Wangdue Phodrang- The Palace That Unites.

The destiny seems blurred when the historic edifice was reduced to rumbles by fire within hours. The nation was shocked and startled; the people shed their tears in agony and the only hopes were for the reconstruction of a new fortress, which is going to be a herculean task.

source: flickr.

However, with the blessings from almighty and guardian deities; with the munificent and reassuring guidance of His Majesty the King and with the profound faith and dedication by the people of the spiritual Bhutan, the blurred destiny is now giving way to a great achievement- The Unity of the Sovereignty.

When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel contemplated of building a fortress on the ridge resembling a sleeping elephant more than three centuries ago, his vision was to unite the entire Drukyul under one reign and so did the vision turned into a successful mission. And today, when due to multifarious perceptions in human minds cause a diversion in society in the ever metamorphosing world, once again, Bhutan is reminded of the strength of unity by losing the age old preserved edifice to fire.

on the fateful day of June 24, 2012.

Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation has made a noble initiative of raising funds for the reconstruction of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, by offering a platform for the devoted citizens from every nook and cannery whereby they can make their offering in both cash and kind. Those who could afford have contributed in lakhs, and those who could not made their little own gestures. There were instances where the age old preserved jewelry of the family being donated to for the welfare of dzong construction and there are pledges and promises made by others to contribute more during the event of dzong construction. These events through LIVE broadcasting by BBS have tremendously moved the confused nationals to higher level of unity which none of the world saw in their history.

Today, as BBS presented the total collection of over Nu. 60 million to the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs at the closing ceremony of their fund collection drive, our people would be deeply humbled to have made their little efforts for the reconstruction of mighty Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. People have been deeply obliged to BBS for the giant step taken that they have taken for the welfare of nation.

May there be a steady Resurrection of the great Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. 

September Post.

Sad to learn that there was not a single post for my blog during the September month, so I post this verse which I posted as status via mobile one day before the Blessed Rainy Day on my facebook. 

Tomorrow, the heaven will weep,

It will shed tears, not of sadness but ecstasy.

The heavens tears, it won’t flood but cleanse,

Flooding off, the negative virtues and karmic sins.

 Thus you will be blessed,

Of peace and prosperity, health and happiness.

Of laughter and love not momentary but eternal.

So I wish one and all,

A wonderful day of Blessed Rain,

Soaking in it not of compulsion but joy,

 Getting rid of not positive virtues but sins.

Together with kith and kin, you shall rejoice,

With bowls of delicious feast and wine,

Wine that would emit eloquent words and not quarrel.

And side by side, I wish all my friends who are writing the BSCE 2012, a very Best of Luck.

What exists beyond hope that keeps you strong?

source:  theturningyear.wordpress.com

Impermanence is a law of nature that governs the world.

The world, it’s intricate with transient phenomenon.

Man has learnt that beauty is short lived

The flowers will fade, dews will dry

So will be the mortal body as it ages and aches.

Man aspires for success, which others says is a result of hard work,

Some says god helps those who help themselves,

For others success simply comes their way with quirk of luck

Yet for few, none of these favours for fate governs the present life.

Handwork goes unpaid, and fate makes a transit twist.

God seems deaf and blesses no solution,

Luck is but a hope as ill fate overwhelms the deeds.

Clouds remain darker as ever without a silver lining,

The tunnel sees no light at its end.

Life is but a sequel of problems leaving behind an eerie nightmare,

Nights are sleepless and daylights seem doomed.

Foods seem insipid and the painful beats of heart irk the stomach.

I hoped and hoped and hoped for the best,

Amidst the mazes of disparity and mental pains,

And for the first time, I sensed that Murphy’s Law governs the world.

The beautiful part of life has gone leaving sad resonations.

The future seems blurred as the present is disturbed,

Disturbed as agony of past reverberates and the path is blocked.

In the net of tyrants, I am entangled.

Somnambulism is what haunts me every single night.

With the hopes diminishing with each passing day,

So is my mental strength which remained alive for years.

Man survive with hope, will man die with the loss of hope?

If not what will keep man alive?

As the NGOP 2012 Ends.

