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Bhutan; Happiness is a place

It is rare enough to find a book that gives you a glimpse about the real beauty of our lives, but far more common to encounter a place where everything is apparent about being ‘peace-stained’. There is no doubt that Bhutan is one such place on earth, often referred to as the ‘last standing shangri-la’ amidst the great Himalayas.   

courtesy: www.novakistan.com

Bhutan is one of the tiny countries in the world. Sandwiched between two giants, its population has approximately over 700,000 people. It has become a place consecrated with rich natural and cultural ecologies, something that has always beguiled the outsiders. Its culture and tradition are so much swayed by the religion of Buddhism, which was first introduced by a great Buddhist saint called Guru Rinpoche in 476 AD. 

There is a perfect balance between modernity and preservation of culture and tradition. Based upon the Buddhist concept of interdependence between human and nature, the conservation of natural environment and making sure that this process does not turn out to be an ephemeral too takes an important priority. In doing so it has a lot to reciprocate, most importantly it has become an ultimate source of happiness for all. 

Bhutan has been rated the happiest country in Asia and the eighth-happiest in the world. It has been often considered the last untouched place on earth. People really do seem happy here, however, many (especially foreigners) do wonder how long will the happiness last as they join the modern world?

The entire process of globalization, as it stretches its shadow across the globe; it did have an immense affect upon Bhutan too. Bhutan has embraced this flux, yet, maintained an adamant to grasp its culture. Indeed, a new approach has been comprehended, an approach known to world as ‘Gross National Happiness’, or in Bhutanese vernacular, ‘Gyalyong Ghakey Pelzom’. This philosophy was introduced by the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck with the purpose of guiding the people towards reaching the proximity of happiness. Ever since its preamble, every law or plans passes through the happiness filter first, making everything a likely way to happiness or at least to ebb the poignant among the people. 

Dochula pass

Nothing appeases the fact but the interminable inherent and benevolent nature of the people. A trace of beam across their faces regardless of the difference in their socio-economic status forms a vital part in defining the Bhutanese legacy. The entire society is a collective based, with strong sense of sharing and compassion fervor, propelling people to reach out to the needy ones, making sure of the indispensable flux. 

The beauty of the places and the landscapes are what amuses the people most. There is an excerpt “It is impossible to find words to express adequately the wonderful beauty and variety of scenery; I met with, during my journeys”, written by one of the English Visitor while sharing his experience about Bhutan. 

Happiness is not the absence of unhappiness, but ability realized through them letting us choose and commit to something that has the potential to create a blissful society. With one step in the past, one in the present, the recipe of yesterday and today propels the people in generating a quaint yet a contemporary based tomorrow. 

Happiness really is a place…

Political Anticipation

These days, everyone, be it educated or uneducated are engaging themselves into hot debates and it has become an interminable process. The din of these debates has stuffed all around. Every conversation becomes desultory, yet, the central idea at the back of their mind seems to hang around the ongoing political scenario.  

People watch BBS incredulously, agreeing and disagreeing among themselves, making every conversation a vivacious one. It’s a very good sign that people from all walks of life are paying close attention to what the politicians say. A sense of inertness which most of the people cling on to before, now at the demise of the first politically elected government extricated itself from the embrace of the new political scenario. People now really started having pensive moods upon the core principles of democracy. It therefore, propels the uninterested minds of many other oblivious people in becoming an active part of it.

However, one thing has remained unchanged; the inquisitive attitude. People are still judging an individual (competing politicians) upon whom they have been, instead of comprehending the ideologies of a political party and seeing those individuals as part of a party for most of the people a strong sense of detachment is still lacking.  

A glimpse at the De-Suung Training, (7th batch)

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ver since its establishment, ‘De-suung training program’, it has attracted many people (both employed and unemployed) from different corners of our country. Each of them had their own reasons for joining the institute, however, as the training drew near to its perch it became clear that we all have definitely made no mistake in joining the institute.

When I first heard about De-suung, the word said it all, yet, as I proceed on with my trainings it took me further into an utterly different sphere of world, a world I haven’t envisioned.

I must admit that I found it really difficult to adapt myself around hordes of new faces for first few days. It occurred to me that even a sense of claustrophobia developed within me. However, a feeling of sociability found its place within my heart and within a blink of an eye it started festering all around. And soon time itself began to adorn everything in order around the barracks.

