My Thoughts on DRC Staff Welfare Contribution System

For the last few months, I was looking for someone who could update me on the status of my welfare loan. By the way I availed a staff welfare loan of Nu.15000 in 2010 (Nov) from our Department's welfare fund. I don't know to how many people I may have asked but I never got a satisfactory answer. In a mean time, I was continuing to see a long list of deductions being made from my salary every month. 

Finally, I was able to garner some response when I brought this topic on the Facebook. Interestingly some of my colleagues received it with humor. They think my Economics knowledge has intensified my greed for money. I think they are not fully right, because these days, economics not only about maximization but it is lot about optimization now. 

On the Facebook, I came to know that, I have still one more installment to make to fully liquidate my loan. Further, I also got a response from a very senior colleague. She did not say I was complaining. But she thinks I am doing one. No hard feeling and nothing personal. I am absolutely fine. But on a serious note, I write a feedback and I get warned. I look for clarification and people think I am complaining. Its hard to believe. I think we indeed live in complicated world where people judge us before they even know us and understand our intentions.

She also told me about the trust she have for the fund managers. But its not the integrity of the fund managers I was questioning about. I just needed an update on my outstanding loan. I said I am critical about the contribution system because, in my 7 years of contribution, I have not even seen a single audited statement or reports. Call it a miscommunication or negligence!! That is why  for such things, I believe only things I see!

I wrote this reply to her.

Madam, With due respect I thank you for your information. Firstly I am just seeking clarification here. I am not complaining. I am sorry if i sound little rude. I think I have that right. Do I or not??? And any one who contribute has the same right. At least I think that way....I did not say it didn't benefit anywhere. I was just asking friends to enlighten me more...because I have honestly not much idea about what is happening with contributions....Yea I took a loan and it was so helpful.....and i was paying it back also .... i just wanted to know how much more i have to pay. because deductions has been going on for more than 24 months! For a petty loan, 24 deduction is psychologically bit taxing mena la madam...what do u think??? 

Secondly I have never seen any audited reports or statements so far.....I did not even know who the secretary and treasurer were to this end. Could be because we have some miscommunication in between. Its understandable because ours is a big department. So I was looking for someone to bridge this gap. If u remember what has happened in other ministries with the Welfare contribution, few years ago, I think I have reasonable reason to believe that same thing might also happen with ours too...(But I am not trying to accuse anyone here). More over, if you read between the lines, I never questioned the "Contribution Account ". I have just asked for clarification on "Contribution System" (Italics, added later)

And finally, If I have to make a suggestion then I think its better we discontinue this contribution for once and for all. Refund all the contributions made so far based on existing rules, if there is any (Italics, added later)........but we can always have a better welfare contribution system in our respective regional offices, Small, compact and efficient. Easy to manage. I  think Paro RRCO has the best staff welfare contribution system....May be all regional office can learn from Paro in this regard..... Anyways I think we need more such discourses here.

Have a nice day madam and yea my regards to all our colleagues in DRC.

I will write more about this welfare fund system, after I get more information from the fund managers.  People believe it has so many advantages and I think I must know too. I want to feel that the deduction from my hard earned salary is justified.  

Banned Bhutanomics

Today morning, I met a very frustrated fella online. He said that life ain't cool anymore. He also said life in Bhutan sucks.  "Its crap here" He added further. At first I was awestruck and frightened. I simply did not know how to respond to his emotional outburst. So I took my own time and carefully framed my reply. I just asked him; "what happened!!!?" Then came his response; "People are banning every thing here". As I fumbled to respond further, he wrote; "Jedha they have now banned Bhutanomics also". That was quite a news for me. Later I got a twitter message confirming the ban; "Can u read @bhutanomics down there? Here in #Bhutan it's silenced quietly!" 

Any ways, Bhutanomics entertained me. Its been a  source of so many interesting happenings. I liked the satire part which has link especially to Bhutanese Political setting. Starting from various land scam to BOB's DMD.  From Tsheltrim to Minjur.  From Lyonchhen to Leki (Ulap) and from Zimba to Zangley. I think it has updates on all the famous Bhutanese personalities. Its understandable why my fellas in Bhutan will miss the Banned blog. Look at the list of Bhutanomics Hall of Fame. If Bhutan is curry then, these people are the very salt that adds taste. This I think is enough reason why Bhutanomics will be missed.

