Money Speak the Truth

Money speak and it tell tales of anyone really loud. Who says that money can’t buy happiness? I have seen people dousing in without money and sadeness was all that they have. I have seen lovers going apart. I have seen losing friends when there is no money. I have seen people remaining alone and desolate. I have seen families deviling. I have seen men breaking stones. I have seen people nearing to commite suicide. I have seen people dying without treatment. I have seen children eating sweets hiding under the beds. I have seen men racing for the prize. I have seen Lamas pretending to be the perfect of all. I have seen students memorizing the texts. And I have seen…working all for money, tirelessly.

And I have also seen men buying happiness; I have seen men driving cars with all smiles. I have seen people changing home furnishes frequently. I have seen sick hospitalizing in the top-class hospital in the world. I have seen men buying everything sans asking for a discount. I have seen men changing wives like they change garments. I have seen men bribing to induce their works faster. I have seen lies becoming truth. I have seen people traveling to Hongkong, New York, Paris, London, etc. I have seen people talking about buying the country. And I have seen…enjoying all from money, selfishly.

I know, and I know like everyone that money can’t buy life, but why need life devoid of happiness? Why need a life of poverty and suffering? The answer a man always to seek from the God but the answer lies with the man. What an answer?…the man?

A man cannot agree upon the hard works, if haves and haves not are simply to divide the bridge. Having grown up and having spent a quarter of my life in an isolated and backdrop hamlet, I have seen people accumulating Chetrum by Chetrum to feed the growing family. I have seen several parents fighting in the sun and rain in the field. I have seen selling cash crops to afford education. I have seen every part of maddening life (a next story to write about).

On the other hand, people who are born with a silver spoon eat silvers and have a golden life. Happy and lucky. In the secondary standard was I, when one classmate told us that he travels frequently to Bangkok and his next destination would be Hongkong. Where some of us even could not reach to Hongkong market in Thimphu. Such is  the life for him. A jealous teacher then asked him about a number of rice plates he takes in a meal. Upon replying to only one plate, the teacher stated that he also takes only one plate of rice in a meal. Such was the farcical satiric remarked and such was the fate of a rich boy!!!

Now, I see many people settling abroad and studying long around the world, such as America, Australia, Britain, etc. Just like how cows spread in the forest, they too have. I wish if I have money, I would fulfill my honey dream to visit rollicking America. Visit only!!! Otherwise, those conceited Americans would say, “Why do all people like America?” That is utter bullshits to say; my motherland is the best and the homeliest place to stay. On the other hand, I have seen hundreds of Americans embracing so lovingly with other countries. It’s wicked and wrong for Americans' notion to think that people like to come to their country, but they can visit anywhere they liked. Anyway, if I stay any longer that far from my place diaspora feelings would oscillate my roots.

And like a dog coming back to his owner’s house after a day’s search of shit, I would be in my village-just as William Wordsworth desired to be with nature, to eat and defecate, not floundering in the air-nowhere to belong. Home is where the hurt is and first hurt and cut is the deepest. And that cut is the loveliest of all.

THERE WAS…

There is not a star that shines for me,

There were some

When they shone beside me

Now the darkness enfolds

Sometimes I think,

I’ve no star left in the sky.

There is not a flower that strikes me,

There were some

When they appealed my eyes and senses

Now the thrones prick

I live all the times hurt.

There is not a place that keeps me up,

There was a place

That kept neat and cheered up fresh

Now the four walls crush

Sometimes I think,

I’ve no place to live on the earth.

There is not an iota of happiness,

There was happiness

That honed and exhilarated the mind and senses

Now the sadness dulls

Sometimes I feel,

I’ve no way to regain happiness.

There is not a person who loves me,

There were some

Who showered with the love

Now they ebb like fluorescent

I’ve no voice of love.

There is no hope that keeps me going,

There were some

That furthered my strength

Now the dope has conquer

I’ve no life to lead.

There is not a mind to live a life,

There was one

That busied my life to become a success

Now having understood this transitory life

I’ve no meaning to understand better.

