Yak-lha, The Lost Culture of Shingkhar

In a folk tale heard in select regions of Bhutan, a story unfolds about a significant encounter between two masters: one from the Bon Tradition named Ode Gongjan and the other from Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche. Ode Gongjan, also known as a Bonpo, was a formidable master in the predominant Bon faith. However, with the arrival of Guru Rinpoche, a shift in supremacy seemed imminent. To establish dominance, a debate between the two masters ensued for days, weeks, and even months, yet no clear victor emerged from this prolonged contest.

In a bid to break the stalemate, the two masters agreed to engage in another set of contests, this time showcasing their supernatural powers. They decided on a competition to reach the summit of the famous mythical mountain, Gangkar Tse, by the time the first rays of the sun touched the peak the following day. With the contest scheduled for the next morning, both masters parted ways to prepare.

That night, while Guru Rinpoche remained in deep meditation, Ode Gongjan initiated his challenge. He rode on the sound of a drum, covering vast distances with each beat throughout the entire night. As dawn broke the next day, Guru Rinpoche rode on the rays of the sun, surpassing Ode Gongjan. Although Guru Rinpoche narrowly edged out Ode Gongjan, securing victory, the win was close. In a fit of rage and embarrassment, Ode Gongjan hurled the drum that had propelled him down the valley, causing half of the mountain to collapse. His uncontrollable fury and shame at the loss of the contest were palpable in that moment.

As the defeated party, Ode Gongjan was obligated to depart the area and relinquish his followers, who had previously revered and provided offerings to him. However, as Ode Gongjan prepared to leave, Guru Rinpoche consoled him and decreed that he could not only continue practicing his Bon faith, but would also be entitled to receive grand monthly offerings from various regions. This gesture by Guru Rinpoche demonstrated compassion and a desire to preserve the religious diversity of the region, even after his victory in the contest.

Guru Rinpoche decreed that Ode Gongjan, the defeated Bon master, would continue to be revered by the people of the valley, which corresponds to the present-day regions of Bumthang, Lhuntse, Mongar, and Zhemgang in Bhutan. Ode Gongjan was to be worshipped as a deity who protects livestock, and offerings would be made at places where livestock congregate. This arrangement allowed the Bon tradition to coexist alongside the growing influence of Buddhism in the region, demonstrating Guru Rinpoche's compassion and desire to preserve religious diversity.

The Yak-lha festival in Shingkhar is an annual offering made to honor Ode Gongjan, the defeated Bon master from the folk tale. The festival coincides with the 15th day of the 7th month in the Bhutanese calendar. It was once a popular celebration and gathering among the yak herding communities of Shingkhar. During the festival, Ode Gongjan is ushered to the altar in the evening, and texts praising him are recited throughout the night. The only musical instrument used is the drum. The following day, Ode Gongjan is bid farewell. Although the occasion brings festivity, the ceremony reflects the vanquished status of Ode Gongjan, as decreed by Guru Rinpoche in the folk tale.

The tradition of yak rearing in Shingkhar has significantly declined due to the changing lifestyle of the community, leading to a fading of the once vibrant cultural practices. Nowadays, only a few individuals partake in the occasion, and the tradition is rapidly fading into obscurity. Presently, the hills of Shingkhar are only graced by yaks that have been rescued from slaughterhouses, symbolizing a poignant shift in the cultural landscape of the region.

Extra Marital Affairs; By Miss Manju Whakley

Extra marital affairs  have become so common in our society. It is social menace, which if not tended has the potential to cost our social harmony a great deal.  In her thought provoking essay, Miss Manju shares her opinion on the topic. in her unrivaled candidness, she says "we as humans, are we designed to be monogamous?" Find it out for yourself. 

Miss Manju clad in prayer flags

I almost got married once, I was just twenty one then, I ran away from it. It was a bit too overwhelming a feeling to know my allegiances towards ‘one’ man for the rest of my life, however long I am to live. Of course there were other aspects to it which proved to be too conservative for the liberal person that I am. I am twenty six and half today, again furrowing the familiar grounds that I thought interested me no more. I guess my hormones are getting the better of me, or that smashing accident that fractured my skull a few months ago, which was like mortality’s smashing slap on my face. “You need to procreate and die with your own seeds surrounding you” screamed a loud thought in my head, what else is there to live for or else? I suppose when you lie there on that last breathing breath of yours, trying to extend that long puff like smoking a whiff of existence, one more or few more drags, what eventually matters is what you leave behind. What you leave behind is the same natural system that created you; the womb makes a womb, one goes to the tomb and another womb replaces the tomb. Many may not agree, those who have a strong mind to be by themselves and not succumb to that feeling of loneliness of having to sleep alone at night, those who detest the thought of continuing this futile existence by giving birth to more suffering, to those very enlightened minds of nothingness, I do salute you. 

  

Yet everyday a new child is born, every day a new marriage knot is tied, every day someone somewhere dies. Every day couples quarrel somewhere, misunderstandings are bred, men and women both drink their sorrows downing with pegs of liquor burning down their throats and stomach to a feeling of numbness, into a euphoria created to momentarily escape their dilemmas. Every day a man cheats on a woman, a woman does her share too, perhaps more with the tag line, ‘please don’t tell anyone’; everyday such dramas are staged, either at home or in the minds of people. What then is fidelity? 

We are all animals; well of course we call ourselves human because we are the highest in the chain, we can eat anything below us, which is essentially everything (Chinese do), but perhaps the virtues that makes us humane is our ability to think and feel and amongst all virtues what I deem most important, that of honesty. But in a relationship how honest should a man and a woman be? Is love that thrives on lies, love? If the floodgates of honesty be unleashed, does love even thrive then? These are moral philosophical questions and I beg to broach this rampantly known but little spoken about topic, extra marital affairs. 

