To My Beloved Mom

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From the mysterious darkness of alien realm,

You brought me to the world of limitless gleam,

Making me sense, the worlds beauteous elation,

At the cost of your own precious jubilation.

 The moment I cried first, was your only moment of delight,

And the second time I cried, it induced in you infinite fright.

From the deadly pains of ailments and evil spirits,

You nursed and cured me with your courageous spirits.

For the soup you saved for me during the time of famine,

For the first word and advice, you gave me to act humane,

And the newest suit you bought for me despite financial crisis,

I owe to you a lot, for your love, care and infinite sacrifices.

For all the pleasure which I gained along my way without fail,

I owe to you for the perfect guidance, you directed me to sail.

The success which I acquired is the result of your bless,

And your blessings that calmed my fear are my only source of bliss.

When I was in pain, you are the only one beside me,

But when you are in agony, I fail to be aside thee.

I cry for such a foul play of fate, separating son and mom,

Though I aspire to be near you for all the time to come.

Lucky is me, having blessed with a caring mother,

And I am proud to call your name, my wonderful mother.

Though distance shall bar the way, I will be near you one day,

And make you proud of me, for you have glittered my way.

With lots of Love and Gratitude

Your Son,

P.S: Dedicated to My Ageing Mother and All the Gracious Mothers on Earth.

Nature's Forest services- Perennial Flow of Rivers and Hydro Power

Not many countries in the world knew the existence of such a land, hidden in the folds of Himalayas, until it was known as one of the biological hotspots of the world. A small patch of land with a mere area of 38,394 sq.km, situated between two giants of the world, China to the north and India bordering the rest, it is the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Menjong Drukyul, ‘Dragon kingdom of medicinal herbs’’ now known as Bhutan.

Since the prehistoric era, the native of Bhutan lived in close harmony with the natural environment believing that destruction of it would bring natural catastrophe, for they believed that unseen spirits dwell everywhere in the nature. Yet they derived values such as food, fodder, fuelwood, fibre and fertilizer from the forests besides timber and many other intangible benefits like peaceful environment with scenic beauty, a timely monsoon, etc. The mythical conservation of forest by our ancestors have bestowed the present generation with pride in front of the world when many nations are struggling to reinstate the long lost natural forest. The country still maintains 72.7% of the total area with forest and derives numerous services from the nature, the most important one being lighting the homes by hydroelectric powers. Water serves as one of the most important source of energy.

Bhutan is drained by many rivers, the four major being Amo chhu (Torsa), Wang chhu ( Raidak) Punatsang chhu ( Sonkosh), and Drangme chhu ( Manas), maintaining good watershed among the valleys. These rivers have a potential to generate more than 30,000mw of electricity and the continuity of the flow of rivers depends on the conservation of forest. Depletion of forest meant a rise in the temperature causing global warming, which leads to the melting of the pristine mountains, thus causing a threat to the perpetual flow of rivers.

Damsite at Chhukha ( source: Bhutan 2008 )

The first hydropower project in Bhutan was commissioned in 1960s when Bhutan forwarded her first step towards modern development by launching the First Five Year Plan in 1961. By then rest of the world have already converted their natural forest into major Industries, or were in the process of conversion. There after Bhutan realized the importance of forest in maintaining the perennial flow of rivers, which have a great potential to generate huge revenue in the most eco-friendly manner.  Today the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan obligates 60% of the country’s area to be maintained under forest cover at all times. The development of more than 20 hydroelectric schemes has made it possible to electrify more than 40 towns and 1,064 villages (2004) within a short period. Bhutan continues to harness the immense hydropower potential that Bhutan is endowed with. Today, the sector contributes more than 40% of the domestic revenue. Just for an instance, the National Revenue Report of 2005-2006 reveals that Chukha Hydropower contributed Nu. 2,092.682 million which is 30.01% to the total revenue of Bhutan. Besides there are many small hydropower plants in Bhutan catering to remote villages that are not linked to the main distributors. The small hydro projects have significant roles to play in our economy. Thus, we Bhutanese are lucky to have received such a great service from nature.  

