Lack of implementation of policies on gender discrimination in Bhutan: An openion of the blogger

Photo courtesy: http://indiatourismo.com/Bhutan/bhutanese-people.jpg dated 29.09.2009 

Photo Courtesy: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Bhutanese_people.jpg/300px-Bhutanese_people.jpg 

Women in Bhutan enjoy equal opportunities as men do in all aspects. This is what Bhutanese laws including the Constitution guarantees.  Yet in reality the role of women is still not seen much, be it politics, business, civil servants or local leaders. But with the passage of time as Bhutan gears towards attaining Gross National Happiness, the women in Bhutan will become more prominent in nation building. This can be clearly indicated by the enrolment ratio of Bhutanese children in the schools at present and the upcoming more non-governmental organizations as well as the autonomous bodies protecting women in the country such as RENEW, NCWC,  NWAB and Women and Child Protection Unit.

Bhutan signed and ratified the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) since 1980s.  A  Kuensel report on 21^st August 2009 stated that “Almost three decades after Bhutan ratified the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW), Bhutanese women’s participation in public and political life is still poor. CEDAW committee’s concluding observations on Bhutan’s recent 7th periodic report raised serious concerns and said that women’s participation in decision making bodies, including the parliament, government, diplomatic services, at regional and local levels, should be improved”. The report revealed that only 10 of the 72 parliamentarians are women, and men largely hold the offices of gup, mangmi and tshogpa at the local government level.  These are some of the gaps between the policies and actual implementation of the plans and policies in promoting the women’s equal participation in the country.

 Some of the main reasons for such gaps were due to lack of any institutions in the country to put institutional mechanisms to translate these policies into action.  It must have also been influenced largely by the culture and customs of the country as Bhutan is highly culture driven nation. In the past, parents believed that women are to become housewives and stay at home and men at work so most girls were not admitted in the schools but boys were sent to schools. That is why we have only a very few women holding senior government posts at present.

Today, realizing the capability of the women, parents irrespective of cast, creed, race and status give due care to girl and boy alike and provide equal opportunities to them. These steps are positive signs that the strong policies for women’s promotion in active participation in nation building will get into action in future.  This will take shift in the paradigm of male dominated society to female dominated one.  These paradigms will be further made more rapid and smooth with the support of many institutions in the country.  National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) has drawn a national plan of action for gender 2008-2013 which will bring positive impacts on the women in Bhutan and uphold the implementation of these policies.     

However, Bhutanese women do still encounter various forms of gender bias starting from their home to schools and in the workplace. Many male counterparts also feel that there is nothing wrong in teasing women and considers it as a custom. To worsen the situation, Bhutan still lack sufficient information and accurate data on such biases as there is not much study carried out on these issues and many go unreported. But recently, with the media becoming more vibrant, many reports on these issues are brought into public domian showing that there is bias in the Bhutanese society among the men and women.

The situation is further challenged by the frequent cases of rape cases, domestic violence against women including battery and the low level of awareness among women of their rights and the culture of silence in the country. There are also media reports that there is more number of unemployed women in current year, more number of girls getting into bar dancers and recent report by Bhutan Times on the emergence of hardcore local pornography are some of the new challenges for the future of Bhutanese women. And most of the institutions in the country on such matter are still getting established and needs more time to get it fully functional. These are all alarming reports and in absence of appropriate action taken on time, the situation will further get aggravated.

In nutshell, there was gender bias in Bhutanese society. It is still continuing and will continue for some time.  For me I feel that Bhutan is still male dominated and role and active participation of women is minor in Bhutan at present. Therefore, the government needs to adopt and implement measures to ensure equal access for girls and women at all levels of decision making at home, in business, government service, politics, local leaders or defense, diplomatic service. Let the women in Bhutan be more empowered and enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects and levels irrespective of their cast, creed, race, qualification or status.   

Lack of implementation of policies on gender discrimination in Bhutan: An openion of the blogger

Photo courtesy: http://indiatourismo.com/Bhutan/bhutanese-people.jpg dated 29.09.2009 

Photo Courtesy: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Bhutanese_people.jpg/300px-Bhutanese_people.jpg 

Women in Bhutan enjoy equal opportunities as men do in all aspects. This is what Bhutanese laws including the Constitution guarantees.  Yet in reality the role of women is still not seen much, be it politics, business, civil servants or local leaders. But with the passage of time as Bhutan gears towards attaining Gross National Happiness, the women in Bhutan will become more prominent in nation building. This can be clearly indicated by the enrolment ratio of Bhutanese children in the schools at present and the upcoming more non-governmental organizations as well as the autonomous bodies protecting women in the country such as RENEW, NCWC,  NWAB and Women and Child Protection Unit.

