Dear Life

Thoughts never cease to flow, of how beautiful you are!

Dear life, with you, everything is heaven

And every moment is a blessing, such joy

How blessed I feel that you are every breath I take.

You’ve me and I’m happy for this

I can afford it, something which is above godly

 And precious, and because I’m a chosen one,

I have all the joy. Nothing as beautiful as you, O life

But how sad!  that you found a poor me

And rested upon me, who couldn’t have afforded it

But because you don’t differentiate, I am happy

This makes me a fortunate one, though small

You were rude at first when I was tender

I grew up in a man-cub without proper clothes on

And I hated you for all you were with me

But then, you were still that beautiful life

You put me through tests, of which I failed so many

But taught me how different I can be with failures

Because nothing can be beautiful without fall

And that is the biggest lesson you have for all

Do you still remember those nights, with shiver and starvation?

Because that loaf of bread was such a luxury

And I was no match for such an extravagance

But you always taught me lessons through such

You watched me grow, take adventure, and be wise

When I broke down, you always showed me the path

Promised better days with each dawn break

Things were going well and I was all smiles

You have me tested enough and your test never ends

As if I have something you must juice out

I can no longer hold on to these sorrows

Why don’t you show me a path as you did before?

I wonder if you can watch me right now

Because my shouts are getting fainter with the days

And these pangs of pain rip my heart out

Why do I see only sorrows and no moment of peace?

Or do you say it’s all my doing and I am responsible?

But all I say is just an omen of goodness that you exist

 Because you have me, you should have a better plan

Or this is just what you got for me in this life?

Why I can’t make people around me content

Of what I do or is everything just a doom?

I’m going feeble each day and can’t bear it anymore

For you are the maker, why don’t you show me a path?

Or maybe, why don’t you tell the people who despise me

That you are not about hatred, jealousy, and ego

But a way through where everyone passes with joy

And no regret as you bid your last goodbye to them?

I will not make an end of you, no, not like others

Because I still know how beautiful you are

I have made up my mind to bea  little patience

And wait for the right time you show up

GIRL ON FIRE

WHY? 
Why on the earth she had to be set on fire? What kind of crime and sin deserves such a treatment? What could have provoked the man, the Ex, to set her on fire? 

These are some of the questions that trigger in people's mind when they heard the sad news of the 'Woman who was set on fire' by his ex-husband. The bitter pain is in imagining the excruciating pain from the burn. It's heart-wrecking. Whoever has been on the scene must have felt the cold stab in their heart to see a woman running in flames. T

he most horrible of the scenes mankind would ever watch! 

What kind of monster is he? The man who was nobody for her, for it was already a month since they separated had to be his Death. The strength of the issue might have been so serious that it triggered the man to burn his ex alive. Or was it not the issue and his uncontrolled mind that went haywire? Or did he intend to by any means burn her alive because the coronation park doesn't have kerosene outlet and the man had it already with him. 

The question here is why it happened and how it happened, but its about the incident that happened. It was such a disturbing incident. It could stay in the minds of people for days, weeks or even for years.   

And for the child, it might be what the fate has for her that she had to witness the most tragic incident in such a tender age. Without any crime, without any wrongdoings, she has to bear the pain and loss for the rest of her life. We could only pray that things go well for her. 

The incident would have shocked the world that things like this has become so rampant in a country where PEACE & HAPPINESS are the way of life. It also happened that a tourist was also on the scene and posted on social media about the incident. 

It was such a tragic incident that people of Bhutan get exposed to, and more intriguingly the child of the deceased. The only thing we could do for now is that such incidents never happen in Bhutan in future and that we be careful with people around, because anywhere, anything can possibly happen.

MAY YOUR SOUL RESTS IN PEACE!

Pay Revision - a nightmare call for the rest

Since the institution of Democracy in 2008 in Bhutan, we have had many chances to witness lots of interesting changes. While some were for the good and betterment of our country and countrymen, some were, as we can't expect everything to be so perfect, pretty unsatisfactory. 

Things come and pass, but some seem to have unending ripples in people's lives. And the daily basic happenings are the foremost thing that people consider, like inflation, salary, and generally the common and most important things that affect us. Salary, as bluntly as I can say, is the first thing for most of us and is an undeniable fact. 

The recent pay hike of 40% for all the local government leaders, except Thrompons proposed by the government is something to think about. Now another blunt statement from a commoner like me is, that this is a 'HUGE'  proportion. It's almost half of their monthly share. 

Because I say this on many grounds. I ain't an economist or budget professional, but whatever I write here is a very basic concern that can arise from this. A lot of public outcries have already been flooded on social media about it. People are crying foul over it and a large proportion of people are being disturbed. Many prefer to stay quiet, as our larger society is because they think that it isn't going to be any good. And here I gather my courage to say it all. 