A jovial mood in every conversations, a glittering smile across sweat smeared faces, and making unconsciously funny faces on the drill ground (for such funny expression carried within it a hint of one’s sogginess and dedication) were the daily routine. Regardless of any activities that we were engaged in consolidated a strong sense of voluntarism. There was a very popular cliché among the training staff and the fellow De-suups, “Go wa lan thang gi khe bar” which gives each and every individual to give a second thought upon what we heard, whether to take it positively or the other way round, and most importantly to have a very resolute attitude in doing what one as a responsible citizen are supposed to do, willingly towards enhancing the peace and happiness of the people.

One of the most important aspects of becoming a De-suup was learning to do something that comes from deep within our hearts. It is one of the basic pre-requisites for one to get entitled as a human being. Captain Kinga Norbu, Royal Bhutan Army has slogged all his efforts in convincing us about its importance, “Do what you are meant to do with all your heart not for your personal interest but towards greater public’s interest. Doing things looking at the direct ends such as appreciations, rewards, money, etc, will bring you nothing good; don’t blame others for being appreciated upon efforts that you put in, all you have to do is to carry on doing the right things for a day shall come when you will be appreciated and rewarded.”

As the end drew near I pondered upon the moments I spent during the training and all I could think was the moment when my mind would weaver like a candle light caught in a gush of wind, never consistent with one thought. And soon I realized the fact that when the training comes to an end it would be a part of world I could never be part of anymore, a world, where each of us give our best, and open ourselves to the extend that lied beyond our grasp. What’s more heartbreaking about the end was the closing ceremony; it was the warmest farewell that we have ever received. Each officers starting from the commandant to the instructors stood by the side of the footpath who bid farewell to the fellow desuups one by one. There was another party who stood flanking the footpath holding different musical instruments and the tune (a Bhutanese song ‘majo majo choe tshu gi ko zha bay) which as they played made our eyes fill with tears. I tried to look back wishing it wasn’t over, not yet. Although I shuffled slowing along the path I found myself getting further and further away from the people I have met in this short period of time and it was far from being interminable. However, part of me convinced me to walk with a smug face because I have learnt many values that I won’t have acquired anywhere else in this world.

Now its time for us to put whatever we have learnt into the real world, to make the word ‘voluntarism’ a real task. Let’s wake up from this trance to be a responsible person in whatever ways we could towards making places around us a better one to live. Let us not forget evermore who we have become ‘De-suup’ and let’s act like one.

Let me be who i want to be

It is rare enough to find a book that changes one’s life for better or worse, but far more common to encounter a moment of getting soaked into liquor that has the potential to impact a man’s entire life, worse for certain.

I woke up not remembering what I did yesterday, or even the day before. What I have been up to lately; how will someone else know, I don’t know myself either. Anyway, I never felt alone because I always have my dear friend right beside me. And that’s more than enough for me to live by then to relive my utterly shattered past despite knowing the fact that there lies a killing machine beneath the friend of mine. Indeed my entire history, a war against no one but myself, has been more of smearing my own blood than the ones whom I have blamed to have made my life the way I am right now.

The blankets are cascading down the bed with only an edge of it crumpled under my feet. I could feel my knees pressed against my chest as the chilling wind rushes in through the opened windows, yet, all my body was soaked in sweat and I couldn’t make an effort to pull out the blanket. I stared across the table beside my bed at the thought of nothing and I kept on fading in and out like a wounded man in the battle field who after getting hit by a bullet can’t resist the pain but to lose consciousness every now and then. The only thing that now comforts me the most is the presence of something that has the ability to quench all my thirst and unfortunately I realized that it has become a sort of an irrepressible habit.

I remembered the moment when I took my first sip. I was in my high school back then, and the test felt like a gift or maybe a souvenir, of my childhood days that still lives in me today. There was an utter silence in the room broken only by the sounds of the stepping foots outside the house. I slowly propped myself on my knees and unfolded the window curtain. The sun light rushed in through the open window making me almost squint. I stared towards a man whose face looked familiar, almost like a déjà vu. Our luminous eyes had fleetingly held each other. His eyes receded in their sockets. His pale eyes revealed nothing more than the same shattered past and failure that burns inside me. But soon I realized that I have been staring at my own reflection in the mirror for a long time, I guess. My own reality came flushing in, bringing back all the mess I have created with my own life and many others surrounding me. Often I have been stranded and ignored and all I could do is to squat and mourn in utter despair at the corner of my room.  I have a good family who supports me well, a job that has the ability to suffice all my needs, and a wife who cares about me. I am at the verge of losing all of it and now I realize that I have to let go of my friend. 