Bhutanomics Hall of Fame

Ace Kinley BBS Dawa Chhewang Rinzin Dago Tshering Daw Tenzin Doma Tshering Dorji Wangdi Jigme Tshultim Jigme Y Thinley Karma Rangdol Karma Tshering Karma Ura Khandu Wangchuk Lily Wangchhuk Minjur Dorji Namgay Zam Namgye Penjore Nandalal Rai Neten Zangmo Passu Diary Pema Gyamtsho Pema Thinley Rigden Sangay Ngedup Sonam Kinga Tenzing Lamsang Thakur S Powdyel Thinley Gyamtsho Tobgyal Dorji Tshering Penjore Tshering Tobgay Ulap Leki Wangdi Norbu Yangkhu Tshering Sherpa Yeshey Zimba Zangley Dukpa

They are all people who have the potential to either make or break Bhutan! I think any Bhutanese deserve to know both plus points and minus points of those individuals. By the way I really liked the critical views expressed in Bhutanmics. Its been an active online forum where people from behind the veils have often come out with truths that lied buried for eons. Its simply my opinion. I repeat again. Its simply my opinion. However there were also times when I felt some events and things being grossly exaggerated. I think every media does that and it's up to the readers to take up the message.

So in this internet age, I am skeptical whether this Ban will do any good to our, so called democratic society.

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!

All Autowallas In Gujarat are Not Chacha Jii

Its nearing midnight here in Gujarat. Except the few honking cars, the atmosphere outside is relatively calm. Not many Auto rickshaws were seen plying today because they have called a strike. I think the city road looks much beautiful and decent without those Rickshaws. May be they should be on strike forever!!! 

Personally, I have a very bad experience with Autowalls here in Gujarat. I think 99.99% of them are nothing but a cheat.  A big cheat. They cheat foreigners and they cheat locals. That is why people bargain a lot with Autowalls. Even for a Paisa. I do the same too. I would't even spare a Paisa for a cheat. I mean who would?

Very recently, I have attended a convention where a famous Gujarati Personalities spoke including the Chief Minister. They spoke a lot about the trust worthiness of the Gujaratis. I have heard them extol Gujaratis the way I have never seen before. But the saddest irony was that, I and my friend got cheated the very moment we got out from the convention hall by none other than Autowalla! He charged us more than the double amount. [I later found out that he charged us Rs.600/- for a journey which would otherwise cost us Rs 250/- at the most]

And yea here is another interesting story about  that Autowalla. En route, we ordered some sugar cane juice. A glass each. We also ordered one for him too. But When my friend was paying the bill, I over heard the Autowalla telling the vendor to charge more from him. I think he grossly underestimated our ability to understand Gujarati.  However, I know that Gujaratis in general are business minded people but not greedy like our Autowalla. 

By the way, I will write about an Autowalla, a real Gujarati Autowalla in my coming post. Autowalla that never cheats. At least on me and my Bhutanese friends. We all lovingly call him Chacha Jii.

Cold Saturday Post

By Gujarati standard, the weather has suddenly become so cold here. Its windy and dusty outside. I have seen homeless people in the street wrap themselves up in the blanket and sleep like a log by the road side.  And inside my room, I am battling with the flu. Bad one. With each passing moment, my foots are going cold and my nose is getting stiffer. I have a sore throat. Not a bad one but enough to irritate me. I had fever and body ache yesterday and stomach disorder the day before but fortunately they are all gone today. 

At the moment, I think I am going high on lemon water. Because I have plenty of them. Thanks to my Gujarati friend who got me a bag full when I have just asked for few. By the way he is a very good friend of mine. He hails from a SEBC community (Socially and Economically Backward Class). Someday I would love to write about him too. 

