. "Lowering the expectations" was Dasho's response. I presume Dasho was right in his count.

By the way I still do not know whether this thing called GNH is either philosophy or an ideology. But certainly, I know that there are many Bhutanese who are highly ambitious, who love Money and who fear death just like any other beings. 

Freedom in Exile by H.H The Dalai Lama of Tibet

"Freedom in Exile" by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is by far the most touching autobiography ever written. The love and affection he have for his fellow beings are inspirational and are heart warming. Its a story written from the heart with full of emotion and feelings. Its a story of a compassionate Buddhist leader who was over powered by foreign aggression and then subsequently forced him into exile from his peaceful country, often referred to as Shambala (I know there aren't many people who haven't read this book)

One thing that makes this book truly beautiful is its spontaneity, humility and humor. Flipping through the pages, it made me laugh and smile. It made me think that H.H is as much amusing as he is holy and venerable. Flipping more pages, it made me even cry. It made my heart go out for all our Tibetan brothers and sisters who are living under the harshest possible condition in their own homeland. The kind of torture, bloodshed, execution, and imprisonments described in the book are nightmarish and are deeply disturbing. It also arouses a great sense of sympathy to those who are living as refugees around the world with constant pains and pangs of being separated from their loved ones and their beloved homeland. 

More then the story of a H.H, its also a story of how the rest of the world failed to protect innocent Tibet from the clutches of Communist's greed. Its a sad story of how Democracies around the world was silenced by the might of misinterpreted socialism in China under the dictatorship of chairman Mao. When Tibet saw no one with capacity and willingness to rescue its poor self, it was "power from the barrel of a gun" that did the rest in Tibet! The book also gives us an insight as to how Tibet has since then become a place of horror, cut off from the rest of the world and completely dark. 

The book gives us a brief historical account of how Tibet and China coexisted as a neighbor for eons. It also sheds light on those disappearing yet sacred tradition and culture of Tibet. The way H.H describes about the "magic and mystery" in Tibet is hilarious. The kind of patience H.H has shown towards reconciling with  China are true reflection of unmistakable Bodhisattva. 

The book also gives us an insight to the the most regrettable affair of the world. It elucidates about the greatest blunder of a greatest personality in the history. Its how Jawharlal Nehru, the then prime Minister of India, who underestimated the the kind of threat new China posed for recovering and already weakened India (under the British colonial rule) The idealist Nehru was rumored to have died heart broken, when he finally realized that China stabbed him from behind. It has a reference to 1962 war in which India suffered bitterly. "hindi-chini bhai bhai" from thence became Hindi-Chini Bye bye. Sino-India relations remained cold ever since, creating further distrust and instability in Asian region.

Besides those horrifying stories, H.H also narrates a story of his own family. Through his expression, we can clearly understand the amount of love, faith and trust he have towards his family members; -especially towards his  mother, brothers and sisters.The way he bullied his late brother Lobzang Samten is way too memorable and would bring both tears and mirth in any readers. 

Although H.H extended his sincere appreciation and gratitude towards every host country for treating all the Tibetan people with love and care, H.H have also put forth where some Tibetans have also gross injustice in some of the neighboring countries. Particularly in Nepal and in Bhutan. This has a reference to how Tibetan rebel forces were ambushed by Nepali forces in Musang and how some 21 Tibetans "were thrown into jails" of  Bhutan "without proper trials" due to some political problems. 

And the most important part of the book is H.H's five-point peace plan. The most important point in the plan is H.H's intention to transform Tibet into a Zone of Peace. This according to him is only possible if China demilitarized the entire Tibetan plateau. 

Finally H.H ends his story with following words:

"I would therefore like to conclude this book with a personal note of thanks to all friends of Tibet, The concern and support which you have expressed for the plight of the Tibetans has touched us all greatly and continues to give us courage to struggle for freedom and justice, not through the use of arms, but with the powerful weapon of truth and determination. I know that I speak on behalf of all of them when I thank you and ask you not to forget Tibet at this critical time of our country's history.

We, too, hope to contribute to the development of a more peaceful, more humane and more beautiful world. A future free Tibet will seek to help all those in need, to protect nature and to promote peace. I believe that our Tibetan ability to combine spiritual qualities with realistic and practical attitude will enable to make special contribution, in however modest a way. 