Bhutan signed and ratified the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) since 1980s.  A  Kuensel report on 21^st August 2009 stated that “Almost three decades after Bhutan ratified the convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW), Bhutanese women’s participation in public and political life is still poor. CEDAW committee’s concluding observations on Bhutan’s recent 7th periodic report raised serious concerns and said that women’s participation in decision making bodies, including the parliament, government, diplomatic services, at regional and local levels, should be improved”. The report revealed that only 10 of the 72 parliamentarians are women, and men largely hold the offices of gup, mangmi and tshogpa at the local government level.  These are some of the gaps between the policies and actual implementation of the plans and policies in promoting the women’s equal participation in the country.

 Some of the main reasons for such gaps were due to lack of any institutions in the country to put institutional mechanisms to translate these policies into action.  It must have also been influenced largely by the culture and customs of the country as Bhutan is highly culture driven nation. In the past, parents believed that women are to become housewives and stay at home and men at work so most girls were not admitted in the schools but boys were sent to schools. That is why we have only a very few women holding senior government posts at present.

Today, realizing the capability of the women, parents irrespective of cast, creed, race and status give due care to girl and boy alike and provide equal opportunities to them. These steps are positive signs that the strong policies for women’s promotion in active participation in nation building will get into action in future.  This will take shift in the paradigm of male dominated society to female dominated one.  These paradigms will be further made more rapid and smooth with the support of many institutions in the country.  National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) has drawn a national plan of action for gender 2008-2013 which will bring positive impacts on the women in Bhutan and uphold the implementation of these policies.     

However, Bhutanese women do still encounter various forms of gender bias starting from their home to schools and in the workplace. Many male counterparts also feel that there is nothing wrong in teasing women and considers it as a custom. To worsen the situation, Bhutan still lack sufficient information and accurate data on such biases as there is not much study carried out on these issues and many go unreported. But recently, with the media becoming more vibrant, many reports on these issues are brought into public domian showing that there is bias in the Bhutanese society among the men and women.

The situation is further challenged by the frequent cases of rape cases, domestic violence against women including battery and the low level of awareness among women of their rights and the culture of silence in the country. There are also media reports that there is more number of unemployed women in current year, more number of girls getting into bar dancers and recent report by Bhutan Times on the emergence of hardcore local pornography are some of the new challenges for the future of Bhutanese women. And most of the institutions in the country on such matter are still getting established and needs more time to get it fully functional. These are all alarming reports and in absence of appropriate action taken on time, the situation will further get aggravated.

In nutshell, there was gender bias in Bhutanese society. It is still continuing and will continue for some time.  For me I feel that Bhutan is still male dominated and role and active participation of women is minor in Bhutan at present. Therefore, the government needs to adopt and implement measures to ensure equal access for girls and women at all levels of decision making at home, in business, government service, politics, local leaders or defense, diplomatic service. Let the women in Bhutan be more empowered and enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects and levels irrespective of their cast, creed, race, qualification or status.   

Hundreds of Thousands of people gathered for the Final Day of Thimphu Tshechu today

The entire live telecast of the three day Thimphu Tshechu through Bhutan Broadcasting Service did not discourage any person from coming for the  Tshechu. Hundreds of thousands of people from all works of life came for the final day of Thimphu Tshechu today at the Tendrel Thang. People came in private vehicle, cabs and city bus as far as Wangdue and Punakha to witness the almost 400 year old Tshechu. Even the old and senior citizen as old as 90 years old to as young as a just born babe a few days ago came for the event to receive blessings from Guru Rinpochhe in Tendrel Thang as early as 7AM in the morning.

People waited in ques to get  blessings for hours in the heat of the sun for hours as late as 5PM in the evening. The organizers had to keep the people entertaining through musical dances by the well known RAPA dancers for hours even after the Tshechu was ended as thousands of people were still waiting of in the line to get blessing from Guru Rinpochhe.

Many came with lunches packed  and had thier family picnic during the Tshechu.

The three day Thimphu Tshechu ended with the perfroming of the Chhoeje Dance after Guru Tshengye Chham. 

Hundreds of Thousands of people gathered for the Final Day of Thimphu Tshechu today

The entire live telecast of the three day Thimphu Tshechu through Bhutan Broadcasting Service did not discourage any person from coming for the  Tshechu. Hundreds of thousands of people from all works of life came for the final day of Thimphu Tshechu today at the Tendrel Thang. People came in private vehicle, cabs and city bus as far as Wangdue and Punakha to witness the almost 400 year old Tshechu. Even the old and senior citizen as old as 90 years old to as young as a just born babe a few days ago came for the event to receive blessings from Guru Rinpochhe in Tendrel Thang as early as 7AM in the morning.