The Bhutanese, where ever I have known, home or abroad seem to have a similar suffering. Men letch at women, sometimes even when their wives are around, women are more discreet but they follow their dark back doors and are not very different, perhaps lesser in numbers but such intentions and actions are very much omnipresent. I say the Bhutanese, because there are cultures where women and men copulate rather freely, with one night stands and flowing flings and under such branded labels; I guess living upto our humanly biological desires but there are cultures that remain fidel or generally so once they find themselves in wedlock. They are locked in the truest of senses. Somehow my findings are not the same for the Bhutanese, in fact quite to the contrary. Is it because we are a very sociable community? Is this heightened interaction between people one of the reasons for extra marital affairs? Or the river like flowing cheap alcohol to blame? Why is it okay and acceptable for a man to have an affair, and a woman not so? Why do the same rules not apply to all gender? I say all gender because it is time we also acknowledged the homosexuals, who if they find pleasure in wooing the same sex, then they should be allowed that freedom. Gay marriage for now in Bhutan is definitely not on the horizon for decades to come, but come it will. 

Coming back to our seemingly promiscuous nature, I feel that once you are inducted into the institution of marriage one has to respect it. One has to become humane at that point, if not only for the two people in the sacred act of marriage but also for the children who are born and who should be bred and fed with the right values. Divorce is on an upscale these days, men find wives again and women will find husbands again, no one wants to grow old and die alone, but the ones who suffer are the minds of these young children of divorcees or people who have extra marital affairs. 

Tomorrow if you see a pretty girl walking on the street, there is one thing about seeing someone as a person walking on a street and quite another turning your head to check that person out. Is this the beginning of infidelity? We as humans, are we designed to be monogamous? 

Thank you Manju for your kind permission.

It's Result Time

G u j a r a t   U n i v e r s i t y

                                                

Exam.:Sem. 2 of                         Master of Arts    held in May-2012     

Seat No. :   1519    Name: THINLEY KUENZANG                                    

College: (020) USS         Centre: 01  Combination:           - 1-1600011      

                                              External           Internal      

                Subjects                   Max Min  Obt       Max Min  Obt     

----------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 

Economics-407 Micro Economics-II            70  25   46        30  11   27     

Economics-408 Macro Economics-II            70  25   55        30  11   24     

Economics-409 Environmental Economics-II    70  25   61        30  11   24     

Economics-410 Managerial Economics-I        70  25   51        30  11   26     

Economics-411EA Q.M.E.-I                    70  25   59        30  11   27     

Economics-412EA Industrial Economics-I      70  25   55        30  11   27     

                                           420  --  327       180  --  155     

----------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 

Enrol.No.: 201101900349                   Total: 482 /  600  Result:PASS       

                                          Result Date: 22-AUG-2012            

My results for second semester is out and honestly I am wordless. I am wordless for the fact that I have touched 80% for the first time in my academic life. Right now I am feeling on top of my world. An immense sense of satisfaction is making me dumb and deaf. I have worked hard like never before and I have achieved like never before! 

With this I would like to thank all my Professors who worked very unselfishly and untiringly. Without their dedicated guidance and support I would not have achieved this landmark result. I would also like to thank my senior friends Hema and Sonam for their help. 

Self with Previous Topper Hema.

Last but not the least, I would to extend my gratitude to my parents and my family for bearing my long absence. I dedicate this result to all of you. I thank Kunchok Sum, my principle guardian, Meme Ragula and all my other protective deities of Shingkhar. 

Amul Man Passes Away at 90

Dr. Verghese Kurien, The father of White Revolution 

Dr. Verghese Kurien, the founding father of amul passed away today (09.09.2012) at the age of 90. Through amol, Dr. Verghese had touched millions both at home and away. He added taste not only to the food but also to their lives in equal proportion. Through his selfless and dedicated statesmanship, he displayed India to the world as a land of prosperity and not a land of poor and poverty as branded quite often by outsiders. Under his farsighted vision and dynamic leadership, India went on to become the largest diary producers in the world! 

So today, I  as a Bhutanese, who wouldn't fancy curry without Amul cheese and tea without amul milk, take this opportunity to offer my prayers and condolences to his bereaved family and to the amul society of India. May his soul rest in peace and may he be reborn as human in his next life too. With this I would also like to convey my sincere gratitude to late Dr. Verghese and team for making my life utterly butterly delicious with various amol products. Thank you all for amul butter, amul cheese, amul taza,  amul shakti, amul buttermilk, amul cool, amul lassi, amul chocolates, amul ice creams, amul pizza and other amul products (the names which I cannot remember).

Amul Logo

His demise is a tragic and his absence will be felt wholeheartedly. But let us not forget the wisdom and insights he left behind to the world. In his biography, "I too had a dream", Dr Verghese tells his story with customary candour. And in a free flowing narrative, he shares with the reader, the essence of dreaming big in achieving big. 

Remembering My First Court Case, Part Eight

..............Judge reminded her to stick on what she had in her initial complain letter and stop meddling with other issues. With that judge once again turned towards the lady and asked her for the last time: "Zhen Lap ne yoe ga?" Finally to my relief she said: Mee la.

With that, the Judge spoke..........

Continued.........

and he spoke without any hesitation. As the judge prepared to announce his decision, I sensed the ward lady shiver. In her sheer desperateness I saw her eyes welled with tears.

And then came the words of the Judge.  Turning towards the lady, he asked: 'Did you realize what wrong you did?'. He paused for a while...... When there was no response from the lady, he then continued: 'this problem had arisen, all because of what you have done. And those things which you have done were all beyond your duty. As a ward lady, whose duty was to maintain cleanliness and guard the doors, you had no reason, what so ever to frequent patients and scold or exercise your control over them'........In between the Judge asked her: 'how many times have you come to the court? ...........and looks like you are the real problem everywhere'

With those words from the Judge, I felt the anxieties and traumas that had so long accumulated in my heart slowly shed. For the first time in over three months, I felt the sweetness in the fragrance of air and the brightness in the day, I felt my heart floating, weightless..............

And the Judge continued further:...... 'People working in the hospital, have a moral obligation to support and show compassion to those sick and needy people and that any form of abuse against them is unlawful'.........With that the Judge was also swift in reprimanding the ward lady for being over zealous. The Judge not only warned her of the consequences of threat call but also reminded her of her official misconduct. After that, Judge ordered us to leave the room and meet the clerk in the office.