The National Graduate Orientation Programme 2012 kicked off on 13^th August 2012 with the theme “Inspiring Young Leaders of Happiness”. Due to overwhelmingly large number of graduates this year, unlike the previous NGOPs, this year the NGOP was conducted in two different halls of YDF Hall and Taekwondo Hall so the resource persons and speakers were required to repeat the same speeches in the different halls. The MoLHR has recorded the number of graduates in 2012 at 2,263 as compared to 1,659 in 2011, an increase by 36% from previous year, which is one of the highest increments so far.

source: kuensel.

Since the opening session on 13^th August where His Excellency Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba of Ministry of Works and Human Settlement gave a keynote address stressing on how important education is and that we achieved certain level of education by completing our first university degrees, His Excellency said that we should make the best use of the weapon, viz.., education, and serve the nation with commitment and enthusiasm. Subsequently, we the graduates got a wonderful privilege to receive words of wisdom precious than gold and remarkable speeches that inspired us to face the challenges ahead from all the Cabinet Minister and the Chief Justice of the Judiciary. We were briefed on various government policies, achievements in the past and the objectives they aspire to fulfil in the future. Other resource persons included ACC Chairman, Chief Election Commissioner of ECB, Commissioner from RCSC, Auditor General Of RAA, heads from DHI and BCCI, and few inspiring Entrepreneurs including the founder of Happy Corporative.

More fortunate we got a wonderful opportunity to interact with our Honourable Prime Minister, Lyonchen Jigme Y. Thinley, on the fifth day of the orientation programme. His Excellency reminded we graduates regarding how grateful our parents are and we were told that we should always fulfil the aspirations of our gracious parents and help them when they need us the most, i.e. old age. Lyonchen said that the person who can repay back to their parents can be the most helpful person in the society and can serve the nation at best. Lyonchen, unlike during the other sessions, have responded to maximum number of questions and queries from the graduates ranging from matters like rural urban migration, issue of trowa theatre, Bhutan’s wish of joining UN Security Council, Taxation Policies, etc. thus enlightening the blurred thoughts of our graduates.

source: K2

On the evening of Saturday, the 18^th August, a Jam Session was organized where the graduates had an exciting Post University Jam Session, meeting many old and new friends thus creating yet another memory of the NGOP 2012. Besides the graduates made small contributions for Wangdue Phodrang Dzong Re-construction, the sum of which reached some Nu. 1,30,000. The following day, we made a little effort in cleaning the Thimphu city with a campaign theme, “Our Waste, Our Responsibility,” which was appreciated and supported by the Mayor of Thimphu City, Dasho Kinley Dorji as expressed in his keynote speech.

Yet the most exciting moment was on Monday the 20^th August, when we the graduates got an audience with His Majesty the King, who was accompanied by Her Majesty, Gyaltsun Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, Her Royal Highness the Princesses Azhi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck and Azhi Kezang Choden Wangchuck. Being Bhutanese is not a pride but humility, for the highest authority with greatest modesty graces the grassroots with utmost love and compassion. We are simply lucky to be Bhutanese and most fortunate that we could avail best education under their benevolent reigns. His Majesty besides reiterating our responsibility of serving our nation  narrating his childhood memory, and also reminded us that we should love our country intelligently for our country. Her Royal Highness the Princesses Azhi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck and Azhi Kezang Choden Wangchuck awarded NGOP certificates, and finally NGOP 2012 was all over with a Luncheon.

    Having known the government policies, having understood the employment prospects and having received priceless words of encouragement from the highest authority in the country and many other esteemed Dashos and Lyonpos, now it is all in the hands of graduates to whether absorb the inspiration and take up the opportunities as it comes and shoulder the responsibility of serving the nation with utmost dedication and loyalty.

NGOP 2012- “Inspiring Young Leaders of Happiness.”

Though filled with anxiety and worries seeing the limited vacancies for the overwhelmingly large number of graduates this year, for a time being there is no denying the fact that our fresh university graduates are happy for they have achieved a milestone in their life by successfully completing their Bachelors Degree in the field of their interest from the colleges within and abroad. By referring this I am writing about the National Graduate Orientation Programme 2012, the most expensive, educative, ecstatic and very special programme organized by Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan, in which I am a part.

source: BBS.

On 9^th August, we had our briefing session followed by keynote presentation on electoral process in the Kingdom of Bhutan from the Election Commission of Bhutan, which was headed by Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi. In an inaugural speech, the graduates were welcomed back to the country to serve the nation and the Hon. Secretary of MoLHR, Dasho Pema Wangda on behalf of the Royal Government, presented a hearty congratulatory note and he introduced to the graduates, the theme for the weeklong NGOP 2012, “Inspiring Young Leaders of Happiness”.