“Alcohol, you may bring joy for a moment at the expense of all other things that I have ever valued in my life but I can’t befriend you anymore, and let me be who I want to be”

The story above is my standpoint of someone whom I have known my entire life, someone very close. But the story doesn’t end here; rather it has become a disease that has affected many lives all across the world. Bhutan is no exception to it. We know its bad but we don’t do much to put a halt to it. The practice of consuming alcohol has been reckoned as a tradition in Bhutan. It is very mush prevalent especially in remote places to see a 10 years old kid sipping Ara while his father throws a joke that relishes both of them, and this is a truth. To those parents this practice is considered normal which actually is not. This can be, indeed attributed as one reason why alcohol consumption among youth is very common. It is a rising issue in Bhutan which further has popped up many other youth issues in the society such as gang fights, domestic violence and above all becoming a burden to one’s family in particular and to the surrounding society in general. It contradicts what actually “His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo has always reminded us that “The future of our country lies in the hands of our young people”. Therefore, if appropriate measures are not taken by the government it would be impossible to fulfill the aspirations that can lead to the creation of a society that we dream of.

Private media at the verge of demise

Lots of higher officials from different ministries and agencies and in particular the minister of labor and human resources stated that graduates shouldn’t be looking only towards becoming a part of civil service, during a week long National Graduate Orientation Program 2012 session. Lyoenpo Dorji Wangdi, minister of Labor and Human Resources, explicitly put forward a piece of advice that propelled the minds of those graduates who attended the session with a new anticipation. The advice reflects the trends that are now becoming a widespread reality throughout the world. "Self-employment" is one of the important ideas highlighted by the minister. Basically it includes involving oneself into starting one’s own business, possibly seeking entrepreneurship. This is a very popular solution to the rising unemployment problem across the globe.
However, it is very tough for the most of the young college graduates to lend their ear upon this issue. There is a need to lower their expectations upon such advices, especially if they are planning on joining or even starting a business of print media because private media is at the verge of demise.
A notification by the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) has been passed which states that all advertisements and public notifications related to elections and the ECB would be given only to state owned media houses like Kuensel and Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS). This reality has turned the advices to contradict with what is really happening around lately. What is the point of encouraging young graduates into such businesses if they were to come up with a move later only to shatter the lives of many? Is this an art of equality and justice practiced in Bhutan under Democracy? I don’t.
"This is blatant move attempted by the government to try and silence the media. It appears that the government is unable to bear honest criticisms. It seems the government doesn't want any private papers to operate during the 2013 elections".
The above statement is quoted directly from Bhutan Times, 19th August, 2012. Indeed, it has become apparent that there is a rising tension within the existing government, and they are actually fretting about the upcoming election. Debates and criticisms are a very important tools of Democracy through which people in general understands what kind of person lies beneath the outer appearance. Only through such activities will the people be able to recognize who are capable and who are not. And the media alone possess the capacity to educate people. However, this is not the case here in Bhutan regarding the notification given by the Ministry of Information and Communication about not entertaining private media houses with any advertisements about 2013 elections. The transition from Monarchy to Democratic Constitutional Monarchy in 2008, since then the government has been trying their best to make the new system familiar to its people. Yet, if we are to judge the recent steps taken by the MoIC, all the efforts made before are mostly what's been said, rather than putting into action. Therefore, it has been said that "We are a democratic nation, not democratized yet. We know what democracy is but we don't do democracy"
However, here I am not being critical about the decisions taken by the responsible ministry because they might have their own reasons to come up with the decision. Emerging such problem could be because they might not have envisioned the impacts or could be because of the government’s less effort to do a proper research. Sadly, those who were involved into this business have turned out to be the ones to suffer. Couple of years back they must have followed the similar advices of the government who don’t care about circumstances that now many confronts. Many employees currently working in private media agencies are of the view that they are now at the blink of becoming one of the people to go scrounging around different offices, with a file pursed within their sweaty fingers very soon because without any provision of advertisement in any media, how will a private media houses be able to survive survive.
Media houses, especially the private ones often includes articles from Opposition Leader's blog which talked about various issues i.e. the issue of Trowa threater, which turned out to be little exasperated to the existing government. As mentioned before there should be a criticisms to the steps taken by the government. No existing government and its steps are perfect throughout the world. Opposition leader, thus, comes into picture to point out the mistakes. He is doing his job very well, but it does not mean he is always right too.