By then, I sensed how worried my plaintiff was, -she had played all her cards!. With every passing minute in the court room, she was nearing to taste the bitter aara she brewed herself. How pathetic that she wold he soon hanged with her own noose!!!

At first my heart melted with satisfaction. It bought me pleasure beyond description. I saw my soaring arrogant plaintiff finally being reduced to size of a grasshopper!. Her bitter figure reminded me of two insects that I hated the most, -the house fly and the mosquito. I really wanted her to fall on to her knees! I wanted her to explode in tears!. I wanted her the feel the the same old feeling she made me feel!. All those miserable moments came rushing through my mind like rewinding a movie, - my wife in pain, my broken mother-in-law, my helpless sister, my perplexed father-in-law, my innocent grandmother and finally my wretched self, busy tending to police, day in and day out. 

Once in the clerks room, the clerk told me that, since she was not able to prove anything from her complaint , it was up to me to take the next step, -counter charge her for defamation, libel, threat call, official misconduct and for all the inconveniences caused thereafter. It was a moment of mending my broken heart and I wanted it to be done by buttering it first. I felt the tears of truth and justice oozing out from my eyes uncontrollably. With an outburst of my passion, I told the clerk that I was willing to go to any height to have her doomed. I told him that I want to prove to her that I am stone that is hard and a metal that clangs!! 

With that emotional outburst, the clerk reminded us of our lunch time. But he however he reminded us to come to office before it closes in the evening. 

I stayed back and did't go for lunch. I took a shade under a peach tree and contemplated on the matter. I called up my wife and updated her about the case and  told her that I was going to do the same thing to her. But to my revelation, my wife told me otherwise! -an eye for an eye will leave both blind!

I thought about it for hours and finally decided to side my wife. I went to the court in the evening and told the clerk that I wished to end the case there and that I don't desire to harass a poor lady. To that effect I wrote a final application to the court expressing my desire to end the matter. 

In the mean time, my opponent arrived. She appeared more exhausted and worried than ever. Her fragile body was barely able to withstand the gushing afternoon winds of Thimphu. She was almost near her breakdown point. But I had a good news for her. I told her that I am not going to pursue the case any further. She smiled at last. I told her not bring any more people to the court hereafter. 

That evening, I went home happy and I sent another soul happy home. I didn't even know who actually won the case.

END.

Tashi delek

Remembering My First Court Case, Part Seven

.....With those brief background, I finally proceeded to defend myself. Brimming with confidence, I thought to myself that a simple plain truth would be enough to bring down the soaring wicked plaintiff. At the same time I was also mindful of the potential and possible twists.

continued.....

My first  response to her first accusation, -breaching the hospital norm. (by having more than one maid for my sick wife)

And with due respect I spoke my heart out. I submitted, that she was right. My wife indeed had more than one maid when she was undergoing her final labour pain. But what she did not understand was that we did it upon securing permission from the senior nurse on duty that night. -that too only during my wife's final labour pain. I also explained about how the ward lady turned down our repeated pleas for little compassion form her. I told the jury about how my mother-in-law broke down and how my father-in law, went on to compare her to a Jana Gyelpo in the process of  requesting her. Lastly, I submitted that, "if we did not have enough maid ourselves, nurses in the hospital weren't ready to come and lift my wife to the labour room". That was because there were only handful  nurses (3 nurses) tending to more than 50 patients that night. 

My Second response to her second accusation, -creating havoc in the hospital for the entire day and hence distracting the other patients

Here, I denied her accusations out rightly. And I regarded her as a case of utter shameful person, lying even in the court of law. I told the jury that, although we came to hospital early morning, my sick wife was only able to get a bed in the ward at around noon through one of my sister (who was a trainee at RIHS). I explained to the jury as to how me, my sister and my mother-in-law took turn in the hospital, and there by proving that I wasn't there the "entire day" and that it was solely her illusion that saw my image. Finally to close this accusation I told the jury that "except few dogs that created havoc in the stinking toilet nearby, there weren't any sick person or nervous maids capable of creating havoc or distracting anybody". Judge smiled at this point and I smiled too..

My Third response to her third and fourth accusation, -using undue force, harassing  and battering her while she was on duty. (which indeed was the main contention)

"Your honor, this is the only valid contention" I said, boldly. "And this matter has reached to its current height all because of her malicious intention against my family" I added further. I submitted to the jury that, if I had used undue force to harass her and batter her, then why didn't the police take any action against me that very night. I explained to jury as to how swift she was in intimating police. I also explained as to how she disobeyed her administrative officer and senior nurse on duty (to solve the matter amicably). And I felt my throat choking when I explained to jury about how I ended up attending to the police, when the real need for me was to attend to my sick wife. I also explained about my subsequent struggles visiting police station on different occasions, leaving behind my vulnerable wife and infant daughter.....

With that, I submitted to court that, I neither had the intention nor the energy to kick her, for I was thoroughly exhausted, both mentally and physically that day. I told the jury as to how she was cursing my family in front of so many strangers and how she was blocking my way while I was in to collect some cloths for my wife and my new  born (expected). I closed my submission by asking the jury... "its up to the law to decide whether my slight push on her to clear the way could constitute battery and harassment"

Lastly........I added,... "your honor, I think its me who was (is)  really being harassed to the core....... not by the genuine hospital staff, but by a ward lady!" In fact she harassed me everywhere. -not only in the hospital but even at my own work place! with that I readied myself to present the evidence to to jury in which I had details of phone calls she made to me at my workplace and her recorded voice threatening me with imprisonment. Worst, when she said, she had in her recent past, imprisoned her poor husband was something I stressed further!

But the Jude told me to keep the evidence for a while. I was of the opinion that Judge was more interested in hearing my full story than get distracted by a piece of evidence. So I had to continue with my final response 

But before that, I made myself very clear on one point That was: I reminded the court that, she would be my ultimate first suspect, should something happen to my kids and to my entire family. Because she dared to collect my information both form me and as well from other sources. I told the jury that I felt very unsecured after her threatening call.

