My Dedication to Lyonchen Jigme Yeozer Thinley - II

Beyond the law of the land, there is a law of humanity, which is way above.

Beyond the law of the land there is a law of humanity which is way above. I was into social networking sites since the day I joined the college. It is the platform used for both good and bad. There is a choice of anonymous and real. Users go for anonymity to defame and allege someone. But the truth behind them is never known to be unknown and defamed to the best possible extent with whatever vocabulary they choose to portray. Given a choice of anonymous, people overlook the human ethic and self-censorship. 

In the little country that is hardly known to the outside world and that people believe in lay jumdray, the proximity of social division is questionable. It is not more than even a decade into a democracy. But the things shapes like the democracy was legendary. 

It is indeed very sad that the person who was involved in shaping the cause of the nation way long ago, since the start of his career, ultimately stepped down. It was celebrated for a few and a great loss for many and to the nation. A few groups turned what he did and contributed to his motherland into an agenda to defame and falsely accuse him. The endless debate about the seeming negligence of the former government resulted in nothing but a division in unity that we had. But I hope the successful formation of a new government was the best rejuvenation. 

Every step that the country and its people move ahead is a success. It is the new thing for the new times and change for the cause. Definitely people yearn for the change. But the change with unfairness and involving outside force is not a good sign of good change. It is indeed very sad that the India was involved directly or indirectly in the second general election. It is the direct question that we subject need to ask about the sovereignty of country. 

Was the meeting with the Chinese government clandestine? Or does it was a clandestine operation of JYT? Does JYT’s act really contravene? Was this the caprice of one man? 

Involvement of India in the Bhutanese election has resulted in the question of the sovereignty of GHN Bhutan, and the dignity of the first democratic leader is completely spoiled. 

Don’t we need to optimize our own unity and identity?

It is the remedial measure we have opted for by rejecting JYT. 

So, lastly, I wish his Excellency, the former PM, a good and healthy life ahead. You will be in the heart of many no matter what few social media users define to tag you for. 

My simple poem dedicating for your excellency; 

The horizon was clear and wide.

The beautiful flower was in the aroma of midges.

The country made a long journey.

The bounty was not like in tourney.

Jigme Yeozer Thinley, the ex-PM,

You will be remembered round the a.m. and p.m.

Round the clock the country desires you.

Abiding memories under thy leadership,

True citizen is inscribed in you - the son of Bhutan!!

Trashi Delek!!

My Dedication to Lyonchen Jigme Yeozer Thinley - I

I am enjoying everything by default. I am a loyal son to a humble father and caring mother. I am Bhutanese. I am a Buddhist. I am a student trainee. I am a devoted citizen of the country that is roughly six years old after it was transformed into a democracy. I have my own default right and responsibility. I fulfill my obligations as defined by the law of the land. 

Let me introduce my village first. If you turn the page of history, you will see the history stained with the name Gomdar. The slogan “drowa meyee wangcha go rang go” will be bold on the page of Bhutanese history. My gewog, Wangphu, was bifurcated from Gomdar gewog as per the 85^th National Assembly resolution. Up on the plateau, which is vividly seen as tabled on the slope, is my village, Bayyuel Pangthang. 

Until the first democratic election, the village, remained untouched. My father in particular and villagers never remembered any high officials paid a visit to the village when it was under Gomdar gewog. Some grandparents said once upon a time a minister named Tamshing Jakar visited the village when the gewog was under Trashigang Dzongkhag. There was no electricity, farm road, or mobile network connectivity, and not enough drinking tap water. People had to walk hours to attend meetings at the Gewog. The staple crop of the community is maize, and it has the potential to produce a huge quantity of mandarin. Mandarin is the commercial crop. Everything was a struggle. People had to wake up as early as 3 am in the morning and prepare to reach Mandarin at the road point, Tokorong, which is about 8 hours walking with mules and horses. Their hard work paid off, placing them on the edge of self-sufficiency and poverty. 

After the 2008 election and with the unanimous majority of the people elected, Ugyen Dorji as MP Representative from the Deothang-Gomdar constituency, the faith of the community under Wangphu Gewog was changed. 

Everything said and promised was fulfilled under the dynamic leadership of ex-Lyonchen Jigme Yeozer Thinley. Whatever ex-MP UgyenDorji made pledges were all delivered. First the community got mobile connectivity, both T-Cell and B-Mobile. When people were struggling to get their mobile phones charged, the villages were brightened with electricity. When people were happily in the light of modern facilities, the winding road made its journey through the sloppy terrain of the community. It suffices for all the tediousness of transporting the mandarin. Within a short span of five years under the DPT government, everything in the community was rewarded. And they are now self-sufficient. 

