Rains Washed Away My Happiness

Torn clothes and shabby tresses.
Unpleasant, dry dirt and mud stink over the room.
Oh, his bed—and the dear dust beneath it.
He sleeps on a thin, torn carpet,
his pillow a rag of old clothes.
His Baago hut hurts him.
Is he truly that poor?
Shedding tears has become part of his life—
tears have furrowed deep into his cheeks.



Each day, maize corn and radish.
Radishes have become his life.
Now, can anyone compare to him?
Has anyone ever dwelled like him—
with so many black dots scattered across his life?



Cumulus clouds appeared over the orchard.
Leaves rustled and blew along the ground.
A heavy storm came—
soon, huge rain rained down, and fruits fell.
The door opened and closed on its own.
The rain lashed for two days.
The earth vomited on the third day.

The lamp went out.
Now, only memory remains.
Thoughts revolve without stop.

That was a year ago.
The family was about to eat.
Then, gone—the affections of wife and children.
Gone—the riches.
Gone—the wonderful times.
All buried to death. In a jiffy.

Families, things, animals, a homely home—
swept away and thrown by the landslide.

The man cried.
He still cries.
Hollow.

"Sometimes rain can be bad," he says.

This lonely desolation, this distorted assimilation—
it is hard to feel. And he breaks down.

Is he now living life in the dark,
waiting for death?


Things gone. Gone forever.
So he went near his small field—
the field left behind by that misfortune.
His hands gripped a sped.
He began to work in the rain
and often sleeps in the potato field,
covering himself with another sack.

Such a dreadful life has overtaken him.



Now birds sing in the sky.
He feels sort of sad, but glad as well.
The sun has gone down already.
Will it rise tomorrow?

He is living in the midst—
to survive or not to see the sun?
To strive more,
to swim and swing against nature?

The hope of a brilliant tomorrow
carries him through another rough day.
He believes in his age-old faith,
and that is where he lays his life.

Note; Man creates and builds; nature destroys everything. The ultimate power is nature—wealth, health, and happiness. Nature provides, and nature also robs everything you have.

Teachers’ Day: From a Teacher’s Perspective

On Teachers' Day: Confessions of a Glorified Babysitter (Just Kidding... Mostly)

Coinciding with Teachers' Day today, I would like to write something about teaching and what it means to me. The best way I have learned to be a teacher is by looking at how others teach me—which is sometimes terrifying, sometimes inspiring, and occasionally a great lesson in what not to do. Teachers are lifelong learners who relish the chance to grow and evolve. Moreover, the innocent enthusiasm of young students keeps teachers young, as they remind you to smile through the chaos, the marking, and the endless meetings about meetings.

In many ways, learning and teaching are tied to each other—like a married couple who can't decide whether to hug or strangle each other. Teaching means helping people learn something. Teaching is learning, enriching, and growing. Teaching is caring, motivating, and inspiring. Teaching is collaborating, equalizing, energizing, and exhilarating. Teaching is also exhausting, confusing, and occasionally makes you want to hide in the supply closet. But we push through.

I gain fondness by seeing a person who learns, changes, and gains understanding about the meanings of life and the world they live in—and having the ability to be unselfish and worthy contributors to society. In other words, I help them grow into what they want to be, provided they stop sharpening pencils during my lecture.

I have encountered many best students in my life who have in turn shaped my life better. They are Monu Tamang, Mahindra, Yangchen, Sonam3s (yes, with a 3—there are many Sonams), Susan, Karma, to name a few. The rest are still a work in progress. So am I.

A novice child comes into class not able to read. When he leaves in December, he will have become independent, understood the way of things, and become a potential and creative solver. I have to say, seeing the progression of a child and making a difference in a child's life from February to December is invigorating. It's also exhausting, but in a good way—like running a marathon while being asked "Why?" every thirty seconds. That's what makes teachingmean the most to me.

Teaching to me means caring, nurturing, and developing minds and talents. It is about passion as much as it is about reason. It's about not only motivating students to learn but teaching them how to learn—and doing so in a manner that is relevant, meaningful, and memorable. It is about listening, questioning, being responsive, and pushing students to excel. At the same time, it's about being human, respecting others, and being professional at all times—even when someone has just asked, "Is this for marks?" for the fifteenth time.

