Pages - Menu

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Once Upon a Time when I was that Boy in the Picture


When I was that little boy in the picture, I was care free, wild and naughty beyond words and description. I recall, even the most strict and corporal headmaster (of our time) had difficulty administering me.

But on the affirmative side, I feel happy to have been the most affectionate, diligent and obedient son. With my parents around, I felt responsible. I felt the need to work harder, do better in my studies and repay them later.

As I grew up, there were often days, in which I asked my dad as to what I should become in my life and to which, he always responded; -‘son, you should become teacher’. That was it! My dad had a dream and that dream was to see me become teacher someday.

Dad considered teachers as the noblest person and teaching, the noblest profession. Unlike other profession,  dad considered it as the most safest and secured profession.On the basis of knowledge they impart, they are considered as the source of light. Dad taught me how a teacher should be respected and that refuting against him (was) is a sin. I remember dad sharing Buddhist wisdom which says that ‘a person who dishonor ones teacher would be reborn as dog for five hundred generations!’Dad considered the roles teacher played, a sublime and beyond any beings. So, dad had all the reason in the world to make me become teacher. 

Here I am; a fully grown up man. I don’t know whether it (was) is my fortune or misfortune, but certainly I couldn’t become teacher as dreamed by my dad. Not being able to live up to his expectation still ache my heart. 

But, as if to compensate that loss, I got married to a teacher. Since she is my better half, she surely must have brought the much needed respite to dad's heart that longed too long for a teacher in me. Trust me, My wife has all the teacher materials in her. She has a remarkable patience in dealing with kids and she loves her job like she loves me!

But after the "UNICEF-expatriate-beating-up-teacher" incident, I have told my better half to be careful. But she took me by a surprise. She told me that, given a chance, she would want to resign completely from teaching. This was the last thing expected from a die hard teacher!

"what will you do after resigning?" I asked her softly. 

She answers; "I will be your parasite tey"  

"But not until I become Dasho darling"  "and ya....don't say your are my parasite, because you are my better half" I comforted her. 

I told her that after I become dasho, 'She would be considered as good woman behind a successful man' 

he he .lol...that was the biggest chicken count ever, before even knowing where the eggs are going to come from.

"But we have 3 daughters, do you honestly think you can feed and clothe us all" comes her other query

"Why not, that makes just four of you" I defended 

"How?" comes her another question

"you know, there are dashos who handle more than 4 aums, so handling my 3 kids and my wife should not be a big deal". I defended further  

"You know what". I continued

"What?". comes her response.

"Once I become Dasho, I can avail all the ex-country training between the earth and the sky".

"I can even avail training that are meant for my peons". I continued.

With that little conversation, I told her to be cautious. I told her not to keep everything for law because law is blind.  Lastly, I told her that if she requires a weapon for self defense, I might get her a rambo knife from Jaigon.


(Very Important Note: I am not propagating violence here, I am talking about self defense)

7 comments:

  1. wow its beautiful!!!....I enjoy reading every article you write....just few hours back i was reading articles that you have written about my grand fathers...they are just beautiful:) I really appreciate your work!! you inspire me!!...thanks.

    Choki Wangmo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Choki,

      Thanks for the comment.
      I am planning to write even more. But only thing is that I don't know much.
      whatever I wrote is just on the basis of my few hour conservation with your acho Lama Ugyen in Thimphu last year.

      I would like to meet you and your acho in future and collect more and write more on it.......

      keep visiting....

      Delete
  2. Kunzang,
    This article took me right behind you in the picture waiting for my turn for the second share porridge for breakfast. When ever I think of that very school and the days we had there gives me strength to be loyal and work more.
    When I was in the school I used to complain for poor quality breakfast, but now I realize that having a job and living on my own makes me miss breakfast most of the days.(Only reason is I have to rush to office empty belly). SO I MISS THE PORRIDGE IN YOUR PICTURE EVERY MORNING

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lhendup,

      same like you, i too miss those days. I don't know what to call it, but those were the days of absolute bliss. even Late headmaster Tashi Phuntsho's severe lashings did too little to deter us from rushing for those bulgar porridge, which also had lot of dead bugs floating.

      I fondly remember How Meek Thruila(little boy form saling)over ate and then had difficulty bending... and....Ya Mr. Paktsog... how with little mercy did he lash that little boy......i can still remember those days like it was yesterday.......

      ReplyDelete

      Delete
  3. Lhendup,

    same like you, i too miss those days. I don't know what to call it, but those were the days of absolute bliss. even Late headmaster Tashi Phuntsho's severe lashings did too little to deter us from rushing for those bulgar porridge, which also had lot of dead bugs floating.

    I fondly remember How Meek Thruila(little boy form saling)over ate and then had difficulty bending... and....Ya Mr. Paktsog... how with little mercy did he lash that little boy......i can still remember those days like it was yesterday.......

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow...really witty sentences! Sir, your article brings important issues with very casual way of explanation. Enjoyed reading la.

    ReplyDelete