Back home, I have seen people who are profoundly happy with first snowfall. Of course on Facebook! I have seen people over joyed like the freaks from tropics, enjoying their maiden snow sighting. humm highlanders getting frenzied with snow fall !!!!! I have also seen many who have expressed their regrets for not being home to enjoy the snowfall.

It is completely understandable. Seeing snow has now become so sacred. We all know its paramount ecological importance. And rightly, it is being observed as the public holiday all over the world (?) Moreover with climate change we are getting lesser and lesser snow each year. It is disheartening and we feel helpless at times. If our climate continues to change at this rate, then may be in our near future we may not see anything such as snow that falls in flakes from heaven. 

And the other thing that took me by surprise was the change of leadership in my work place. Without even hearing about my former boss's transfer, I saw a new boss who has taken over form him. One of my colleague told me that my new boss is a "Gentleman". Of course. Because anyone who is less than a gentleman might have difficulty fitting those large boots. I have seen how difficult and challenging it is for someone to work in Paro as the Regional Director of Revenue and Customs office. Personally, I call it a frying pan !!

My Former Boss. Mr. Younten Namgyal

Anyways, I am happy that I will be soon joining my office to work with another Gentleman as my boss. I would  like to extend my heartfelt congratulation to my new boss and wish him many many happy and fulfilling days ahead. 

However, I would definitely miss my former boss. By the way, I prefer calling him as my guide. Yea, I will miss him as my guide, who taught me the most important and valuable lesson of my life. He taught me about the importance of "non assuming things" in discharge of my bureaucratic duties. I took his words seriously and I am amazed that it brought me tremendous solace in my work place. More than that, I will miss his simplicity and warmth. It is through him that I fell in this blogging world. In short, he enabled me in discovering my passion for writing. I think it complimented my reading habit very well. So I thank him immensely and wish him good luck in his new place of transfer. 

The Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan

Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, The Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan

In a few months time, Bhutanese people will be again going to pooling stations. We will be soon electing yet another set of lawmakers to our parliament! -Another set of leaders! Therefore I call this a big event. I sincerely think each one of us must play our part. Wholeheartedly and responsibly.

I am particularly happy for the fact that my king has given me this right. If Democracy is the process of Nation building then, it is an indication that my voice also matters in that process. My single vote, I think is more precious than the biggest diamond at this hour. Therefore I have no intention of wasting it. I want to play my part very responsibly. Its time for leaders to listen and subjects to speak. 

I am honestly grateful to ECB for making postal ballot facilities available for all of us who are away from home. This is a very remarkable achievement. I think this shows how our infant ECB has progressed with time. It still has a long way to go and it needs all our support and appreciation. 

Coming back to the Postal ballot, I was able to get myself registered for postal ballot through one and the only person, the Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi himslef. I owe him a very big 'thank you'. If there is one man in Bhutan, whose action speaks louder than his own words, Then it is this man: Dasho Kunzang Wangdi. I have never worked under him, but I wouldn't hesitate an inch to call him the most pragmatic bureaucrat I have seen so far. 

Many bureaucrats in his age have problem with social networks, especially Facebook. Many have banned  it  and many are planning to follow the suit. But I am totally amazed at the way Dasho used this important social network to his advantage. Who said Facebook is useless? I am actually wordless. It was humbling experience to see Dasho attending to queries personally with regard to our upcoming electionc on 'Social Democracy in Bhutan' page. I think dasho and his team are doing their best. They deserve our appreciation.

Lets all hope and pray for another successful election in our country.

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.

Post Exam Thoughts

Its January 2013 and this means I have only little over five months to complete my course. I am all excited about the fact that I will be going home with masters degree, -the most coveted thing I had in my mind for so many years! I feel proud and I feel happy, Sometimes I feel both!  But on the other side, I am already feeling nostalgic about leaving this dusty yet beautiful place. 

By the way, Ahmedabad has become so cold like Shingkhar. The cold in the early mornings and late evenings are at times unbearable. I regret a lot. few days a go, I finished my third semester exams. I think did it my Gangnam Style. Compared to the last exams, the paper patterns have been changed. 

