Saturday, September 17, 2016

Om Bha Nye, Trashi Yangtse

In 1989, I was born in Tongzhang, under Trashi Yangtse, Eastern Bhutan. Had I was not born there, I would have not known about such Nyes (Sacred places), visited and blessed by Guru Rinpoche in 8th century. It is Nye Guru Rinpoche visited physically. Read below to discover the fact about Nyes in Trashi Yangtse.

In TrashiYangtse, there are several Nyes, Dzongs and Temples, such as Gomphu Kora, Chorten Kora, Pemaling, Dechen Phodrang, Gongza, Om Bha, Tsenkharla Dzong, Dongdi Dzong, Trashi Yangtse Dzong, Rigsum Goenpa, Thrichu Goenpa, and many more.

Today, I will introduce Om Bha Nye to discover it completely with other references in future. The Om Bha Nye is one of the many Nyes left unexplored until a decades ago. The reason behind for above is remoteness of the district.

Om Bha Nye is located on the Rocky cliff like Taksthang, where one has to walk for about two hours from Tsangpochen, Trashiyangtse.The footpath runs through the pebblyoak forest, passing through various hills and valleys of Toetsho Gewog. Upon reaching Om Bha village below the Nye, we can see the Temple and Guru Statue beautifully perched on the rocky cliff.

The Nye-Yig (Detail about the sacred place) is not clear about when Guru Rinpoche visited and blessed the Nye, but the people in the locality believe in two ways. Some believe that the place was blessed after the Gomphu Kora and Gongza Nye, in same district. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche came to Om Bha nye, following his vision, which he perceived in Mon-Yul Shao Taktshang in Arunachal Pradesh in India.

It is also believed that Guru Rinpoche, as prophesied, visited to Om Bha Nyeto subdue a Snake Demon that tormented people in that locality. Whatsoever, the Nye is one of the most important Nyes in Trashi Yangtse.

After blessing and turning the place into sacred site or the Om Bha Nye, then Guru Rinpoche, headed to Aja Nye, situated in Sherimung in Mongar. Om Bha Nye derives its name from the holy ‘Om Aah Hung’syllable of compassion mantra. ‘Om Bha Nye’stands for ‘Om’. Before reaching the main Nye, we can see with our naked eyes, the inscription of ‘Om’ on the rocky cliff. It is believed that there are more than 100 ‘Oms’ inscribed on the rock and name of the Nye is derived then.

At the site, Guru Rinpoche meditated for two months in a cave on the left flank of the rocky cliff. He subdued the snake demon by riding on a pony, Guru Rinpoche then began concealing the treasures in Om Bha nye. The hidden treasures would discover one day to flourish dharma in the region and to the world as a whole. According to the locals, treasures left undiscovered today.

Apart from the holy inscriptions on the rocky cliff, there are other sacred sites like the Cave Guru Rinpoche meditated in, imprints of chortens (stupas) on the rocks, Rinchen Terzoed, Guru Tendrom and Guru Rinpoche’s chakar (walking staff).In addition, newly built open space Guru Rinpoche statue on the rock above Temple.

The people across the country visit Ombha nye, to see the inscription, is a religious wonder people, which should see at least once in their lifetime. However, the one-third of the Nyes left uncovered today because the locals do not know the exact explanations. 

Open Tribute Letter to ‘TEACHERS’

Writer: Dendup Gyembo
Date: 27th April, 2016
Place: Thimphu

Dear Teachers,
With ‘Teacher’s Day’ celebration this year, I would like to reimburse tribute for being one of the nicest people in my life. In Japanese terminology, it says, “Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.” By time I entered the school before 21 years, I was unable to take care of myself and my stuff. Teachers taught me to care my things. That’s simple but great beginning. I am greatly obliged that I am standing at current position due to my beloved teachers.

There are no words to describe the way teachers educated and nurtured me by bestowing incomparable kindness. I had been in schools, institutions, and college for last many years, where I came across the individual like my teachers. Teachers are more than what I think and I don’t have words to express gratitude for your tremendous help and bestowing me with your knowledge, which made me learned individual. Thank you, teachers for your dedicated services in educating me. Moreover, your words are encouraging and inspirational to me, which remain in my heart forever.

As a student, I am always here and there to remember selfless teachers for making my life bright from being in dull for last many years. As an unenlightened mind, I would have created mistakes of which was unusual and against the will of teachers, knowingly or unknowingly, if so, I apologize for my misconduct.

I completed my undergraduate studies before few years, and found my own ways to stand. Same like bureaucrats, scientists, politicians, artists, researchers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, medical specialists, and so on, I am who I am today partly because of a great teacher. Therefore, teachers devote their lives to giving me the tools to succeed and work for the nation building. It is teachers who listen to me, who challenge me, and who encourage me to stand up for my values.