People waited in ques to get  blessings for hours in the heat of the sun for hours as late as 5PM in the evening. The organizers had to keep the people entertaining through musical dances by the well known RAPA dancers for hours even after the Tshechu was ended as thousands of people were still waiting of in the line to get blessing from Guru Rinpochhe.

Many came with lunches packed  and had thier family picnic during the Tshechu.

The three day Thimphu Tshechu ended with the perfroming of the Chhoeje Dance after Guru Tshengye Chham. 

Delivery: Death or Life!!! Mother, I can never be able to thank you for giving me a life!!!!!

We talk of love, we talk of beauty, we talk of life, we talk of marriage, we talk of happiness, we talk of sorrows of death, of loss, of love, of pain yet we never talk of labor pain, not in my life till now. Nobody talked about it, no great wariers, leaders, intellectuals have mentioned about even a word about it and for sure nobody will. If anyone really know the pain and agony our mothers go during the delivery, everyone would know how precious is our life, how much pain and difficulties our mothers go in hope of giving a life.

In the labor room, mothers fight between life and death. Mothers never seem to bother to face death if they can deliver their child safely. But to deliver that child safely, most of them undergo atleast six hours of extensive labor pain and agony. They cry at their loudest voice, torture their body muscles each time they have a pain. The pain is so much that some even stop breathing due to pain. Yet many husbands never bother to come during the delivery and that is why husbands never understand their partners well in the life. For them it is about marriage, about children and about sex. They never think about the pain that person undergoes.  That is why no one believe in the true sense how much our mothers are? We tend to love just for the sake of love driven by culture and not  because of the pain to give us life.

However, if we have felt the pain and sacrifices they made in delivering us, I am sure we will understand how precious is our mother. We would appreciate them in a better way than we usually do. We would also know that even throughout our life, we wouldn't be able to repay and reward our mother for what they have done to us.

Delivery: Death or Life!!! Mother, I can never be able to thank you for giving me a life!!!!!

We talk of love, we talk of beauty, we talk of life, we talk of marriage, we talk of happiness, we talk of sorrows of death, of loss, of love, of pain yet we never talk of labor pain, not in my life till now. Nobody talked about it, no great wariers, leaders, intellectuals have mentioned about even a word about it and for sure nobody will. If anyone really know the pain and agony our mothers go during the delivery, everyone would know how precious is our life, how much pain and difficulties our mothers go in hope of giving a life.

In the labor room, mothers fight between life and death. Mothers never seem to bother to face death if they can deliver their child safely. But to deliver that child safely, most of them undergo atleast six hours of extensive labor pain and agony. They cry at their loudest voice, torture their body muscles each time they have a pain. The pain is so much that some even stop breathing due to pain. Yet many husbands never bother to come during the delivery and that is why husbands never understand their partners well in the life. For them it is about marriage, about children and about sex. They never think about the pain that person undergoes.  That is why no one believe in the true sense how much our mothers are? We tend to love just for the sake of love driven by culture and not  because of the pain to give us life.

However, if we have felt the pain and sacrifices they made in delivering us, I am sure we will understand how precious is our mother. We would appreciate them in a better way than we usually do. We would also know that even throughout our life, we wouldn't be able to repay and reward our mother for what they have done to us.

I was following her and she was using me

Hi Sonam, How are you doing? Hi, Hi ...... I am fine, What about  you?

I was following her and she was using me

Hi Sonam, How are you doing? Hi, Hi ...... I am fine, What about  you?

The Price of a Beauty

As a man, we  always talk about beauty often express with different words and the meaning remains same.  Some call it gorgeous, some call it  kind, some call it gentle lady, some call it cute, some call it angel, some call it seductive, some call it charming and of course most call it beautiful and gorgeous. But whatever, the words may be, it has the same meaning, same taste, same destination, same truth but a different result and different cost too. Some good, some exceptionally good, some moderate, some pitiful, some not good and some very bad, some even worst. Generally, people define it as fate. 

