Message to all the TEACHERS on TEACHERS’ DAY

No doubt, today is very important day in our country. Our well known ‘Father of Modern Bhutan’, His Majesty the Third Druk Gyelpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, was born in Thruepang Palace in Trongsa. He was born to our beloved Second Druk Gyelpo, Jigme Wangchuck and Azhi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck, on 2^nd May, 1928. In the history of education, he brought a landmark changes. He set up schools and institutes in the country. His educational reforms like adding our national language and other relevant subjects are notable reforms in the history of education. During his reign, the education system was strengthened and reinforced. He updated many new things in education systems. Political reforms like establishing National Assembly in 1953 and modernization through planned developmental activities was introduced and many more. Therefore, he is referred as ‘Father of Modern Bhutan’.

In the memory of his dedicated service to the nation and its people as a whole, the day is marked as holiday in Bhutanese calendar. The government, corporate, autonomous and private sectors remain closed for a day to commemorate His Majesty’s benevolent reign.

In addition to above, the Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 2^nd May, every year to pay tribute to the His Majesty and teachers as a whole. This is the day, where we celebrate Teachers’ Day by schools all over the country irrespective of rural and urban territory. And it is only reason for celebrating the Teachers’ Day uniquely from other countries of the world. India, the day is celebrated on 5^th September and 5^th October is celebrated as World Teachers’ Day.

With this we should also know the significance of the Teachers’ Day being celebrated, all over the country, today. The word teacher itself shows lucid meaning which I have no words to express it, here. I quote Aristotle, “Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life, those the art of living well”. I unquote, Teachers exists when the civilization in this sphere starts. Teachers taught good, inspiring, and fantastic lessons to the learners, students and all. Teachers are one of the greatest people whom we came across in our life. They are not only the self-sacrificing givers but also the mentors of the life. At the every step of our life in the schools, we came across the teachers who devote their entire life in the enlightenment of students like me. For sure, teachers’ definition can’t be limited to a subject teacher but anyone who guided us in our life is a teacher.

Our beloved teachers, who taught us, from the day we joined the school and to the present height without any failure. My Pre-Primary Teachers helped me, guided me and inspired me with the encouraging and exterminating words. I can still remember the way our teacher teaches in the classes and their motivating remarks and footnotes. I was substandard students in the class, but due to our teachers’ consistent efforts and exhilarate supports, now we can meet in this school together. Moreover, I can write something to here because of the teachers who dedicated their time on me.

And this is the very reason for celebrating the day in remembrance of our 3^rd Dragon King and his deeds and to pay our tribute to the Teachers of the past, present and future which will come sooner than later. It is significant to pay our homage for imparting knowledge selflessly. You all are our second parents and I will always keep our heart’s space for all the Teachers to be always remembered, wherever I go and stay after completing our schooling in this school.

I wish our beloved teachers would also put your consistent efforts to brighten our future and our future generation. Our future lies in your hands, so bless us with your golden knowledge, henceforth.

I wish all our teachers a very Happy Teachers’ Day.


Dendup Gyembo,
Students of Many teachers.

Simple Life leads to Happiness (From Happiness Perspective)

The term simple in dictionary is defined as “of low or ordinary statuses.” Then what would be the meaning of the ‘Simple Life’? From my point of view, the simple life is leading our life in trouble-free, not entering in the materialistic world.

Today, people in and around us always go for the acquisitive world, money is counted a lot, but these all build tension in our mind. The money is what we always opt for, it’s our priority and these priorities would ruin our life.

In the villages where there is not much earnings always considered themselves as Happiest person in the world. They work hard to make their living which is considered as one of the privileged to be born in village. As and when I travel to eastern Bhutan in December 2013, I met with Ap Wangpo who hails from Samdrup Jongkhar, but I forgot to ask his village. I stopped for lunch in restaurant below Dewathang satellite town. As I asked him, “how happy are you?” He replied smilingly, “I am happy because I lead my life in very simple way.”

“Simple…? How and in what ways you considered as simple life?” I asked him.

“I earn few hundred bucks at the end of the months working as carpenter,” adding that today I came here to drop oranges for the auction next month. He was happily drinking a Black Mountain Wisky to regain from tiring walk for half day.