Like my community, I am sure that almost all the pledges promised were fulfilled because 99% of the pledges were reported completed. 

Every nook and corner of the nation with human settlement was connected with roads, mobile network connectivity, electricity, and safe drinking water. 

Sooner or later the new campaign for the current government began, and the poor quality—muddy road—became the main agenda to criticize the former government. Even too few sections of the electorate—an apolitical body—utter the same reason.

It is sometimes very funny when I relate such to the technical reality. Nobody questions or alleges the government on the eco-friendly construction of the road, though everything is mourned for budget constraints and the economy of the nation. It is impossible for the road to be stable and mud-free within this short period of time. Way below the cutting edge of the road, the beautiful and pristine slope became bald. The cultivated field below is spoiled with boulders and filled up with excavated earth materials. That was real trouble for the villagers. 

Travel back home. See and feel the development done by the DPT government. 

Part II about various allegations against him and his resignation, is coming soon...

History that I'll Remember - I

Bhutan, the land of thunder Dragon, is best described and also known as the land of happiness where development strategy is driven with Gross National Happiness (GNH). The story I am going to narrate has happened when I was kid and when the philosophy of GNH was not into action. 

I enjoyed the unique preparation and honor for the first time in my life for the Rinpochhe, Chabjay Drodrup Rinpochhe who is currently at Gantey Goenpa, Sikkim. His eminence, Rinpochhe visited Yarphu community. As a kid, it was bother less for me to know about religion and politics but I was there with my parents to receive blessings from the Rinpochhe. The celebration and blessing were immense and all the people were incalculably happy. I, as a little naughty boy just enjoyed the beautiful preparation and honor for the Rinpochhe. 

Since then due to the initiative of the community and the Rinpochhe’s compassion, the monasteries of Yarphu and Shugung were constituted as the Buddhist College, Sheadra. The left out children of the community as cow boys and helpers at homes were admitted as monk. 

The year was 1993 or 1994 when I was in class two. I can’t clearly state reasons why and how it happened? But it happened! It may be because our main state religion is Drukpa Kajue. We consider it as our main or state Buddhist religion in our country which has loads of historic significance and validity to live it as our religion specifically. But the particular year brought tears to the devotee and the monks of the community. 

I was not definite when it first begun, but I clearly remember when it ended. It was misery for the already admitted monks and to the locality as a whole. When I knew, already big building for monks were constructed and used as an accommodation in Yarphu Shaedra. A new building which was twenty to thirty meter long was under construction at Shugung Shaedra. With full support and hard work of the villagers it was successfully accomplished and ready to use as an accommodation for monks.

Dodrup Rinpochhe is Ngyingma master. When every masters/Rinpochhe in religious discourse admit - it doesn’t subject what religion you follow but the master of our body – mind matters irrespective of Ngingma, Kajue, Tersar you follow etc...  But why this big discrimination? May be it was national issue, but I am still waiting for the right answer for otherwise in their wish of irrespective religion. Yes the history told me the civil war in the country was mainly due to different religions and due to the fact of every master’s wish to flourish their own religion in the region. 

Dodrup Rinpochhe

The day was fine and one afternoon, when I saw a bald man with three policemen. From my grandmother I knew that he was Dzongrab (Asst Deputy Administrator). I didn’t know the reason for his sudden visit! We need to prepare a lot for officials’ visit otherwise. After an hour I saw few monks loitering around Yarphu primary School with their robe tight around waist nonsensically. And I saw few policemen walking to and fro in front of the monastery. Still the reason wasn’t clear for me as a little kid who doesn’t know to intone numerical from 1 to 100. 

Both Sheadras were closed forever. Days passed with all monks were left in respective home as farmer. The new buildings built were left in vain. All most everything seemed blank for them and villagers too. They could not go against the will of government but left only option to follow their great master to Gantey Goenpa, Sikkim. Many of them went there to pursue and fulfill their dreams to cram religion in life.

From then what followed beyond my village and school were not known until yet Rinpochhe left permanently to Sikkim.

