RIPPLES of DEMONETIZATION -We, the creator of our own Mess

'Indian Rupees (INR) are once again being illegally sold across the border. Both Bhutanese and Indian nationals in need of INR are paying between Nu 108-112 for INR 100.'
                                                                                                                   Source: Kuensel (December 26,2016)

Ever since the Demonetization of INR 500 and 1000 in India on November 8, Bhutanese people have been bearing the brunt of insufficient INR all these days, and it is going to happen for quite some time. The Royal Monetary Authority receives INR 130 million every week from India, but the figure is still too less. The demand has far exceeded the supply. 

RMA says that majority of the people coming to exchange INR are those going for pilgrimage in India and Nepal. And due to insufficient INR, RMA has come up with a lucky-dip idea where only limited number of people only gets to exchange. The worst of all, people gets into the Que near RMA's office as early as 2 am. Even the children are not spared. Parents also have been bringing their children so that their chances to get the admission inside the money counter is high. 

Isn't this a big shame on our mentality? Don't we have lots to learn?

It is very much agreed that we depend a lot to INR because we import more. We depend more to India, even for as small thing as Salt. It is very much agreed that INR is must for our daily well being and even survival is very difficult without INR, as we are much dependent on imports. But we could save ourselves from running into and getting victimized by lots of un-necessary commotions. 

Yes, that's well stated. We could save ourselves.  

Since when this pilgrimage has become necessary for us? It's a thing to wonder. I don't discourage anybody in going to pilgrimage. Infact I possess no right to do so. I am neither activist nor a bargain on anything, but this very small mentality worries a lot of us. Considering these very petty things, we forget a bigger picture and a more bigger concern. Health, for instance is a pressing issue for us all. As stated earlier, we very much depend on other countries and health facilities is one of them. A friend of mine has already delayed her medical treatment (surgery) in India because she can't avail INR that easily. 

How many more such cases might be pending, because we care less about others?

Bhutanese are very passionate pilgrimages, right? The Kuensel edition on December 26, 2016 reveals a story about Ngultrum Value falling in Phuntsholing. A 100 note of INR is being sold at 120 Ngultrum in Phuntsholing. This is a disturbing news. How far are we going to go on like this? Doesn't this tell a lot of stories about our economy? Our carelessness? and our mentality? 

Bhutan is the Last Shangrilla  and The Last Buddhist kingdom.  We have heard, read, experienced and know it ourselves. Bhutan has enough sacred places, more sacred that what we think, enough to be the wonderful and satisfying site for pilgrimage. But, why it has been long forgotten? It's a big irony here that the world looks up to Bhutan for being so sacred and we,  flock down for pilgrimage. 

I fear that we are losing our own identity. 

And what good does it bring by getting INR illegally, serving black duties and going for pilgrimage? 

Chilli was the most talked matter a very few months back. People we literally crying for not getting chilli at the vegetable markets. The absence of the chilli was deeply moaned, and now it's the INR. I am wondering what surprise awaits next!!!

MOVIE REVIEW - HOW DO THEY DO?

'ARE WE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE?'

     This is a common questions when it comes to anything that affiliates to our grand culture - the unique identity of Bhutan. The unique culture and tradition is one of the many key factors Bhutan has been enjoying the fame of a Heaven epitome. And this trend will take Bhutan to eons of time bound. 

     What Bhutan didn't do, to keep this trend alive among our generations? And the effect has a long lasting impression in our mentality. Yes, each of us has a sacred duty as brand ambassadors to enhance and uphold this identity with pride. 

     But recently when BICMA disapproved the screening of the recent intentional HIT film by H.H Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpochhoe, Hema Hema: Sing Me Song While I Wait, produced by Pawo Chonyning Dorji, it created public outcry. Almost everyone is talking about Why! And the social media, the most active media in Bhutan is full of this question. 

     BICMA disapproved the screening of the film because it contains culturally inappropriate content. But I believe that the maker of the film, being no ordinary person would not have simply invested so much that it becomes inappropriate JUST for the Bhutanese people to watch it, when the world celebrates it as a MODEL. 

    And as everyone has the trust in the film, I as a commoner have much confidence that the film has a lot of messages for us all - message from the great Mind.

   Considering all these, the doubt comes in our mind instantly, 'Are we ignoring the greater cause just because it has a small loop? Or as most have pointed out, it is time we sit and talk about the very guidelines  to review the film. 

   This disapproval has further added flavour to the curiosity of the already curious people to watch the film. The film now seems more ambiguous to the public with the only authority reviewing the film disproving it for screening. 

   And the degree of public curiosity is increasing which and I believe people needs to be clarified.