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. 

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......

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. 

How Green Are My Thumbs

Its dead winter here in Ahmadabad. And as I said earlier, the weather has fairly turned cold. I have to now use blankets, wear jackets and muffle my neck to keep myself warm. But one thing that surprises me most is that we have more chirping birds this time than we had them in spring and summer combined. 

Winter time for students like me also mean that we have exam to write. These are some the most anxious moments of my life and I honestly hate them. Call it last minute or final minute, it demands a lot of preparation and perspiration. But thanks to the power of Indian democracy, we were able to convince the university officials to finally postpone our exams by a month. And for now I can relax a bit and indulge myself into my amateur hobbies. -Photography and gardening.

Today for the benefit of my regular readers, I even took picture of the plants that I have planted in my room. I am testing the greenness of my thumbs! As you can see, I have planted many plants already. Among them is my money plant which is over a year old but still adamantly refusing to grow. I  have done all the possible thing to heighten its growth. I replaced the red and infertile sandy soil with black and humus rich soil. I watered them and tended its roots. But sadly after a week of my constant care and attention, I saw its three precious leaves turned golden yellow! It was disheartening but I dint give up. As you can see, I have now placed it in a very special pot, the rice cooker!

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.

No Refrigerator for a Man From GNH Land

GNH Man

Some thing very funny, rather unexpected and strange happened yesterday. As I said earlier, this year we are seven Bhutanese civil servants here in Gujarat University pursuing our masters in different disciplines. We all live in a Government building occupying three flats. Although, we were denied our minimum necessities for more than a month (in our initial days) after an email or two from my side to the concern people in RCSC, the University finally provided us everything in a matter of one week (except the window curtains, that took them more than a year) That everything included a bed, a table, a chair and a mattress for each individual and a fan in all the rooms plus the running water in our toilet and kitchen. Besides those necessities, each flat is also given a refrigerator and and a toaster too. 

But yesterday, two people, -a male and a female who work in the 'study abroad program office' came to our place and told one of our friend to give the refrigerator which was issued to his room to two Japanese students who have recently joined a University for an exchange program. Initially, those guys wanted us to tell our friend about it but when we declined, they chose to come themselves. It was obvious that they were mistreating our friend. By doing that, they made us, (-the Bhutanese Students) feel less important than those Japanese people. It was a clear case of discrimination! If Freezer is necessity for Japanese then we are no different humans here!

I thought our friend would be enraged by the news. I also thought that he would not consent to such a senseless order from the dean. But to my surprise, our friend displayed all the qualities of a man from GNH land! Without a word, he told them to take the refrigerator and he even came out to help them remove the freezer form his room after calmly removing all his perishable items. By the way, this friend of ours has already been to three different place in span of three years and again the lady told him to shift to the other place strictly on coming Sunday (04/11/2012)

While we were busy moving the freezer, the lady from the office broke these news that saddened us to the core. She complained about our friend for not picking up the calls. She also told us that the dean has in fact ordered them to break the door of our friend and get the freezer from his room. (madam Ne Bola Kye Tala Tor Kye Lee-aww) And this 'tala' thing is not something new here. They have used this tactics to humiliate us in different occasions. One such 'tala'  techniques they uses against us was last July, when we were on our summer break. They locked our room with additional lock and thus prevented us from getting into our room on our return. It's long story though and for now lets not go into detail. (Look at the picture)

This was how we found our door on our return to the University

I immediately told the lady to mind her language. I told her that it is non of her business to tell us everything that are being discussed between her and her boss. I told her to upheld the good images of her boss and not to tarnish her image before us. When my friend told her that he would come to office next day and talk personally to the dean himself, the lady freaked out. She panicked and she went wordless. 

For now I am just waiting for my friend to take up the matter with the dean, so that I could tell her  everything I heard from the loose mouthed subordinate of hers. By the way, we also had one Gujarati guy who went wordless after seeing how our friend was treated by 'study abroad  program office'

Finally the Curtains !

Well, I don't have many words here, but finally after more than a year, I got my windows curtained. As the two men started fixing them, I just counted the number of times those men have frequented my room to get the measurements. And surprisingly they have been to my place over twenty times already. I also thought to myself that, perhaps these things could very well be the reason why India, which is otherwise a great nation, is not moving forward faster than it ought to be.