 

Creativity is the key to success

Failing to realize the dreamy nature of our lives is what makes us often take things for granted. Yet, there exist a parallel reality that one might have not envisioned.  

I proudly announced myself as a graduated student the day I completed my last exam of the final semester in Sherubtse College. On June the 22^nd, I spent my last but confusing night at the college campus. I was excited for I was heading home the very next day, yet, I felt as if something was missing. I have always wished for that day to come for my entire stay out there in the college. However, that day never turned out to be what I have had actually pictured. I took a very long time, indeed, was too late, to realize the fact that the moments that I had in college is never going to ensue again.  An angst feeling has always been passing through my mind, it never let go of me. In a way I forget to cherish the present. But I do have some very special moments like everyone does; a memory lived in me, a perfectly encapsulated morsel of a good past.

Today I am standing in an open field of job market which seems to be speckled with thousands others who go scrounging around countless offices, desperate to get a job. However, only few returns home with curled lips. What about the rest? They just return home hoping that every dog has his own day. For some this period of franticness appears to be a short, while for some it is as if there is no end to this desperation. All they could do is watch failure upon failure smearing their lives, taking them further away from the kind of dream they have in their minds.

This is what I fear the most-“would my life not be shrouded with such predicament?” I don’t know but my inner instinct always confronts me because of which I always manage to be optimistic about my life. The moment I stepped into this strange world I sensed something very unusual, not about what emerged beyond my pursed world, but in regard to my own home itself.  Never did a moment of comfort glitter in me unlike before. It is not because I was being mistreated by my family. Instead, a kind of a feeling always creeps within me, reminding me of my independent state especially after completing my degree. And the worse part of being unemployed for me is the ceaseless pressure from the family, friends and the entire society as general. I have just got hold of the keys which can lead me to different doors to enter into the real and bigger world. I haven’t even started looking for jobs, yet, I could feel the stench of something dank, bludgeoned my nostril already. Being unemployed is thus, like snorting impatiently in despair. We can do nothing but to fret about our future.    

Today, no matter where on earth we stand, one thing has definitely become widespread fact. The society around us has redefined our lives and it is not based upon what we really are, rather upon what we do for living. At this very juncture, every graduate are likely to face a moment of the reality that surrounds them like a mist on the water. Becoming a part of a society is never an easy task. Why? It is because whenever we pour ourselves into a society, the very first question the people ask is “What do you do (for living)?” This inevitable question itself turns out to be the main subject to discuss regardless of who ask it. For those who manage to muddle through, it is a moment of pride but sadly for those who don’t, it’s rather a moment of exasperation, a despair that entangles them because of the disappointment that they confront. Those who are wise looks upon them with sympathy while those who are spiteful, often reckons them as a ‘loser’. We often find ourselves in a situation where we have to either step up for the competition or to back as a loser.

Today, regardless of the nature of employers, be it government or private, most of them are in search of employees with experience in respective fields which is what most of the fresh graduates lack. Despite such requirements whenever there is a vacancy announcement on the internet or in the print media, it grabs the attention of thousands only to add another book of failure in the book shelf. Where do we the graduates stand today?  Unfortunately nowhere until we are smart enough to brazen out the ceaseless challenges put forward by the society. Are the standards of today’s graduates declining or those seeking them are ascending? This is a very important question that shouldn’t be taken for granted, instead it should he hooked up to the orbit that revolves around out mind every time.

The road to success always meanders through different opportunities, an opportunity that might seldom turn to us. Therefore, grab what comes on your way because you never know where it might take you. People always wonder and fret about their future, and it is a good thing to do as there is a kind of a saying “Not everyone who wonder is lost, they wonder in order to discover something”. The process of globalization has presented what we call the most challenging determinant in this contemporary world; having creativity. Modern education is a vehicle that propels our wits and creativeness and lets us ride upon the road towards success. Thus, as an educated we must take the advantage of our situation.  Creativity is the greatest weapon a man could ever have which must be used at this very moment of our lives.

However, this alone cannot be credited to a moment that could make us rise to the summit of success like the rising sun. Having strong faith and believing in yourself is a kind of attitude you must possess all the time. “You are serving but you are never a servant. Serving is an art practiced by the supreme-being himself. Gods serves man but he is not a servant of man”, a person who serves himself well habitually helps others as well. And this kind of thinking is what most of the employers want to see within you.