To this, judge paused me for a while and turned to the ward lady and asked her, Che ge khu luu telefom chap che lo. eena? and she meekly said, een la. So,with that I felt my victory an inch closer.

My Final response to her accusation, -threatening her by way of using my influential relatives.

I told the jury that, I have indeed asked one of my relatives to apologize her on my behalf but that did not in any way meant I was guilty at all!. In fact I expressed my deepest regret for having apologized her when she didn't deserve one.  I told the jury, how saddened I was that my good intentions were grossly misunderstood by a poor soul. I even admitted to the jury about my willingness to richly compensate her, provided she stopped her useless enterprise for good. With that I told that it was up to the jury to find out as to what my relative had spoken to her. I also told the jury that, I honestly did not know as to whether my relative was an influential person in the very first place. and secondly, I was cent percent aware that law treats every citizen with equal term.

Lastly, I went on to close my defense by telling the jury that, if at all  I had so called an influential person behind me, then I would not have landed taking my better half to a stinking and crowded ward handed by a malicious person like the Plaintiff, in the very first place.

After that, there was a complete silence for few seconds. But however judge on the throne broke our  silence. He again turned towards the lady and asked "Choe lay lap ne yoe ga?"

But, She said Yoe la. I was surprised but not confused or nervous like before.

Like a person with lost mind, her attention after that was to a totally different area. She started complaining about the Police!. Before she was abrputly stopped by a Judge, she murmured about how biased police officers had been towards her. She also complained about my uncle, who visited me in the police station by stating that he influenced the decision of police. By then I definitely sensed desperateness seeping in her.

Judge reminded her to stick on what she had in her initial complain letter and stop meddling with other issues. With that judge once again turned towards the lady and asked her for the last time, "Zhen Lap ne yoe ga?"  Finally to my relief she said Mee la.

With that, Judge spoke.

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

Remembering My First Court Case, Part Six

.........The contents were outrageously exaggerated that I found it totally unpleasant. I found the contents not worthy of being written in Dzongkha and that it was bitterly disgracing the language that represented Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, -the ultimate truth.

Continued........

When the clerk was finally done with his reading, I came to know the charges against me. I was so attentive that I almost remembered all the charges by heart. Firstly, she accused me of breaching the hospital norm. (by having more than one maid for my sick wife.) Secondly, she accused me of creating havoc in the hospital for the entire day and hence distracting the other patients. Thirdly, she accused me of using undue force and harassing her.   Fourthly, she accused me of battering her while she was on duty, (which indeed was the main contention.) She exaggerated the incident and said that I kicked her on the chest and she fell some distance away. Fifthly, she also accused me of threatening her by way of using my influential relatives.  

After Hearing the charges, I thought to myself that, she could have well become a great fiction writer or a great essayist. But in court of law, with those fictionalized story, she appeared nothing more than a creature far stupid than one you could possibly think of. 

And the Judge Ordered me to defend myself against charges. But before I proceeded to defend myself, I took permission from judge so that I could explain the general background of the entire story.

Apart form my own story, I explained to judge as to how the patients in the maternity ward were treated that day and the how crowded it had been. I also explained about the appalling sanitary conditions that day. Lastly, when a lone ward lady drained down all my expectations and esteem I had for the hospital, I told the judge about how miserable I felt and how much I regretted for having brought my wife to Thimphu.

With those brief background, I finally proceeded to defend myself. Brimming with confidence, I thought to myself that a simple plain truth would be enough to bring down the soaring wicked plaintiff. At the same time I was also mindful of the potential and possible twists.

To be continued........

Remembering My First Court Case, Part Five

...........So I waited. And exactly after two days, I got a court directive from Paro Court instructing me to proceed to Thimphu court "without fail" the immediate day. I was further directed to make my appearance in the Bench II of the Thimphu district Court.............

Continued.......

I took the order very seriously. I took it as my fundamental duty of upholding the law. Upholding the law in any case, as I knew was a serious affair and I thought any degree of complacency would not be tolerated. So I made it a point that I observe every formalities with strict adherence. 

That day, I was prepared to face the truth and justice and therefore I was more eager than ever to move out from my house.  As I grabbed the car key and my kabney, Kinley wished me good luck. I took a day off by telling a white lie to my supervisor. -a lie that won't harm or create any disharmony. With an air of optimism, I told her that, I needed to go to Thimphu on a very urgent personal errand and that I would be back in the evening. She was swift in granting a day off for me. 

So I reached to the said court in time. I showed up to the clerk and he told me wait for my turn. As the hours passed by, the number of people in the court's vicinity swelled. Surprisingly, I came across many people whom I knew personally. I felt embarrassed to admit my case and so were they!

Towards afternoon, I was called inside along with the plaintiff. It was by far the most overwhelming feeling.  But to my realization I sensed that the fear and anxieties I had for so many days, have suddenly evaporated. I sensed myself becoming bolder and braver. The adrenalin of much needed courage and confidence seem to be exploding in me and I felt the lawyer in me kicking thunderously! I felt happy at the fact that I was finally moving to set myself free with the aid of justice and law and not through pleas.

So I entered the court room for the first time in quest for the justice. It was dimly lit room where the total silence prevailed. We were made to stand in front of the judge who was perched on the throne even bigger than the Kings'. I had to raise my head to actually see the face of the judge. There he was with his mouth reddened with the stains of doma. With his green scarf and long sword, he appeared more majestic than the word Majesty itself. Below his throne, there was a Rabjam and with him was a clerk.

I took a step forward and bowed towards the Judge in reverence to the law and the justice he embodied. As to the ward Lady, -the plaintiff, she simply stood blind and blank, like a stick, completely useless and arrogant as ever. I didn't think she could be that dull. She displayed no respect to the law.

Once we were all settled, the clerk then read out the complaint submitted by the plaintiff (on top of his voice). I listened  to the complaint with both my ears, with full concentration. The complain was meticulously written  in best of the Dzongka that for once I doubted about the Dzongkha moving towards extinction. However, I soon lost interest listening to it.

