On The Royal Wedding and More… A Tribute to my Kings

I am just a simple Bhutanese man and I am not wise or I may know very little, but I know gratitude. So, I have words of gratitude, prayers and well wishes to our great Wangchuck dynasty.  I am here to remember and show appreciation to the legendary monarchs, be grateful to the present kings, and to wish for a magnificent Bhutan for the future monarchs. I take this platform as a fellow Bhutanese, taken in by the excitement of the Royal Wedding.

Photo courtesy: Kuensel

After the days of Zhabdrung, the dual system of government became feeble with internal feuds among regional leaders. Ultimately, the system failed to unite the nation and posed an immense threat to the independence of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. So, in order to correct this dreadful situation, the Black Regent, Jigme Namgyal, came to the rescue; he united the nation.  Sir Ugyen Wangchuck followed and further unified Bhutan by putting an end to civil war culminating with the Battle of Changlimithang. The people of Bhutan joined hands believing that the country would remain at peace with a preamble of hereditary monarchy. Hence, on 17^th December 1907, at Punakha dzong, the populace of Bhutan crowned Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk as the country’s first hereditary monarch. Since then, peace and development have flourished in the soils of Drukyuel through the guidance of our majestic kings.

Bhutan developed at a fast pace under the rule of the second king, His Majesty King Jigme Wangchuck. The relationships between citizens were strengthened and Bhutan opened its first school.

The father of modern Bhutan followed, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.  Our third king graciously opened the isolated doors of Bhutan to the outside world and welcomed modernisation. In 1953, the National Assembly/TshogduChenmo was established as the chief legislative organ. This strengthened the political branch of Bhutan, while simultaneously moving toward decentralization, by allowing the people participation in decision making processes. The Lodroe Tshogde/Royal Advisory Council was introduced soon after which marked a milestone in the advancement of Bhutan towards democracy.  This council was entrusted with the responsibility of advising the king and the council of ministers on matters of national significance.  Soon after, the lhengye Zhungtshog/Cabinet was formed which comprised of the King, ministers, and representatives of different government bodies, including the grass root level representatives. Schools, hospitals, telephones, road networks, and other infrastructure soon found a place in Bhutan.

Development reached an even greater height under the astonishing reign of our fourth Druk Gyelpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogchung and Geog Yargye Tshogchungs were initiated to involve citizens in the formulation of developmental plans. This was also a landmark towards decentralisation and parliamentary democracy.  Citizens enjoyed the right to forward their plans, needs and problems to the government. Subsequently, in 1998, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck handed over the reign of government to the cabinet of elected ministers. Our 4th Druk Gyelpo also founded the concept of Gross National Happiness, which has been internationally acclaimed and is gaining great popularity. Every Bhutanese citizen, government organization and private organization is guided by the holistic approach of happiness.

The fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and the Tsa-thrim Chenmo/Constitution of Bhutan transformed the Bhutanese system of government on 18th July 2008. This sacred document outlines our systems of parliamentary democracy and is equally important for the drukpas.  It is a document of great significance as, we open the constitution with a solemn pledge to strengthen sovereignty, secure liberty, ensure justice and enhance the unity, happiness and the wellbeing of the people and the country. Now we enjoy a dynamic democracy with a king that is always there for us. The fifth king has done, and is doing, much for the people of Bhutan. Land for landless, educational aids for the less fortunate, and enhancement of international relationships are among a few of the initiatives that our king is pushing forward.

Photo courtesy: Kuensel

Yet, despite all great things that blessed the soils of Bhutan, We are once again making history. The world will have its eyes and ears on Bhutan. News of joy will spread. The Thunder Dragon will roar again, and like always, she will roar of happiness and jubilation. The Royal Wedding is the source.  The fusion of the fifth dragon king with his queen will be grand. This event will bring joy to the people of Bhutan for years to come. Excitement and joy will fill the days. Our children will read it in their history books. We will live history in our own lifetime.

The preparations are equally invigorating. Students are tapping away to the tunes of newly composed songs; songs of love, appreciation and joy. Expressions are on the way and some are already published.  Different organizations are publishing Message books and a handful is producing trademark goods. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, are packed with groups and pages dedicated to the Royal Wedding. Bloggers are doing their part by writing about the event. This wedding is truly a great occasion as Bhutan will have a beautiful queen who will be of great significance in the lives of Bhutanese people.