We were asked lengthier questions. Three hours was barely enough, either to think for any logical answers or to recollect the points I have studied the other days. I had to rush in full fury. Sometimes I felt angry and I felt this exam system is totally a sucker. I did not like the idea of exams to gauge my knowledge!

Then I had the most disappointing day with my mathematics paper. Not because the questions were tough  nor lengthy. I could have easily scored 70 out of 70. I am not exaggerating! I was over joyed at first. But my joy did not last long, because I did not get the log table. -The most needed instrument in any mathematical paper. 

Upon my incessant pleas and requests, I was given a bundle of tables..... but the wrong ones!!!! The examiner tried her best but was of little help. With my limited time running like water, I became overtly frantic. I wasted a lot of time waiting for the log table and hence I had limited time to solve the other questions. In my dying hours, the examiner suggested me to go and find the table myself. It was so nice of her, but only if she knew it was exam time  and that  time is not luxury. I did not know whether I was angry or nervous  but I wished I had a robotic speed to write the remaining answers.

Coming back to the coldness in Ahmedabad, I do not know what the thermometer reads but it has become extremely cold here. I couldn't sleep at peace for three consecutive nights, -even with my jacket and socks on. At the moment I could sense very little difference between Ahmedabad and Shingkhar. 

Happy New Year

Another fresh new year is here . 

. .

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!” 

-William Arthur Ward 

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?  

Long Long Time Ago.

Thank you unknown photographers for capturing my moments, which otherwise would have been lost forever. 

Happiness is Here and Now

If it were a sacred mantra, - like the mani, by now I would have already recited it millions. Perhaps even billions! It would have already warranted me a seat in Nirvana among the Buddhas! -This mantra called "Exams are boring" never seems to go away from my mind.

I know, by saying this, I am also speaking the minds of million who, like me are simply slogging, just to write this boring thing called exams. But for now let us just say that exams are simply boring. 

Well today morning, I just finished my first paper of the third semester. It was by far the craziest pattern of paper I have ever attempted. Seventy marks in three hours sound reasonable. Eight questions each worth seven marks sounds even nicer. Fourteen multiple choice questions, -cool!.

But, guys I had a bitter moment today. I simply found the paper too lengthy. I used all my the summary skills but still I nearly took an hour answering fourteen marks! I think I knew too much ..ha ha ha ........seriously, I do not know, who got the wrong skills. The person who have set the exam paper or me, -the super summary writer. LOL.

Anyways, it was hell writing for three hours. I have five more such papers to write. And, yea I can already see many boring days ahead. Wish me good luck friends. 

By the way I wish all my friends around the world, a very happy happy Christmas. May 2013 bring lot of success and smiles in your life. I dedicate this song to all of you. Please check the clip below.

Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering

Lyonpo Ugyen in his former days.

If at all I knew anything about Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering, then I knew his simplicity and humbleness. As many Bhutanese put it, I knew him as "simple Lyonpo". To me, Lyonpo resembles one person in Bhutan. Rare and scare just like himself. Late Lhalung Thuskey Rimpoche of Bumthang and Lyonpo Ugyen are to me, the Kings of simplicity. They are the rarest. A one in a million species. 

Thanks to BBS and Mrs Namgay Zam, I am today able get more insight into the lives of an extraordinary being who, I think has put all his heart and soul for the cause of our nation. Physically challenged and weakened to bottom by a deadly parkinsion, it is inspiring all the more to hear him share his dreams for future Bhutan. It is unfortunate that such a deadly disease crippled a man who have lot in his mind for his fellow country man. I am humbled to the core.

Listening to him, I felt reconnected with our past. I realized how Lyonpo and his group pulled our nation to its current glory. Step by step. Those were the people responsible for our peaceful existence today. I would highly recommend every Bhutanese, both young and old to watch this clip. Lyonpo has spoken his heart. I  am sure this will be of immense help for all of us in understanding our history, our culture, our foreign policy, our democracy, our freedom and our responsibility towards our Tsa wa sum. 