Lhakhangs were taken care by the local with directive from the government but not the buildings that was built for the monks. It was sad to see the building collapse bit by bit. And elders used to shed tears looking at the collapsing and uncared building. The very atypical observation was the building collapsed bit by bit only on the auspicious occasions. It was a wonder for the entire locality. It is the power of religion, they use to say. And a statue in Shugung Lhakhang still changes its position, as said and observed by few. 

Statue of Guru that turn it's position

From then Bhutanese followed Rinpochhe and every year thousands of Bhutanese visit Gangtey Goenpa. 

Still the stigma of forbidden and derelict building is in the mind of old people in the village of Yarphu and Pangthang. 

Congratulation to the New Cabinet Ministers

It is indeed great and jovial for Bhutanese to see the second batch of elected competent cabinet ministers after so many allegations between two parties.  I, with immense appreciation congratulate the ten ministers and wish loads of luck in their future seem challenging endeavor.  Now people are taking turn to allege the new Prime minister for failing what he promised during campaign. Mr. Leki Dorji didn't make to be minister of Information and Communication. May be it is for the change and cause. 

I can’t think what is happening with the society and sometimes I doubt myself, do I live in Bhutanese society? Every topic that pertains to politics in social media is chased with grievances and allegations. People forget everything if given a chance and choice of anonymous identity. The chaos and riots on social Medias has disturbed the peaceful mind of people and what next is the biggest question mark.

 Is this the outcome of democracy? Is this the way people act in democracy? Do our ethical values vanish in democracy? Is politics really dirty? I am vexed after reading the editorial article ‘Crossing the Red Line” in The Bhutanese news paper. It is really disturbing to read such article. The aroma of politics is not really sweet. 

Being engineering student, it is great and inspiring to see first Bhutanese woman engineer stepping on the seat of minister as first woman minister. It is yet another history in her life and Bhutan. 

As per the promises, it is one now delivered and one broken that the five member representatives from eastern Bhutan got to be minister and one from central didn’t make up to the list. And among, it is in fact great that my constituency, Deothang-Gomdar, got education minister. 

I once more congratulate all the cabinet ministers and hope every promised made will be fulfilled as a team,  party and moreover as a government.

Heaven on Earth – Bhutan!

It is my immense pleasure to congratulate PDP (People’s Democratic Party) for the victory. Majority of the people of Bhutan preferred strong horse instead of strong flying birds for the change and cause. Because everything said and promised seemed too heavy for horse will be the right Giant to carry the huge load. And accordingly the promises and pledges of three cranes can’t equal the horse in whatever sense except it might fly away fearing the difficulty. 

Congratulate DPT (Druk Phuentshum Tshogpa) for definite strong opposition that you will undeniably garner for the new government. It is a victory in itself for Bhutan, be it ruling or opposition. I salute for the work you have done for past five years. 

Both winning and losing party has their own grievances of the result. PDP won because whatever manifestos and pledges hereafter to be fulfilled can be cited as the real happiness gear for the people of Bhutan. Whatever sense and tone it is, greeting of for your manifestos acclamation was profound. Civil servants idolize the 20% increment of salary and housing allowance.  Armed forces venerate the vivid said of increment in their salary. Villagers revere for your brave slogan to have Bolero in each Gewogs, each power tiller in every Chiwogs and census problems for the southern people. Youth, the future of nation got the magic to idolize when they are enlightened to guarantee 100% employment. As whole, the people of Bhutan choose horse for it will equal flying birds with two helicopter ambulances. Everyone believes the allegation of the muddy and rough road constructed by the former government to each gewogs and other needy communities. And it is for the cause and change to blacktop it for the current government and hope the country’s tourist visit will skyrocket and complains will be less. 

The new opposition party, DPT (the former government) became the target for various allegations. Starting from corruption to the sovereignty and independent of the nation, the Indo-Bhutan friendship, concreted the arrow that pierced hard in the soft mind of electorates. It is the best lessons that DPT learned. 

Everything was over now. The pledges of government are fascinating. It is the best new chapter in the life of every Bhutanese and PDP. It is time for to ‘walk the talk’. If all the pledges get fulfilled Bhutan will be like heaven. People will be happy. And I am sure that the government can do their best to fulfill the aspiration of each and every inspired and distressed Bhutanese.  Hope to see smiling people under the elected dynamic leadership.

I Wish Happiness for all.

Bureaucrats and Politicians Vs Engineers!!

“hey man can u come up with an articles which mainly beats around "how challenging to an engineer" initially struggle with the studies, once in service it’s even more challenging to face all sort of bureaucrats and politicians, where nobody appreciates the efforts engineers put in instead we bear brunt of everyone...”