On my part, I’m not doing anything of great significance. I am simply offering my well wishes and prayers of wellbeing to the Royal couple.   I pray for the everlasting happiness and unfailing prosperity of Bhutan. Let us hope to give an always peaceful and beautiful Bhutan to our children. May the royal couple enjoy unparalleled love and affection and let us hope that their happiness will radiate all over the world.

I would like to pray for unprecedented peace and prosperity in Bhutan under the thoughtful guidance of our Dragon King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. And may his royal consort aid His Majesty in doing so. Let Bhutan truly fulfill its title of the last Shangri-La.

Misfortune, hard luck, and bad luck strike me…

MISFORTUNE 

The recent days were not at all good for me. I had consistent misfortunes these days. On October 6, I lost my wallet and I cannot recall how and where I lost it. I am not sad for the cash lost but I lost many things along with it. I lost my driving licence, identity card, voter card, bankcards, ATM cards, spare key for my car and photos. There was also a very old photo of my parents in the lost wallet. This is the first time that I lost my purse. 

HARD LUCK

On October 7, I went down to Wangdue to report on my lost licence and ATM and again, trouble struck me. I was giving way to the truck coming from the other way when a Maruti car hit me from behind. It hit my car twice, crushing my rear bumper. I got out and investigated the damage caused and to my little luck, the damage was not extensive.  The accident damaged the Maruti car beyond easy repair; most of the engine parts were affected. He would have to spend a lot to repair and for this reason, I let him go without any hassle. Actually, I was on the right track and he has to bear the cost for my damage if the police get involved but I showed pity on him. I was so frustrated with my luck and was not able to go on for some time.

BAD LUCK

The snake that I had to kill...

The reporting and replacing of ATMs went smoothly. Yet again, a dreadful thing was in store for me. As I walked out from the police station, a snake was waiting for me. It tried to curl on my leg and if I was not able to shake it off on time, I would have landed in the hospital or maybe a goodbye to my life as the snake was a cobra, which is poisonous. I did not understand the reason for the snake to find my leg. It was an advantage that I do not fear snakes. This reason saved me and made me to murder the reptile. I killed it with my slipper but I regret for the same deed. It was anger that led to the killing of the snake.  With this incident, I cursed myself for having continuous misfortunes and I was very cautious after that. I drove back at minimum speed and my eyes and ears were all active.

Sometimes we face such things in life that we do not welcome at all. I pray to the almighty to save me from this situation.  I am staying grounded for some days to keep away more trouble. God, please help me…

Our Gift For The Royal Couple

Photo courtesy: Kuensel

 Every Bhutanese, old and young, are all excited for the greatest event of 2011-The Royal Wedding. The date is nearing and I would be living the occasion. Pondering over this question- What will I do? was an experience. I am no artist, I can't paint pictures and I am no writer, I cannot compose. I have but thought of this gift. I developed a group on Facebook called TOB-DEN and also a blog titled the same. The same are gifts from the teachers of Bhutan. Our greatest wish is to see the Royal Couple land on any of the two (Group and Blog), one day. I wish  happiness and well being to the Royal Couple. Happy Wedding.


I have the details on the Facebook group and the blog underlined hereafter...







DEDICATION
The group is dedicated to the children of Bhutan and is formed in commemoration of the Royal Wedding

What is in the name TOB-DEN?
T = Teachers
O= Of
B= Bhutan
D= Dedicated or Diligence
E= Enthusiastic or Excellence
N= Noble or Nurturer

The word 'Tobden' holds a very positive meaning in our own language- Dzongkha

AIM: - To connect, share, learn and apply for a better Bhutan

The Logo 
The butter lamps stand for the teachers of Bhutan and the lamps burning shows the light of knowledge and self-discovery. The light will show ones path and lead one to success.

 The Group:
 The group will try to bring together the teachers of the nation. The nurturers will work closely to shape the future of the Bhutanese youth. Teachers will interact with each other on their daily experiences and challenges. The group will act as a platform for teachers to discuss their teaching learning experiences and other relevant themes. Knowledge and expertise will be shared at a great extent.
We welcome healthy discussion in the group, which will benefit individual teachers and ultimately, the children of Bhutan.
The group is not restricted to teachers only, any one, especially students, can join the group.