The unquestionable truth is that, teachers are selfless individuals, who need our salute for the appropriate value on the contribution that teachers make to our collective future. If we are to rate teachers, it’s far too high, and given that teachers are the builders of our future, losing even one good teacher is too many. It is indeed a great lost for the nation.

With good teachers in schools, I have seen immediate inspiring effects of teachers leading the schools in shaping students with innovative knowledge. I, as students for last 16 years in schools, institutions and college, I feel that we must continue to expand career and leadership opportunities like these, opportunities that allow us to develop teacher’s practice, foster a school culture that encourages collaboration with teachers, and empower with the autonomy to innovate and thrive. This is ways of teachers being good in schools.

To build the nation, and to brighten the nation with human resource, teachers play an important role just not for name sake but it is incredibly important work. I, on this very auspicious day of His Majesty, the Third Druk Gyelpo’s Birth Anniversary and the Teachers’ Day, I wish all the Teachers a very Happy Teachers’ Day.

Long Live Beloved Teachers…


Thanking you,

Yours Faithfully

(Dendup Gyembo)

Ex-Student 

Thursday, November 05, 2015

Tribute – Exceptional Portraits of Yabchen Gyelpo

Yabchen Gyelpo, His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born on 11 November 1955 at Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu to the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Grandmother Azhi Kesang Choden Wangchuck. As the Crown Prince, he received western and traditional education from various schools, colleges, and institutions all over the world. His formal education began at Dechencholing Palace, when he was just six-years old. Then he studied in St. Joseph’s College Darjeeling, India. At the age of nine, he went to Heather down Prep School in England. He completed his studies at the age of fourteen in 1969. He returned to the country and started traditional educations in various schools. He joined Namselling Palace in 1969. He also attended Ugyen Wangchuck Academy at Satsham Chorten in Paro in 1970.

There is no need to mention about His Majesty the Fourth King in detail because we all are aware of his great deeds. I will mention important points as below:
  1. Appointed as Chairman of Planning Commission and looks after the Planned Five-Year Plans
  2. Appointed as the Trongsa Poenlop bestowing Yellow Scarf
  3. He was crowned as the Fourth King of Bhutan. In his Coronation Address, he stressed the need “to attain self-reliance and preserve Bhutan’s sovereignty and independence.”
  4. Rural Development projects such as first Irrigation Cannel was initiated in Khamdang under Trashi Yangtse
  5. His Majesty walked on foot from Doksum to Trashi Yangtse to celebrate National Day.
  6. His Majesty declared that Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.
  7. Decentralization of the power
  8. The political reforms such as establishment of Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogdu and Gewog Yargye Tshogchung in 1981 and 1991 respectively
  9. Gave importance on education and Health
  10. Communications such as road and telecommunication services were given importance
  11. The culture and traditions of the country is preserved
  12. Travelled to every nook and corner of the country to meet with people
  13. The National Language Dzongkha got more attention from His Majesty
  14. The Environment is priority for His Majesty
  15. The Diplomatic Relations expanded
  16. Military Operation in Southern Bhutan
  17. Constitution of Bhutan
  18. Abdication of Golden Throne
  19. Establishment of Constitutional Democratic Monarchy and many more…




























Long Live Our Beloved His Majesty the Fourth King. May your love and care for the people of Bhutan remain with us forever. Happy 60th Birth Anniversary.


Tuesday, November 03, 2015

Lhabab Deechen -the Descending Day of Lord Buddha


The descending day of Lord Buddha is one of the most important occasions in Buddhism. On this day, all the offices and schools keep closed to celebrate the day honoring Lord Buddha. The people visit the holy sites, temples, monasteries, and offer prayers for wellbeing of all the sentient beings.

How Lhabab Deechen originated?

Due to prophesy of the past Buddha, Marmayzey (Dipamkara), Lord Buddha entered into the womb of Yum Jumalhazay, who was queen, in the form of white elephant. She was conceived after her miraculous dream of white elephant entering her womb. She has shared about it to King and he instructed her to be clean. When birth neared, Jumalhazay went to her parents place in Nepal to give birth with assistance from her mother. On the way, she gave birth to Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini, Nepal. Soon after birth, he walked seven steps where flowers appeared. The helpers with Queen routed back to palace. Yum Jumalhazay passed away after 7 days.

His father the King of the region and other compatriots brought him up. He got married after the offer made by Father and fellow citizens. Once when he went out with his riding-horse and concierge, he encountered different types of worldly life, birth, illness, old age, and death. When he asked concierge what and how, he answered that it is nature of life. After birth, we have to come across the aging, illness, and death. Prince Siddhartha comes across a monk and when he asked about it, concierge says that it is possible to be monk. Prince can also acquire the enlightenment. The Prince went back to the palace and decided to devote rest of his life ardently towards dharma, giving up the worldly life. He also leaves behind his wives and children.