Happiness is not just a jumbled word but it is a congregation of sacred letters so arranged to form a term, which every sentient beings desire to have. People by virtue of the fact that they wish to be happy, the United Nations has unanimously agreed to give it the utmost priority as an important component in the nations developmental paradigm, as the much-acclaimed term Gross National Happiness spread to the international arena from the tiny Himalaya Kingdom of Bhutan. From 2013 onwards, we will be celebrating an International Day of Happiness on 20^th March.

As per the schedule, starting 13^th August till 18^th August, the graduates will be oriented with three main components namely Policy Orientation, Cultural Orientation and Personal Development by resource speakers from various Ministries of the Government and other agencies. With the delivery of these three components, the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources intent to groom and inspire the much-awaited young leaders as they are at the threshold of serving the nation with dedication, loyalty and commitment, and for Bhutan is Land of GNH, the graduates are termed the Young Leaders of Happiness.

During the writing of the Preliminary Examinations on 11^th August, the passage for English Comprehension was a relevant topic. In the passage, one great personality advised the graduates to learn from mistakes and take the opportunities as it comes, because in waiting for the better opportunities, we might miss the right opportunity. The next advice from another personality was to be selfless and serve for the betterment of others and the renowned Steve Jobs advises the graduates to pursue their passion. Having read so even in the examination halls, I am sure that our graduates can pursue happiness and radiate the beams of happiness to others by being optimistic, pragmatic and dynamic in the coming days, and for now I am hopeful that we can gain the best from the NGOP 2012 and get inspired to become the True Leaders of Happiness.

Happy National Graduate Orientation Programme 2012 for all those who are attending it and make the best memories of your post university days.

More Graduates, Limited Vacancies.

Bhutan being a young country with more than 60% of the population being youths between the ages of 10 and 29 years, it is high time that the nation prepares to provide a secure place for the youths and adolescents in the society. They being the future citizens are the jewel of the nation and to have a jewel that is worth appreciating is the aspiration of our fore generations. The government has made every possible attempt to attain 100% enrolment by making primary education compulsory for every child thus providing a base for securing the future of the youths. The parents too realized the importance of education so they try to give the best education to their children and the children, with wide range of dreams endeavor to complete a minimum qualification of Bachelors Degree. This indeed is a stirring move for the young country, but for the graduates, their move is not yet over.

With the number of university graduates increasing at a high rate each year and the vacancies in civil service remaining low, the once so aspiring youths are to face the future, which they anticipated to be a colorful one in a doomed and often chaotic state. As per the press release from the Royal Civil Service Commission, a total of 2,623 university graduates e-registered for Bhutan Civil Service Examinations (BCSE 2012), with an annual increase in graduate registration of approximately 42% over the previous year, which saw only 1856.  The RCSC has declared 597 vacancies in Civil Service for successful BSCE 2012 graduates, which is an increase by 32% compared to 451 vacancies of 2011.

Looking into the above data, though there is certain percentage increase in the vacancies this year, the increase is not proportionate to that of the increase in number of graduates. Simply speaking, the graduate to vacancy ratio is approximately 4.5:1, but in reality, there is uneven competition as the vacancies are differentiated into technical category and general category including teaching. Of the total vacancies, 279 falls under technical category that have almost equal ratio of graduates to vacancies in many specializations except for BCA, Engineering and few other specializations. Of the 713 technical graduates registered, 300 are IT graduates which have only 7 vacancies. 255 vacancies are exclusively for teaching fraternity, which as of today is a least preferred option. Therefore, approximately 1655 university graduates have to compete for 72 seats in general category. This ratio is without considering the result of the Preliminary Examinations, which will happen on 11^th August 2012.

Even with the best pursuit, some 2026 graduates will have no options but to look beyond the civil service at the end of the year. Of this, a large proportion will consists of graduates who have pursued undergraduate programme in general subjects, who will have to fight in the local job market like corporations, private firms, NGOs, etc.., so the competition for a better job will be tougher for the graduates in general and general graduates in specific. Considering some 1000 graduates get absorbed in various above mentioned local job markets and few venturing into entrepreneurship setups and business enterprises, there is going to be a deficit of still 1000 jobs. Farming, though it is a backbone for the nation’s self-sufficiency in food production, it will no more remain as a preferential occupation for the university graduates, so where should the remaining graduates go?