Therefore, to celebrate the World Environment Day 2011 on 5^th June, with the theme “Forests: Nature At Your Service” I hereby present this insight of Green Development happening in Bhutan to the other world. There cannot be a way better than this for achieving Clean Development Mechanism where we use the natural resources in a sustainable basis, without compromising the needs of future generation, so plant a tree to celebrate the day.

Learn more on World Environment Day

Reference:  Hydro Electricity Power

Day To Remember the Father of Modern Bhutan.

Bhutan is the land of mystic splendour, blessed with the eternal flow of peace and tranquility, which is mainly attributed to the blessings of almighty and local deities, the faith and respect bestowed by the people in their leaders, and the love & care showered on the fellow citizens with full dedication by the leaders. Since the inception of monarchy in 1907, Bhutan is blessed with compassionate and selfless men one after another, which we call them Druk Gyalpos’ (King of Bhutan) and one such personality was our third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan

Born to His Majesty the Second Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Wangchuck and Queen mother Azhi Phuentsho Choden on 2^nd May 1928 in Truepang Palace at Trongsa, His majesty was the only child born to queen mother though he had three sisters and one brother from his step mother, Azhi Pema Dechen. Having learnt the Buddhist literature, Hindi, and English at his early ages, he started taking major responsibilities in the administrative system of Bhutan at the age of 15 with his first post as Trongsa Droenyer ( Secretary in-charge of Guest), and two years later, he became the Paro Penlop ( Governor of  Paro region). His majesty married Azhi Kelzang Choden, daughter of Gongzim Sonam Tobgyal Dorji in the year 1952, and in the same year on October 27, he ascended the Golden Throne as the Third King of Bhutan.

Monarch of clear vision and foresight, he worked tireless for the welfare of his people and kingdom. His major social reforms includes putting a ceiling to land holding at 30 acres, reduction of tax and revenue from the land, and abolishing completely from poor farmers with smaller holdings. Feudalism was completely abolished and serfs were removed thus making every citizen equal irrespective of creed, caste and colour.

Judicial reforms include the establishment of High Court and reorganization of the judicial system. Capital punishment was completely abolished thus retaining the Buddhist principles in administering the nation.

His major constitutional reforms were the establishment of Tshogdu, The National Assembly of Bhutan in the year 1953, where the elected members representing the common people can raise the voice on behalf of people at grass root level. Lodoe Tshogdu, the Royal Advisory Council was constituted in 1963, to assist the Kings day-to-day administration thus maintaining crystal-clear transparency in the system of governance. The Council of Ministers was created in 1968 and the concept of constitutional monarchy came into light as early as 1968 when his majesty declared to the National Assembly and empowered the people to remove the king or His successor with a majority vote of Two Third in the vote of no confidence.

Third King and Prime Minister Nehru (1954)

Under his dynamic leadership, Bhutan progressed towards the road to economic development, social & political stability and material development. Upon the invitation of the king, the Indian Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi visited Bhutan in 1958 thus putting an end to the age-old policy of isolation and this further strengthened the foundation of Indo-Bhutan Friendship. The two leaders discussed Bhutan’s specific problems and Nehru promised to assist Bhutan in her economic development. With enormous financial support from Indian Government, Bhutan kicked off her First Five-Year Plan (1961-1966) in 1961 and within a reign of 20 years under His Majesty’s leadership, Bhutan saw mammoth of developmental activities.  Some of the major achievements include the setting up of Seed Farm and Agricultural Research Stations, Extension Centres to boast the production of horticulture and agriculture crops in agricultural sector and establishment of Breeding Farm for various animals in various parts of the country and setting up of animal product plants in the field of Livestock and Animal Husbandry.   In Health sector, Public Health Department and Chief Medical Officer were set up in Thimphu, the number of dispensaries and hospitals were increased (40 in total, 6 hospitals and 34 dispensaries), and health workers were trained. Hydel projects were constructed to light major towns of Thimphu ( Capital city of Bhutan) and Paro thus opening the foresight of sustainable use of natural resources. National Bank of Bhutan was established in 1968 to control its currency and foreign exchange. Bhutan was connected with India by motor roads giving away the mule tracts. 1770 Kms of road was constructed in the First 5 Year Plan itself.