There is no longing for the world,

There was one

When I had your love

I was flying higher in the heaven

Now look at me

I can’t imagine the mighty fall.

There is no easy way to get love,

There was one I had

That kept my love as love

Now the hatred surrounds

How easy to fall in love.

There is no feeling of writing lines,

There were feelings

Those reached me to a fool’s paradise

Now my pen snug in-between my fingers

My feelings melt on the tip of the nip.

Piper: The poem may go on and on…lookin’ for emerald green lights and open doors in life.

Hollywood <>+=-?<>Bollywood and then to Drukpawood

Bhutanese take pride in three names - religion, culture and traditional -- and these often come to the rescue of our identity and nationalism when any intellectual debate outside occur.

Being a proud and real Bhutanese, I wanted my youth to absorb as much of Bhutanese in them, but as luck would have it, none of the youth now show much interest in religion, culture, and tradition.

However, I myself being a subservient son of Bhutan have its own perils. When I was a thirteen-year-old kid, I watched GasaLamay SenGi with my friends. It was Bhutan’s first movie. To be or not, it was not about religion, culture or tradition, but human bonds- love triangle. There were little fights, dishoom-dishoom and some songs. The movie moved some of us to be like heroes and it entered inside our juvenile brains. It was no traditional-cultural film, I remember.

Today, when I look back at those days, a sense of nostalgia takes over. I can reflect the flicks of that movie. It was in fact, the emerging of movie-making in the country. I am not a Bhutanese movie buff. I watched GasaLamay SenGi as there was no TV at those times. Now, I am a type of ‘Wood;’ Hollywood and Bollywood. I have watched about seven Bhutanese movies so far. Therefore, I find Bhutanese movies a little un-Bhutanese, a little tactless, amateurish, sluggish, and predictable. All copycat. Bollywood from Hollywood, Hollywood from Bollywood, and others ‘woods’ and then to Drukpawood. Our Drukpawood is the mixture Masala of all Woods. And thinking it would become delicious Emadatshi. And thinking because of these testy Emadatshi, that our ‘Drukpawood’ could also match the international level, we copy. But otherwise, it’s the commonly tasted ones. Our Dzongkha is becoming Dzonglish. Anyway, let’s think over this; Fiji, a smaller country than Bhutan produces the world’s best movies.

Most of our Bhutanese movies do not depict the story of the rich history of our country- its rich historical background and traditions. We had so many Penlops, Deps, legends, myths, and folktales that could be made into very good films. For example, the legend of Ling Gesar Ghyap, Zhabdrung, and his Dzongs, etc could be made into beautiful movies. But nowadays, yes, nowadays, we live in the floating world, so we see in the movies some flashy cars, immaculate houses, decked up ladies in tatters, fancy mood lighting, all these flesh and bones, and difficult to understand what and why are they portrayed.

Some film directors look like rocky rock. See Tshering Wangyel’s girly hairs and the blackest spec. whatever he may be, people love his directions and his films.

Photo credit: Facebook (TW)

Bhutanese movies are very much threaded in misery and weepy kind of life with little sparkling moments of joy that brings a smile to the viewer's face. The scene in which Phurba Thinley tries to behave like a woman gives little guffaws or the westernized musical party where the kids gather, dance, and sing an Nga Chelu Ga, Che NgaLu Ga or ting-a-ling-ling-song. Otherwise, there is no striking moment in the movie. The scene in where Singlam and Galam go to see their old ruined house and breaks apart, or cruel mother-in-law, Aum Lamo crouches the head of a hero’s girlfriend and thrashes on the wall, or the scene of heroes running through sometimes in poverty and dejections (and it usually happens because of the lady he loves... gripping lives... and then, they understand each other-their heart, they become together and start a new life, which will be a success within a minute flicks). The films, most of the time tighten the knots showing brutal and faithless life, making audiences, especially Bhutanese women considering their life like film.