Teaching is more than just a job. It's a calling. It's an ever-surprising mix of grueling hard work and ecstatic successes, both big and small. To constantly improve teachingcapabilities and to be there for the student, and to help with any problems they have, in or out of the class, to teach and delight—that is my motto. Also, to never lose my sense of humor. That one is survival.

There are as many different learning styles as there are ways to solve problems. The ability to look at life in a different way and to explain a topic in a different way is one approach. Not everyone gets a subject as taught by every teacher. Images, pictures, trips, and the occasional bribe of candy are some ways.

As a teacher, I think we need to have the ability to change, but it is also important to be able to keep hold of the good things—like coffee, patience, and the fire extinguisher. Some teachers may fear change, as change is uncertain, but it is not necessary for teachers to change everything they currently do in the classroom—just the things that aren't working. Like yelling. Or falling asleep during silent reading. Change is a slow and difficult process, so it should be taken step by step. Preferably with tea.

As teachers, we should always remember the 'Wise Old Owl':

The wise old owl lived in an oak

The more he saw, the less he spoke

The less he spoke, the more he heard

Why can't we all be like that bird?

Because, dear owl, we have thirty students asking questions at once, a principal with a clipboard, and a bell that rings every forty minutes. But we try.

The work of the teacher never ends. Its continuous ripple effects are always there, somewhere, somehow—like a bad cold or a good joke. We teachers must remember that if a student fails, then: the teacher has failed; the examination system has failed; the evaluation system has failed; and, by and large, the education system as a whole has failed. No pressure, though. Happy Teachers' Day!

The Greedy Ministers- Not So!

The news reports from Kuensel (/soelra-or-kidu-ol-returns-duty-vehicle/#.UYAQH1IWK24) and The Bhutanese (ministers-get-to-keep-their-toyota-prados-and-office-equipment/) OR

(/new-government-will-have-to-shell-out-nu-52-mn-to-replace-ministers-prados/) OR

(bt/while-pm-warns-nation-against-mines-his-family-members-own-and-apply-for-multiple-mines/) show how greedy our ministers are. They wouldn’t leave anything before they go from their offices.

Here are some interesting facts and valuable comments from readers about the Prado issue. There are many thought-provoking comments mentioned in on online news. I have selected a few.

From Kuensel:

 

dragon009 wrote:

its a good act by the former opposition leader. i think others too should follow him so that Bhutan will save some budget, which can be used for other development purposes in future. the old prados can be given to other organisations and departments instead of buying new one and wasting money. the future leaders can have new ones but old vehicles should contribute in saving the budget for development in the country especially in rural bhutan.

Rewheneach wrote:

1. To OL, we were worried that you were being trapped by the polluted design of DPT and include you as one of their mafia members. Please stand by the principle. In the beginning if you refer to our articles, we told you that you could be a Minister but not a PM because something is missing in you. Over the last five years, you have emerged as one of the true leaders of Bhutan and that there is growing confidence in you amongst our communities. Qualification wise, experiences wise, leadership wise and from every angle, we are convinced that you can be a leader (PM) of the country one day. Please do keep up your work above all temptation and personal greed, where possible try to bring institute system that is good for overall interest of the country. Do not leave any grey areas where Ministers can exploit to benefit their greed and personal interest. Once again we are convinced that you could possibly lead this beautiful nation of ours one day. We need a clean man who can sacrifice all the personal temptations and greed.
To our honourable PM, we are losing our faith in you, may be you have served this nation for many decades and how many Prados and Land cruisers you would have taken both officially and without the public notice during these tenure. We had been a staunch supporter of you personally and the DPT. But our faith in you is beginning to genuinely fading slowly because of your vested interest and most importantly the last incidence of PRADOA issue make us shame. We even cannot think that you could become so cheap and greedy to ask soelra and kidu from HM when the country is running Rupee crisis, when common people are finding difficult to meet their basic needs. You could have graciously resigned with clean manner without any polluted baggage. Certainly your end of this five year was very bad, we have still hope that some lights and wisdom will prevail on you and that DPT will return Prados and Land cruisers.
Honorable PM, 5 to 10 years ago when the nation was under the monarchical system, Prados were granted to Ministers for different purpose and need and it was ok, but this cannot be continued under a democratic and different system for obvious reasons- rupee crisis, increased people’s voice, accountability to the constituencies and all this makes people to question the government. That is why Ministers and government have to be more careful and sensitive to the views and opinion of the public and important to remain clean to garner the public support and to increase the credibility and image of the government and the country. PM need to learn the long term interest of the nation instead of killing the goose at one go!!!! Prados and Land cruisers are properties of the people of Bhutan and these DPT Ministers and Thrizin cannot just rob us. Of all these days, we were proud that we have the best system in the South Asia region, we are losing this pride because of our inability of the Ministers to satisfy their greed.
So far we respected our leaders of our country, we respected our country, now we are beginning to rethink the types of leaders ruling us. We are seeing now daylight robbery, Ministers cannot just become thick skin and insensitive to the views and opinions of the public. A time may come when you will regret for misusing the power and for looting the public properties including the Prados. We will ensure that this property is returned and we will continue to hard press those looters of Prados, this is no joke- we are angry with the Ministers for robbing the Prados. We wish to see Parados are returned within this week or two. These Prados are not meant for them to ride during their campaign. That is why, we are saying if the people at the top collude and loot the public properties, the loyal citizens will lose faith in the system. We are of the view that maintaining clean system and having a faith to our leaders is utmost important than looting the public properties like Prados. Do you (PM) think we can have unity and harmony if leaders keep on looting? Do you think there will be social cohesion and equity, if there is daylight robbery like this? This is not the correct way to compare with the vehicle quota? This is gross misuse of power and Ministers abusing the flaw of the weak structural system we have. Ministers would not like to correct this flawed system because they want to exploit it to satisfy their temptations and greed. If there is no proper check and balance system in place, these Ministers will always exploit to benefit themselves and put our HM in awkward situation by asking kiddy/soelra. Shame on these beggars although they hold the position of Ministers, you have the guts to ask for kidu/soelra, it goes well if kidu/soelra is asked by the needy people. Remember that kidu/soelra if given to unfortunate ones and poor people will be appreciated. If kidu /soelra is given to rich and the powerful it signifies the collusion amongst the people in power and common citizens will view this very negatively and the reaction of the public will be very intense and strong.
This is a food for thought for all of us, but we need the Prados back, whether OL, DPT or NC chairperson, there is no excuse for them to take Prados, this is highly objectionable. It is the responsibility of PM to guide the DPT beggars instead of asking kidu/soelra from HM. Rupee crisis, common people not able to meet their basic needs and Ministers getting soelra/kidu-the biggest joke in the democratic history of ours, hope some common sense will prevail on them and initiate to return Prados. We are seriously saying, we are losing our faith to the system that was once highly regarded.

songkay said:

That’s the way to do it. Setting good examples by Opposition. Why it has to be OL n Damchoe only and always. Leaders should weigh the pros n cons. At this time they should give back the vehicles. Or may be the sentimental attachment accompanied by material attachment supersede the moral n ethical aspects of a human character. Hats-off

speakingcat apprised:

Congratulations to both the OL and Damchoe Dorji. It is indeed a noble deed. It has nothing to do with politics. It is because you two are politicians that every different work initiated by you two seems to be political in nature.

Sangaydorji commented:

“DPT said soelra is not new but an integral part of Bhutan’s culture”..This integral part of Bhutan’s culture to reward, in terms of soelra, only those in power, politically and economically should be really done away with in the larger interest of the poor population of the country. This has been one of the most important pillars of flourishing gross national corruptions, nepotism and sycophancy in the country so for long.

“stooping to the lowest common denominator” is what we expect from our leaders so that ill-visioned, high profile project like that of IT part should be avoided in future. Instead, we would wished for those low profile project that are vital to we common people. We want development activities relevant to us.

Anyway, who could have imagined to attract foreign investment, specifically in IT and related field, in one of the, technologically, least developed country on the earth, if not for our bunch of idiots.

phew noted down:

“total disrespect for the countless Bhutanese people, who struggle to meet their daily sustenance.”…very true, enough of politician wants!!

We( citizen ) have enough of
1) vegetable growing activities
2)driving 2nd hand vehicles
3) Rs 80 = Nu 100
4)2nd pay increment

From The Bhutanese:

 

Flabbergasted  wrote:

Budget for their cars: Nu. 52million
PIT : Nu. 925million

Yes, 5.5% of our PIT gone to buy new cars because of these guys.