Spectacular progress was made in the field of education. The number of schools rose from 59 in 1961 to 102 in 1972 including 15 junior high schools, 5 high and 2 public schools. The total enrolment increased from 3000 to 9000. One Teachers’ Training Institute was established in Samtse and many more Bhutanese scholars were sent to India to get specialization. Therefore, 2^nd May is also observed as National Teachers Day, to pay tribute to the teachers, in memory of relentless efforts made by his majesty in introducing modern education in Bhutan.

In 1959, the People’s Republic of China occupied Tibet, which was a threat to the sovereignty of Bhutan and this has encouraged His majesty to look ahead for the safety of his people and nation. Soon Bhutan became the member of Colombo Plan in 1962 and Universal Postal Union in 1969. In 1970, Bhutan attended the UNO General assembly as an Observer and in 21^st September 1971, Bhutan was unanimously admitted to the United Nations. His majesty completely gave up the policy of isolation thus allowing people to accept modern concepts of democracy and social equality by entering into the new era of participation in international affairs.

King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was not in sound health since his early twenties, when he got a heart attack, which is why he made frequent visit to foreign countries for treatment. To the utter dismay of the entire nation, his majesty succumbed to premature demise at the age of 44 on 21^st July 1972, in Nairobi, Kenya, while he was receiving a medical treatment, thousands of miles away from his beloved children and royal family, his faithful subordinates and his nation, leaving an irreparable loss in the soil of DrukYul (Land of Thunder Dragon). Yet the people of Bhutan are very lucky to have the only crown prince Jigme Singye Wangchuck to succeed the Golden Throne.

Being a monarch of clear vision and foresight, who steered the country away from the policy of isolation, brought about religious and social consolidation and set country towards the path of economic development, and for tiresome endeavour for his people and nation  despite his ill health, His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo, Late Jigme Dorji Wangchuck is still remembered as the Architect of Bhutan or simply the  Father of Modern Bhutan.

Commemorating the 73rd Birth Anniversary of Third King of Bhutan.

Image source: google images

Reference: 

1. Hasrat. Bikrama Jit., Druk Gyalpo Gyalse Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1952- 1972)- Third Hereditary King of Bhutan.
2. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
3. Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck | Bhutan 2008 
   
   

Happy Teacher's Day.

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The light of consciousness,

That you radiated to dispel my darkness

The beam of perception,

That you emitted to disperse my ignorance.

The words that you taught

To make me social,

And character you developed in me

To make me special.

The hope of realization,

That you instituted in my bewildered thoughts.

And the boundless love you showered

To make me realize the value of my life.

The limitless wisdom that you bequeathed,

To replace my worthless assets of stupidity.

And the path that you directed me

Towards the brightest destiny.

For everything that you did,

Selflessly and whole-heartedly for my goodness,

I am thankful to you, my teacher,

For I have no words to express my gratitude.

With sincere prayers for your good health,

With faithful respect for your virtuous deeds,

For opening my eyes and building our nation,

I wish you "Happy Teacher's Day."

P.S: Dedicated to the teachers who taught me in particular, and all teachers who by virtue, took teaching as their profession in general.

Juniper and the Dove.

Long ago at the periphery of a small village in northern Bhutan, there was a small forest. Different species of plants grew there and the place was dwelled by many animals and birds. Amid these woods, there was small spring water, which flow down as stream to finally pour into a big river. By the source of the river were trees and bushes, which grew profusely and abundantly. The species of trees were numerous, mostly being broadleaved deciduous trees. At the ultimate source of the stream was a little cave nearby which grew a tree of unique species, a single conifer of Juniper. 