By the way, my room looks more bright, more homely and more cozy now! The curtains indeed added a colour to my dull and dusty room. So today I had to rearrange my tables, bed  and char to make it look even better. I know our curtains came late but its still better that way than never having one.

So thank you Gujarat University for all the facilities. And yea,I still have some more months to enjoy this beautiful curtains.

Street Museum in Ahmedabad, Part Two

Finally, I am done with my internal exams and I can now breath a sigh of relief. Of the total six papers, I think I messed up 3. I think the time was the factor here. One and half hour for four good essays, by any measure, I feel is too short even a fastest writing person on this planet. Along with those four essays, let us also not forget the MCQ part!

As always I tried to give my best. But constrained by time, I literally had no time to arrange my thoughts. Therefore I often ended up writing junks-like answers which made less sense and no logic. lol. And I think this happens in every exams everywhere around the world! Since, todays paper is my  last paper for my internal exams, I did not want to mess up any more. So I stayed late and got up early.  Back in the exam hall, I read the questions thoroughly and then wrote my answers like running water.  Now I am waiting for my final exams. 

By the way, I have promised to bring up some more pictures of  the paintings. So here are some of them. Please enjoy and leave me loads of comments to read.

Street Museum in Ahmedabad, Part One

Mathematics! Well, I have just one sentence for it. 'I am not good at it'. But like it or not, I grew up with mathematics all my life. If education was pork then, I accepted mathematics just like a tail of a dead pig. Mathematics is one subject which increased my heart beat and reddened my face. Therefore I never enjoyed mathematics. But for now, let us keep this for another post.

Tomorrow ( i.e on 29.10.2012) I have my Mathematics exam. So today, I got up little early to do my revisions. This used to be my trend and tradition.  For the record, I did not even wash my face nor brush my teeth today. I was all bogged down with thousand paged Statistical methods by Dr. S.P Gupta and over 500 paged Business mathematics by Dr. J K Thukral. I did not even know how and when I had my breakfast. 

So, towards evening I went for a walk and I took the normal footpath. I took my camera along because, I remember seeing some paintings by the road side. I have seen those paintings over thousand time now but today I decided to take a deeper look. And I did. I found all the paintings very beautiful and meaningful. It was like being in a museum. For once they made me forget about my tomorrows exam!

I was told that those paintings were done by school kids. Personally I liked all the paintings and I salute those people who have initiated the project. It not only makes the street look beautiful but it also imparts lots of knowledge.  'Save the Planet' and 'save the girl child' were mostly used title in the art. They look very thoughtful messages from the young generation. Look at the arts your self.

By the way those beautiful arts are grossly misused by the passers. I have seen people peeing and spitting on them. While I was busy shooting those pictures  (i.e in a span of just few minutes) I have seen two men peeing on them without even hiding their dangling penises. For once, I wished I had the power to grab them tight and chop if off from the bottom! 

Enjoy the art works. It is in Ahmedabad. And I intend to bring out some more pictures once I am done with my exams.

Street

More Bhutanese Scholars in Gujarat

Exactly one year ago, me and five other Bhutanese friends arrived in Gujarat to pursue our masters education. We  reached Gujarat in such a haste that we didn't even have time to get ourselves oriented to the place. Basically, we took a flight to Ahmedabad without even knowing who would come and pick us up from the airport. But thanks to our senior Bhutanese friends (who were already studying here), our first night was anything but a good beginning. 

They knew we would  come like a blind man; not even knowing the most popular man of the place;-Narendra Modi, the chief Minister of the state. They also knew, well in advance that we would show up inasmuch loss in mind as we were fatigued and frustrated physically. Therefore to sooth us in all whatever aspect, they  extended all their wholehearted courtesy. They were not only in the airport to pick us up, but they have also arranged a very humbling banquet in our honor. 

And in the similar manner, when nine other Bhutanese friends made to Gujarat for the same on 30th July 2012, me and one of my friends had to extend the same level of courtesy to our new coming friends as our seniors did the previous year; -we were to become their Guide! We went to pick them from the airport but on our way back, two of us nearly lost our two new coming friends when an auto they were travelling lost sight of the auto we were travelling. Worse, they didn't have our phone number to trace us! In fear I nearly had to run to Police station, but I thank God, for I found them in whole piece in a while. 