Some eagerness generated within me then, I asked him to narrate some ways of being happiest person. He took a sip of Wisky, and here it goes:

“When I was young, my dearly loved father died while he was constructing a house for neighbor. I don’t remember the age because I was little boy then. My loved mother too left me all alone after few years. My eldest sister got married to present husband where they took care of me and my youngest brother, who is serving as Army currently. My eldest sister and hubby didn’t earn any cash. During that time, the cash was very precious. We usually earn half ngultrum when we work tirelessly for a day. No money, no shopping and all, we were happy. We manufactured oil out of mustard; we cultivate paddy, maize and other cereal crops and vegetables as well. Everything is generated within our locality, so we were happiest person,” he nodded his head.

Adding that, “Today, we earn lot of money; we can get everything from India. When everything is imported from India, the things are highly priced. The rice, vegetables and all are imported from India, yet it’s all inorganic. These inorganic substances are consumed by us, which takes away our health. So many kidney patients are there in my village. It might be due to inorganic substances. I am healthy, I don’t have health problem yet, so I am happiest person.”

He then talked on how he was happy with low earning. He compared wealthy and poor families living in rural like him and urban areas like his village mates. “I live in my village for last 62 years, I didn’t earn anything much. But still I enjoyed my life in simple way with my beloved wife and two children. Eldest of two is son, who graduated from Sherabtse College, Kanglung. Currently he is working in civil service. May be he might be ‘Gopoen’. Second child is daughter; she is working as teacher somewhere in Bumthang. We are happy here, our children used to visit us yearly. My wife went to son’s place in Thimphu. She stayed there for nearly three months. She says she don’t like there as it noisy. When my children asked me to go with them, I rejected their request because I am happy here. I am not earning much but happy. My children used to send money when they find people coming to village. They used to call us timely.”

“Whenever we talk about happiness in urban areas, I will cite example my son and daughter. They earn enough since their wife and hubby is earning too. Still they are not happy as they want more money. They own a car each; they have spent money on oil refill, maintenance, and many others such as house rent. Their children are going school; they have to drop them school, pickup from school, baby sitter is also employed, so they have to spend money on all. When money in wallet decrease, their happiness will fades away. May be they don’t have happiness in them.”

“We don’t have tension here; we cook our meals three times a day. We eat together chatting, gossiping and laughing. We eat meat, eggs, and fish every week, this is how we always enjoy our life here. Besides all, we also offer Choepa, prayers and chat religious mantras every morning, evening and during duezangs (Auspicious days). That how we lead happy life being in remote and far flung area. Only thing we need is food, shelter and proper basic facilities; we have already connected with road network, BHU, electricity, telecommunication, etc.”

This how Ap Wangpo enjoying the happiest moment in the remote rural village in Samdrup Jongkhar. With simple life, the happiness is grabbed and shared among them. They always eat nutritious food; have good shelter, medical facilities and all.

To fly to third world countries, make huge amount of money, come up with luxurious car, building, etc. are cause of tensions and ruin our happiness. Simple and natural life leads us to world of happiness, where the Philosophies of GNH are fulfilled. Leading simple life in villages conserve the environment, culture and traditions emerged from our forefathers will be preserved, working in field would make our sustainable living and local leader administering over good governance.

Youth Unemployment

...is one of the biggest issues of the nation. How do you think this can be solved?

Bhutan is one of the under developing countries in the world and also in Asian region too. Bhutan evolves with numerous developmental processes especially in terms of infrastructures. The Population of the country increases significantly. The youth enrolment in the schools, colleges, institutions and so on increases drastically. Therefore, the youth unemployment arises out of increasing youth enrolment in schools, institutions, colleges and so on.

What is mean by ‘Youth Unemployment’? The ‘Youth Unemployment’ is the lack of job opportunities for people classically aged 15–24 years old. This age series is determined by the period when mandatory schooling ends through the age of 24. In order to qualify as unemployed for official and statistical measurement, the individual must be without employment, willing and able to work, of the officially designated 'working age' and actively searching for a position.

History says that the youth unemployment rate has been two to three times higher than in older age groups. It is logically higher in developing countries, but has become a problem in countries around the world, including our country - Bhutan.