The contents were outrageously exaggerated that I found it totally unpleasant. I found the contents not worthy of being written in Dzongkha and that it was bitterly disgracing the language that represented  Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, -the ultimate truth.

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

Remembering My First Court Case, Part Four

................After that the days elapsed to weeks and weeks to months, But there was nothing forthcoming. Everything in my life was normal except that ward lady who was eating away my mental peace. By then I joined my office too. My little daughter was recovering from her jaundice and was doing fine. Again deep deep deep inside, I was mentally gearing for the first court case of my life. A book on "criminal proceeding in Bhutan" by a Judge named Lungten Drupjor came in Handy! I read it from top to bottom and bottom to top.

And Finally after more than two months, I got a call from a strange and unusual number.....

Continued.......

I was in my office then, -quite busy for any private affairs. But however I answered the call. It was a lady with a very familiar voice on the other end. Without even being asked, she introduced herself to be the ward lady, -that cunning and horrible ward lady. 

 She told me that she just desired to confirm about my details including my current and permanent addresses, -both home and office. I don't know from where she managed but surprisingly, she got all my details correct!. I asked her why she needed my details. And she was transparent enough to tell me about her motives, -that she was finally lodging a legal complain to the court against me!

I went wordless and I felt a chilling sensation running all through my spine. I was prepared to win the case by a margin of hundred percent, But "what-if-I-should-loose-the-case?' was the immediate thing that struck my mind. It brought me more questions than I could possibly answer in my life time. How would my parents react to it? How would my family take it? How would my friends and relatives take such a disappointment from me? Such were the questions that flashed and dazzled in my perturbed mind. However before she put off the phone, I managed to tell her that I am prepared to face her in any court. But at the same time, I also warned her of the consequences, should she fail to prove me guilty. To this she threateningly told me that, she had in her recent past, even put her husband behind the bars and that there was little or no reason why she should act different to me. 

But later many more thoughts crossed my mind. I was ten thousand times more terrified than ever for the fact that I had everything to loose, if I should loose the case. I was fearful for the fact that I might loose my life time opportunity to serve my King and the Country to my full potential. In all those thoughtful hours, I felt my world crumbling. I felt my dreams shattering. I felt the pains of my parents. I felt the dejection of my family. I felt the sympathy of my friends. But just like the silver lining in the dark cloud, all those painful feelings made me more determined to fight to the last with absolute resoluteness. 

I marked all her words from our telephonic conversation. And I was determined to use all her words against her odd in the court of law, so I saved her number and recorded her voice with all the details. Should the need arise, I was even willing to exaggerate the matter a bit. My stakes were high and I needed all the support in what ever form it came. And to my realization, it came from a person none other than the plaintiff herself. She took a bold step in calling me, -the defendant, with her threatening message. So I thought, I got the Achilles heel to hang on and strike it when the right time comes.  

So I waited and waited. And exactly after two days, I got a court directive from Paro Court  instructing me to proceed to Thimphu court "without fail" the immediate day. I was further directed to make my appearance in the Bench II of the Thimphu district Court.

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

Remembering My First Court Case, Part Three

As I walked out, I told the ward lady to carefully weigh the pros and cons of getting herself entangled in her futile act fueled by nothing, but greed. I felt more confident and more bold. I approached the ward lady, one more time and told her that she wont gain anything from this enterprise and that I would make myself available anywhere any time to defend my innocence 

But she was even more determined to take the case further on her own.

Continued...................

For her, taking the case further meant only one thing. She clearly indicated that she would soon proceed to the court. Although determined to defend myself to the last, deep inside I felt bitterly embarrassed. The slightest thought of the incident made me feel confused. It made me feel nervous and at times angry too. But deep deep inside, I also felt that there was a genuine need for me bring that drama to its end, once and for all.

So for the first time in my life, I tried to use the; so called influence. I called on Doctor, -A neuro surgeon, who is my second cousin's husband. Although we never met personally, we knew each other quite well through telephonic conversations. So one fine day, I took all the guts in me and dialed his number. I explained to him the kind of predicament I was in and that I needed his help as a matter of urgency. I remember fumbling with words in between but I made my points clear to him. I told him to talk to the ward lady and bring the curtain of my case permanently down. Although not so reassuring, I sensed lot of positivity in his words. He said he would do his best.

But, it was nonetheless disappointing to hear from him. He told me that the lady was still cold and cruel as ever and wouldn't even listen to him. In fact it was through him, that I came to know that the lady was preparing for a court case against me. To some extent, I felt that my repeated pleas had in fact emboldened her to act against me with more intensity.

After that the days elapsed to weeks and weeks to months, But there was nothing forthcoming. Everything in my life was normal except that ward lady who was eating away my mental peace. By then I joined my office too. My little daughter was recovering from her jaundice and was doing fine. Again deep deep deep inside, I was mentally gearing for the first court case of my life. A book on "criminal proceeding in Bhutan" by a Judge named Lungten Drupjor came in Handy! I read it from top to bottom and bottom to top.

And Finally after more than two months, I got a call from a strange and unusual number.

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

Remembering My First Court Case, Part Two

Nurses on duty were unusually quite and wouldn't speak a word to me. But in between the lady started calling the Police.
Continued......

Inside, the Nurses were busy attending to Kinley and outside some strange, rather unexpected things were taking shape. From no where a group of Police showed up like those Pizza delivery boys in India. I was soon called out. As expected, they interrogated me and I gave my full co-operation. It was then, I came to know that a lady was a ward lady, whose duty was to clean up the wards and maintain a required sanitary level in the wards. 

She was adamant and she insisted that it was a case of battery. She also insisted that our case needs further attention and hence needs to be taken to a appropriate place for settlement. For her, appropriate place meant one thing, -Police station. But however the the officer on duty rejected her case, for she couldn't produce any on-spot evidence nor any reliable eye witness. The officer told me to behave and he left the scene. 