Finally I would like to share with my readers a short prayer which gives me great inspiration and determination:

For as long as space endures,
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I, to bide
To dispel the misery of the world. "

It was little past midnight, when I finally finished reading the book. The sky outside was clear and air was much cooler. As I stood gazing at the moon and the stars thinking about the fellow Tibetans around the world, I saw a shooting star. A bright one that lasted the longest. It was then I made my wish. I wished for Free Tibet  and Long life for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Clicking Randomly

I don't know the name,
 I mean the Biological name of this bird?
Any ways, my friend Sonam suggested
 it to be named as "William Shakespeare"
So I name the: William Shakespeare

Master Shefu.... From Kongfu Panda.
Honestly this guy surprised me. 

I presume this is female Pigeon.

And I presume this is male Pigeon.
He was even trying to dominate
 the lone squirrel who, I presume
came looking for some grain

This is my first shot of my elusive neighbor.
Is this a Rat Snake?
and
Is it venomous?
If not i want to try catching 
its tail next time....Lol

My another neighbor who nearly bit me
while I playing with her puppies.
and I nearly beat her in return!
Now that  her puppies have grown big,
we get along very well.
 she looks camera shy with me now.

The Living Art Called Bonsai

Today morning, I had the privilege of visiting a small yet beautiful botanical garden. It was a very brief visit though. Its a Bonsai garden maintained by Mr. Nagendra, alias father of one of my Friend here in Ahmadabad. I have seen such  dwarfed plants before but I never really knew more about its origin and its importance.

Thanks to Mr. Nagendra, I finally got some clue as to what this Bonsai thing is all about. He told me that Bonsai is a living art. In Japanese, They call it "Bonsai" which is equivalent to Chinese term 'Penzai'. A "bon" he told me is like a pot or a tray typically used in bonsai culture and "sai" is Plant or a planting in it. Therefore in English, the word bonsai is often used as an Umbrella term for all miniature trees in containers or pots. He also told me about the differences between the bonsai and dwarfing. But for now lets not go into detail.

Me with Mr Nagendra in his Botanical garden

This art actually originated in China and then later on flourished in Japan. This form of art has become so popular in Japan that today when a family look for a bride, the first thing they ask is whether a bride knows  something about bonsai! (well find it out if you are in Japan now) He told me that, its similar to Indian family looking for a bride who knows to cook and dance etc. 

I took this picture when i was in Malaysia in 2009

Well, with people like Mr. Nagendra, it appears to me that now the bonsai art has even reached to the Indian subcontinent too. The way he cared to talk about the art was truly inspiring. Through it I was also able to see his passion and love for the art. I think he have come a long way. But after seeing so many plants which still requires lot of treading and managing, I also think that, he have a long way to go too. I wish him all the best.

I took some pictures. Have a look. But I am sorry for not being able to write more about those plants. If in coming days, Mr. Nagendra, educates me more on those trees, well then I promise to come up with a separate and more elaborate post on it. But for now enjoy the pictures.

Saturday Noon Thoughts

Finally, the most awaited Diwali festival is over. But still I could hear occasional blasts in a distant horizon. Mountains of fire crackers and explosives have been used already. I don't know whether its right thing to pollute environment in the name of celebration, but I have seen some of the worst environment pollution case on the night of the festival. There were black smoke everywhere. Those smoke then reduced the visibility. The smell of burnt match and explosives were so intense that I had to shut my door and window to to avoid suffocation and cough. 

Anyways, now the nights have become calmer and noon, a warmer. The cool winter of Ahmadabad is once again in the air. Tibetan jacket and sweater sellers are here once again. With high spending Gujarati folks, I think they are doing good business. I have been there once looking for momo, but had to come back empty belly. (who said sweater sellers sell momo?) I also Couldn't meet Aja Tashi Tshomo, from whom I bought a sweater a year ago and to whom I promised to get some Bhutanese currency notes. I Hope to find her in my next visit and hand over the notes.