A person like me, I would call it not fate but the process of life. Sometimes, we know that human life is the most beautiful that we even forget that there is so called eternal peace, because earth its self becomes more peaceful and wonderful place to live than so called eternal peace.  At times, one or the other day, everyone in this world not forgetting the few exceptions, encounter one or more hurdles and downs in life that we don't think of worst hell than the earth its self because, the pains are such that it becomes irreversible, irreparable and chronic throughout our life. Only those such moments, few of us long for peace and convinced ourselves that life is not a peace and we need to do something to get out this hell.Yet due to our attachments, emotions, desires, we can hardly ignore these to get out of it. Instead, most of the time, we tend to move more closer, get more attached, more emotional and drag ourselves into a more darker room particularly when we are in love. The more the person tries to get away from us, the more we tend to get inclined into it.On the contrary, the other person, more we move closer, more we care, more we love, less that person feel us, more that person gets irritated, become more angry, feel more neglected  and feel more ugly of the person who loves her and tries to keep more distance and finally moves far away from us, since we could not pay her what she feel should have been paid for her beauty. It is because we paid too lavishly yet she feels that the price for her beauty is too low and we are bargaining too low for her beauty. Unless she realizes one day that we have paid the highest price that anyone deserves, sometimes more than the love our parents gave to us, care that our parents have given us.  But this realization is almost nil or impossible for most of them and few might realize due to unforeseen circumstances but even those who realizes will not realize on time, because the price of a beauty is too expensive and simply immeasurable.   

Actually, if we have enough guts and strong enough to resists these, we can definitely be more peaceful and led a better life. But many lack these skills and abilities including myself. I wish there a tool that can erase our past emotions, so that the price of a beauty is not as expensive as we always think or usually do in our life. 

Since the time of emmorial, there are records showing that the greatest leaders scrificed their kingdoms in the name of love and beauty, killed their father and mother in the name of love and beauty. Countries fought wars after wars to win a beauty. And today, thousands of young peole around the globe are found to be commiting suicide in the name of love and search of beauty and it still present and it will go on untill there is no human life in the world. These are the prices of beauty.


Dedicated to  A Friend of Mine....................................

The Price of a Beauty

As a man, we  always talk about beauty often express with different words and the meaning remains same.  Some call it gorgeous, some call it  kind, some call it gentle lady, some call it cute, some call it angel, some call it seductive, some call it charming and of course most call it beautiful and gorgeous. But whatever, the words may be, it has the same meaning, same taste, same destination, same truth but a different result and different cost too. Some good, some exceptionally good, some moderate, some pitiful, some not good and some very bad, some even worst. Generally, people define it as fate. 

A person like me, I would call it not fate but the process of life. Sometimes, we know that human life is the most beautiful that we even forget that there is so called eternal peace, because earth its self becomes more peaceful and wonderful place to live than so called eternal peace.  At times, one or the other day, everyone in this world not forgetting the few exceptions, encounter one or more hurdles and downs in life that we don't think of worst hell than the earth its self because, the pains are such that it becomes irreversible, irreparable and chronic throughout our life. Only those such moments, few of us long for peace and convinced ourselves that life is not a peace and we need to do something to get out this hell.Yet due to our attachments, emotions, desires, we can hardly ignore these to get out of it. Instead, most of the time, we tend to move more closer, get more attached, more emotional and drag ourselves into a more darker room particularly when we are in love. The more the person tries to get away from us, the more we tend to get inclined into it.On the contrary, the other person, more we move closer, more we care, more we love, less that person feel us, more that person gets irritated, become more angry, feel more neglected  and feel more ugly of the person who loves her and tries to keep more distance and finally moves far away from us, since we could not pay her what she feel should have been paid for her beauty. It is because we paid too lavishly yet she feels that the price for her beauty is too low and we are bargaining too low for her beauty. Unless she realizes one day that we have paid the highest price that anyone deserves, sometimes more than the love our parents gave to us, care that our parents have given us.  But this realization is almost nil or impossible for most of them and few might realize due to unforeseen circumstances but even those who realizes will not realize on time, because the price of a beauty is too expensive and simply immeasurable.   

Actually, if we have enough guts and strong enough to resists these, we can definitely be more peaceful and led a better life. But many lack these skills and abilities including myself. I wish there a tool that can erase our past emotions, so that the price of a beauty is not as expensive as we always think or usually do in our life. 

Since the time of emmorial, there are records showing that the greatest leaders scrificed their kingdoms in the name of love and beauty, killed their father and mother in the name of love and beauty. Countries fought wars after wars to win a beauty. And today, thousands of young peole around the globe are found to be commiting suicide in the name of love and search of beauty and it still present and it will go on untill there is no human life in the world. These are the prices of beauty.


Dedicated to  A Friend of Mine....................................