To me Lyonpo's dream Bhutan with rope ways looks very promising. If properly thought about and then implemented, I think it has the true potential or rescuing our economy, which at the moment is heeding towards a dangerous direction with billions in debt. This is because rope ways means less fuel import, less car import and altogether a less money going to road which are difficult to maintain. Besides this, Lyonpo's dream of revolutionizing the use of Information Technology are far far captivating. 

I fully agree with Lyonpo, on not rushing up things with impatient China. We indeed are like a child in the field of fostering foreign policies with mighty China. I also agree with Lyonpo that we have lot to learn from China in other fields through the goods and services that are already available in our country. As Lyonpo said, Bhutanese people are indeed "valley people" and not "mountain people" as proclaimed. No doubt about that. We have lot to learn what is behind the mountains! Perhaps, miles to go before we rest.  

I thank Aum Patricia Tshering for giving our Lyonpo the most deserving care and affection in his most needy time. Perhaps that's why women are called the better half of men. I personally feel sorry for this. Our Lyonpo's family sincerely do not deserve such a tragedy. I pray to Buddha of medicine for his quick recovery... .

Reflection and Contemplation Day

Mayan calender ended but not the World. We are still living and will continue to do so.  21.12.2012 is just another day, perhaps a beautiful day as always.  I told many people that the World will not end. I think I made the right prediction. I am sure my wife is relieved now to see the day pass just as any other day.

I do not know the reason myself, but from hereon in my life, I wanted to make this day (21st December) as the most special day of every year I live. Every year on this day I want to remember those people who have made lasting difference in my life. I wanted to pray for them and thank them from the bottom of my heart. I wanted to spend  rest of my 21st, Decembers as the of reflection and contemplation day of the year.  

So here are few people to whom I owe "Thank you", as big as the Sky, the Ocean and the Earth. 

My Beloved Kings 

I would like thank my beloved Kings for creating this peaceful Bhutan for us. I would like to thank them from the depths of my heart for all the inspiration and motivation they showered us every day. I thank my Kings for their unceasing love and benevolence, for all the sacrifices they made in bringing hope and happiness for us. Thank you, my beloved Kings, Today I am well educated person and that I did not become a yak herder in the mountains of Shingkhar. Thank you my Kings. 

My Beloved Parents

I thank my father and mother for being ......well,...... my everything!. I thank them for giving me this beautiful life. I thank them for enduring the darkest hours and making the biggest sacrifices for my cause. I thank them for letting me grow my own height. I thank them for being my hero and my teacher. I may take many life times to repay their kindness, care. love, dedication and affection. But today, I wanted to let them know that they are endeared in my heart. Thank you Apa and Ama

My Beloved Teachers

I would like to thank all my teachers for making me who I am today. Big or small, my teachers everywhere played their part in shaping my destiny. Thank you all my beloved teachers.

But here are two of my teachers who taught me things that were far beyond the school syllabus. Mr. Sadhu and Lopen Tenzin Dorji. I have a long story to write about these two teachers of mine, but for today, I thank them for bearing me with all my rawness and my wildness. I would also like to thank them for their love and affection, -for being able to read my heart and soul. With the height of my naughtiness and mischief, no headmaster would have given a second thought about my termination, but I thank them for giving me endless second chances. I thank them for letting me grow up myself. Thank you sirs.

My Beloved Sister

She is a different story of my life. My beloved sister!  I knew she existed somewhere in my world. I thank her for having walked-in in my life, with all her bounty, when I needed the most. I thank her for being a constant source of my pocket money and more.......I used to tell her that. "you are my golden pillar" She indeed is my golden pillar. Thank you sister.

My Beloved Friend

There is a saying that "Friends either make or break our life". Here is one of my friend who helped me shape my life in the right direction. He helped me make my life! It is again a long story but let me brief.

Long time ago, I belonged to a group called "five kids on the block". -Of course, a group of naughty boys. We were five then. But one day with a sudden demise of a prominent member, our group fell apart. I do not know how, but I found myself friendless. I felt lost and lonely, but not until I found this good friend of mine.