Besides these business, I was mostly in my room wanting to cover up everything for my up coming exams. I wanted everything in my syllabus to be on my finger tips! But unfortunately, I saw myself settling with my Facebook and blog for most of the time. They have been my best hangout place!  Although there weren't any interesting stuffs, I often spent hours gazing over it. 

ohh by the way, I had a very interesting chat with one of my friend who said, was undergoing a deep depression because of this thing called "love". After a good amount of analysis, I however came to know that they did not have a good, solid and credible reason other than their phone for their break up. So told told my friend to relinquish his phone to me and that never and ever use phone when he falls in love next time.

By the way, I tried my best to reunite them, but all my attempts proved futile. As my last consolation, I told him to read good books and find a companion in them. I also told him that books will never abandon and make us feel depressed. My friend, who at that moment was fully charged with emotion told me that "its painful falling in love". He also told me about a monk hood that lingered in his mind! 

I told him to forget  about his past and start a new beginning all over. I also told him that no reason on this earth (love included) is a reason enough to drag us to depression. I told him to come out from his infatuation state of mind and be a man. I also told him about number of frogs that we have to cross to finally find our deserving golden fish in the pond. But he said this: "I will never fish again in my life"......Few hours into our conversation, we then closed our session on a gaiety note. We would both become monk after our retirement and go for meditation.  I hope he is doing fine now.

Coming back to Diwali shopping, I still did not get the book that I especially ordered as a part of Diwali shopping. Homeshop18.com said, I will  have to wait for another 2 more days. Few of the light bulbs that I bought for the festival have already stopped functioning and I decided not to buy any more of such stuffs in future.

Till then, have a nice day folks. Life is beautiful. Enjoy when you are alive. Be happy and be who you are.

Random Pictures From the Diwali Night

Can you see Buddha in the light?

Lord Ganesh in my room

Cracking fire, not my piece of cake
At last got one right! 

Light invoking triple gem

Peacock Rangoolie

Diwali Once Again

Well friends, its Diwali here in India and I am on a very long break. But with my external exams soon to follow after the breaks, I am not in a position to plan anything grand. However my books, blog and Facebook are keeping me engaged most of the time. Other than number of hits on my blog, I also wish that Google have services to also record the number of hours I spend on my blog!  

Recently with the help of my brother, (Tenzin, also known as clever) I was able to connect my Facebook and Twitter account directly to my blog. I think, this has greatly enabled my blog to find some more readers. So thank you brother for your kind service. Not only that, I have also sent my personal request to some of my regular readers to join my blog too. 

I don't know how we met on social network, but Gyatso from Sikkim is one such person to whom I have  also extended my invitation. She wrote to me about how she spent her entire day reading my blog. And towards evening, these were the comments I got from her on my Facebook wall: 

"after reading your blog, i can just say that..........you arr not only witty but wise too, not only a son but a legacy, not only a dad but a father too, not only a husband but a companion too, not only a friend but a gift in disguise.......so remain the same forever, proud to have u in my friend list....... shall treasure our friendship......yeah your writings are flawless n the words well executed  to be more precise its original and well explained ........one reading is not enough..........keep up ...and continue writing"

I know Gyatso is being very kind and generous with her words. But nevertheless, I accepted her words with utmost humility. I took her words as the Diwali gift from her. With so many inherent flaws and weaknesses, I know I am a man far from Gyatsho's description, but with this gift from her, I now have a reason to believe that I can at least endeavor to become a good human being. 

By the way, yesterday, I was out for a while to have my hair cut. I wanted an army hair cut, but the barber said I wont look good with army hair cut in Diwali. So I had to settle for a normal trimming. I was told that Diwali is a shopping season and that was exactly what I saw. People were in shopping frenzy!

'Not buying anything in Diwali, I thought would tantamount to 'being (un) Indian on Indian soil' just like not being a 'Roman in Rome', so to show my deepest respect to the Indian culture, I ordered a book via homeshop.com and also bought some fire crackers and some colour lights for my room. I decorated the picture of Buddha in my room and it honestly it looks great and feels great! I also bought some candles and sweets too. On Diwali night (i.e on 13th Nov, 2012) I wanted to light the candles and pray for the world peace. 

I think Diwali is a Hindu festival that can be celebrated by people all over the world. It is a triumph of good  and colour over evil and dullness. So I wish all my readers a very happy Diwali. May the sun of happiness shine forever in this world.