Sunday, June 08, 2014

WATER -the source of Happiness

Beautiful Waterfall in Bhutan

“Water covers two-thirds of the surface of the Earth, but Fresh water is 0.002% on Earth”

Bhutan - our motherland is located in the heart of eastern Himalayas. Our country shares its international boundaries with China in the North and India in the East, West and South. We all know that our 38,983 square kilometer land is naturally divided into mountainous terrain and some very lesser amount of plains in the south. Despite being rich in culture and traditions, our country is rich with more than 70.46 percent of forest covered land, surrounded by lands from all the sides of the country. Our country is sometimes called as rich cultural and traditions and birth place of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which states environment as one of the four pillars. The Environment includes water bodies of the world. So, water is very important parts of the country.

Our motherland, the land of thunder dragon being landlocked and mountainous topography, and moreover, some 70.46 percent of the land is covered with forested areas, water sources in the country is available throughout the country. This is how ‘we’ Bhutanese people enjoy the tremendous peace and happiness in everyone’s life on the earth. The rivers flow from high altitudes to the low altitudes throughout the year. The stream, springs, rivers, tributaries, and lakes are the main sources of water supply in the country. Wherever we stay and move, we are surrounded by waters. We could get fresh and clean water everywhere. This is the natural gifts for the people of Bhutan.

Punakha Dzong Suddrounded by rivers
The rivers flow from the top of the mountains to the plains in the south through various hills and gorges. The rivers are originated from the glaciers, streams, and springs and sometimes out of melting of the snow and glaciers on the mountains, and many more. The spring and stream water that comes out from the soil naturally have high potential of mineral contents and its said to be good for health. There are uncountable mineral waters, hot springs and other water sources in the country.

Today, the country like ours is under developing stage. The developmental activities such as construction of roads, schools, houses, hydroelectric projects, industries, etc. are in the process. Such construction works are carried on in forested areas and also in farmlands. The thousand acres of land are used for above purposes. The trees in that particular area are cut down without hesitation. This may lead to decrease forest covered area drastically. When the numbers of trees are reduced, the stream and spring water sources would dry up. Industries are situating in the country, the industrial wastes such as harm gases are emit in the air, harmful liquids in the water, and in open area. These would have negative impacts on environment which force to water pollution, in which water sources are being lessened. The drinkable waters are becoming undrinkable today.

In the scenarios of the world’s water bodies, only 3 percent of the water on the earth surface is fresh and drinkable. The 97 percent of the water on earth’s surface is salty. The salty water is not good for our health. The 3 percent of the fresh water is shared amongst the billions of world’s population. Coming to Bhutan, the waters in our country is useable. Some spring water contains enough amounts of minerals that are good for human health. We, the Bhutanese people does not have water shortage problem as of now. But things are changing with development activities are underway. Water shortage will soon hit the cities and towns. Out of many small towns in the country will soon face water problem. Our capital city, now facing water shortage problems and even other towns in the country; this is negative effect of the climate change.

Scarcity of Water
For example, Thimphu is our capital city; before few decades, the buildings in the city were sparsely erected. The lesser people were lived there. The fresh and clean water was supplied in every household for 24 hours a day. Today, the houses are already crowded; population is increasing every now and then. Due to crowded and congested area, more construction works carried in the area, the water sources already dried up, which was connected to Thimphu city. Now the scenario has changed. The water supplied for 24 hours a day has changed to few hours a day. This is happens due to the climate change over recent years or the past.

The situation of the country of being available fresh and clean water sources is in the process altering. Every dzongkhag have towns, where thousands of people settled together for various purposes. The water supply has become scarcer than before. There are many rivers flowing in the valleys which have become unusable, because the waste drains from the houses are drained out in the rivers. If this is the case, how we can conserve water for our younger generations? Will our young generations get same fresh and clean water?

Until now, water in our country has been sources of happiness for all the individuals. Compare our country with our neighbor friend, India. I met a young boy who was on the way to Thimphu from Tamil Nadu. He was excited to be back in the country, he shares his story as and when I asked him. Here it goes; “In early September, I travelled to Vellore, India for further treatment. I stayed there for few weeks. It was sophisticated to stay there, because of unavailability of fresh and clean water for drinking purposes, forget about taking bath and all. We had to buy bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. To take bath and wash clothes, we had use tap water that’s muddy and dirty. These were the water problems or scarcity of water in India. Back to Bhutan, as soon as I reached Phuentsholing, I could experience or see fresh and clean water. This is difference between our country and our neighbor country”.