He practiced dharma and encountered several hardships. He came across Lord Mara, and enlightened under the Bodhi tree in present day Dorjidhen in India. During the practice of dharma, he took one grain of rice a day for first three and second three years, a drop of water a day. Therefore, at the age of 41, Buddha enlightened after 6 years of his sacrifice for the benefit of all the sentient beings.

Then Buddha had a vision or though his clairvoyant power, he could see his mother born in Tushita Heaven. Buddha decided to ascend to Tushita heaven and on the 15th day of the 6th month of the lunar calendar to preach to his mother. Now Buddha was in heaven preaching his mother along with god and goddesses. It was darkest parts of the world those times.

However, Buddha was preaching his mother, gods, and goddesses in Tushita heaven. The people on earth were worried and they did not have idea where about Buddha. Then, Buddha’s disciple, Sharibu/Shariputra had clairvoyant power to see where Buddha is. Sharibu had a vision of the Lord Buddha preaching in Tushita heaven. He informed the people that Buddha’s presence in heaven. Therefore, the people requested him to call back Buddha.

With constant request of all the devotees to bring back Buddha to the world, one of the disciples of Lord Buddha, Mongalgibu/Mongul yana, ascended to Tushita heaven on the 15th day of 9th month of the lunar calendar. Mongalgibu possess such miraculous powers to ascend immediately to the heaven. Upon reaching there, he requested Buddha to return to earth to teach the devotees.

To his request, after seven days, Lord Buddha descended to earth on the 22nd day of the 9th month. The Buddha was received by the devotees with Chipdrel (Procession ceremony), which was organized for the first time in Buddhist history. Therefore, the descending day of Lord Buddha is a celebration of his return to earth from Tushita heaven, the Gyalwa Lhalay Babpai Duechen.


This day is celebrated as the parents’ day in our country since last year. So, on this auspicious day of Lhabab Duechen and Parents’ Day, I wish all our parents of previous life, present and future, a very Happy Parents Day. 

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Cypress Tree –the National Tree of Bhutan -I


Our country is landlocked by nature, but it is sovereign country listed as one of the members of the United Nations Organization (UNO). The Hereditary Monarchy system of government instituted since 1907. Ever since the Kingship instituted, the country’s name and fame had flown over the neighboring countries and third world countries. The hereditary Kings then rein the country systematically.

The all the countries of the world have its own identities to ensure the sovereignty. The identities are national anthem, day, language, games and sports, flag, bird, animal, tree, etc.

Out of which I will express the importance and something about our national tree of Bhutan is so called as Tsenden (the Cypress Tree). As and when we travel to the places of various altitudes, we can see several cypress trees. The cypress forest along the lateral highways and longitudinal highways are national tree of Bhutan.

Religiously, the tree has great significances over other trees. It smells good, use for making incense powder or sticks, use for making shrine or its room, and so on.

The Cypress Tree of Changzamtog is famous for the Cabbies to pick up and drop the passengers, it has become a landmark; it is the place where people can trace the location of the particular residence, etc.

Standing nearby the road to core Thimphu city, it is tallest of all the buildings in Thimphu, is believed to have grown from the walking stick of Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is called as Divine Madman, who taught in various parts of the country.

Around the trunk of cypress tree, the Bhutanese style chorten (Stupa) built and installed prayer wheels, where tens of devotees come there to circumambulate the chorten and offer butter lamps. Today, this place gains reputation keeping in mind the religious significances.

When asked the caretaker about the relics and of the chorten, he shared me that he is not sure of it. “The actual history of the chorten is unknown, so, I am sure there must be some relics inside. It is believed that Lam who has constructed the Chorten was short of relics and kept top of the chorten is wide open. Today, we consider the Tsenden Shing as its relics,” said caretaker.

“I was born in this place, and brought in this place, but I haven’t seen or heard any history written in history books about Tsenden Shing,” said 81 years old Ap Daw, adding that the history is passed down to them orally, which will fade away one day.

Regarding the chorten’s life span, caretaker says it is unknown. It is said that Divine Madman, who was meditating in Ralung, Tibet, had a vision about the incomplete chorten in south of Ralung. In his vision, someone in the south was in need of help to complete the chorten.

Then Lam Drukpa Kuenley voyaged to Bhutan from Tibet in 15th Century with a walking stick. Divine Madman, then reach the place and told the old Lam who need help need not have to worry. Drukpa Kuenley ultimately placed his walking stick into the open chorten. He told old man, not to remove it or cover it. From the walking stick, placed by Lam, the Tsenden Shing grew, which is his acumen power.