The Only Gyelwa Jampa Thongdroel in the Kingdom was on public display

Photo courtesy: BBS website http://www.bbs.com.bt/Gyelwa%20Jamba%20thongdrol%20unfurled%20after%2047%20years.html dated 28/09/2009

 On 27 September 2009, The beautiful valley of Phajodhing was filled with hundreds of devotees as far as Wangdi, Punakha, Paro and Gasa besides the residents, the government officials and clergy  from within  the capital came climbing and walking for about three and half hour to receive the blessings from  241-year old Gyalwa Jampa thongdroel (giant thangka) of the Buddha Maitreya. Gyelwa Jampa is considered to be the next Buddha.

The Thondroel was unfulred with the reverberating sounds of the religious instuments. According to the Kuensel report, this Thongdroel is unfurled  after 47 years.  The report also stated that the Thongdroel measured 37 by 31 feet  was constructed by the 14th Je Khenpo, Tenzin Namgyel.
More information click  http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13550

A tradition and culture that is living comes again as Thimphu Tshechu begins from Monday

 Photo Courtesy: BBS Website http://www.bbs.com.bt/Thimphu%20Lhamoi%20Domchoe%20observed%20today.html dated 24/09/2009

The government offices, schools and institutes in Thimphu Dzongkhag will remain closed for another three days excluding as Thimphu Tshechu begins despite of many holidays last week. This is an example that depicts how much effort is put by the people and government in preserving the living yet a tangible culture and tradition of the country.

During the three day Tshechu to be held in Tendrel Thang, everyone, young and old, rich and poor, male and female will come to witness the event in their best attires further decorated  with jewelleries particularly the women.

It is also  the time for the Bhutanese to showcase our rich as well as a living culture and tradition to the rest of the world as hundreds of tourists are expected to come for the Tshechu for the next three days.

Meanwhile, the Parops are also going to have a holiday for three days not for Tshechu but for the Drubchen begins from Monday.

A tradition and culture that is living comes again as Thimphu Tshechu begins from Monday

 Photo Courtesy: BBS Website http://www.bbs.com.bt/Thimphu%20Lhamoi%20Domchoe%20observed%20today.html dated 24/09/2009

The government offices, schools and institutes in Thimphu Dzongkhag will remain closed for another three days excluding as Thimphu Tshechu begins despite of many holidays last week. This is an example that depicts how much effort is put by the people and government in preserving the living yet a tangible culture and tradition of the country.

During the three day Tshechu to be held in Tendrel Thang, everyone, young and old, rich and poor, male and female will come to witness the event in their best attires further decorated  with jewelleries particularly the women.

It is also  the time for the Bhutanese to showcase our rich as well as a living culture and tradition to the rest of the world as hundreds of tourists are expected to come for the Tshechu for the next three days.

Meanwhile, the Parops are also going to have a holiday for three days not for Tshechu but for the Drubchen begins from Monday.

Bhutan experiences 6.3 richter scale of Earthquake this afternoon

 "We were busy in the class,  suddenly  our  class building shook, we panicked and rush outside the class" said a first year student  of Sherubtse College still in her shivering voice  on this afternoon's Earthquake  in Bhutan.

She said that this was first time she experienced such a high magnitude of earthquake. She said " I am still in shock, fear and shivering" . 

Another a final year student Lobzang described it as a scary moment, She said that although nothing happened to them many died in other parts of the east.  She said " Just now we are in the football ground as the big one is yet to come" in a scary tone a short while ago. 

A report filed by the Kuensel, atleast three people were confirmed to have been killed in Mongar in the tragic incident this afternoon.

Kuensel also reported that there are reports of damages to chhoetens and Lhakhangs.

Bhutan Broadcasting Service, reported that the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.3 Richter scale and it happened at around 2.53 pm this afternoon. It also reported  that  the epicenter was somewhere between Trashigang and Mongar. In latest development, more than nine people died, three in Kanglung, 3 in Mongar and 3 in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Nima a student of Sherubtse college in an interview through phone with me said that they are still outside the house and did not get into house as they were warned by authorities that they can expect aftershocks till 9:00PM tonight. She said that they were informed that the epicenter was at Mongar.

Another student that this earthquake occurred twice with a short period in between. There are also unconfirmed reports that some of the college building might have got cracked.

 Meanwhile, the event  has caused  troubles and disturbed   in the eastern part of the country as Blessed Rainy Day is just a door step.  The mood and excitement for the blessed rainy day to them is definitely out of their mind as they are still waiting for the aftershocks if any tonight.

Scientists have warn that Bhutan is located in the sesmic zone and likely to experience huge magnitude of earthquake in the future.

Bhutan experiences 6.3 richter scale of Earthquake this afternoon

 "We were busy in the class,  suddenly  our  class building shook, we panicked and rush outside the class" said a first year student  of Sherubtse College still in her shivering voice  on this afternoon's Earthquake  in Bhutan.