For once, I thought to myself that we have police officers who were more humanely and homely than people in the Hospital. I also thought to myself that I came to hospital seeking much needed help and support, but felt thoroughly harassed in the process. I felt disheartened to the brim. It was even more bitter feeling that our referral hospital lacked people who were trained to deal with human emotion and anxieties. Even nurses weren't any better that night. Forget about sorting out the things that went miserably wrong, they all sympathized the ward lady. Worse, one nurse was my former school mate. It reminded me of a adage; wolfs  will support only wolfs in the den. 

By the time I was done with police, my wife gave birth to Sonam. I walked in with tears rolling down my cheeks. I could fell my heart panting and my lungs running short of oxygen. I took a long deep breath and continued walking in. I felt sorry for not being the first person to touch my daughter, but nevertheless, I felt overwhelmed all over that my wife was safe and so was my daughter. I thanked god and I personally went to thank those nurses on duty. 

But next morning, It was yet another surprise. I got a call from Police station and I was asked to report immediately. At that moment, I felt the ward lady was really up-to something. I got myself dressed and immediately rushed to the police station. I was greeted by a young lady officer. She offered me a cup of black tea and after which she took my statement.  She told me to come gain the next day. But I insisted that our case be resolved within the earliest possible time period.  To this the officer told me to to either wait or compromise the case between the two of us. 

I felt her idea worthwhile and suddenly I found my self begging the ward lady to withdraw the case.  I told her I would compensate her with a cash. I remember making several pleas to her only to be turned down abruptly. It appeared to me that, someone from behind was guiding her all through. I saw her worn out phone being over burdened that day. So I also told her that I would give her a brand new phone, if only she could consent to my plea. I did this not because I would be proven guilty but I needed more time to stay with my new born daughter and  my recovering wife. 

After 2 days, I was again called back to the police station. The officer had a good news. She told me that Ward lady's medical report came out clean. Of course I was relieved to hear that but I refuted the officer by saying that she should have a medical report taken immediately on that day and not after 2 or 3 days. But the officer told me to calm down. As she could not charge sheet me to the court for the lack of evidence, she told me to leave. I felt immensely happy to hear that. 

As I walked out, I told the ward lady to carefully weigh the pros and cons of getting herself entangled in her futile act fueled by nothing, but greed. I felt more confident and more bold. I approached the ward lady, one more time and told her that she wont gain anything from this enterprise and that I would make myself available anywhere any time to defend my innocence 

But she was even more determined to take the case further on her own. 

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

Remembering My First Court Case, Part One

Three places on earth that I wouldn't want to frequent. ----They are plain, discrete and direct.  First, the Hospital,  second,  the Police station and third, the Court. But, unfortunately I had one such ghostly moment in my past that took me to all those feared places of my life.

First to the Hospital. It dates back in 2008 when Kinley was due to give birth to Sonam. She underwent  an immense labour pain near the pediatric ward of JDWNRH. Many hours into her labour pain, we finally managed to get one bed in the ward. As a young man, stepping to become a father was a incredible feeling. It brought me joys and fears weighted in equal proportion. But Kinley's prolonged labour pain made me fell nervous and helpless. Towards midnight, her pain augmented. I could sense my pulse soar and face redden.  I felt utter helplessness being next to her. With her parents and one of my sister around, we were at least better than some of the patients who were left alone on their own. Sensing something frantic, a nurse showed up and finally told us to move her to the labour room.

We were busy lifting and moving Kinley to the labour room and in the middle, a lady showed up. --The same lady I had seen the whole day, scolding helpless patients and maids.-- She looked more like a sweeper but sounded worse than Hitler. She took no regard for the pains and anxiety we were under and in her most wicked and cruelest tone, she said that one sick person cannot have more than one maid. As such her point stood very valid but delivery case was altogether a different issue. My father-in-law and  I requested her to show us some compassion which she was not keen at. In between many things happened. The lady kept on scolding at us but we had no or little time to listen to her. We finally reached Kinley in the safety of labour room and following which I came back to get some cloths for her and the (expected) new born.

I intended to beg pardon for all the inconvenience caused and wanted to apologize the lady, but to my shocking revelation, I found the lady charged with anger was cursing me and my family. It was not a good omen. Charged and tensed, I was, I told her to shut up and pushed her from my way. No sooner did I touch her, then she fell off on the floor and shouted on top of her voice. She accused me of having battered her. The entire hospital went numb and there was silence all over. Nurses  on duty were unusually quite and wouldn't speak a word to me. But in between the lady started calling the Police. 

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

My Conversation With The Ghost!

For me, anything without proper identity is a ghost and you will get to see many such ghosts in online forms. In my recent past I have had the privilege of meeting with one such ghost in "The Bhutanese" online form. Discussion on "Denchi land compensation scam" as reported my 'TheBhutanese' paper was at its height. Of the many faceless ghosts, there was one particular ghost that drew my attention under the tag "the monk". I saw him spending sleepless nights defending the accused. Through his relentless responses to attackers, I sensed him getting exhausted and getting even vulgar. Although his voice was getting suppressed by attacks from all sides, he never looked defeated. So I took the initiative of inviting him on Facebook, where issues of National importance are normally discussed amicably with faces and substance. I did it because that is where your voices are immediately heard by the PM, the OL, Ministers and almost all the MPs. And this was what the monk wrote: 

By the way, Peldhen Sonam Nima is my Facebook profile name and there is nothing to worry. Its just the combined names of my three little daughters. I even used this on my blog too. The Ghost monk looked more frightened with my name than my request I sent. In his confused and wimpy state he was easily going vulgar. In response to his fast fading voice, I left my response on Facebook page 'Social democracy in Bhutan'. But sensing his reluctance, I just removed my comments from there and the following was what the Monk, in his most proudest moment wrote again:

Interestingly, he extended his invitation for me to become a ghost like him. Well, it is not in my blood to become a ghost, face less and arrogant. I believe in sharing my opinions openly with my face and identity. Although I nearly paid a hefty price for being open in my recent past, this thing can hardly deter me. So following was what I wrote:

And in response, he wrote the following lines:

After those comments, The monk disappeared. I am now thinking that even the ghost monks go for meditation or else hibernation. I may be wimp but I am ready to read him more.

Of Diplomatic Relations and Mercury Level(s)

I had this topic in my mind for quite sometime, -nearly a year!