Due to climate change taking place in the country and in world as a whole, the water is getting scarcer and scarcer yearly. This problem is rising because, the people in the world today use greenhouse to plant crops and vegetables. The greenhouse has positive impacts but also has negative impacts, which lead to the climate change that directly affect our water sources. Industrialization is one of the reasons for water becoming scarcer. For the industries to be set up, large amount of land is needed. The land is being cleared up and construction starts on thereafter. Though, growths of industries are good for the country from economy point of view, it help grow country’s economy, but it undoubtedly affects the sources of the water. Human-activities such as use of vehicles, shifting cultivation, forest fires, etc. also harm environment and lead to scarcer of the water.

With this our water sources that I mentioned in above paragraphs would dry up. The sources would be lessened. Streams and springs water will one day go nowhere. Our country’s situation would be poor in water sources.

Water Mill
In the recent past, in our country, the forest fires damaged thousand acres of forest in eastern Bhutan which also gutted more than thirty five houses to the ground. If such continues in our country, the forested areas will be lessened and this will lead to lessen the water sources. When water sources become lesser, it will have adverse effect on the citizen of the country at large. The people living in huge group have to fetch water from various sources. The fetching water from various sources will cost huge amount of money which bring down economy of the family and country at large.

Therefore, I urge myself and my fellow country mate men and women, boys and girls, teachers and students, business men and women, high level personalities and dignitaries, and many more to be very cautious to fight against climate to keep our water sources available for the younger generations to come sooner than later. We all should work hand in hand to conserve environment from where our waters are originated. The few factors, which affect the water sources, are deforestation, global warming, soil erosion, forest fires, etc. which we should combat it jointly.

“A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold to a thirsty man”

Saturday, June 07, 2014

Kelki HSS: My ex-institution


First Private School in the country, Kelki Logo

Kelki Higher Secondary School bear a resemblance of "Lha-Yul" in the heart of Capital City and one of the oldest private pre-university schools in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Kelki, the name and fame was widespread in Bhutan because school was premier and oldest private school, has came up with tremendous consequence every year, has got inspiring and encouraging faculty members, and so on.

I am really impressed being a part of Kelkian Family for two years vigorously. The school's faculty members from within Bhutan and outside have got same perceptions to heave up students’ life to the fullest. Committed and dedicated staff members made and shaped, make and shape and will be making and shaping life of students by furnishing with enormous bludgeon of so-called “Eternal Knowledge” and their immense values and philosophies of taming and humanizing students.

The teachers and students of Kelki have got inimitable meticulous and commonsensical thoughts in them as they bring together their tender heart together and work for enhancement of knowledge of the students as a whole. Kelki was established as an only Private Nursery school in the country in 1987 with great “Vision” and “Mission”.

I studied in Kelki HSS for two consecutive year; 2007 and 2008, where I was cultured with many new knowledge from well experienced and veteran teachers and others too. I, myself acquired admission in Bhutan's renowned premier private institution in the Bhutanese society. After getting disclosed in the school, I punctually and affectionately joined the school on 26th February, 2007 with my schoolmate friends. Why I joined the Private School? That's my true and only questions to be asked by myself? This all ensued because, I could not do well in my class X examinations of 2006. I didn't get admission in any of the government schools due to near to the ground marks that I obtained in class X. I was below middling students since when I was in lower classes, perhaps I was not acquainted with how to study but rather we used to play and wander, hang around and be always together with friends.

Kelki HSS, Thimphu
Prior to my studies, I didn't care about what was superior and what was inferior for our life. I went and joined the school because my friends were going to school with well dressed up. I liked to be dressed in school uniform and clutch chunky books which my elder brother used to do so. I didn't have such endeavors and aspirations like other friends. One of my friends has got goals and aims to be fulfilled as he is presently studying Architecture. I was lacking goals and dreams, so I grounded here in the present stage.
                                                
When I accomplished and got admission in Kelki with the stream subject “The Humanities” has given me pinch in my heart. What types of pinch I got? The pinch I got was amazing that class XI with humanity in the first class with my class teacher, who taught me Economics and it was my discouraging situation as I lacked with knowledge about the subjects. I geared up internally to be alert and content in the class where I could not. I then followed my friends and seek out helps from them that I didn't learn anything in classes PP till X. That was the main tribulations with me during my course time. Why I didn't learn anything? I didn't have any answers to my question but only two words "Not Clear".