The ‘Youth Unemployment’ in Bhutan is one of the biggest issues of the nation. This has to be solved within very short span of time. The youth unemployment increases noticeably at sweeping rate. Why youth unemployment increases in our country? This is because, youth population increases yearly due to malfunction of family planning. Therefore, youth unemployment increases extensively.

Hundreds and thousands of youth hunt job for their survival after certain degrees of schooling and trainings. Some youth usually go ahead working with private and Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and many more. Some feel secure to work in Government offices but the vacancy in government is very limited.

The Government works out on full employment for the youth, today. But there is lot and lots to be surveyed, checked and studied thoroughly to examine the problems and solve it. As a general, everyone residing in the country should always work together to solve Youth Unemployment problems in the country and suggest some effective measures to be instituted.

To solve Youth Unemployment problems in the country is major concern for our government especially Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, other ministries, other government and private organizations and so on. They should work jointly to solve the problems as soon as possible. All of the above, we the youth of today should also draw closer with whatever comes on way whether small or big, white collar or blue collar jobs, etc.

The following are my suggestions for solving ‘Youth Unemployment’ in the country.

Create more Employment opportunity in Government:

Today, in our country the Civil servants are looked and managed by Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) since its inception. The commission and other agencies should have to create more job opportunities in government sectors.

In ministries, organizations, etc… the new recruitment are made under civil service rule and which is strictly followed. But government organizations announce the vacancies with experiences of five years and above for the various posts. There, the fresh graduate without pass marks in Royal Civil Service Examination would not be eligible to apply. Now, what I feel is that if government organizations endorse their in-service candidates to higher posts and recruit new for the officer level job after civil service examination rather than recruiting someone from other government sectors. Then it would help create more job vacancies in government sectors for the young and fresh graduates hunting for employment.

Encourage employment in Private Organizations:

The youth today, do not feel secure to work in private firms as the pay, allowances, etc… are incredibly low. The terms and conditions are very strict. If government implements existing civil service rules and regulations for private sectors, then the unemployed youth would like to work in private sectors. International Labour Organization’s (ILO) daily limit of 8 hours should be instituted in private sectors with very strict rules and regulations. The government should have to survey how far the private sectors’ employees work and their working conditions.

If the government implements the effective measure according to Royal Civil Service Commission would help increase youth who motivates to work in Private Sectors. The pay, travelling and daily allowances while working in offices and travelling out of the office, the leave and holiday schemes should be implemented equivalent to government employees.

If government would provide some incentives like cheap housing like government employee, then the youth would feel like to work in private organizations. So, therefore, youth unemployment problems in the country would be solved within very short span of time period.

Encourage business:

These days, our government is working to encourage youth to open business with the help of loans at cheaper rate. If government make the rate of interest is low, it would help more youth opting for business. The strict rules on imports are implemented on numerous goods. The business firms that import beverages and other banned products were imposed fine for several times. This discourage unemployed youth to come up with new ideas on business rather they quit plan for doing business.

The incentives for business man and woman such as health and medical, life incentives and many more should be put into practice for encouragement of Business firms to come up at fast rate. Therefore, the youth of today would come up to do business for rest of their life. They can make their living and also can employ some few youth as sale girl or sale boy. Thus, the youth unemployment would decrease considerably.

Vacancies with Experiences and set up percentage of marks:

Bhutan is still under developing. Our country did not reach the climax to step such criteria. Our government should make some measures to intake fresh and inexperience graduates of all kind. An experience is strange and aching situation for us - the fresh graduates without experiences. We did not learn how to work in offices in any of the subjects but we have keen interest to learn from experienced senior or pre-service employees. Therefore, all organizations including government, private, etc. should avoid recruiting experiences candidates for vacancies announced prior to. If organizations recruit candidates with no experiences then the youth unemployment will be solved shortly.

The other thing in vacancies announced needs good marks. Certain percentage in various stages is most dreadful and insecure criteria. Everytime, the organizations set up criteria of 60% in classes 10, 12 and degree. Students who didn't qualify from classes 10 and 12 would not have 60% and they would not fulfill the set up criteria. Some universities in India like North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), North Bengal University (NBU), and others, strictly evaluate the answer scripts where hundreds of Bhutanese fails to bring more than 50%.