Does anyone know how much it costs to construct a farm road? a school? provide safe drinking water?

Truth said:

sorry, not only Prados, but laptop, i-phone, fax, extension cord boxes, panel heater and even flower pots.

kk had written:

i know for sure, they wont take the flower pots, power extension cords, brooms, dustbins, spitoons.

citizenxiii commented:

given our country’s reserve position lets see what our new government and the parliamentarians would demand……. Tsawa sum at test!

Farang said:

I am utterly dismayed by this news. I did not expect our leaders have such greed. I toil hard, and yet, I find it hard to sustain a family and so on. Yes, these ministers have served the country, but people like us are also serving the country in our own little ways and according to the level of salaries and perks we get. Iam losing my faith in the governance and political development in the country. I think the resigning ministers should reconsider giving up the prados, which I think is public property. It is interesting to note that some of us have not been able to hitch a ride on the office pool vehicles even for official purposes. We have been using our own maruti cars and altos to attend many official meetings.

Mingyur posted saying:

X ministers milking the properties of Bhutanese people even when their mandate has coming to the end. It is shame that these rich people have basked befor his majesty for the cars and even office furnitures. This is not fair on people and to put HM in awkward position despite his graciousness. Kidus are only meant for the poor and needy yet these bunch of crooked ministers have the audacity to ask HM for the govt cars. They have grabbed lands, given million contracts to their near ones and duped people with so many sweet talking and had given themselves immense perks dying their office yrs, and they still seem bent on grabbing more wealth from the public. This is shame and their real face!!! Pls think twice before you vote again now. You hv seen the real face now!!

Sunmoom posted:

To fact of fake, the one who encourages looting the properties of Bhutan, Prados are properties of the people of Bhutan and these DPT Ministers, OL, and Thrizin cannot just rob us. We just cannot imagine the system we have. Of all these days, we were proud that we have the best system in the South Asia region, we are losing this pride because of our inability of the Ministers to satisfy their greed.

Ours is a small nation, we cannot play like Bangladesh and India or Nepal, anything we do in Bhutan has dire consequences because of its smallness, so there is every reason and logic to be sensitive to the public opinion and leaders must refrain from cheating and looting the public. If fact or fake is in the likes of looting the public your days are not far behind, you will soon catch up with those people convicted by the Courts one day or the other including the Ministers if they don’t surrender the Prados. We say this with very clear conviction, we will also talk this with all the people that matter to Bhutan if these goons have no shame. So far we respected our leaders of our country, we respected our country, now we are beginning to rethink the types of leaders ruling us. We are seeing now day light robbery, fake or fact cannot just become thick skin and insensitive to the views and opinions of the public. A time may come when you will regret for misusing the power and for looting the public properties including the Prados. We will ensure that this property is returned and we will continue to hard press those looters of Prados, this is no joke- we are angry with the Ministers for robbing the Prados. We wish to see Parados are returned within this week or two. These Prados are not meant for them to ride during their campaign. That is why, fake or fact, we are saying if the people at the top collude and loot the public properties, the loyal citizens will lose faith in the system. We are of the view that maintaining clean system and having a faith to our leaders is utmost important than looting the public properties like Prados. Do you (fake or fact) think we can have unity and harmony if leaders keep on looting? Do you think there will be social cohesion and equity, if there is daylight robbery like this? This is not the correct way to compare with the vehicle quota? This is gross misuse of power and Ministers abusing the flaw of the weak structural system we have. Ministers would not like to correct this flawed system because they want to exploit it to satisfy their temptations and greed. If there is no proper check and balance system in place, these Ministers will always exploit to benefit themselves.

This is a food for thought for all of us, but we need the Prados back, whether OL, DPT or NC chairperson, there is no excuse for them to take Prados even if they were granted by the King, this is highly objectionable. Rupee crisis, common people not able to meet their basic needs and Ministers getting soelra/kidu-the biggest joke in the democratic history of ours, hope some common sense will prevail on them and initiate to return Prados. We are seriously saying, we are losing our faith to the system that was once highly regarded.