You see, I had a heated argument (so to say) between me and one of my room mate whom I met last year (2011). But I don't know whether this would qualify to be called as a "debate" in the first place. Since this was the very first.....debate of its kind between us, I never felt comfortable blogging and had to forgo it for some other topics. And in course of one year, I have seen him fall into many such debates with many other friends. Now that I have already blogged about my other room mate, I don't find any reason to postpone it any further.

It was one casual evening. I remember it was after our dinner, -the time we mostly devote for casual and some senseless talks. The infamous 'diplomatic relations' was one such topic that evening.  Although I still do not remember as to how that sensitive topic came to the fore, I remember what I spoke that night with crystal clarity. I spoke about the the guiding role, yes the "guiding role", India plays in Bhutanese foreign relations. I also said that at the moment, Bhutan has diplomatic relations with over 29 or so nations and that all most all visas to Bhutanese nationals travelling to various countries in the world are being issued in India and not in Bhutan.

Strange and to my utter disappointment, my friend found my knowledge, absolutely unacceptable, grotesque and vague. He defiantly said that India plays no "guiding" role in Bhutan's foreign policy and that Bhutan has a diplomatic relation with over 169 countries already! What was more disgraceful was that, he supported his points by telling me that, he is RCSC select graduate and it was how he prepared for the RCSC examination!

Taken aback and shocked to my core, I told him that that he is mistaking diplomatic relations to international associations like friendship associations and other such organizational bodies. I also told him that he will understand more about it once he have a passport of his own and start travelling to ex-countries. I am not a foreign relation expert and hence I risk saying senseless points, but here, I was thousand percent sure about the right thing I spoke. I also told him about how I cleared the same exam some 6 years before him.

And the other thing, i.e "Mercury leve(s)" debate happened in my absence and hence I don't have a first hand information as to what actually transpired. It was all I heard from my other friends. My friend who discarded my knowledge about "diplomatic relations" also discarded the "Mercury level" knowledge of other friends too. They told me about he how he supported his view of thermometer with two mercury levels, -one showing maximum and the other showing minimum! I went wordless once again.

Confused and skeptical about my general knowledge, I latched the door from inside and started cross checking with Google and Wikipedia. But at the back of my mind, I knew he was not being silly but rather teasing our intellectual capacity.

Have a nice day folks.

For My Daughter, On Her sixth Birthday

Peldhen 2006

Peldhen 2007

Peldhen 2008

Peldhen 2009

Peldhen 2010

Peldhen 2011

Peldhen 2012

Dear sweetie, 

I am happy you are six now.

In time, you will grow up 

and become seven, eight, nine, ten 

and finally you will, 

fully grow up to read and understand 

a brief message papa wrote for you  

on your sixth Birthday. 

Remember few things:

Be happy with who you are 

and what you have

Life is not long 

therefore

 Treat every day as precious gift

Do not preach 

what you cannot practice yourself

Always remember that 

Success and failures are the ingredients of life;

do not get deluded by the former 

and deterred by the latter. 

Dream big but 

know that being ambitious

can be sometimes dangerous as well.

Check the road ahead.

Before you walk, 

and learn to say "I don't know" 

even when you think you know all.

Love and Trust

are entity, that are totally different.

Dear Sweetie, 

Let me not sermonize further 

for you will be bored 

But always bear in mind that 

you and your two little sisters are

everything for mummy and papa.

You are all eternal flowers

that bloom forever in the garden of our soul

Love you so much.

&

Miss you so much.

With Love 

Papa

Of peeing and Shitting Dogs

As I have said in my earlier post, many things have indeed transpired around me in a brief period of time. The immediate thing that comes to my mind is a (sick) buffalo that died in a swamp some hundred yards away from my room. At first glace I thought the beast was cooling off his body from the scorching heat. But Later I realized that the beast actually died. I think the beast died a very painful death though. As crows and vultures and dogs from every nook and corner gathered and devoured the corpse, I thought to myself  that the corpse would have made a fortune, if only it were in a place other than this veggie Gujarat.

And few weeks ago, I also saw a corpse of a dog. I don't know how it died but I did not regret a bit. In fact I have developed a strong sense of dislike for dogs here in Gujarat (especially in my campus) In my recent times, they have become the most annoying and disgusting creature. It might sound like an exaggeration, but these dogs in my campus have a very wired habit. Of all the places on earth, they all come to pee and shit right in front of my door!  I could sense my intense hatred for dog exceeding my hatred for mosquitos and house flies! darn!  And one fine day I was busy planning to bring those beasts to justice. But fortunately for those dogs, it coincided with the birthday of Lord Krishna and I had to call off my plan. And the shitting and peeing continues and we have a entry that stinks worse than our university toilet.

Now that we had a good rain fall here in Gujarat, the weather is lot better these days. The cools breeze in the evening and mornings just reminds me of my morning and evening walk in Paro. I often join one of my friend who frequents the terrace, especially in the evening and night to enjoy the  freshness of breeze and the beauty of the night sky. 

Since we see airplanes and stars, we often end up talking a lot about those objects. I could make out from his expression that airplanes have really fascinated him and on many occasions, I saw him go nuts with is imaginations. As for me, having worked in international airport for more than six years, it was not a topic that warranted my attention. But surprisingly his wild theory did draw my attention. You know what he said? He told me with full conviction that an airplane he was flying in actually did not fly forward and was in stationary position on two different occasion. He baffled me and I went wordless.

And the other night, we talked about the English as a language and medium of instruction. I think we also discussed about grammar too. I told him that I know not much about grammar and hence I make lot of grammatical errors. He told me that he used to be a grammar guru in his school and that many teachers would come and seek his assistance in grammar. I told him it is well and good.  And the next thing he said baffled me even  more.  He told me that he doesn't like reading and writing at all! Confused and lost, I asked him "sir, then where do u show your grammatical talents"  

He reminded me of my nephew in my village, who once talked to me a lot about flying airplane and how he wished to become Kalam Singh one day. I felt happy thinking about my innocent nephew and his blissful green days. 