In 1999 we were to move to another school, far away from our homes for our higher studies, I met his father for the first time. Before we moved out, he called us inside and told us to remain best friends forever. But that same year, his father passed away. I felt equally sad like his family! but I wowed to  keep his words. We were best friends since then. All these years, we lived like a family! Thank you, Geley for being a wonderful friend. Thank you for guiding me. scolding me and above all, bearing my poor self all the time.

With this, I would also like to say that I have many other friends, with whom I also shared a relationship like milk and water. Ever grateful and ever thankful. And I would like to write about them on many such 21st Decembers to come. 

My Beloved Wife

She is the most beautiful story of my life. I have not many words that can fittingly describe how thankful she is for me. In brief, I thank her for being the flower that forever blooms in the garden of my soul. I thank her for accepting me in her life. I thank her for all the smiles and happiness she brought in my life. I thank her for being the most wonderful mom for 3 most precious beings of my life. -My daughters, who are perhaps the most beautiful daughters in this world. I thank her for being with me through all this thick and thins of life. Thank you sweet heart.

Dza Patrul Rinpoche's Heart Advice.

༆ དཔལ་སྤྲུལ་སེམས་དཔའ་ཆེན་པོའི་གསུང་གདམས་ཟབ་གནད་ཀྱི་མདོ་འགགས་དྲུག་བཞུགས་སོ།།

The Six Focal Points of Profound Instructions

By Paltrul Rinpoche

སྐྱིད་ན་མི་དགའ་སྡུག་ན་དགའ། །སྐྱིད་ན་ཉོན་མོངས་དུག་ལྔ་འབར།།

སྡུག་ན་སྔོན་གྱི་ལས་ངན་འཛད། །སྡུག་བསྔལ་བླ་མའི་ཐུགས་རྗེ་ཡིན།།

I would rather undergo suffering than be happy.

Happiness gives rise to five poisonous emotions.

Suffering will reduce my negative karma from the past.

Suffering represents the compassion of my Guru.

བསྟོད་ན་མི་དགའ་སྨད་ན་དགའ། །བསྟོད་ན་ང་རྒྱལ་ཁེངས་སེམས་ཆེ།།

སྨད་ན་རང་སྐྱོན་ཐེར་ལ་འབུད། །མི་ཁ་ལྷ་ཡི་ཕ་འབབ་ཡིན།།

I would rather be criticized than praised.

Praise leads to pride and egoism.

Criticism will starkly reveal my own flaws.

Malicious gossip is a precious gift from the divine.

མཐོ་ན་མི་དགའ་དམའ་ན་དགའ། །མཐོ་ན་ཕྲག་དོག་ང་རྒྱལ་སྐྱེ། །

དམའ་ན་བག་ཡངས་དགེ་སྦྱོར་འཕེལ། །དམན་ས་གོང་མའི་གདན་ས་ཡིན།།

I would rather be low than high.

High stature gives rise to jealousy and pride.

Low stature comes with freedom conducive for spiritual practice.

Inferiority is the seat of sublime masters.

འབྱོར་ན་མི་དགའ་རྒུད་ན་དགའ། །འབྱོར་ན་གསོག་སྲུང་སྡུག་བསྔལ་ཆེ།།

རྒུད་ན་དཀའ་སྤྱད་ལྷ་ཆོས་འགྲུབ། །སྤྲང་ལུས་ཆོས་པའི་གཏད་སོ་ཡིན།།

I would rather be poor than rich.

Wealth entails the suffering of hoarding and saving.

Poverty presents challenges to practice sublime dharma.

Poverty is the unfailing state for a spiritual person.

བྱིན་ན་མི་དགའ་འཕྲོག་ན་དགའ། །བྱིན་ན་ལན་ཆགས་འཁུར་པོ་འཕེལ།།

འཕྲོག་ན་ཚེ་རབས་བུ་ལོན་སོད། །ཆོག་ཤེས་འཕགས་པའི་སྤྱི་ནོར་ཡིན།།

I would rather be robed from than given to.

If given to, the burden of karmic debt increases.

If robed from, the karmic debt of many lifetimes is cleared.

Contentment is the supreme wealth of the sublime beings. 