My teachers taught me glowingly during my stay in Primary, Lower and Middle secondary schools time. When, I was asked the questions from my class teachers, but I answered the question that she asked to me. The second question that she solicited me was “What is your ambition?” How much I thought of answering her but I botched to answer at that time. Then again she asked a couple of questions to my friends repeating the preceding questions. Someone from left corner of the classroom proudly responded the question when madam didn’t ask him. Madam said, “Please try to have one or two ambitions in your life that why you are studying here today.” She then set off the class; the bell for the first interlude rang. To every teacher, I failed to answer properly in terms of ambitions.

I, myself being a typical student in the class I was cheered up by them always. So, they vacationed jointly, heaved me up and placed me up within short span of time. I really thank my dearly loved teachers for helping me to be at present juncture of life arrogantly was made by my dearly-loved teachers who worked altruistically. I, with the help from my teachers, started making class notes and other imperative notes on a regular basis, so, that it helps me to perk up myself very much. Before I used to face inscription problems, such as an essays, letters, compositions, stories, poems, etc. as I was lacked with familiarity and methodology.

My teachers in High school accomplished me as a real human being ever, where I could administer to progress myself. I thank my beloved etched in my mind, the self-sacrificing teachers from my internal core of heart. Whenever, I read and write, I could remember my teachers who taught me since numerous years ago.

I constantly implore to my beloved faculty members of Pre-Primary Schools to Classes X and the Faculty members of Kelki in Particular. My immense entreaty and optimism might aid Kelki to raise the status and reputation of being one of the Premier Private Schools in the Country.

I express thank to my beloved teachers and the staff of the Kelki Higher Secondary School to excel and enlighten in near future with your so-called “Eternal Knowledge”. I will never and ever forget the way you all consummate to me and I will acknowledge you all whatever I do and wherever I stay. I wish entire management, the happy life hereafter and in particular Long Live My Beloved Faculty members of Kelki.

Thank you my beloved teachers.

Letter to my dear Father


My dear Father, Singye
My dear Dad,
The ‘Father’ is a main stand of the family. You meant a lot to me and all the siblings. Being a father, you contributed lot and lots of things for the family last numerous decades and hoping for the same henceforth. When I was young, the condition at our home was pathetic, which was unraveled by you, my dear father. You worked hard and tried to earn little amount of money from contributing labour to constructions sites either of private, cooperation and government organizations. You are my god, my dear father.

Back to late 1980s and early 1990s, you were engaged in some important works in western Bhutan, where you contributed labour force to the nation. You worked hard and your hard-earned money was poured on me and other siblings in different fields. You served the nation as a peasant for the betterment of our family.

In the crack of dawn of 1996, I was sent to the village based school to learn modern education to make my life better. You never thought of keeping me illiterate like other friends. Your contributions in various ways made my life happy today. When I think back to the past, I can’t imagine of our pathetic conditions at our home. We were group of nine including you, my father, mother and grandmother. Now, with your hard work collaboration with mother altered our pathetic family life to somewhat better than that of the past. This is you, who managed the family life to lead day to day living.
                                                                                                                                                           
My sincere gratitude goes to you, my dear father. Your advices and supports are still imbedded in my mind which I will not forget at all. For me, you are god, to all our family, you are god too. We have always considered you as god for our family and have faith in you, we always trust you in everything that you decide. Whatever you did to me was tremendous and cannot forget in my life. This will remain in my life forever without any alteration.

Today, I can read, write, speak and understand some languages. I can also feel the difference between past and present, my knowledge on various things are increasing day after day. I can communicate with people of different types. This is product of you, my dear father. It’s all due to your unwavering love and care for me. Your love and care for me will be always rewarded with my love and care.