Well guys, I will write about other things in my next post and its going to be about mercury levels and diplomatic relations. 

After a Long Gap

In a very brief period of time, many things have transpired around me. Although busy in my own world and not being able to blog, silently I was closely observing all the forces of evolution in my periphery with utmost consciousness and presence of mind.

Firstly, There were some miscommunications between the office of the dean and Bhutanese students here in Gujarat. Those miscommunications have obviously created an atmosphere of animosity between the staffs and students. It worsened, when some of our senior friends left the University with uncleared dues. As for me and my batch mates were concerned, we left for summer break with lot of inconveniences. Firstly we were fully engaged till 6pm with our exams but had a train to catch at 9pm and in which case we failed to submit our room keys to the office. It appeared to me that people in the dean's office took our inconvenience as disobedience to the office. To further heighten the distrust and suspicion, the dean's office later announced a rental hike of more than one hundred and sixty six percent! 

It was not a happy feeling at all. More than a sudden rental hike, what made me sad was the fact that in a foreign land, we were perceived as mere untrustworthy people. They were also of the opinion that we were taking their generosity little too lavishly. 

There was a genuine need for us to talk to the dean. So we proposed for a meeting and accordingly made an appointment. All we wanted was to clear the skepticism and ambiguities hovering in between. So on 22nd August, 2012, we had our first formal meeting with our dean in years time. I took the lead. I apologized her and her office on behalf our seniors and on our own behalf. I expressed our remorse and regret simultaneously. With that, I also gave her an assurance that such things would never happen in future and that she and her office should not interpret our inconvenience as our disobedience. 

At last our dean spoke. She spoke with such a grace and elegance that it moved my heart. She was really a a person worthy of her position and office. She said, there was no need for us to apologize her. She told us that people do not become bad out of choice and that people become bad due to circumstantial events. She also expressed her regard and esteem for Bhutanese scholars. It was an impressive one! She told us not to take rent revision as a penalty! 

I think my apology changed the entire atmosphere. Everyone in the meeting smiled and had lot of funny stories to tell. In fact, I came to know that we (had) have a lively and supportive dean behind us. I also realized that there is a magic in apologizing people; -it brings people closer. More, it doesn't make anyone smaller.

That evening, I came to my room feeling satisfied and happy. The out come of the meeting was such that , we were not only able to restore our cohesive and friendly atmosphere with her office, but were also able to restore their faith and trust in us. She graciously exempted us from paying our previous year's rent. She further said she would do her best to provide us subsidy for our power consumption.

I will write about other things in my next post..

The Real Happy Face

The REAL HAPPY FACE

Mr. Jean Paul Jasperse thinks this is a "Real HAPPY FACE". I was told by one of my friend that Jean is an artist himself. My friend even showed me some of his fascinating art works. Even though I couldn't grasp the real meaning hidden in some of his art work, they all looked really amazing. Honestly, I have never seen many people like Jean. All his art works invokes an immense sense of mystery and magic. 

I never met Jean personally, but I have always sensed him following me either in my facebook or on my blog. It's been while that Jean has been liking all my post on facebook and I am happy for that. I thank him immensely for all the 'like' button he pressed for me....   :)

Today I feel more happy for the fact that Jean has left a very beautiful comment befitting my daughters photograph. -The Real HAPPY FACE. Well, I will leave that entirely to Jean. 

As for me, this picture has always brought me smile and laughter. Every time I went broke and sick in the heat of tropical India, I looked at this picture. The smile in the picture brought me immediate joy. It helped me wipe off those miserable feelings.  Every time I felt cheated by autowallas and fish sellers, a mere look at this picture soothed me. The smile in the picture always gave me the strength to overcome those hard times. All in all her smile gave me less reason to worry and more reason to live and celebrate life. 

Last but not the least, every time I get confused defining happiness, I look at this picture and I could hear my daughter with the "real HAPPY FACE" whispering into my ears "daddy, don't you think happiness was much easier to define without those pillars, domains ...............and......... and....and I forgot the rest"

Monsoon Football Thoughts

Sonam Sir has written about the most awaited and most celebrated monsoon football tournament somewhere in Bumthang. His short essay reminded me of my glorious footballing days. Memories came rushing through my spine and I felt nostalgic. I felt energized and reinvigorated and here is what I wrote on his blog. 

Sonam Sir,

All the best.

your essay reminded me of my footballing days in Paro. Yes, as you have mentioned, I also used to celebrate myself like you....and I tell you it gave me lot of confidence.... I can't remember the year but It was a game where Bumthangpas in paro with hired Bumthap players from Thimphu played against an army team in airport. with game at stalemate, I nearly had a fight with ref when i found him being bias with his decisions. It was quite a game even though we didn't have ref after that moment.

Those days, I hardly knew how to drop the ball but, I considered my self nothing less than a player who has the potential being a "strike" force. But sadly many a time, I was made to play as goal keeper....slowly but painfully, i got promoted to defense....I have many painful experience playing as defense.....

Later that thing was to change, It was in Changjiji ground where we outplayed, combined team of RCSC and DRC of Thimphu. i scored the opening goal for our team! and my other friend, who had the same painful history, scored the winning goal!....with that game, I finally saw myself being promoted in the forward (That was more of a self promotion though) LOL.....

and the last time I played football was in June,2012 (I was on my summer break) I played a warm-up game siding Customs and Immigration team. (and those days, I used to be the team captain and manager myself) I had my boot Which I bought it for more than thousand bugs. I think we lost the game, but I did my part, - I scored one goal playing in the wing position....and i thought I was included in the team for the real match.......but sadly not.... my successor wasn't impressed with my performance..... I was not even included in the bench warmers list......  It was bitter moment for me. But when they lost the first game by a large margin, I thought to my self that they missed the gold in me.....he he 

But nevertheless, I am working hard here in India now, I want to keep myself fit and strong so that i can perform better next time. Me and my friend already bought a skipping rope and I am making full use of it.

Anyways, all the best for your upcoming match on Tuesday... and yea, buy one boot......I think it will give u an additional reason to celebrate yourslef.....