Films must excite, startle, thrill, and shake viewers. Its effects cannot be produced by a play that is lacking in conflict. The conflict in the movie may be between human beings pulling in different directions, between a character and the environment in which he finds himself or the society in which he is a member. Movies must generally represent human sufferings, which raises pity and fear among audiences and make audiences decide that the film is a great one in its tragic appeal. The misfortune of the film should be simple and straight- forward, but sublime and universal in its penetrative appeal.

The good film as per my judgment should represent human suffering, have fear and pity, embellished language, and have emotional/cathartic appeal, and of all, it should educate, entertain and inform. There are two views on the tragic vision of life. One is that man is the plaything of inscrutable power called fate and another is that character is responsible for the tragic end. In Greek tragedies, tragic fate for the heroes is predetermined. Oedipus and Antigone become obstinate and tyrannical. Their tragedy is due to their overconfidence in their respective attitudes.

Films though portrayed antinomies of our lives, a majority our viewers take it as reality. Because of this, the films should touch various themes and issues, and, not only love failures that dominate most of our Bhutanese films, the films must represent history, contemporary Bhutanese society, roles, changing relationship,s and educate about the morals of faith and believing.

The Wait

The two big WAITS have changed the course of my life. These waits have wet me in tears. The wait is the weight of my life. So, please don’t say, 'wait.'

The first wait was when I liked a girl. She knew I loved her and I even sent her a chit. I waited for her reply. And she always told me to wait… I don’t know why? I waited with hopes and expectations for two years, only to get married. I WAITED FOR HER TO GET MARRIED. Quite funny. Isn’t it? This wait incident changed the course of my life – to never trust girls!

The second wait was when i missed my interview. My friend and I were walking for an interview. On the way, he waited to smoke and puffed frequently, cutting down times. Every time, I had to wait for him. We reached seven minutes late, changing seven generations of my beloved profession. The funny part was, the friend was happy to reach late, for he knew he wouldn’t succeed in the interview. Just surreal! This second wait too changed the course of my life.

I soon made up my mind, and whenever I think of wait, it kills me. I walk alone. I least bother about the decorum or the institutions of this life called living communities. I still walk alone. It is sad, a pitiful life.

However, an antimony of life is another way round. And now, there are many things to wait; waiting for Bangalore exam result, waiting for the houses to vacate, waiting for holidays to come, wait…wait…things may come…but I wonder if it may turn out to be good or bad!

Only yesterday, you(name withheld) say the same thing to me, 'wait.' I decided all my waits will be one big WAIT now, and I hope this third and the last wait will be the coming. I will wait, and hope for the best, if not, I may have to wait my life here permanently!

On Her Majesty’s Birthday(May You Be Blessed)

The Queen of Bhutan

We are lucky to be born in the country called the ‘Shangri-la,’ and luckier to be headed by handsome and beautiful mind, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The King’s marriage with Jetsun Pema is adorned to the country. It is indeed an adornment and momentous amalgamation of true harmony and time destined. The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema married on 13 October 2011, at Punakha Dzong. 

Jetsun Pema was born in Thimphu on 4 June 1990, Thimphu. Bhutanese multitude adored a simple and calm manner Jetsun. She listens to common people’s sufferings, problems, and supports them. She is an ideal queen, a mother of Bhutan, an advisor, and a guide. With her great love and affection, she guides Bhutan to the realms of modernity without sacrificing our great tradition. She thinks and acts of life, life in a society-a simple society. The queen visits with His Majesty to many parts of Bhutan mingling with her subjects and thais shows her graces and caring attitudes to our citizens. This love and care for every individual Bhutanese make us feel safe, happy, and comfortable.

It was a great day when you were born, and as we celebrate your birthday, we also celebrate the anniversary of you arriving in the world and making it a better, happier place for us. The Fourth of July is a great day to keep alive. Let the golden rays of the sun and moon reach you with wishes of success, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Birthday.

And thank you for having a birthday and giving us a reason to thank you. Thank you for being a wonderful person and inspiration all along and all time.