She said that this was first time she experienced such a high magnitude of earthquake. She said " I am still in shock, fear and shivering" . 

Another a final year student Lobzang described it as a scary moment, She said that although nothing happened to them many died in other parts of the east.  She said " Just now we are in the football ground as the big one is yet to come" in a scary tone a short while ago. 

A report filed by the Kuensel, atleast three people were confirmed to have been killed in Mongar in the tragic incident this afternoon.

Kuensel also reported that there are reports of damages to chhoetens and Lhakhangs.

Bhutan Broadcasting Service, reported that the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.3 Richter scale and it happened at around 2.53 pm this afternoon. It also reported  that  the epicenter was somewhere between Trashigang and Mongar. In latest development, more than nine people died, three in Kanglung, 3 in Mongar and 3 in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Nima a student of Sherubtse college in an interview through phone with me said that they are still outside the house and did not get into house as they were warned by authorities that they can expect aftershocks till 9:00PM tonight. She said that they were informed that the epicenter was at Mongar.

Another student that this earthquake occurred twice with a short period in between. There are also unconfirmed reports that some of the college building might have got cracked.

 Meanwhile, the event  has caused  troubles and disturbed   in the eastern part of the country as Blessed Rainy Day is just a door step.  The mood and excitement for the blessed rainy day to them is definitely out of their mind as they are still waiting for the aftershocks if any tonight.

Scientists have warn that Bhutan is located in the sesmic zone and likely to experience huge magnitude of earthquake in the future.

A new energy, a gentle breeze, a profound thought was a Twilight Walk

 Memorial Chhoeten: A Twilight Walk

It was about half past five, my conversation ended  and we decided to walk down the town. We went to the town. The town was filled with hustle, bustle sounds of people accompanied by noises of movement of cars in the town. Thousands of young and old, male and female are seen busy in their own business, some chating with their friends, lovers, families, relatives, strangers, some driving their cars, some enjoying the live of city, some dinning in restaurants and hotels, some walking and so on. Everyone seems to be engrossed in their own work.

We then walked into a  bakery, had a coffee and snacks, talked for for about and hour again. It was getting dark, I was asked what is my next plan. I answered, I don't have any plan than to go back to my institute. My accompany said shall we go for a walk till memorial chhotoen and then you leave for RIM and I will go home. I agreed instantly, yes, why not?

We walked through the town and reached there, it was already twilight. We went around Chhoetoen. As we got into the place, I felt the gentle breeze making me feel more energetic and fresh. The air was calm, there was silence except the murmuring of OM Mani Padme Hung and OM AAH HUNG BAZA GURU PADMA SIDHI HUNG and ofcourse the pleasing sounds of the religious bells hung around the chhoeten.

As we  walked around the chhoten, my walk partner told me that by going around these structures will give us pleasant mood accompanied by more energy, an energy that can motivate and think good about others. I was also told that  we will experience just the opposite in case if we visit Hospital or a prison. I was told that these are all influced by the sorrounding around us and the environment around us affects our way of thinking about life.

I was then reminded of my self of what Khamtruel Rimpochhe once said to us during a blessing and conversation with us in Sherubtse College way back in 2006. His Eminence said that we need alters at home, chhoetens, temples and monasteries or religous structures to accumulate virtues or merit. He added that these structure are just tools that enable us to concentrate more on good things so that we accumulate merits. He said that these monuments will give us the place to think good, provide us an environment to think good and do good where was other places we usually can't think of good and in the process we commit sins or crimes.

Thus, in short this twilight walk gave me the strength and energy and taught the meaning of life and purpose of living.

A new energy, a gentle breeze, a profound thought was a Twilight Walk

 Memorial Chhoeten: A Twilight Walk

It was about half past five, my conversation ended  and we decided to walk down the town. We went to the town. The town was filled with hustle, bustle sounds of people accompanied by noises of movement of cars in the town. Thousands of young and old, male and female are seen busy in their own business, some chating with their friends, lovers, families, relatives, strangers, some driving their cars, some enjoying the live of city, some dinning in restaurants and hotels, some walking and so on. Everyone seems to be engrossed in their own work.

We then walked into a  bakery, had a coffee and snacks, talked for for about and hour again. It was getting dark, I was asked what is my next plan. I answered, I don't have any plan than to go back to my institute. My accompany said shall we go for a walk till memorial chhotoen and then you leave for RIM and I will go home. I agreed instantly, yes, why not?