Therefore, I suggests all organizations to not to set up certain percentage to avoid youth unemployment problems. If organizations, both government and private do not set such criteria then the youth with low percentage would be employed resulting certain decrease in youth unemployment.

Encourage youth to work abroad:

The government should always encourage and help our youth to work abroad. Passports and necessary documents should be issued at very reliable fees and in very short period of time. As of now, Bhutanese willing to work in abroad are strictly evaluated on the various grounds. They are checked, verified and tested for everything. This truly discourages youths these days to come up with willingness to work in abroad.

For example; like English teachers sent to Thailand in past years, government should arrange same for youth of today to work as English teachers in abroad. The numerous Bhutanese are working in abroad in various agencies in various designations. These helped our country to minimize the unemployment problem and hereafter too if such plans are planned then our unemployed youth would diminish.

Generally, our government should plan the employment plans, survey how much unemployed youth hunts for employment. The favoritism and nepotism should be circumventing in Bhutanese society. The candidates of any high level personalities should not be entertained with their background. All the youth of our country should be treated same under the fundamental rights of the people according to the constitution of Bhutan.

Corruption, bribery and enticement should be always kept behind. The candidates with relevant courses should be allotted or recruited for the post announced. Accountability and transparency should be made for the best interest of the public, the selection procedures. Pre-select candidates should not be entertained.

To conclude, I hereby share some few points that was shared the Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay and some Ministers during ‘Question-Answer’ session in National Assembly declared the government’s determination to deal with the challenge of youth unemployment in the country. One of the programs being rolled out by the government to tackle youth unemployment, Prime Minister along with Council of Ministers started Meet–the–People program. Lyonchen also said either establishing or expanding existing businesses, more new employment opportunities would be created with the help from other ministries for the unemployed youth.

Therefore, the ‘Youth Unemployment’ problem in the country will be solved soon.

Journey to village -July 2013

Prologue

Towards the escalating sun in eastern valleys,

Where, the my residence settlement belongs,

Where my much-loved dad and mom stays,

Where my dearly loved relatives hang about;

I departed eastern valleys for more than year,

I finally planned to visit them once again.

I started journey from Paro -western Bhutan to Phuentsholing -south-western Bhutan. I travelled in Cab along with group of easterners. I reached Phuentsholing calmly passing various hills and valleys. I hold the night there. Next day, I travelled to Gelephu where my only sister stays. I spent more than a week there. I enjoyed great scenes and sceneries of south central Bhutan.

After a week, it was time to travel towards south-eastern Bhutan- Samdrup Jongkhar. Myself, In-law and his friend started journey towards the east. Through the great plains of Assam, following the Asian highway for 5 to 6 hours, we reached Samdrup Jongkhar. It was my immense joy to be in Samdrup Jongkhar after a year gap. I last visited the place in July 2012.

It was 1:30 pm when we reached there, it was very hot there, and we plan to travel ahead. So, we bought necessary things from various shops within very short span of time. We then climbed upwards the uphill of south-eastern Bhutan towards the destination. Our destination here was Tongzhang, Trashi Yangtse. This district is complete east which shares boundary with Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the East and Chinese colonized Tibet in the North.

Through the hills and valleys, in the thick fogies, we travelled swiftly. The roads are enveloped by thick fogies where we hardly see road ahead. Still then we travelled to reach our destination. By 6pm we reached Wamrong the satellite town under Trashigang District. We had lunch and took rest for very petite interval.

Wamrong is the town located along the road sides below Dungkhag headquarters. Once the town was razed by the fire and gutted to the ground. The travelers take meals there and also hold nights. The passenger buses, trucks, taxis and other vehicles travelling stops there, whether they have some work or not, which help shopkeepers there, earn some income.

We proceeded further then. Same situation was exists along the journey. After travelling for less than two hours we reached Khaling, which is also satellite town under same district. The people there were shutting down the shutters of the shops. I carefully looked around while travelling. I enjoy the scenes there. It is attractive and picturesque place.