And I am very sure that having said about the public outcry, I am not alone with this opinion. 

During the time of the pay revision for civil servants and corporate employees, thorough discussions were done in the parliament. It dragged through quite some time, not being able to come to a common consensus regarding the precise percentage the pay should be revised. And somehow, when it came through, many cried foul about it. Not all were satisfied with it though it had some additional value. And I guess it is because the pay revision was kept very minimal. 

People respected that many ground realities had to be considered - the debt, borrowings, budget outlay, and much more. 

But don't we see the same ground realities that should be considered here as well? 

The National Budget Report 2017 - 2018 which was released on Monday stated that Bhutan's public debt had hit 160.5 billion Ngultrum by June 30 last year, which is an increase of 39 billion Ngultrum from the 2015 figure. How did we forget this, when so much consideration in the pay revision, as high as 40% was done? 

Besides, this is going to affect the mentality of civil servants and corporate employees. And not beating around the bush, this is going to hurt them to a new high level. I am sure that the same is being thought by all. 

I am also sure that everyone understands how important LG leaders and their responsibilities are. This is very well taken care of, but this should not demean the job responsibilities of other employees in the civil service and other sectors with such a differentiating difference when it comes to salary revision. Expenses in the urban areas are skyrocketing - house owners keep increasing the rents yearly and nothing is being done, vegetables are being sold at the prices wished by the vendors and very little is being taken care of, transportation is becoming more expensive, but incentives have the pace that of a tortoise. 

After all, it's quite the contradiction that our system delivers. 

The Last Snow Fall

The last snow fall, I don’t remember when it was

Might be around last December, when we rejoiced

I see rain and cold still lingers, but no snow fall

The ground is wet, yet it’s just the hard rock and soil

The last snow fall, I don’t remember when it was

For now, the season has come and the sky still clear

I look up every moment, there isn’t sign of one

Peeping out of the window every morning is a disgrace

The last snow fall, I don’t remember when it was

Buds from the trees are sprouting, and seeds germinating

Chirps of the birds have reigned the sky, and the crickets too

But even a crystal of snow didn’t touch my feet

If not today, frail drops shall shower on me tomorrow

And I shall find the joy I lost for a moment time

But how in this warming soil will it see a landing place

No, I am living in the phantom of dreams

If not tomorrow, whence will I get the snowfall?

The thing so dear to me and one I dreamt so long

I long to muddle with the soft end of your touch

And shall my cheeks be painted red in white

And my boots still enclosed inside my wardrobe

The fluffy coat no longer serves any purpose now

Putting on my cozy hat, I stand by the window pane

Thinking you might come with full of surprises.

Beacon of Tomorrow

 .... to our Prince on His 1st Birth Anniversary....

As though the sun has risen from afar

My home glitters with the rays of hope

Our wings, rested on the colorful joy

The beacon of legend has risen over horizon

Such greatness of the Name, has been long called

The ripples still afloat the hearts of all

Whilst the joy peek through the trunk of ecstasy

I, a humble servant, greets Thee with all the love

May I call Thee, the promise of tomorrow?

The hope, we cling close to our tender hearts

Such a name, even the Thames can’t afford to make

Let me sail, and rejoice through the vales of joy

Oh! The great one, who hath for us all come

Thou greet us with smile, such of a priceless

It gives us pleasant ride, through the meadows of love

I garland Thee with all the love and prayers

I see now, the vales have turned themselves up to Thee

And so the Rivers, the brooks, and the streams

Hum the name of a Legend, who has adorned my home

The Nile, as holy as it is, has taken thy name in its song

 

Dear Lord, the one of unfathomable touch of greatness

Thy Midas touch shall be proved the holiest of elixir

Time shall stand still, to watch Thee perform miracles

Your one touch shall have the golden goose born

Thou art one, who shall defy the law of fall

All I see is the carpet of bliss and joy

That shall meadow the land of peace

I submit to thy feet, Oh, the great one!

Fearless, as thou stand, it shield us from terror

Thy great mastery promises victory over any evils

The power in thy possession shall triumphant us all

The dynasty shall ride further, high with pride

The flag of the dragon, as it flutters in the wind

It sings the song of tranquil, passes me a great comfort

The roar of the dragon, to the far and wide heard

I held my head high, salute to the jewel of this land

  

Thy reign will be a home for countless hearts

Thou shall lead us through the path of greatness

Thy deed shall sanctify us though boundless times

Bless me more, for I can serve my duties better

My heart melts to behold Thee rise higher each day

Oh Lord! I must make pledges with delight

Come what may, but I, an honest servant to thy land

Vow to serve Thee, lead me to the perfection

 ....May you LIVE LONG my Prince....

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.