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As the tree grew by many animals took shelter beneath it, many birds perched on its branches but none took shelter and refugee on that tree forever. All came and went but the tree remained firmly, as evergreen as its leaves, with branches spreading like a conqueror. Its root was so firm that it could behold the entire earth from earthquakes, and its stem, it was so strong that even the strongest of wind could not break it off.

One fine day, during early spring, a pair of doves came all their way from the warmer valley to escape the rising heat. They took shelter on that lucky tree for few days and before they could leave for their final destination, it was time for brooding so the duo dove made a nest on it where the female dove laid three eggs. After a few weeks, the eggs hatched and gave rise to three little doves. The parent then on rotational basis fetched food for their young ones and fed them. As days passed by, the minute naked hatchlings soon developed furs of feathers and before monsoon breaks out, they were almost ready to fly back to their final destination to spend the entire summer.

One fine morning when the sun was shining brightly, the parent doves planned to fly to their destiny with their three little doves so both the father and mother dove went out of their nest and flew on top of the crown of the tree to see their way. While two elder brothers followed their parents to the topmost crown of the tree, the little brother dove was caught by a sparrowhawk but luckily, the little dove got a mere escape thus fell on the ground with a thud. He was seriously injured and his little wing was nearly broken so he could not even rise up. He called upon his brothers and parents for help but they did not hear shivering tweets. The parents tried to search the lost little dove but were in vain so the family of four flew ahead in tears, on that ill-fated day. 

The ailing little dove after recovering the bashful fall, made little efforts to search food for his survival, from the crack of dawn till the close of dusk. After struggling for a month the dove completely recovered from the pain he endured and was capable of flying miles of distance away, but he promised to the tree that he would never leave the tree until his soul leaves his body. He was thankful to the tree for providing shelter during the time of adversity. The dove travelled the day to the nearby villages, roamed the other reaches of the forest, and toured the day with endless flights but never missed a night from the mighty Juniper. The local villagers use to visit the site and chop down trees but never harmed the only juniper considering it blessing from almighty, and when the dove sings perching on the branch of the Juniper, the farmers were pleased and consider the year ahead prosperous. 

Higher and higher, the little dove will fly,

And colours of rainbows would fill the sky.

Down in our village, the yield will be in bounty,

And the first reap, we will make offering to almighty.

The folks use to sing along with the bird.

As years passed by, the tree grew older and so was the bird. However, there was a continuous bliss in that forest. The monsoon showered on time and the farmers reaped a bountiful yield from their toil. 

One day during the monsoon season, as the bird was resting on the trees, looking down the valley and enjoying the serenity, bizarre thought of missing his parents and fellow brothers conquered his mind. Suddenly, there blew a fierce wind that shook the tree ruthlessly, and some of the braches were even broken. Then the sky was down casted with dark clouds. There was flash of unlimited lightning followed by squeaky roar of thunder. Then came a heavy downpour which have the potential to soak even the most remote corners of the tree, which generally faces no pressure from moisture during normal rainy days. 

The dove was taking shelter under one of the lowest branches with his body shivering. He prayed to deity that his mother tree be never uprooted by the floods, nor its branches and stems be broken by the fierce wind, but then his prayers were in vain. The stream swelled very fast and the rocks from the tiny cave fell down one after another causing a massive flood. The age-old roots of the tree could not hold a single knob of earth but it drifted along the flood towards the river, not leaving even a sign of the presence of such a mighty tree. There was nothing the dove could do than to shed tears and wave good-bye to the only companion of his life, when such a disaster shook their life. The dove too left the site and flew to the north for forever after praying that the tree and bird be reborn together in their next life, realizing the impermanence of life. 

P.S: Adapted from the folk song, Chum Tsang Chhu Joo Sai ka Go Luu.

Through the Pane

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 Alone amid unknown travelers,

I boarded an express train.