We walked through the town and reached there, it was already twilight. We went around Chhoetoen. As we got into the place, I felt the gentle breeze making me feel more energetic and fresh. The air was calm, there was silence except the murmuring of OM Mani Padme Hung and OM AAH HUNG BAZA GURU PADMA SIDHI HUNG and ofcourse the pleasing sounds of the religious bells hung around the chhoeten.

As we  walked around the chhoten, my walk partner told me that by going around these structures will give us pleasant mood accompanied by more energy, an energy that can motivate and think good about others. I was also told that  we will experience just the opposite in case if we visit Hospital or a prison. I was told that these are all influced by the sorrounding around us and the environment around us affects our way of thinking about life.

I was then reminded of my self of what Khamtruel Rimpochhe once said to us during a blessing and conversation with us in Sherubtse College way back in 2006. His Eminence said that we need alters at home, chhoetens, temples and monasteries or religous structures to accumulate virtues or merit. He added that these structure are just tools that enable us to concentrate more on good things so that we accumulate merits. He said that these monuments will give us the place to think good, provide us an environment to think good and do good where was other places we usually can't think of good and in the process we commit sins or crimes.

Thus, in short this twilight walk gave me the strength and energy and taught the meaning of life and purpose of living.

A moment of pleasure, a fun, a joy, a pride,a fashion, a romance, a business,a pain, a sorrow and a worry

It was September 2008, exactly a year back, I joined over thousand and two hundred graduates to attend the National Graduate Orientation Programme (NGOP). And today again I met another group of graduates in the capital as I walked down the Thimphu Town. Their out numbered us because there are more than one thousand and three hundred students attending this year.

As I observed these young intellectuals or the future leaders, I was reminded of many things of the past as well as I could observe a lot of things associated with this grand event in the kingdom. I know that there are students coming as far as the far east of the country, the south, the north and the west. They all came all the way to attend the programme.

Majority of them coming outside Thimphu, some reside with their so called Aunties or Uncles, some put up with their cousins, some with friends and some in groups renting rooms in the hotels. As I looked at some of them, they are dressed in their best attire, fashioned in the most latest style from toe to head during the day in National Dress and rest of the time in western clothes.

No doubt, everyone of them are proud for being able to finally attend this event, after so many years of studying and putting hard work. Each of their parents and teachers are also pleased to see their students, sons and daughters, nephews and nieces attending the grand function. Despite of all the problems at  home, each parent tried their best to provide them with the best they have at home, some even to the extent of borrowing from their neighbours. For some. though their parents are not in position to give them best, they workhard, burnt midnight oil and rewarded with the government scholarship abroad and earned enough to meet their expenses without the parents's help.  For some, being blessed to have born to a rich and wealthy family, need not worry as their parents are there to provide them the best clothes, best shoes, best cello phones and purse fully packed from the day one till the programme ends.

It is the moment for these youth to feel proud of their achievements, celebrate for their ability to overcome all kinds of obstacles such as academic challenges, financial burden on their parents, expenses from the government for their education. Thus, these people seem to have the moment of pleasure.

To many, it is pleasure for them to be show fashion in one or the other way. Some born with sliver spoon have the luxury of driving their parents cars including prados and land cruisers. Some their parents or guardians dropping them int he morning and picking up in the evening. Most of these youth so called "the rich" are also at the advantage of wearing the most expensive Ghos scented with most expensive perfumes and further enriched by expensive foot wears for gents and ear rings and necklaces for ladies.  In the mid of that some are forced to pressurize their parents to make them feel decent among these rich sons and daughters.

It is also the moment of romanticism. Some born beautiful or smart and some painted with modern cosmetics, does give each sex  an attraction to their opposite sex. As a result, some fell in the love, some succeed, some get rejected and some just friends to become on in future. For these group of people, they always wish to have a longer days to spend together. These people bring mood of romance.

Contd.

A moment of pleasure, a fun, a joy, a pride,a fashion, a romance, a business,a pain, a sorrow and a worry

It was September 2008, exactly a year back, I joined over thousand and two hundred graduates to attend the National Graduate Orientation Programme (NGOP). And today again I met another group of graduates in the capital as I walked down the Thimphu Town. Their out numbered us because there are more than one thousand and three hundred students attending this year.

As I observed these young intellectuals or the future leaders, I was reminded of many things of the past as well as I could observe a lot of things associated with this grand event in the kingdom. I know that there are students coming as far as the far east of the country, the south, the north and the west. They all came all the way to attend the programme.

Majority of them coming outside Thimphu, some reside with their so called Aunties or Uncles, some put up with their cousins, some with friends and some in groups renting rooms in the hotels. As I looked at some of them, they are dressed in their best attire, fashioned in the most latest style from toe to head during the day in National Dress and rest of the time in western clothes.