Their Majesties met the Earthquake victims in Eastern Bhutan and Ha, the fire victims in Bumthang and the windstorms in Trashigang and Pemagatshel the problems of yesteryears. People were given what they need in life, and brought back to everything to normal. Thank you for these.

Long may our land be bright. Long may we have a celebration in prosperity and jubilation leading towards common destination: Gross National Happiness? We stand up strong and stable without any hesitation because we live under a king and queen, who are very friendly and helpful; with the jewels of our country. Thank You for these.

The sincere, constructive, and assiduous perseverance king and queen with their good personality is going to play a role with his vigor equivalent elected prime minister, and we hope to see Bhutan reaching heroically unimaginably, as one of the best countries in the world.

And these are the hopes of people and the royal couple.

Thanking You.

May You Be Blessed.

The Mistaken Identity

Look around you. There is nothing without some Chinese stuff. Chinese is everywhere; They have reached every nook and cranny of the world. The Chinese food, the Chinese cuisine, the Chinese gadgets, the Chinese blankets, the commodities, the goods, everything. It has reached the place where Chinese people have not reached. It has dominated the market and the packet of the world.

Here in Bangalore, and particularly where I am living, Chinese people are rare despite the world’s largest population. There may be some political reasons--China and India. They are not seen like their goods, and they are so rare that many people ask me, many a time, “Are you from China?” I wanted to answer them by saying, “Only Chinese can be everywhere.” But I blurted out in quiet and unheard to them, “Do you think am I a dominator?” because the Chinese have dominated the world. I have Chinese like phallus but ways and manners are somewhat diverse. As I don jeans and shirts, maybe they think me a little un-Bhutanese.

Only yesterday, a group of my new friends asked me the same question. I laughed at them, not to know about our countries and it even reached to my Adam’s apple, but it melted there with this, “Are you from Mars?” At times, people behave as if they are completely alien.

The name they write makes me weird, ‘Butan,’ very shortcut indeed. Our Dolly-jolly madam, Chitra Das Gupta also calls me that I am from Butanic, a very unusual name madam! Anyway, I always have a good time explaining about my country, Bhutan. Its history, cultures, traditions, attitudes, manners, thinking, etc, and how it differs especially from China and others blah…blah…

For many strangers who have little or no knowledge of my country, I have become a real representative of my country. Ah…ha representative of the country! I describe the country like the next to heaven and everything perfect. Sometimes, I sound too chauvinist and patriotic when they see some Bhutanese hanging around with wines in Bangalore.  “This is your country?” they say. I have no choice but to counteract Indians. “They have been influenced by where they are living.” Not a good excuse I guess. And this answer would really make them crazy.

 I usually conclude by saying that we are in the same boat (to balance the weight of nationalism (of course)).

The Crush

Think not and say,

Who are we before?

Assuming life with many pretensions

This loneliness and longing kill slowly

Going along, this assumed decorum

And of will and self-willed

Got fed up of these restraints of life

Let’s do away

Live and like.

The other day, friends told

a the same, same story;

To be what you are not

As faltering, is this life?

They falter not to the small restraints

And walk a triumphant walks

Live and have

And have and live.

I told them, I’ve a crush on someone

And as a natural tendency

Shower the unnatural feelings.

They told me, think not and act more

Was the help not in their hands?

Yes. I think more and act less

And that’s how I’ve a mundane life

All is false in love

For there is nothing wrong with loving

This freak makes me weak

And I’m afraid I’ll crash my life myself

The quick and deep.

Oh! Come on dear,

For the life is the same series

 Act away from the trivial-trifles matter

And keep us going

With sparks.

Everyone will have a crush on someone, and it’s certain to human feelings; to love and appreciate someone. The poem asks the lover to get away with the decorum or institutions of what is called identity, live unbounded from the societies, and do whatever a mind says. Sounds like Andrew Marvell’s poem, "To His Coy Mistress," to "seize the day" - to make the most of today and not put off action until tomorrow.