Seated nearby me were strangers,

With whom I didn’t share a single word.

I just gazed and gazed,

Not at their face but through the windowpane.

Enjoying the serenity of vales and woods,

And of course the happenings outside.

Through the pane, I could see,

The queue of vehicles waiting the passing train,

Though delayed, happy they were, as they knew

Patience is the companion of wisdom

Through the pane I could see,

A man fishing in a stagnant pond.

Fishes escape yet he tries, as he knew

His duty, duty to serve his family.

Through the pane I could see,

Children playing by the roadside,

Worrying not about the accidents,

‘cos of their ignorance, for ignorance is bliss.

Through the pane I could see,

The rickshaw paddlers, striving so hard,

With sweats, and perspiration,

For they knew hard word is key to success.

And within the train came a beggar,

With both legs lame, and eyes blind,

Yet he challenges to live his life,

Since he knew that life is precious.

Life is a Journey

“Life is a Journey” is an adage passed down generations and today at the first quarter of twenty first century, a person like me does not have other dynamic phrase to describe life than to replicate the same phrase, “life is a JOURNEY.” The journey back and forth, journey up and down, the journey east to west, journey through pleasure and pain and of course the journey towards the path of success and towards the edge of failure. 

The path that we choose is never by choice the path towards perfection, nor it is a path of insanity but as we humans lack the power to forecast the result of our present deeds instantly (we can imagine and predict things though) so we are prone to err. We are never sure whether the path, which we travel, will lead us to the destiny of success or other way. It might doom us in disarray of disappointment.

While it becomes prominent and imperative for us to take vivid decisions by using our inborn instincts, it is never a certain decision we are taking. Who knows our instinct based decision of following the major populace at a midpoint of roads may lead us to the crematorium where the folk actually proceed for the funeral of dead body. The journey of life therefore is never as easy as boarding an express train and taking a deep slumber until we reach the final destination.

Life indeed is the greatest gift of God and we human beings are the most fantastic creation of God. We do not have potential to fly like birds but we can conquer the space and explore the farthest. We do not have latent habit to swim like alligators but we can reach the depth of oceans. We lack the ability of rodents like rats and porcupines to burrow the soil but we can connect the different world via tunnels and what not we can do many more though we are helpless physically, Why? Only because we have started the journey of life by making the best use of our inherent ability of think and reason. Our ability to speak out what we think and make judgment and reason out the complexity of this world defines our existence human beings, which other creatures are devoid of it.

So while living a life and longing for success, we have to make the best use of our mental aptitude and thinking ability in making our own decisions and step forward, the journey of life, rather than sitting idly in the corner dumb folded like a crackpot waiting for a jackpot, which in reality is a dreary dream. It is never too late to start something new and to begin any endeavour/ task, or better late than never. To proceed and achieve the miracles of life ahead, we should begin our task patiently from the minute yet important, a single step, for journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.  

"To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping" 

  Chinese Proverb

Glory of April Shower.

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With the flash of glittering light
Came a shrill of thunderous roar.

To awaken the thoughts of untamed soul

And to sow a glimmering hopes of delight.

Pitter-patter pitter-patter

The raindrops splashes,

On roofs above and in ditches,

Everywhere I could hear was splatter.

The breeze swept the dust on ground

And water drained the dryness,

The ripples reinstated the stillness

And it was moisture all around.

Rustles of the leaves and parchedness

Was replaced by the flutter of new leaf.

Thus along with rain came a sense of relief,

For days ahead will be full of joy and happiness.

Along with the odd winter habits

Gone are the sorrows of my unrequited love,

The soreness of unfulfilled dreams of little dove,

And the perplexity of my loyal heart and its beats.

Like the blossom of fresh spring flower,

I shall rejuvenate my stumbled thought.

As rain cleansed the clogs, my soul caught

I shall sing for the glory of April shower.