Later on, when Tibetans heard about it, they came to the place and tried to cut down the small tree grown from walking stick. However, due to acumen power of Divine Madman, no scars shown on it. “It’s believed to have religious significances as a relic, so, it is important in the place,” caretaker pronounced smilingly.

The people of whole Changzamtog areas own the chorten and they are responsible for it. The name of the chorten is ‘Zamtog Chorten’, which is derived from ‘Changzamtog’.

Although, the chorten is older than tree, the prayers wheels around was installed later on. One of men from this area installed it in the memory of departed soul of his son. No one today is aware of such an important place, but rather commuter pass via this place apparently without devotion.

Over the years, this place has been growing in congested new settlement and constructions of the houses are mounting. The road pass below the tree and shops located nearby attracts people but not chorten. The un-spacious space is major problem for the devotees. Sometimes, the place is crowded. It would be good to conduct some religious rituals there providing that there is spacious space to pitch the tent around it or build a temple.

It is simply left untouched for several years after installing the railing around it. If concern authorities could do some additional site development works would be better for the devotees.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

WATER -The Source of Happiness

“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 dividing into mountainous terrain and some very lesser amount of plains in the south. Despite 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 vital parts of our life.

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 are 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 sources 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.

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.

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.

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, businessmen and women, high level personalities and dignitaries, and many more to be very cautious to fight against climate change to keep our water sources available for the younger generations to following us stepping on same stepping stones. We all must 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 must combat it jointly.


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

Deepest homage for 4th Royal Anniversay

The Royal Wedding


In the land of Thunder Dragoon, the Pelden Druk,
The Dragon King Jigme Khesar sat on the throne,
We the people of landlocked kingdom, Bhutan
Filled with the serenity and the prayers of the public,
Help our beloved king to statute as proceeding to,
With the dedication towards the people of Bhutan.

Our thirty one year old His Majesty the King Jigme,
Then announced in the Parliament of Bhutan.
The wedding will take place in October this year,
We the people were crammed with cheerfulness.
Queen Jetsun Pema, the linage of Pangtey Choejee,
Is kind and wholesome extra-ordinary woman.

This is the occasion where all the people to articulate,
The views and the congratulations to their Majesties;
I prayed to have enormous wedding ceremony.
Nationals of the Kingdom will take pleasure on the day,
That by no means comes once after numerous decades.
I solemnly pray for the Royal Couple’s wedding.

Our compassionate, People’s King Jigme khesar,
Loved by the citizens of Bhutan and all over the world.
Articulated, views on Queen -“Warm and kind in heart”
The people of Bhutan treasured the way Queen looks,
The way Queen accompanied the His Majesty the King,
This is the prayers for Royal Couple on wedding day.


 Wrote in 2011 dedicated to Royal Wedding 

On this auspicious Day of 4th Royal Anniversary, I wish Your Majesties very Happy Anniversary. May Your Majesties live long Life for the people of Bhutan. Long Live Your Majesties.

I AM A FUTURE SPEARHEAD

What should I do for our mother earth?
  
From religious point of view, the earth is our dear mother. The real decorative things for the dear mother are the people living in happiest moments.


This is one of the planets in this vast universe. The planet, we live in today is EARTH. The earth consists of soil, water, air, trees, fire, and space elements. The hundred of countries are located on earth, where the available space to live in is crowded a lot. The earth is referred to as the ‘Mother Earth’; we get everything that is needed and wanted for continuing our existence. Moderate temperature is main thing that is very basic needs for inhabitants to survive. The four elements of nature are all constituted on the earth. These give live on the earth for last several million years.

The globe we live in is now in the verge of rapid increase in the size of the population, with this, numerous problems -Environmental destruction, resource depletion, climate change, war and conflicts, poverty, etc. are arising every day.

The main cause of above mentioned problems are increase in population. As a citizen of Earth, we have to work mutually to combat it. It is our responsibility to take measures immediately as the citizen of the earth.

From our pristine environment, we get fresh and clean air for ourselves to survive. Our environment is in the verge of destruction. To keep our unspoiled environment as it was before; we should join our hands together to work hands in hands with organizations that already exist. The worldwide advocacy programs, seminars, conventions, etc. will help to protect our environment. So, we have to work from now to keep our environment protected for our younger generations to come in near future.
                                                                                                                        
When the population increases, the needs and wants of the people too will increase drastically. New ideas and methods will be invented to extract the resources. To make more income, the people establish industries and factories to alter natural resources like Petroleum oil to use in various ways, which lead to resource depletion. To battle it, we should have Sustainable Resource Extraction Policy. Awareness programs on resource depletion in every country should be carried out. The countries, which are undergoing less resource extraction works, should be awarded with appreciation medal of high rank. These kinds of measures will positively benefit conserving the Resources that are still yet extracted.
                                                                 
Climate change if one of the hot issues that is debated all over the countries in the world, today. It is caused by increase population and with this the industries and factories are set rapidly increasing the numbers in the world. When such manufacturing industries, chemical industries, increase in developmental activities, use of greenhouse, and many more, lead to increase in temperature of the globe, which force to melt snow and glaciers on the mountains. So, to combat it, we being citizen of the world should go for awareness and advocacy programs and seminars or conferences at international level as already in the process.