With a clear conscience and unwavering focus, there will be always a way, so what is important is to keep the hopes alive and will determined. It is vital that we aim for the better opportunities, but it is never a worst idea to take up the small jobs that comes our way as the Buddhist saying goes, “The task so mighty is accomplished through slow but continued pace and not with pride and ferocity. It is the small stream that flows calmly which covers a thousand miles and not the aggressive oceanic wave.”

For now, Best Wishes to All the University Graduates who are writing the BCSE 2012.

A Poetic Status.

This is a compilation of my facebook status updates.

image source: linked here.

The jewel of earth are the spring blossoms,

Amid thousand varieties, the marigolds dazzles.

Yet, the beauty of marigolds, they bloom on hilly cliffs,

Neither quenching the bees thirst, nor appeasing the heavenly gods.

The sun that illuminates this world has sunken in western horizon, 

And the beams of crescent moon, it drifted above the nimbus shades.

Thus the temporal world of mine, its shrouded in darkness

And this lonesome journey, its sees no destination.

Oh, the angel of my bygone childhood ages,

Thee turned to a stunning young maiden.

Throbbing my heart, the cherubic damsel.

Why gloomily you leave me now, my beguiling village.

If with the silken care, life turns debacle.

In desperation, then with wrathful dagger, pierce it hard.

Let the bloods of discontentment ooze harder.

Leaving a vacuum, where toxics can refill.

For its odds, that is paid best, and not the bests.

The Pain of Parting.

From the memoir of a song which I heard some years ago, 

the verse of which still echoes my ear.

image source: google rinpoche.

The three precious words which cradles my heart,

I longed to express to you but without a chance.

Yet between you and me, the wind of ill fate blew,

Making us part, for there wasn’t an alternative.

When in the summer’s heat, I troubled of thirst.

By fate, I encountered you, the mountain spring.

Yet I am saddened when the stream flowed away,

Leaving me in pain, like the fish on the dry shore.

The beauty of rheum, it blossoms on alpine hills,

The silver moon, please don’t wane and fade but wait

For  our parting today is a transient fate,

May the circle of karma bring us together.

P.S: Its a rough translation of a Dzongkha song.

As the Historic Wangdue Dzong Turns into Ashes.

My internet was slow. I tried to open the facebook and kuenselonline simultaneously at around 8:00 pm but facebook took longer time than usual to open. The kuenselonline kept loading and then came a heading, Wangduephodrang dzong fire!!!. I coulnot believe at first and thought it might contain a story of past incidence but when the page was fully loaded, it was appeared to me like a worst nightmare but it was fact. The historic dzong that peacefully perch on the hill resembling a sleeping elephant was engulfed by fire and was razed to ground as the day ended. It was the most tragic incident in the recent history of Bhutan, which caused the loss of a precious jewel that had been passed down to generations for the last 37o+ years.

I captured this image last year in Sept. 

Every Bhutanese know the history that Wangdue Phodrang dzong was founded in 1638 by the Zhabdrung and was Bhutan's second capital until Trongsa was founded in1644 with Wangdue Dzongpon as the head.  Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel met a young boy named Wangdi playing in the sand by the Punak Chhu and named the new dzong Wangdi Phodrang (Wangdi's Palace) which was later changed to Wangdue. The dzong is a dramatic example of Bhutanese architecture and it houses the monastic body and administrative offices of the district until the unfortunate fire incident reduced to ashes on this ill-fated day of 24.06.2012.

This is what happened today. What will we have tomorrow???

I was emotionally wrecked. My mind remained adle for long and body numb before the reminiscence of days I visited the dzong overwhelmed me. Wangdue being my district, I felt that we the people of Wangdue are really unfortunate though the loss is unbearable for the entire nation. I have been to the various temples within the dzong during my school days in Bajothang and I could clearly remember how I use to watch the historic Wangdue Tsechu in the courtyard of the magnificent dzong.  

This natural forces really creates a havoc. Some ten years ago, I witnessed three buildings being razed to ground near the Punathsangchu bridge. Last year in February, fire rumbled down the administrative block of Bajothang school, where I completed my schoolings. And today, it took away the entire dzong leaving Wangdue void and empty.