The next day, it rained cat and dog. Its probably the first heavy rain in Gujarat this year. The incident brought the same old memories rushing trough my mind, because Gujarat had the first major rainfall the same time we Bhutanese made here, year ago. While waiting for their college bus in the rain, we talked among ourselves in gaiety that Gujarat will have no rain unless some Bhutanese come here every year.

Few minutes later, the bus showed up. As I bid them farewell, they thanked me for being a "light in the darkness". For now, I remain content that we have some more Bhutanese friends in Gujarat. Some in Gandinagar and some in Ahmedabad. 

Shingkhar Rabney Part 4

Yeedam

The life size copper statue of Buddha, known as the yeedam to locality is one of the most sanctified and chief relic housed in Shingkhar Lhakhnag. It is also known as Yeedam Khamsum Zoelnon. Although its history and origin are not much known, (even to the majority of the locals) the statue is revered to as the wish granting object besides being worshipped as Buddhist artifact. 

This wish granting stuff might sound little naive and silly. But if you are a Buddhist, then It might sound little remarkable and captivating.

Long time ago, a tax collector from the court of erstwhile Debraja visited Shingkhar. Little did he realize that he was there for a dual purpose? –he was there to not only collect taxes, but on repeated persuasion from the locals, he was also there to make a secret wish that was going to have a lasting impact in his life. 

Although, his wishes were not explicitly revealed, implicitly, it was his wish to become Paro Penlop in a very foreseeable future. Should the wish come true, he then made a secret vow to install Golden Pinnacle (serthok) on the roof of Shingkhar Lhakhang in gratitude.

Amazingly, the tax collector, popularly known as Agay Haap became Paro Penlop shortly. Not only that, he also become the first person to install serthok on the roof Shingkhar Lhakhang as promised.

There are many such stories. If anybody is interested, then please visit Shingkhar Lhakhang. Remember me, if your wishes come true.

Serthok of Shingkhar Lhakhang 

Shingkhar Rabney, Part 2

Dear friends and folks,

Chath Dorji here.

Well, the thing of Rabney is long over and gone. I am now back in Golaipang, safe and sound with my family. I had the most memorable Rabney of my life. I think I will never forget the happy moments I had with happy folks of Shingkhar. 

When I was a young boy, My mysterious father and mother would always tell me stories about the mythical Lhamo and  terrifying Gyembo. One story that I vividly remember is the story  about Choejong, their Yak,  who farted so bad that  it blew up the nose of Gyembo on their way back to Golaipang after Rabney. That's why  today, Gyembo has a nose, that looks somewhat flattened with its tip raised.

That is just one side of the story. (especially for curious kids) 

The real story, as far as the history goes is that, it goes as back to the time of great Nyingpa master, Longchen  Rabjam himself. It is believed that when Longchenpa was mediating in the Tibetan region called Gangri Thoed Kar, the mermaid, (Tshomen) who resided in the lake called Mapham Yumtsho invited the master on many occasions. Although he rejected the initial invitations, he however consented at last to visit the lake once. 

When he finally visited the lake, the mermaid requested him to discover something from the lake as Ter (treasure). As requested, Longchenpa discovered a pair of white horn that belonged to a yak. 

The master carried those pair of horns with him to Shingkhar. Later when Longchenpa established his seat in Shingkhar, those pair of horns became the main relic of Shingkhar Lhakhang. 

Many years after Longchenpa, his disciples composed a dance of a yak. They used the same horn which Longchenpa carried from Tibet. It came to be known as Choejong.  Today it is considered as the most sacred relic of the valley. 

Continued.....Sleeping Bull and Plunging Tiger

Picture Courtesy: Wikipedia

I had to come home rejected and dejected because, my set of documents would never work. It meant that that I had to take internet connection in one of my friend's name (My Indian friend)

Then the next day, I went to the same office. I had all the documents ready. I was so eager and was dying to get my connection back. I told the lady at the counter to make haste and provide me the fastest possible service. As a customer, I thought I was King and I expected the commercial world to treat me like one. But ironically, I ended up becoming a king that begged. Even after the submission of documents, I was told to wait for 72 hours. Things took crazier turns and I became ever more aware about how that company was robbing me off!