When population increases, more land is need for the new settlement. Rich and powerful nations try to capture inferior nations owing to various reasons. In the past, first and second world war broke out due to specific motives. Therefore, international organization such as UNO, NATO, and others came up to prevent future wars and conflicts. But today, the countries like Syria, Israel, Iraq, etc. are always having internal conflicts due to political issues, economic crisis, and other reasons. To prevent it, UNO, NATO, and other international organizations should be strengthened to stop internal conflicts, and advocacy programs at international level be carried out in such warfare countries.

The poverty is one of existing issues and many countries in the world today face poverty. The poverty is arising due to increasing populations in recent times, political/economic crisis lead to increase poverty in the world. For solution, it is very simple if only every individual take measures like family planning system will be good enough. Due to unplanned family, the population increases rapidly. Therefore, to combat it, family planning is the best way to reduce poverty. For instance, economically reputed and advanced countries like Japan have its international organization such as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which helps many countries in agricultural development, infrastructure development, etc. So, that it can help to reduce poverty.

There are many other problems should be solved henceforth. When basic medical facilities are not reach to every people living in the world lead to increase in HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. This will definitely give problems in human existence. Not only these problems, but also there are many minor problems, that are in the edge of increasing. So, we the citizen of the world should join our hands in hands, irrespective of rich and poor, have and have-nots, big and small, etc. to keep our mother earth and our true existence well established for the happy lives.

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

My Dream, My Place -this is Thimphu

Prologue:

The city emerges from bamboo huts, roofed with bamboo thatch, to the improved Traditional Bhutanese houses, roofed with wooden shingles, to the modern and well-equipped concrete buildings. The number of households from hundreds reaches thousands now. The population increased from the hundreds to hundred thousand. The facilities improved from the footpath to narrow road to wide enough expressways and highways. The medical and health center, which was small Basic Health Unit (BHU) in the past, to the country’s largest hospital today, is the major changes took place in the capital city.

The place is country’s new capital and abode for largest, smallest, and oldest dzong in the country, which was built on the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century. The facilities and recreational centers are well equipped and accessible for the people. Moreover, the social problems related youths become prominent, and are increasing every now and then. Impressing places like Kuensel Phodrang where 169 feet Buddha Dordenma statue installed became one the most stunning places here. This is the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu.

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E
arly in the morning, I woke up, brushed my teeth, had cleansing face wash, offered the daily ‘Choep’ (religious/water offering), and followed by preparing breakfast. As soon as I have done with all the works, I sat near the window. With calm mind, I just looked around for a while to give exercise to my eyes. Through the eyes of the windows, I looked round city tilting my head around, where I witnessed the people in different colors of their dresses, driving towards the office; some majestically walks to the office, some waits for the cabs, some waits for the city busses and other mode of transportations. 

I was happily looking at them through the eyes of the window. I, myself being an unemployed middle aged boy, I could notice uncountable incidences happening. I could make the judgment that people walk, catch cabs or buses, drive their own cars, etc. based on their monthly income, which clearly shows that the income level for the people are not same. The luxurious cars appear and go; standard cars come and go, but office goers without car waits unless cabs and busses come.

This is the situation, where our low-income people have problems. When I came across such incidences, I realized how I have been to Thimphu, which was tremendously compelling situation for me. My mind was filled with the melancholic sadness, which forced me to jot down the following lines. However, lines may not be interesting and appropriate for all, but the situation for me in the city, became dejected one in last few years.



How I get into the City

I was born in the corner of the country’s extremely eastern district, Trashi Yangtse, which is unknown to the people until it become the separate district in 1992. My beloved parents, who settled down in Tongzhang were truly loving and caring for their six siblings, including me. I am third child to be born in the family, where they took care of me as they did to two elder brothers. I have a sister and two younger brothers. Including dad and mom, we are of eight family members with mutual sympathetic values of both parents and siblings.

I was born there and brought up there. In 1996, on 10 March, Pre-Primary (PP) schooling started in village based school. With great vision of my parents, I was sent to school with my beloved friends. It was starting point of my career at the age of little less than seven, though moral values and accepted values in human society was started with my parents prior to. My career started in village based school until sixth grade. I completed my class six in 2002, where my beloved only grandmother was passed away. It was followed by Tsenkharla Middle Secondary School for four years starting 2003 to 2006. I completed class ten from there.