May be under the monarchical system, Prados were granted for different purpose and need, but this cannot be under a different system for obvious reasons- rupee crisis, increased people’s voice, accountability to the constituencies and all this makes people to question the government. That is why Ministers and government have to be more careful and sensitive to the views and opinion of the public and important to remain clean to garner the public support and to increase the credibility and image of the government and the country. Fake or fact you got to learn the long term interest of the nation instead of killing the goose at one go!!!!

Kancho wrote:

If this trends of soelra continues: It may only be good for few and rich people and bad for other poor people. we common people need to collectively think about it and raise our views and concerns accordingly in an appropriate platform: we must make a right choice when we vote for a new government in 2013.
Chhu yesalu chhap tsap!! interesting to hear “PRADO AS Soielra” what is next now????

valcient commented:

Its sad to see that Bhutan is creating such precedent. In one had, we say we are poor, but if such things happens and we are not aware of this, one day.. for sure .. we can see ourself in a very tight and complicated situation. I just pray that we realize this, before it is too late. 

People of Bhutan should be aware that every penny counts, and this comes from the pocket of individual in terms of taxes. Good check and balance should be maintain and we as bhutanese should be a team and drive the country forward towards development. Minimizing internal expenses of the country will add up to the economy of the country, and this should be well understood by our leaders. 

Such trend would prevail, and at the end we the nation would be the sufferers. As a employee of a firm, we are never rewarded with any office belongings, and the same must prevail for every employee of this nation, These things belong to the people of Bhutan, and must be returned after been used. WE ARE HERE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE, AND NOT LET THE PEOPLE SERVE AND SUFFER FOR US. 

Dhamteng wrote:

What the OL did recently – give up his lyonpo scarf and surrendering of his Prados is the type of quality of leadership lacking in Bhutan inspite of all the efforts our Kings have made during monarchy time and even now.

The qualities exhibited by the OL show he is now ready to lead the next government. This election we youth need to make our voices and choices heard.

kadola wrote:

Thanks to OL for surrendering his Prado. …rich are becoming richer and poor are becoming poorer in Bhutan. middle and low income group Government servants who have served the Tsa-Wa sum with full dedication for more than 2-4 decades can also ask for soelra. They are the main Engine of Government
Machinery. They are the real unsung heroes.

future  posted saying:

i am glade we have selfless citizen like the former opposition leader. i love it and hope to understand many bhutanese through such understanding. as a civil servant i earn Nu. 15000 in a month, out of which, i contribute Nu.1500 as a pit to the national wealth. in a year i have net disposable income of Nu. 162000; just 6.5% of their one time solra. very amazing and worrying for all times.
i thirst for a leader like opposition leader and i would vote and urge to vote him on…cheers opposition leader, we want what you did.
my fellow bhutanese, lets be mindful of our contribution -pvt. employees, corporate employees, civil servants and the employers, and exercise our right. lets make bhutan a beautiful place to live in and lets enjoy the benefit of our contribution to the government. m fade-up with the old time ruling strategy of the DPT……..sorry.

Something

Note: The poem describes a minute bus stop in one of the terminals in Bangalore metropolitan city. Indians peeing on the wall is the most prominent thing one could see anywhere in India—in front of the crowd. Very embarrassing!



Everybody is doing something—
working, talking, staring, sitting,
sleeping, standing, waiting,
peeing…

I am doing nothing.
Just watching.
Or so I tell myself.



At a boulevard depot,
a minute bus stop,
I stand here looking—
doing nothing.
Or maybe doing everything
by doing nothing at all.



Everybody is doing something—
driving, climbing, jerking, crying,
reading, writing, playing,
peeing…

I am doing nothing.
But my mind is occupied
by all these somethings.
So am I really idle?
Or just busy in a way no one can see?



A minute watch.
Catch a touch
of wall painting
and wall washing.
Or is that just another name
for what they're doing over there?



Everybody is doing something—
selling, buying, tweaking, pulling.
Some happy, some sad, some eating.
Some angry, some disturbing.
A minute: three people peeing.

Wall painting or wall washing?
Hard to tell anymore.

I am doing nothing.
But my mind is occupied by all these somethings—
and still, I feel like I'm doing nothing.

Maybe that's my something.
Maybe watching is working.
Maybe standing here, confused and confident,
is the most honest thing anyone's doing today.