གཉེན་ལ་མི་དགའ་དགྲ་ལ་དགའ། །གཉེན་གྱི་ཐར་ལམ་བར་དུ་གཅོད།།

དགྲ་བོ་བཟོད་པའི་ཡུལ་དུ་བྱེད། །རོ་སྙོམས་ཉམས་ལེན་གནད་འགགས་ཡིན།།

I would rather love my enemy than my relations,

Relations obstruct the path to liberation.

Enemies can be objects of my patience.

Equanimity is the essence of meditation practice. 

ཆོས་བཞིན་མཛད་ན་དེ་འདྲ་དགོས། །བློ་ཐག་ཆོད་ན་དེ་འདྲ་དགོས།།

རི་ཁྲོད་འཛིན་ན་དེ་འདྲ་དགོས། །རྒྱལ་ཁམས་འགྲིམ་ན་དེ་འདྲ་དགོས།།

གདམས་ཟབ་གནད་ཀྱིས་མདོ་འགགས་དྲུག །ཕ་གཅིག་བླ་མའི་ཞལ་རྒྱུན་ཡིན།།

If I wish to conduct according to dharma, I should be thus.

If I have made up my mind [for dharma], I should be thus.

If I abide in the solitudes, I should be thus.

If I wander in the world, I should be thus.

These six focal points of profound instructions

Are oral transmissions of my spiritual father.

Source: Dr. Karm Phuntsho's Facebook page

Something about Bhutan and Gujarat

I have a friend whose mom is a School Principal here in Gujarat. She told me that her mom actually wanted me to be the Chief Guest for her School's upcoming function. She wanted me to say few words about Gujarat and Bhutan. But unfortunately I have exams to write next week. So I was asked to record a message for the function. I wrote the following message. I even bought tripod for my camera so that I can video tape it and send it. I created a mini studio in my room but I bitterly failed to speak in front of camera. I tried the whole day, but simply couldn't get it......... God! I never thought speaking in front of camera could be that difficult. Please read my short message anyways.

Kemcho and hello to you all.

First up, I am sorry for not being able to join you all on this event. 

I am Kuenzang from a country, much smaller than your state. its called Bhutan. It is a beautiful country in the Himalayas  whose major population constitutes Buddhist people.

Our country became full-fledged democracy  in 2008. We call it  a Constitutional Democratic Monarchy, which is quite similar to the form of Government they have in England. They have queen, but we have our King. We,Bhutanese revere him as a symbol of  our unity.

Our country is the first country to adopt Happiness as the development policy. Our previous King said Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross national Product. No doubt, It became very popular. But, today this statement is often misinterpreted. Many people think Bhutan is the happiest country and Bhutanese, the happiest people on earth. It is not like that. We do have many challenges and obstacles before us. But despite all these challenges, we are one country who firmly believes that happiness is still possible.

What’s common in us? Love for peace, Spiritualism, innocent people and tasty food including products of amul.

Thanks to Gujarat & Anand, we have most of the Amul products in our country. Today people of Bhutan wouldn’t fancy a meal without Amul Cheese and tea without Amul Taza. Thanks Amul and Thank to the pioneers of Amul Dairy.

All the Best

Aavajo. Bhutan ma tamaru swagat chhe.

Words to Cherish

Royal Address to the Nation at the 105th National Day celebration, 17th December 2012

On the occasion of the 105th National Day, it gives me much happiness to address our People of the 20 dzongkhags.

This National Day is of special significance. The powers offered by our People to the King in 1907 were, after hundred years of Nation building, returned in 2008 to our People by the Druk Gyalpo. It was in that year that we held the first elections under democracy and adopted the Constitution. Today we are nearing the end of the term of the first Parliament we elected in 2008 and the culmination of the tenth and largest 5-year plan. So much work lies ahead and such immense responsibilities rest on our shoulders as we approach 2013.

Yet, with capable and dedicated citizens who have great love for our country; with the guidance of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and; with the ever-stronger bonds between People and King, I have great confidence that we shall achieve our goals.