Firstly, let me thank Mr. Phunthso Wangdi, Chota Don, for having suggested the topic on my Facebook page.  Because maybe he is afraid of bureaucrats and politicians, or maybe he finds engineering too difficult and challenging while in study, plus in the field that’ll nullify his effort when bureaucrats and politicians get involved.

Engineering in Bhutan is associated with all hype and popularity. The only college in the country offering an engineering degree admits only the top students from various high schools. Only a few students are sent out of the country for various engineering courses to meet the market demand. Still the demand is so high, and the benefits and satisfaction that the rank offers are excellent. 

Students opt for engineering, basically for two reasons. One reason is the parent’s insistence on a greater choice of career. No parent desires to witness their child merely surviving on a meager existence. The number two reason is self-interest. If someone has joined an engineering college because they love engineering, they will be well informed about the future and the enormous effort they will make to substantially contribute to the growth of the country. 

Pursuing engineering isn't as easy as you sometimes may expect. There are loads of burdens of analysis, research, projects, etc., that you have to bear, and sometimes you get buried under them. Scoring the highest possible in high school and expecting the same in the engineering college won’t suffice for your survival in engineering studies. But we should definitely be good at math, though not necessarily geniuses. We should have logic for solving problems scientifically. 

Since Bhutan is in the developing stage, most of the students choose the traditional engineering—civil engineering. Everywhere we go, we can see construction blossoming in the country. The fresh green forest is revolutionizing the concrete jungle. A civil engineer is responsible for using their civil engineering background to plan and oversee various construction efforts in many different areas of this field. They will apply civil engineering principles to ensure that structures are constructed in the safest, sturdiest manner.

On a daily basis, civil engineers engage in many general responsibilities. They analyze various factors concerning a construction job. They analyze the proposed construction site location as well as the entire construction job, which is to be done and completed at the site. They will analyze the process for completing the construction job every step of the way.

The civil engineer must also plan the construction project that will be taking place in conjunction with the results they found due to their analysis of the proposed project. During the process and at the end, the civil engineer must inspect the product to ensure that all rules, regulations, and guidelines have been explicitly followed. 

When a country develops, there are always conflicts between bureaucrats, technocrats, and politicians. The need for bureaucracy results primarily from modernization. Due to the progress of bureaucratization, it encourages democracy. And now we are a democratically elected monarchy. It is a well-known fact that the government accomplishes its precision, speed, and consistency through well-trained staffs of bureaucracies.

In the practice of civil engineering, government bureaucracies’ main function is to ensure fairness, prevent procedural lapses, and shield the negative externalities of development. However, in the process of maintaining fairness and equity through bureaucratic processes, administrators end up processing a high amount of discretionary authority. Citizens too have the right to investigate alternatives and to participate in the decision-making process about how to go about the agenda, which ultimately affects their environment, which is the democratic standard.

There are instances where the effort of the engineer is never appreciated, and they have to ‘bear the brunt of everyone.' It may be because we don’t have the form of government in which experts in technology control decision-making—technocracy. Engineers are tagged corrupt. People say engineers are corrupt because they get more money and are well-off compared to other professions. Their incentives are good. Their work outside the office paid them well. They use more energy, time, and skills to get work done. What is there when someone uses more effort for the benefits of others? 

In the eye of the bureaucrat, whatever visual inspection is possible will not be technically feasible. Their visual possibility of judging may prove wrong technically and scientifically. The technical possibilities and stability for the safety and welfare of people are essential for engineering works; in fact, politicians and bureaucracies should not be blamed for the work done by technocrats. Administrators should not at least wish to get engineering work done according to their lame excuse of authority they possess. 

Yes, everyone has the right and responsibility if the structure or anything that is the result of engineering fails before the stipulated time and causes nuisance instead of mitigation. Whatever is burnt and whatever consequences there will be, engineers should be responsible and questioned for it. And we all should have the fact intact that, through cooperation, we can move ahead for the betterment of our promising tomorrows. 

So, we should never forget that civil engineers work hard. Hours can be long, government funding cuts can destroy a project, deadlines are firm, and weather can throw projects off schedule. If the timetable degenerates, an engineer has to overcome scheduling obstacles with ingenuity. Most of the engineers who are employed in the government sector must be ready for bureaucratic delays, political stalls, and lots and lots of paperwork. Satisfaction is strong; most wouldn’t trade their occupation for any other.