My deteriorating results just pushed me to experience the city life in Thimphu. Since my result was not what I expected, then I had to come to Thimphu to pursue higher studies. I journeyed to Thimphu via East-west lateral highway, but unfortunately, I had to change the route. I travelled through Assam, India passing Phuentsholing and other southern Bhutan districts. We travelled in the truck, and changed to cab. We travelled in the cab through various uphill and gorges. The travelling was experiencing journey to get into the capital city.

As and when I enter the capital city, Thimphu, it was of course amazing but different environment for me. I enter the new place with new thoughts. It creates self-doubting feelings within me. No matter whatsoever, I just reach Lungtenzampa, the famous bridge in the capital city. My relative was waiting for me, near the bridge. With his appearance standing near the bridge, my self-doubting feeling was cleared. It was truly wonderful for me to settle down in capital city, with my relatives whom I came across for few times prior to. However, it was also bitter experience for me, which helped me in learning more. Anyway, my life expeditions in the city start from Lungtenzampa Bridge then followed by life with relatives and newly met friends. Two years of my schooling in Kelki Higher Secondary School, was overwhelming situation for me. I learned a lot, experienced bitterly within two years.

How Thimphu city changed?

The physical changes from bamboo or cane huts, which was in smaller size, to the Traditional Bhutanese houses, and to concrete buildings is the Capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Getting every day bigger in its size in terms of population, which led to increase number of houses, needy infrastructure and others, this is the way that Capital City enlarged over the recent years. It is located in the district of Thimphu in western Bhutan. According to the history or photographs, that I have seen clearly shows it changed over the time. Its shares the borders with neighboring districts of Paro in the west, Punakha and Wangdue in east, Chukha in the south and Gasa and Tibet border in the north. It is fast growing city in the country and capital city of Bhutan.

Entering in the capital city is one of the thrilling ways of life, which lead to tremendous enjoyment in the life ahead providing that we have good atmosphere to live in. However, enjoyment leads the life of every individual, but there are various problems in the city. With growing its physical structure, it is difficult for the people living in the city.

The capital city is the recreational places for the people who come on holidays from rural parts of the country. The people come to Thimphu to meet their family, relatives, and friends. They stay here for few weeks enjoying the pristine vicinity of the city from various viewpoints. They meet with their relatives settled down in the city. From village to capital, and capital city to village, they could find differences of the sky and earth. The infrastructure, for example is one of the differences, which attracts the people to migrate to the city. The rural-urban migration leads to congestion in the city. When I first came to Thimphu, I could even imagine that the people are enjoying tremendous pleasures from the infrastructure the government installed for them. It was very first notion, prior to proper judgment was made.

As I settled down in the city, I could experience various unexpected incidences. The city has grown into big with little less than hundred thousand people. When the population is compared with other countries, it is nothing and rather it is like number of people living in the village.

In the village like town, so called as Capital City, Thimphu, is growing every day as I mentioned earlier. The His Majesty the King’s secretariat is located in the country’s largest Dzong (Fortress), Trashichodzong. The ten ministry’s offices are stationed in the city, various autonomous agency offices are located, the largest private sectors offices are stationed, and many uncountable offices are simply located here. The employment opportunities are created in this city, the new schools and institutes are coming up, various infrastructural development are expanding every day, and many more.

The country’s largest Medical Centre, the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, with medical specialists is standing largest building in the city. In terms of Judiciary, the Supreme Court and High court is situated here, the universities, Royal University of Bhutan and University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan’s offices are positioned, etc. With such offices are installed here, there are needy recreational centers are fashioned.

From walking Buddha in Centenary Children’s Park located along the Wangchu River, facing Changlingmithang stadium, where the last civil war was fought, to the world’s tallest Buddha Dordenma statue installed on the hilltop of Changbangdo. National Zoo, the Tibetan style National Memorial Chorten in the heart of city to Bhutanese style 108 Druk Wangyel chortens on hilltop of Dochula, the Botanical Garden in Babesa to Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi and other major recreational places well known for the residents of the city. Coming to other recreational centers, it is well equipped and professionally installed.

When we count the infrastructures installed in the city, it seems enough for the people living in the city. However, getting in to the apartments every individual stay, we can come across the various problems, which is unacceptable. It is good that we struggle to overcome the problems that we are facing, but it is excruciating in one’s life. The school goers residing with their relatives face the major and extremely piercing problems. Yet there is no choice than to tolerate it to make our life fruitful.

The housing problem is one of the major problems in the city, today. The housing problem is unsolved problems, which will remain unsolved henceforth. By appearance, Thimphu’s houses look more than enough apartments for all the people, in reality, the people living in the city faces apartment problem. The electricity bill, water bill, television bill and other bills are extra expenses that one has to bear it.