A Way of Life

By birth we are all strangers be it siblings or close relatives. Though the siblings inherit the same gene from a common parent, they all existed in different realms before the very existence in this world. Our parents’ gives us a name, and distinguish our unique identities and thus we become a part of them. So by virtue of being born in the same family and having resided under the same roof since our birth, and having got the maximum interaction amongst the family, our parents, our siblings, our relatives and then our village folks become our first acquainted personnel’s in our life. 

As we proceed away from the doorsteps of our homes, we enter the complex and complicated sphere called world. Complex because world is not a single entity of one kind but it is a combination of many recipes and complicated because without proper awareness and conscience, we may fail to enter the correct door from the myriad available.

 In the journey of life, we come across different people. Some we just ignore them because we do not have enough time to halt and chat. While with others, our conversation starts with a polite hi, but disappears so soon before we could waive goodbye. There are others, who enter our lives, leave a light footstep of remembrance and turns away. And there are few whom we meet by luck, talked by chance and become friend by destiny and such person lights ray of hope in us, guide us during confusion, and occupies a special place in our heart. We fear losing such people from our life but then nothing is certain. Yet there are others who leave an incurable pain in our heart and others who betray our trust in them. Had we remained strangers for forever then such phenomenon of meeting and departure, love and loathe, and reminiscence and remorse will not exist but man is a social animal who cannot bear the pain of loneliness for a short while.

Therefore, there is nothing wrong in the Buddhist principle of relating everything being interrelated and interconnected because the theory of cause and effect is not only a theoretical ideology but in reality, everything we do for our own good or for a good cause has its proportionate effect to others as well. Just for an instance, even the Ones that are far beyond the rolling hills and distant places have a great impact to the life of others, which are residing millions of miles away and this is a way of life.

Season of Hopefulness

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From the depth of vales the clouds rise

Reaching the higher sky, it collides

Producing a flash of light, then a thunderous roar.

Down in the valley the Peasants wait

For the first spring shower. And as the rain falls,

It cleanses all the dirt left by the gloomy winter.

In fields the farmers toil, with spade and shovel,

While in school the students slog with sheets and pen,

To harvest the fruits when the year ends.

As humid replaces aridness, the grasses pierce

From the barren lawn. The trees sprout lush of leaves,

 On the temperate hills, blooms the beauty of rhododendrons.

The Cranes, they fly back to the northern plateaus,

To escape the rising heat of lengthy days,

 Leaving behind, the echoes of their melodious tweets.

With favorable weather, the birds fly higher

 And in rivers the fishes swim swifter. Breathing the fresh air

 Of newborn shoots, nature itself is inspirational.

Gone are the days of parchedness and gloominess,

With spring comes aspiration, so let heart grow tenderer

To reap proportionate warmth latter,

 for it is the season of hopefulness.

Missing Home with the Tunes of Romantic Lyric

The past two weeks has been very hectic and tiresome. The much-delayed external exams of my semester finally started beginning this month. With a total of nine courses spread over 21 credit hours per week, we have lots to study for the exam. In the semester of five months, resting almost more than four months idly, spending sleepless nights and relentless efforts at the last minute brought no peace in mind, but it only exacerbated the pressure in my brain and strain and pain to the tiny muscles of eyes. I burnt the mid night oil to trace the light at the other end the next day and as days passed by, the exams were finally over. While in some subjects I did very well, others dragged me down to the mere cross mark of failure but I should be optimistic that I would not fail. Nevertheless, it is all over but the results are waited. 

I am not a music freak but I do listen as and when I feel like listening. My room has been a total mess with grubby cloths heaped like a junk of clutter in the cupboard. My study table was disorganized with sheets of paper and books scattered everywhere, and the dustbin behind the door was no less than an urban litterbin that is filled every now and then. As exams were over, I was to bring my room back to order so I swept the floor, cleaned the tables, planned to wash the cloths the next day, and emptied the bin. Gone are the days of dust and grim and so are the thoughts of untamed soul. It’s getting warmer as the first shower of the season has already cleansed the parchedness and dirt. Therefore, under the fan I laid on my bed and started listening to shuffled list of modern Bhutanese songs. 