The Khaling is famous for National Institute for Disabilities and Jigme Sherabling HSS which is renowned school in Bhutan. About 10 to 12 kilometers away from town, the monastery is located above the road head. It is the Karma Kagyu Shaydra sponsored and looked after by Kyabjee Zuri Rinpoche. The construction work was started somewhere in 2004 or 2005 and completed in 2010. But Shaydra was existed before itself.

We stopped for while and prayed facing the temple. My father spent more than five years constructing the temple. He worked there as Zow/Zowpoen. The temple at night looks as if it’s flying in the sky. However, we had to proceed.

As soon as we crossed some few meters, we encountered the minor road blocks where we overtook. After crossing several minor blocks, we encountered major road block where DANTAK officials and laborers still working to clear up the blocks for the benefit of public. They lit the torch. I was happy with DANTAK and thanked them for working at night.

There were only two light vehicles travelling at the same time. For those two vehicles, they worked until 9pm. Minority is prioritized by them. The stones and mud are rolling from above the road. We finally, pass through that block.

We calmly reached Yonphula and travelled down the hill and passed through Sherabtse College and followed by Rongthung village and so on.

Yonphula is famous for Yonphula Lake and only airport in eastern Bhutan. The place is located on top of the uprising hill where we could see Drametse, Trashigang, Sherabtse College and other parts of Trashigang and also Trashi Yangtse.

Sherabtse College is located below Yongphula. The college is famous in the country and its oldest of all. Below Sherabtse College is Rongthung Nagtshang is located and where our Queen’s paternal ancestors hailed from, as per legend history says. We took some time to gaze at the Naktshang. So, we proceeded.

We reached Pam. The Pam is village that is famous for early potatoes in the country. The Oil and Gas Distribution center is located there. Auto workshops too are located there. We filled up our vehicle and checked whether vehicle is dented or not. It was very calm without movement of vehicles. It was almost 9:30pm.

We travelled ahead to reach our destination. We passed through Chazam. The Chazam is famous in the country as there was Iron Bridge over the river which was built by Thangthong Gyelpo but it does not exist today. This is the junction where travelers can divert to many directions.

After 20 minutes drive we entered the boundary of Trashi yangtse. Jamkhar-drang is boundary point for two districts. We reached Tsher-Gom where Guru Rinpoche visited in 8th Century while subduing the demon that was chased from Tibet and reached at Gom kora.

After little minute drive from Tsher-Gom we entered the territory of Tongzhang. The feeder road heading towards Tongzhang Gewog centre is somewhat good. We climbed up the hills of Lower Tongzhang above Gomkora.

Gomkora is famous in the country due to its unique Tshechu conducted every year. The place was once visited by Guru Rinpoche along with Demon and subdued at the place. There we can find a temple and many holy places around. The Nye is situated below the District Highway.

We travelled eagerly up the hills and valleys passing numerous hamlets such as Dukuling, Bainangkhar, Lakurung, Gambari and Shakpa. Now we reached the junction where we had to travel more than 20 kilometers ahead. From Shakpa chorten, we had to follow the farm road heading towards my village. We entered the farm road leaving Chorten behind.

As soon as we entered the farm road, the vehicle bounced as if like ball. We passed by newly constructing school on the hills of Kunzangling which is scheduled to be completed by end of 2013. The location of school to me is not good as there is no place for football ground. No water supply and many more. The location is really pathetic. We passed the construction site and passed through Kenmong and Changmadung villages. Finally, I could see light glowing at my house which is more than four kilometers away. We travelled through various small hills and valleys, we reached Luungchu.

Luungchu is a river which swiftly flows from Thumbrangla Mountain joining other tributaries. The River is used for irrigation and for many other purposes. The bridge connecting two sides of the river is made up of wooden logs (Oak Tree) and nailed the planks on it. As we travelled at night I could not see how far it is in good condition. So, we passed through the wooden bridge. This bridge was constructed before four years but did not changed wooden logs so far. Why RCC Bridge is constructed until today? More than 7 to 10 vehicles including heavy and light uses the Bridge but no one concern to raise the issue. This is how pathetic upper Tongzhang is from my point of view.

No matter whatever may be, we proceeded. We started crossing numerous hills and valleys. We could now see villages below road calm and peace. Dogs barking when light of the vehicle strikes over the houses. The people were already in deep sleep. But we are still travelling.