GROUP BLOG
The group will maintain a blog titled TOBDEN and the same will go online on 13th October, coinciding with the Royal Wedding. It is a token of love, admiration, and well wishes to the Royal Couple. Policy makers, educators, parents, and students will use the blog as a platform to discuss various issues, share helpful ideas, and learn at length. The administrator of the Facebook group will maintain the blog. Initially, interested and concerned persons may attach their posts and mail it to somnovu@gmail.com. The bog add is: www.tobden2011.blogspot.com/

We request comments and suggestions from group members, visitors and anyone who has a heart to help the children of Bhutan. 

Samtengang MSS Gets Her First Ministerial Visit

Staff from the two school welcome honorable minister

Students wait in anticipation

 A Brief Report...

28^th September 2011 is a memorable day for Samtengang Middle Secondary School and Samtengang Primary School, in Wangdue. The day is remarkable by Honorable education minister’s visit. The visit is the first of its kind in the history of the schools. A team led by the minister and consisting of Dzongkhag education officers and other officials visited the school.

The team spent almost 4 hours with students and staff. It was a rich presentation from honorable minister. Lyonpo mainly focused on the program, Educating for GNH, and in particular, Green Schools for Greener Bhutan. Students and teachers were enriched with detailed presentation on the theme. The Green Schools for Greener Bhutan is a great initiative of the education ministry. The program is very easy to understand and its influence would help shape the future of the Bhutanese education system. The program is not merely planting trees or flowers on the campus; it covers all the dimensions of an individual- Spiritual, Mental, Natural, Physical etc. The topics under the program talk of Natural greenery, Intellectual greenery, Cultural greenery, Aesthetic greenery, Academic greenery, Social greenery etc. Honorable minister also talked in detail on the aspects and importance of the program and other relevant areas. His excellency also enhanced students with their purpose and role - usefulness and gracefulness. 

Inauguration  cermony  of  the  school  blog  by   Honorable  minister  

The visit also created a landmark in the history of the school with the inauguration of the school blog by Honorable minister. Lyonpo amplified the occasion with commendations and well wishes. The school now runs an official blog, maybe the first school to do so. I was filled with pride and satisfaction as I was the mastermind behind this but I  congratulate all my fellow colleagues for making the blog a successful one, it was a collective effort. 

His excellency reads out the 'Royal Wedding' message from the blog.

 After the session with students, Lyonpo held a meeting with the teachers. During the meeting, he briefed us on the aforementioned program and shared some secrets of the teaching world. We learnt the reason behind the ‘Noble profession.’ Teaching is a noble profession because teachers build nobility- nobility of action, nobility of heart and we work towards making a place a better one and transform an individual into a better one. In brief, teachers work for a better cause, always. This explanation is a boost to my bogged life as a teacher; it motivated me or at least lifted my heart.  

The other presentation that lighted us was the explanation of the Noble triangle. The noble triangle is very simple and a must for teachers to understand.  The three sides of the triangle stand for: 1. Love for children 2. Love for learning 3. Importance of education. The Noble triangle is the soul of a teacher and we must be inside the triangle to be a good teacher.  Then, His excellency touched upon various dimensions of a teacher. I believed in his words as his words come from a rich experience in the field.

The meeting concluded without any questions from the floor. Lyonpo and his team sponsored the lunch for the day. We wished farewell to the entourage at 3PM.

Trip to my village

I was welcomed by this beautiful butterfly.

The 18.9 earthquake has damaged many structures in Bhutan ranging from dzongs to family homes. My home at Wachey, Wangduephodrang, was not inspected for damages as there's nobody home.

Being the closest one to home, I made a trip to investigate the family house. The trip was a good break from my everyday teaching life. It has rained the whole night and the air was fresh. The village air was welcoming and the flowers looked great.I could see the paddy fields turning gold.

Getting ready to be harvested

Reaching home, I looked at all sides from outside and there was no cracks visible. The only aftermath was the tilt on the wall which supports the verandah aka euekhe. Then I went from room to room and found no major damage though there were some small hairline cracks on the third floor. And a portrait has fallen down along with a small carton box. I was relieved and satisfied too.  There was no major damage and the family home is safe.

Turning gold

The first crack I noticed

then the second one

The third and the longest one, it runs from the ceiling to the floor.

Another one above the shrine room door

The tilted stone wall