As the comforting music from the feature film ‘Sem Gawai Tasha’ flowed on uniformly, it brought a relishing feeling in my mind but as the lyrical tune flow on, it brought the romantic scene of Kelley Dorji and Tsokey Tshomo Karchung vividly in my mind. But I am not taken by such thoughts, rather I longed to reach home and share the warmth of love and care with my beloved parents.

“..Yar nam khai Karsel Dawa,

Ma Chhu ye Ser Mai Nyamo,

Pha Gang ge Etho Meto tsu.

Nge me khar tsar ray thom dha,

Nge sem khar tsar ray charw dha,

Choe Chery tang may moo..,” and so flows the tune of lyrics.

I stood up from my bed and stared through the window. Up in the azure sky, just near the sinking boundaries of the heaven I saw the falcate moon in its waxing phase. In its shining crescent face, I could visualize the reflections of my tiny hamlet on the hills facing the early morning sun rays, adorned by pines and junipers.

Rhododendron arborescens

The swift flowing Nikka Chhu below my village drains the valley with profuse fertility.  The river is as clear as crystalline glass because the northern peaks are still so pristine and monsoon far beyond the rolling clouds.  So in this fresh water, the fish fly with fearless flap and rejoice without any tension of the hungry otters and greedy fishermen. 

By the opposite hills facing my village are the woods of different species, more temperate and more delicate yet never fragile as the trees in stinking towns.  Amid the pines and oaks, the rhododendrons of different species blossom with the shower of spring’s rain; it  adds an enthralling beauteous look to my tiny hamlet.

As such images evoked my thoughts time and again I was deeply perturbed and started missing my home madly. I started missing my gracious parents and loveable village kids, the encouraging village folks and of course my once classmates, who had to leave the school to serve their ageing parents by toiling the days with shovel and spade instead of pen and paper. I am lucky to be the youngest of all in my family, which is one reason why I got an opportunity to study. 

However, I do not have any reason to miss either a highland lass, or a dazzling urban damsel because love unless reciprocated equally and proportionately does not have a potential to keep lovers alive, unlike in the soothing music of the emotional lyrical chant. 

The winds from the south, it did not pause for a moment here to take my message to my beloved mom. Similarly, the river which came passing by my village to reach the Indian plains, it is too busy to halt for a minute there to bring the message of love and care which my parents intended to convey to me. But with springs of rising hope, I shall grow the lush of patience to stay here until I get myself capable of paying my gratitude in words and kind to my parents, though I miss my home and parents desperately. 

Image source:  google images, The rhododendron arborescens is the most common one in my village as well as in Bhutan.

The Beauty of Nature’s Tunes

Already shared on WAB on 12-12-2010.

Image: google images

All alone, I travelled in the midst of woods,
Sal and Teak and Cypress; they grew at their best.
Beneath the branches, I walked with my dusty boots,
In search of nothing, but never ending quest.

Deep moisture laden mosses on drooping branches,
Lichens and fungus, they matured from fissured cracks.
Array of golden rays penetrated beyond its reaches,
And in numbness of euphoria, I lost my tracks.

The hedges and sedges, they were in variety,
With crystal clear dews on their shining leaf.
In a burrow was a rodent, hiding from adversity,
But swiftly it ran, sighting me approach its tiny cave.

Deeper into its core was the abode of god,
Adorned with enthralling bouquet and vines.
Emitting fragrance with intoxicating upshot,
As strong as the best brewed wines.

Further deeper, the nature tuned its finest note,
The twittering of birds and whisper of gentle breeze,
The fluttering of leaves in rhythmic note,
And the soothing music of stream, which never cease.

In you, I discovered my unknown quest,
The ecstasy of my soul; with bliss ceasing never,
Amidst your serenity, the tranquil rest.
Oh nature! Your ethereal beauty is joy forever.