However, we almost reached home. We reached the point where we have to follow the foot path for 2 minutes. I dialed to my dad to pick us. Dad and second youngest brother came to pick us. So, we reached home safely only by 11:30 pm.

By this time my dearly loved parents and siblings wait for us. They haven’t slept as they too were eager to meet with me after lengthy gap. I was also eager to meet with them. We carried things on back and proceeded.

My dear mother has prepared delicious meals for us. She prepared Shakam Datshi for In-law and his friend, and for me she prepared a delicious Ema Datshi. Then we slept by 1am.

Epilogue

From the Escalating sun in eastern valleys,

I Dendup journeyed back to the western region.

Through the hills and valleys of eastern Bhutan,

I reached back to Samdrup Jongkhar.

I calmly journeyed towards Gelephu,

With my beloved sister who stays there.

A week time later, I journeyed to Paro via Thimphu.

Our Dream – Our Education City

The Democracy was introduced in our country in 2008. Since then, our country becomes world’s youngest democratic nation in the world. The two parties came up with their manifestos and candidates to contest for the election. The first Nationwide Election was held on 24^th March 2008 where the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) -the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party was elected as Ruling Party. Druk Phuensum Tshogpa formed the first Democratically Elected Government. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won two seats in National Assembly and formed Opposition Party -the world’s smallest Opposition Party.

Since then, the elected government brought numerous changes in the country, in various ways. The road network has been enhanced, mobile network stations are installed, etc. in every nook and corner of the country. The Information Technology (IT) Park was also established in Thimphu. The government works hard for the benefit of the people in various ways. The developmental strategies were changed.

The Education City was proposed and also started the construction of fundamental facilities such as road, bridge, electricity, etc. to make access to where Education City will be stationed. The construction works are underway. The Education City was supposed to be stationed on the hills between Capital City -Thimphu and International Airport –Paro and just above Chuzom opposite to Wang Sisina. If the Education City is being legally approved by National land Commission, it would be beneficial for the upcoming generations and also create employment opportunities. The economy of the country would have improved in near future. The government project site development works are awarded to local contractor since 2012 and is ongoing.

According to the news, the controversy of legality of the land was raised by National Land Commission since the proposal for the Project. According to the news from the media houses, “the Education City has act and not the land”. The Education City act was tabled in parliament when DPT was ruling. National Land Commission wrote several letters to Education City Secretariat, where there was no response. However, many people holding land near the project site were extremely contented. The people from other localities bought land nearby expecting the future prospect. Some sold their land at very high rate.

The issue regarding legality of land was raised by South Thimphu Candidate during election Campaign. The people from around the country questioned regarding land to the candidates but the questions were whether DPT ministers and MPs own land nearby or in the boundary of Education City or not. The issue was left untouched.

Now the new government came to the power. The People’s Democratic Party –the ruling party is in office for more than eight months, after National Land Commission proved the Education City land is illegal, closed the project before reaching to its height. The project site developers are in the verge of completing the works on time. The road already reached the border of the Education City, reverie to be established. The bridge will soon be seen over the Wangchu River.

When biggest ever project related to Education is stopped, the different kind of questions are generating within the people, timely. Why did previous government start such illegal project? Why Education City Project Secretariat didn’t response the letters of National Land Commission regarding legality of the land? Why Opposition didn’t oppose while tabling the act? Why new government would find solutions to solve the controversy rather than closing it?

The several questions are generated in all most all the peoples’ mind. Now what will be the outcome of such a huge investment on site development works is already done? The Bitumen was procured and reach to the. Will this site will turn into Park or other important and interesting place which is beneficial for the people living in the capital city and nearby districts.

Some people say that the reason for stopping the Education City Project is perhaps due to illegality of the land, no water source, etc. If supposed the project continues, the huge amount of investment will be on water supply. This location is not good at all even it’s located nearby capital city and International Airport.

Some suggests, if the project was in eastern Bhutan or central Bhutan it would have not stopped.

The people have ambiguity feelings on the legality of the land. This will remain ambiguity for the people, forever until the site changed to any other productive places.

The question left for the people is, who will be responsible for the investment incurred so far?