The price for the vegetables and other grocery items are charged high. The clothing and other needy things are truly expensive. Haircut, for example, is one of the price escalating situations in Thimphu. When, I first came to Thimphu, for haircut, the coiffeurs (Barber) charge only Nu. 20. It then increased to Nu. 25 and followed by 30, 40 and now they charges 50. This clearly depicts the price escalation in everything that we get in the city exists, and it is escalating every now and then.
Today, when I look back, the situation is already altered a lot, which is unimaginable. Three years of my stay in India was one of the blind situations of my life as the alteration in capital city was unknown to me. When I get back, it already altered. The change in physical structure of the city leads to change in internal utility charges, which give us pinch that it will change as and when the city grows bigger. 

The Housing Problems

When it comes to the numbers of buildings, semi-permanent houses, huts and others, it is more than enough in number. Getting in the world of reality of the life in city, the houses are not available for every person living in the city. Hundreds lives away from the capital city like Hongtsho, Yoselpang, Khasarapchu, Namselling, Kabesa and some beyond, and they work in the offices located in the territory of the capital city.

The houses constructed in the capital city are small. Due to high price for the land per decimal, the people cannot buy larger chunks of the land. They purchase small chunks of the land and build a house according to the size of the land. This ultimately brings the size of the house is small. The house rent is really high and higher than that of the size of the apartment. The ‘Tenancy’ Act of Bhutan, if implemented strictly would help tenants gain some advantages. However, today, we face acute shortage of houses so the Tenancy Act is ‘un-followed’ by the house owners and tenants.

Once I went looking for vacant apartment in and around the core city areas with great expectations, where my expectations were unfulfilled. For uncountable days, I ran up and down, back and forth, looking for vacant apartment with two or three bedrooms, a toilet (s), Kitchen, living room, and other necessary basic facilities attached. I was sorry to myself, as I could not get vacant house. Whether rent is high or low, I was really in need of apartment to reside. I did not compromise the rent but eagerly looks for vacant apartment immediately.

After knocking the several doors, with help of my friends, I finally met with house owners. The apartment was vacant, designed for the family. I went inside and checked thoroughly, it was okay, Nu. 9,000 was rent, which was reasonable. The water bill whether used or not, it is fixed to Nu. 150 a month. The electricity bill fluctuates depending on usage. The rooms are fully furnished and wooden floored, two toilets, the balconies, geyser, and other basic facilities installed.

However, conditions apply for all the tenants. The conditions are not entertain big family, no children are entertained, weaving and roaring at the high voice is strictly prohibited, no other relatives are entertained, and many more. The house owners have their own choice. Today, their choice is good enough, but one day or another, house owner with such choices will not get tenants, which ultimately remain their house vacant. It was truly a rude act but I have to swig it.

There are tens of hundreds of huts installed in the heart of city. Along the ring road, road is being filled up by the semi-permanent structures where low-income people from across the country lives in. The Motithang city camp, Chubachu City camp, Kalabazar city camp and many more are playing vital role. The low-income families working under the Thimphu City Corporation (TCC) lives in. Nevertheless, what about our other working families, where their monthly income is low and lower than that of city labourers. They are isolated. They live in some privately owned huts with cruel conditions of the areas.

The Drivers, for instance, they earn less income. However, they live in concrete building where the rent is charged high. The low income houses built and managed by National Housing Development Corporation Limited (NHDCL), allocated to some high-income families. Some low-income civil servants in Thimphu settled down as far as Khasarapchu, Hongtsho, Yoeselpang, Kabesa, and other outskirt places of core city area. Not only the low-income civil servants, but also the corporate and private employees suffer the same trends of civil servants. As of now, they are not entitled with housing allowance like civil servants. They have to pay themselves the full house rent at the end of the month.

To get an apartment to live in happily, we have to struggle for several months looking for vacant apartments. The high-income civil servants, provided with government houses at various levels. They are peacefully enjoying the free housing with free electricity, water bills, and other basic needs. Nevertheless, our government forgets the low-income people who all are working hard enough, dedicating their time on their work to the service of the Tsa-Wa-Sum. Therefore, I am sure that incentive such as free housing and other basic needs to low-income people.

The Scarcity of Safe drinking water

The water is one of the essential parts of the life. Without water supply to our body adequately, will result in ‘End of Life’. The water plays an important role in the universe for the life of all individuals to survive. The water used for irrigation purposes, washing, drinking, and millions of purposes.

In the capital city, before few years or decades, the water supply was adequate for all the purposes. Conversely, with extension of the city, the safe drinking water becomes scarcity over the years. The people living in the city get inadequate water supply in recent years. The City Corporation installed various water reservoir tanks for every newly extended town. Still water supply lacks.