Our People of Bhutan are unique. We have a sense of family, community and brotherhood that inspires us to come together in times of need. I have seen this following natural disasters and most recently in the way in which all Bhutanese came forward to offer whatever little we could afford to rebuild the historic treasure, Wangduephodrang Dzong.

In other nations, difficult moments in their history are met with strife, violence and conflict as people sacrifice national interest in order to achieve individual ambitions. In Bhutan such acts and events have never occurred. Our way of life, our heritage, loyalty and values remain strong in the hearts of our People and our People stand ready, even in times of great personal hardship, to place Nation above Self. I am so proud of our People and offer my deep gratitude for the love you have shown for your Nation.

It is during times of prosperity and success that we must remind ourselves of the work that lies ahead. We have made a good start in our transition to democracy but much remains to be done. Our Nation has seen great socio-economic growth but it is more important that we have growth with equity. We must raise, with all our effort, the less fortunate so that they may, at the earliest, begin to partake in the opportunities brought by modernization and progress.

The government has provided education to our youth. But for the nation to prosper for all time, a sound education must be succeeded by access to the right jobs and responsibilities, so that our youth may bloom as individuals and at the same time serve their Nation well.

The recent Rupee shortage is a serious problem. I feel it is a reminder that, as a Nation, we must exercise our traditional sense of caution and work even harder as we address the challenges of the time. For no matter what challenges lie ahead, it is only the Bhutanese citizen who can protect and safeguard Bhutan.

Today, the most important duty for us is the upcoming 2013 Parliament elections. I would like to say that we – all of us – are new to this democratic transition. We have all equally acquired four and a half years of experience in democracy. Experience comes with participation, so I urge you all to come forward as candidates, members of parties and voters for 2013.

Remember, achieving democracy is not the goal. The real fruits of our efforts should be that democracy brings greater unity, harmony and prosperity to our Nation. Democracy must be able to fulfill the aspirations of our People.

Many hundreds of years ago, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified the nation, established the dual system and laid the foundations on which a unique Bhutan was born. This new nation was then further strengthened over the course of history by fifty-four Desis and generations of Bhutanese. The last hundred years, the Wangchuck dynasty, further strengthened the foundations laid by the Zhabdrung and handed over a special Nation to our People in 2008. All of this was possible because our People have lived as one small family, true to the ideals of the Zhabdrung and the foundations of a unique and special Bhutanese identity.

As we approach the elections of 2013, we must, therefore, keep in mind these foundations of our Nation and prevent all ethnic, religious or political divisions in our small Nation. We must participate in democracy with the spirit of harmony and fraternity.

In 2008, our democratic transition and the wholehearted participation by the people including the 80% voter turnout were lauded by the world. I urge you all to exercise your right to vote – it comes but once in 5 years – for it is an act of great benefit to the Nation.

With the Blessings of the Triple Gem and our Guardian Deities and the good fortune of our People, I am confident we will conduct the second elections under democracy successfully in 2013.

For me, I hold sacred the endeavors begun by my father, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. I have committed myself to bringing to fruition all the noble endeavors begun in his 34 years of service and sacrifice. I also hold sacred my duty to ensure the success of democracy and I shall work to lay the strongest foundations for a vibrant democracy within my reign.

Above all, I believe that the Golden Throne is not a Throne of wealth, power and prestige. The Golden Throne of Bhutan is a unique Throne of Destiny to serve our People and Nation.

As King since 2006 I have always served with complete dedication and integrity. Sometimes I may have erred. Yet, you my people, have given me even more love and support and placed your complete faith and trust in me. To our People of the 20 Dzongkhags, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and pledge that I shall give everything to be of service to you and Bhutan.

In this land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and our Fourth Druk Gyalpo, I pray that there shall be everlasting peace, prosperity and happiness.

Source: His Majesty’s Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/KingJigmeKhesar

105th National Day of Bhutan

In the Kingdom of Druk, where cypresses grow,

Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions,

The King of Druk, precious sovereign,

His being is eternal, his reign prosperous,

The enlightenment teachings thrive and flourish,

May the people shine like the sun of peace and happiness!