I made a call to home only to discover that they were deeply saddened. “I always offer butter lamps to pray for the good. What shall we do.” My sister was helpless. My brother who have studied near the dzong since his fourth grade till he passed class 12 long ago was equally in deep agony. The tweets and facebook status shows the sentiments of fellow Bhutanese but we are all helpless. The only hope is that let pray not such an incident happen in the future.

However I am deeply touched by the concern shown by His Majesty the King and His Majesty the Fourth Drukgyalpo. I came to learn that even before BBS could break the  news for the nation their Majesties has reached the scene to encourage the people for fighting the fire and of course consoling when it they failed.

The only good news was that the Precious nangtens are being saved.

Lets hope that the same masterpiece will soon replace the remains of the priceless asset which we lost today. There is a need for the present generation to take extra steps in preserving other such monuments.  

"As the elements of nature razed to ground my #WangdueDzong, My heart ached an unbearable pain and eyes shed voluminous tears. M so silent." - My only tweet for the day and incident. 

God Bless Bhutan.

                                                                                                              -Leythro...

Trip to Mussoorie- A Special BirthDay Treat.

Whenever I return home for the vacations from the college in India, I feel a great sense of joy once I pass by NJP and start seeing the lush forest and rolling hills to the north. The much-travelled endless Indian plains finally comes to an end as I reach the Phuntsholing gate. The next journey as the bus ascend uphill to enter the core of Bhutan not only relieves me of the stress I had in the college but also the fact that my home, the embodiment of peace is one step closer, the journey though in times is nauseating, it however remains the most cherished one. Added more the joy is by the fresh cold air that is devoid in the cities and the enthralling beauties of the mosaic of forest types that keeps changing as the elevation rises.

I am almost saturated by the same mundane for the last three and half years. I never changed my room, lectures seemed monotonous, but the final semester of my four year course of B.Sc. Forestry gave me an opportunity to visit Dehradun where all the forest based research activities are being carried out in India. Set up the Britishers in 1800’s the buildings are still at their best without much change in architectural designs and it was indeed a good experience to finally see the real forestry practices which otherwise was mostly learnt theoretically in the college.

image from google: could not capture a good photo of my own.

Ranchi has been unbearably hot without rain for overtwo months I felt it would be a good opportunity to relish some favourable weather in an exotic location, but my assumption tuned out to be wrong, as Dehradun is equally hot as Ranchi. However, our trip to Mussoorie Hill Station on 21/06/2012 was an amazing experience.

Located at an elevation of over 6000 feet, Mussoorie,popularly known as the Queen of Hills, is one of the most famous hill stations in India for both foreign tourists and Indians. The road after leaving the plains trespasses through the woods and ascends upward with numerous twists and turns, just like the Bhutanese roads. Owing to its excellent condition, I hardly felt any bump despite the vehicle travelling very fast. The route was very busy with thousand of cars moving up and down, as it is vacation season for the Indians. Though the hills are deeply encroached, natural forests are also found in abundance, which is why the air is cool and refreshing.

our own Dochula: source linked.

Reaching Mussoorie, which is perched on the top of the hill, I am reminded of our own Dochula pass. The difference is that Mussoorie tuned out to be inhabited and densely populated and often polluted by thousands of cars coming and leaving every day during the peak seasons but our Dochula is a pass which is still in its pristine state exhibiting the spiritual identity of nation. There is a stretch of shops, which sell varieties of items and numerous hotels and restaurants to cater our needs. The hill gives us a spectacular bird eye view of the Dehradun plains on one side and to the others we can see the Himalayan mountains and hills.

Besides there are many other sites to visit nearby like Kempty fall which reminded me of the landslides in Bhutan which block the roads with queue of vehicles though its due to narrow road and heavy traffic in this case. Others include the artificial Mussoorie lake, Camels back road, Municipal Garden, Gun Hills etc. As we returned back, the moment yet took me back to my village when I saw the sun about to roll behind the hills to the west. Generally, sun sinks in the plains in India.

People describe it as a natural paradise to sleep sound and peacefully and it is one indeed but its sustainability is a great threat due to reckless throwing of garbage, the ever increasing number of visitors and threats of decreasing forest coverage. Sadly, I couldnot locate a single Cedrus deodara tree which I longed to see for long as it is confined only in the western Himalayas. Yet, with nostalgic reminiscence and euphoric aches in heart, it was a pleasant birthday treat for me.  Yet I am little worried for the coming days. HOPE!!!!