When people living in the city do not get safe drinking water, the people are infected by various diseases, which is life threatening for all the people. When patients admitted in the hospital for longer time of period, costs millions to give treatment, which is borne by the government. This is indeed harming the government budgetary system.

The Poor Sanitation

The city being one of the under developing cities in the country, the sanitation problem is one the major concern for all the people. The city by outer appearance is dirty and the garbage is thrown everywhere freely. The people living in the city have acute low thinking power, which in return collectively makes our city dirty. The plastics, bottles, can juice covers, the unwanted sachet boxes, kitchen wastes; human excretions and many more are nakedly seeable, floating on the city roads, the rivers, and drains. 

The septic tanks, in the middle of the city, the popularly known as ‘Main Traffic’ areas are flooded with human excretions, during the rainy season. It is really embarrassment for us while we are going with tourists. During monsoon season, almost all the parts of capital city are flooded with human excretions, as the septic pipes are not connected well. The hoteliers, residences and others do not pay attention to their wastes. They dump in the river, water drains, and other isolated places in order to make their homes clean.

Medical facilities at Top

The health and medical facilities are at top. The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) is located in the heart of capital city next to National Memorial Chorten. The 350-bedded hospital plays an important role in health and medical servicing for the people of every nook and corner of the country. The thousands of people visit the hospital every day for medication purposes. The scores of specialist, the doctors, hundreds of nurses and other health officials employed in JDWNRH, who all gives services for the indoor-patients or outdoor-patients day and night.

The children health care unit and emergency services provided here is one of the priorities of the public health. Starting from chronic diseases to the in-chronic diseases irrespective of regions was treated here based on their severity of the diseases. Of hundreds and thousands visited hospital every day, the scores of severely ill people referred to, from various other hospitals in the country every day.

The hundreds of nursing students of different levels study in Royal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS), who all help permanent employees based on their practical experiences. This also help the patients un-left untouched. Therefore, health and medical facilities are good enough for the people of Thimphu and every citizenry of the nation as a whole.


The social problems

Owing to the growing city, the social problems are rising daily. The youth related problems in the city are major concern over recent years. The hundreds of youth studying in schools and colleges, hunting for employment are engaging in smuggling and abusing drugs, drinking and fright within themselves forming the groups, etc. are the youth related problems. The government and other concern authorities are working, advocating the public on it to solve the problems, but the problems increase every year as reported.

The stabbing, homicide, fights within gangs on various issues are concern and threat for the people living in the city. The social gathering places though is recreational centers assumes to be the starting point of the social threats. The youth of all ages irrespective of boys and girls, engage in drinking alcohol, which ultimately lead to ego clash. The drug dealers supply various tablets and marijuana, where youth of all ages engage in.

The cause of drug abuse and drinking is family problems, no proper place to stay, no proper care, lack of parents’ advice and all. When the parents and relatives that person is staying with, lacks proper advice and under the influence of friends, the youth engage in drugging and Alcoholism. The drug and alcohol push up their mind and lead to ego rising and finally they start forming in groups, and fight broke out in the city. These create unsafe society.

The old aged people who stay in Thimphu have no relatives and siblings give tremendous pressure to the city. They create unsocial society by sleeping in the street, begging to make their life ahead. The beggars have different intension for begging in the street. They beg during the day and drink in the evening or at night, which is also one of the major problems in the city.

There are many other social problems such as discotheques, nightclubs, karaoke and others. They attract all kinds of people. The people gathering there drinks a lot, eventually lead to exhibit unsocial behaviors that lead to problems in the society. The girls are spoiled from such centers under the influence of alcohol. However, these problems are in our hands whether to keep it awake or keep it away from human existence.

Unemployment is one of the major problems in the city. With very less job opportunities in government and other related employment agencies, the job seekers increase every year by thousands. The government works hard enough to solve it by framing the policy to send youths to work in overseas, which are not doing well. The Guaranteed Employment Program (GEP) was initiated, which does not work well. Still, the employment opportunities to every youth are not fulfilled as of now. There are thousands of youths left unemployed. The unemployed youths after desperately looking for employment lead to bars and restaurants, where alcohol is main thing or vibrant solution to clear up their agony of running office to office every day. This creates the social problems.

There are many such problems in the city apart from above-mentioned points. However, to keep short, I summarize the points. In this we can understand our capital city have problems. When people think of capital city, they feel cherished themselves to come and experience the city life. In reality, it is very difficult place to live in.


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Epilogue:


With advancement of the city to all the directions, there are need to first solve the social problems. If the problems that we are having today are not solved, there are very chances of increasing in near and coming futures. If suppose, above mentioned problems arise then it would be good for the people? No, that is not good at all. Solve it jointly from now and let shine the sun of Happiness amongst the people of Bhutan who come to Thimphu or who settled down in various corners of the country.