For many years, I underwent various stages of studies that were fully and partially sponsored by you. Your selfless support for last several years is fantastic and I am sure that you didn’t even take rest to earn to make my life bright with education. Your hard-earned money that you invested in my studies were uncountable and cannot be paid back, but I am always keeping in mind that I would be most dedicated son hereafter. You and mother’s entire life will be nurtured with love and care.

When I heard of news that states you are sick and suffering from some kind of sickness, my heart get pinched and tears from my eyes are uncontrollable. I cannot hide it. Though, I being unemployed, I am not able to help you all in terms of anything but I am keeping in mind to help you all selflessly. Don't mind for my failure to help you and look after you when you are in need of help.

Hereafter, every day and night, you are remembered. I always pray for your good life and extended peace and happiness come on your life. When things get wrong with me, I am thinking about you and your advice and intellectual support that I got it prior to.

Under your guidance, I have learned many things in terms of village based culture and traditions, our etiquettes and decorum. I am happy to born as your son and will always pray for next generations too. This is my unfathomable prayers and wishes that I am always offering to the god and goddess beyond the existence circle.

Therefore, I will never forget you for making my life affirmative and activist. So, Thank You, Father for everything that you deed to me.

God always bless you, my beloved Father. Long live my beloved Father.


Yours Loving Son


(Dendup Gyembo)
Paro, Western Bhutan

Friday, June 06, 2014

Letter to my dear Mother


My dear Mother, Kunzang Pelden


My dear Mom,
The words that I have in my heart are inexpressible in paper. Even then, the time and situation has compelled to outcast my words to pay homage for your great deeds for last more than two decades. Since, the day I was born in the family, gave you tremendous and terrific pressures. You struggled and suffered for me. My childhood life was calmly nurtured and helped me, to grow well like other kids around. I personally thank you, my loving mother for invaluable and priceless love and care that rendered as a mother.

After few years, I was sent to school, to learn contemporary teaching from the teachers. You have admitted me in school, prepared lunch for me every day, dropped me to the school, washed my clothes and, etc. Mother, you have continuously encouraged me and shared intellectual knowledge viz. Driglam Namzha (Etiquettes), courtesies, decorum, modesty, and many more, which in return enhanced my knowledge, other than school or bookish knowledge. Due to your support, help and assistance, I am proudly standing on my foot now, in terms of knowledge that gained and learned from my beloved teachers. I am the product of you, and it is only fitting that your great deeds are humbly thanked, and which will not erase from my heart.

Mother, you made me alert of how much important our life is. Being a kid, I was given extra care for numerous years. You made me understand the real meaning of the life. You made me well honored and ideal man in the society.

Despite, being backward in terms of wealth, you, my dearly loved mother encouraged pursuing higher studies in private school. Your great helps and deeds facilitated me in extracting more knowledge from teachers and experts. Thus, I could shape my life to certain level with extended hopes and aspirations. My dreams and goals go expanded where I urge myself to go ahead with positive philosophies. The knowledge I gained from studying in schools and college, institution and others, made my life affluent and prosperous.

Without your positive philosophy, I would have not grown up with such impressive knowledge but rather I would have left in the village without having going to school for studies. Your tremendous help, being mother have valued more than whatever others endeavored. Your valuable advises and comments when I was in lower classes aided me in every step that I took to reach today. Though you are illiterate, but you knew the facts about modern education’s benefits. So, I would like to pay my heartfelt thank to you, my much loved Mom.  

My bottomed and immense thank and gratitude is always for you, my beloved Mother. You worked hard, suffered a lot to pull me up, and served with touching heart to shape my life collaborating with beloved father. Your magnificent and brilliant supports are also sculptured on my heart. Your continuous assistance and aids are unforgettable in my life, which made my life fruitful.

Your encouragements and advices proved invaluable in inspiring a novice to embark on the studies and personal life. You have also taken keen interest in assuring the necessary intellectual resource input in terms of village based culture and traditions, our etiquettes and decorum.

Therefore, I will never forget you, my dearly loved Mother. You engaged in making my life affirmative and activist. So, Thank You, Mother for everything that you deed to me.

God always bless you, my beloved Mother. Long live my beloved mother.


Yours Loving Son


(Dendup Gyembo)
Paro, Western Bhutan