                                                                                                                     -Leythro...

Summers Heat and Day Excursions, Now the End.

Today we had a longest day excursion covering more than 200 kms to and fro to the natural forest in the state. Jharkhand is known for its rich forest and natural resources if not for its unstable political scenario which saw as many as 8 chief minister within first ten years of its creation in 2000. Saranda forest is one of the famous subtropical sal (Shorea robusta) forests in Asia due to the profuse regeneration, but unfortunately most of forests of the northern states of India are infested by naxalite which pose a great threat to the commuters/government official/tourists etc and Saranda forest too has fallen prey to the maoists. I came to learn from the professors and seniors that in the past, they use to carryout hand on training and campings in the core of saranda sal forest but that was some 30 years ago, after all this college which I am studying is one of the oldest forestry college in the entire south Asia.

This entire semester, we had been visiting many forest-based institute and other forest areas to put into practice the theory we have learnt for the last three years. Although the activities and visits were in times exciting and sometimes boring, the intense heat has ruined our interest most of the time. For the first time in four years, I experienced unbearable heat in this place called Ranchi, which was considered as summer capital in the past. There has not been a single drop of rain for the last two months and mercury has risen above 40 degree Celsius. The ponds have dried, and the ground remained as barren as winter, and I have heard that in the nearby places, people have even evacuated their flats owing to scarcity of water.

However today’s excursion somehow gave me a sense of joy as this is going to be the last local excursion for us. The journey was too long and heat waves were really torturing but seeing the framers toiling in their dry field, rishaw paddlers striving so hard for earning their breeds and tribal peoples slogging in the intense heat, I reassuringly comforted myself in bearing the last heats. Of all the moments, the moment, under the shade of Eucalyptus was more nostalgic and mesmerizing.

The time has changed a lot since the starting of our semester in March. During those days, the forests were dry and brown with their leaves shed. Slowly they turned greener and later we could see beautiful pinnacles in the florescence of sal trees. Added to the greenery were the colours of Jacaranda and other wild flowers. Now the sal trees are in full ripe bearing their spectacularly winged seeds in abundance. The purples of Jacaranda has given its way to the saffrons of Delonix and Cassia.

Excitedly awaited is the exotic tour to the Doon Valley for the next couple of weeks starting 16th this month :) . By then let me hope that the monsoon has come and given a fresh look to this arid environs.

How have been your days this summer? Has monsoon reached your places or is it as hot as I described here? 

When Loss is Gain.

Without much gain for so long, rather life filled with monotonous events often causing despair and resentments, I wish some good fortunes in the days to come, so that I can proudly claim that when loss is gain, it is not loss.

Written by his Excellency the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Pavan Kumar Varma, “When Loss is Gain” is his first work of fiction, apart from the many famous book he has written. The story is set in contemporary India and Bhutan, thus linking the bond of Indo-Bhutan Friendship.

Author with the Book.

For Anand, who works as a lawyer for his best friend Advaita’s law firm in Delhi, the loss that he incurred in the beginning turns out to be a huge gain at the end. His work environment takes such a twist that his friend Advaita with whom he worked and backed like an equal shareholder tries to ignore his hard work and dedication, which causes Anand descent into drinks. This leads to alienation from his wife Tanu with whom he could not raise a child. His state of mind is further disturbed and bereaved when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and that he can live only few more months. As he lost his health, fate gave him such a quirk that his wife too leaves him for Advaita, thus not only losing his wife but also his highly respected job, and very soon his battle to live.

Anand is now passing through a complicated phase of his life with a death sentence ahead him. Without anyone at his beck and call, the pain of loneliness was more excruciating that his disease. Luckily, his doctor sent a copy of his biopsy for further examination and it was found that the test for cancer was negative, and his doctor declared that Anand is not going to die and can lead normal life and this was his resurrection from the intermediate state he passed through.

Where divinity leads our way.

With the new life, Anand didn’t want to get into the old business so he rejects all the offers before proceeding to Wangsisina in Bhutan for a recreational trip where he meets Chimi, who later became his close friend. While in Bhutan, Anand was mesmerized by the serene of flowing river, the laughing cliffs, the peaceful environment and most importantly the jovial dwellers. It was during his stay in Wangsisina that he met Tara, an Indian woman who preferred to discover solace by becoming a nun after she experienced almost a same fate (with regard to relationship) as Anand.