I was not only the most infuriated customer that day. There were several others who sounded more disappointed and more unhappy about the services. 

With deep sense of regret, I finally returned home. 72 hours wait was long enough loose all my trust in that company (especially customer care). With the exclusion of weekends from those 72 hours, my wait became even longer. I had to wait for more than 5 more days! 

After those 5 grueling days. It was even more disappointing. I was still barred from using the net work. By then I was angry beyond the plunging tiger. I have already spent few hundreds going to that office and calling different people. I knew I was wasting not only my resources but I was also loosing lot of energy and time. Most important of all, I was loosing my patience.

I went there in person as to find what the f* problem was. But the lady in the counter, with an air of confidence told me that, I would be connected to net by evening. But I never felt assured.

True to my prediction There was no net even after all those waiting hours. I felt exhausted and tired, I felt the strongest sense of betrayal. I rushed to the office Thinking it could be my last, but only to find out that my connection request being rejected for apparently no big reason. I felt ashamed. More than that I felt miserable and humiliated.   

I asked the person as to what I should do to get the connection. I also asked him what was the big deal in it. It was even more painful because, those people were not understanding what I had to say. Their English was equally miserable like their Hindi. (may be they preferred speaking Gujarati in order to avoid me)

I went back to the lady in the counter and made my last plea. After few minutes, she referred me to her colleague. Her colleague looked energetic and was full of energy. He showed my rejected application form. He also told me the reason for the rejection. It was the signature of my friend where c and e were slightly different in their size. Wooww what an observation !!!!!!

The event that followed was even more shocking. He filled up a new form for me and then FORGED my friend's signature. Spellbound and dazed, I asked him whether that was OK. He nodded 'yes'. He told me to wait for at least 24 hours.

The next morning was a miracle, His forged signature worked and I got the internet connection.

Sleeping Bull and Plunging Tiger!

Picture Courtesy: Google

Picture Courtesy: Google

Of all the predictions made by an astrologer about me, two of his predictions have always bewildered me. He predicted that I could be anything between a sleeping bull and a plunging tiger! 

I am not aware and sure as to whether I am a sleeping lazy bull or a furious plunging tiger. All I can say is that, by nature, I am a very patient, calm and peace loving man. Just like my Buddhist Gurus, I do believe in being patient, calm and compassionate to other beings around. 

But that was until I met an over enthusiastic sales person who came to deliver the data card for Internet connection (I am  not naming the company) to my room. As I paid the money, the sales person with his bright smile, assured that I would be given the best possible services. For this I only had to complete a small formality which consisted of submitting my student ID card and a small passport size photograph. 

For a moment I thought “what a customer service” 

But sadly after few days, I wasn’t able to get the connection. I called the same person immediately and as expected he was swift to respond to my call. He told me that formalities will be completed towards the evening after which I would be getting the (internet) services. 

In a mean time, I also called the customer care service center several times. but to my dismay the person on the phone kept on telling me that I am yet to complete my formalities. In a mean time I kept my fingers crossed and waited for the net to return. 

But when I failed to receive the services after three long days, I became little concerned. I became more anxious. So I called him again. But that time it was a lady on the other end. She spoke to me in Hindi and told he that the concern person was out for a wedding party. But very outrageously, I overheard someone murmuring in the phone and the lady was simply parroting the same. As soon as she finished parroting, she puts off the phone. Damn it! 

I called him the next morning. To my amazement he told me I should go myself to the office to complete my formalities. If that was the case then why did he take my documents in the first place? I also questioned him as to why he failed to inform me about the impending problem. Surprisingly, that sales man was not in a mood of consoling his customer, but rather he was in a mood to argue with his customer. I yelled at him and he yelled at me even louder. And to avoid my other round of ramblings, he puts off his phone. 

It was the most horrible state of affair. I felt my blood pressure surge. I could even sense myself becoming deaf, blind and dumb. More than the money I lost, it was painful, losing my temper. I realized how an angry man loses his reasoning power. 

The next day I went to the office myself but had to come back more dejected and rejected......

To be continued..................