It is intriguing to discover how the novel ends after dilemmatic incidences that both Anand and Tara undergoes in a bitter-sweet romance, before the two could finally leave Bhutan and settle in India to raise a family, thus completing the circle with a ultimate gain.

The book is richly nourished with spiritualism and culture and carries a deep message of life and death, loss and gain, happiness and fulfilment, sorrow and joy, and also animates many Hindu philosophy together with a note from the preaching of Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman. 




                                                                                                                                            -Leythro...

Green Economy: Does it Include You?

The celebration of World Environment Day 2012 marks its 40^th anniversary since its first inception in 1972 by United Nations General Assembly. Year after year, decade after, a relentless effort have been put by the UNEP to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The day unites the much dispersed populace of the world and brings together for a similar understanding, the conflicting developmental dissent for a common environmental cause.

Despite these efforts/endeavours, world is faced with serious ailments to its pristine environment which ultimately leads to the tragedy of commons when drought hit the fields, floods sweep the homes, poverty drains the communities and famine cripples the nations. The major economic crisis for the nations and communal sufferings are but result of adopting weak developmental paradigm that involves the use of natural resources beyond its threshold limits. And when we realize the importance of healthy environment, it is like the same mundane procedure where man deteriorates his health to make money, and uses the money to restore the health back.

So far 39 slogans have been adopted by the UNEP for this important day, so considering the necessity of economic development besides the conservation of environment, the theme this year is “Green Economy:Does it Include You?” In its simplest form, UNEP defines a Green Economy as 'one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.'  After all, as Mahatma Gandhi has said, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed” so equitable sharing of the limited resources for our needs includes us to be part of the Green Economy.

One of the best ways of adopting green economy is to reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Today, carbon emission is posing a great threat to the world climate. Like the man trapped in the glass enclosure where temperature is high and moisture is low, where fresh air is minimal but the carbon dioxide exhaled expands, mother earth is passing through a critical stage due to global warming. As the trees get chopped for various reasons, the level of CO₂ increases, which is again enhanced by the burning of fossil fuels, automobile exhausts, industrial gases and change in farming practices and land use patterns. Addition to it the other greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide, methane, water vapour, CFCs and depletion of ozone absorb the infrared radiations thus increasing the global temperature hampering the two constituents of weather, temperature and rainfall, the most.

A great deal of effort is being put by government of Bhutan in adopting a greener economy. Constitution mandating 60% forest coverage for all time to come to committing to remain carbon neutral all the time during COP 15 meet at Copenhagen; following a Gross National Happiness paradigm for development through sustainability to phasing out Ozone depleting substances.  Besides our schools in the country are setting a good example by adopting activities like plastic ban in the school compound and replacing ball pens with fountain pen/inkpens, which are a greener move. The recent declaration of Tuesdays as Pedestrian Day encourages our city dwellers to develop the habit of walking which have many advantages like burning some calories, saving fuel expenses, enjoying the serene environment and in a greater extent, reducing carbon footprints thus going green. So many become a part of going green.

However, thousands of forest areas are also being burnt down every year, which not only threatens the lives of many wild animals, and biodiversity but also pose a deleterious impact to one’s own life. So, the big question of whether we are included in Green Economy needs a critical contemplation before we answer it yes.

Earth has been formed four and half billion years ago, and it has been dwelt by millions of creature one after another but none of the bygone/extinct creatures has caused a devastating impact on the nature of mother earth. Why on hell the so called human beings at this age are so greedy to leave nothing for the future dwellers to come.

                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                        -Leythro...

Happy Birth Day, Mewang Gyaltsuen.

A Haiku..., 

From heavenly realm

Through the paths of rainbows

Goddess descended.

In her modest form

Embodies sacred wisdoms

Of great simplicity.

As kings companion

As Himalayan jewel

You are radiance.

For Wangchuck’s lineage

For subjects prosperity

You shouldered the crown.

For your mental peace,

Sound health and lengthy life 

We citizens pray.

Wishing Her Majesty, Gyaltsun Azhi Jetsun Pema a very

Happy Birthday

on this auspicious occasion.

May the triple Gems bless and assist Her Majesty in helping His Majesty the King in guiding the Nation to achieve eternal Peace and Happiness.


                                                                                                                -Leythro...