No doubt, everyone of them are proud for being able to finally attend this event, after so many years of studying and putting hard work. Each of their parents and teachers are also pleased to see their students, sons and daughters, nephews and nieces attending the grand function. Despite of all the problems at  home, each parent tried their best to provide them with the best they have at home, some even to the extent of borrowing from their neighbours. For some. though their parents are not in position to give them best, they workhard, burnt midnight oil and rewarded with the government scholarship abroad and earned enough to meet their expenses without the parents's help.  For some, being blessed to have born to a rich and wealthy family, need not worry as their parents are there to provide them the best clothes, best shoes, best cello phones and purse fully packed from the day one till the programme ends.

It is the moment for these youth to feel proud of their achievements, celebrate for their ability to overcome all kinds of obstacles such as academic challenges, financial burden on their parents, expenses from the government for their education. Thus, these people seem to have the moment of pleasure.

To many, it is pleasure for them to be show fashion in one or the other way. Some born with sliver spoon have the luxury of driving their parents cars including prados and land cruisers. Some their parents or guardians dropping them int he morning and picking up in the evening. Most of these youth so called "the rich" are also at the advantage of wearing the most expensive Ghos scented with most expensive perfumes and further enriched by expensive foot wears for gents and ear rings and necklaces for ladies.  In the mid of that some are forced to pressurize their parents to make them feel decent among these rich sons and daughters.

It is also the moment of romanticism. Some born beautiful or smart and some painted with modern cosmetics, does give each sex  an attraction to their opposite sex. As a result, some fell in the love, some succeed, some get rejected and some just friends to become on in future. For these group of people, they always wish to have a longer days to spend together. These people bring mood of romance.

Contd.

Is the proposed 35% rise in tax on all types of vehicle by MoIC justifyable?

A few days back, a report filed by Tenzing Lamzang in Kuensel revealed that the Ministry of Information and Communication proposed a 35% rise in tax for all types of vehicle. The ministry has also proposed a hike in the registration fees and insurance amount. The issue immediately caught the attention of the public.

There are people pouring their frustrations online forums including Kuenselonline under the name of anonymous or the nickname. None of these people seems to welcome the proposal. Instead many accused and alleged the Ministry for bringing such proposal.

The reality is that now many low income people are no worried that they will not be able to own a car, not even the Indian cars. Many also said that the government's vision or the manifesto of equity and justice is now becoming more questionable. It is also a sign that the rich will remain rich and poor will will never become rich if that is the case.

Everyone knows that traffic congestion is predominantly the problem of just two urban areas in the country. they are Thimphu and Phuentsholing. But even in these two towns, the problems persits only for a fe hours in day during the peak hours.  On the other hand, majority towns in the country are still empty without a single vehicle such as Lhuentse and Pema Gatshel. Today, many people in the east art of the country  pay huge some of their income as transport charge everyday. For instance people in Kanglung town pay more a Nu.100 to reach Tashigang Town which is just about a 20km where as in the wetern part people pay only Nu.150 to reach more than 60km like Thim-Paro journey. Thisis mainly driven by the lack of vehicle in the country.

 If the present proposal is approved by the Government, what will happen to this people? Will they be able to pay for the further increase in the charge? Is government not directly coercing these innocent famers and poor people to pay more?


The few promient questions that lingers into my mind are:
1. Is there really a traffice problem in the country today?
2. Does government has enough measures to make the public transport affordable through out the country?
3. Are we really into the right trak on acheiving the Gross National Happiness?
4. Does the government really moving towards the reduction of poverty inthe Country during the tenth five year plan.

Is the proposed 35% rise in tax on all types of vehicle by MoIC justifyable?

A few days back, a report filed by Tenzing Lamzang in Kuensel revealed that the Ministry of Information and Communication proposed a 35% rise in tax for all types of vehicle. The ministry has also proposed a hike in the registration fees and insurance amount. The issue immediately caught the attention of the public.

There are people pouring their frustrations online forums including Kuenselonline under the name of anonymous or the nickname. None of these people seems to welcome the proposal. Instead many accused and alleged the Ministry for bringing such proposal.

The reality is that now many low income people are no worried that they will not be able to own a car, not even the Indian cars. Many also said that the government's vision or the manifesto of equity and justice is now becoming more questionable. It is also a sign that the rich will remain rich and poor will will never become rich if that is the case.

Everyone knows that traffic congestion is predominantly the problem of just two urban areas in the country. they are Thimphu and Phuentsholing. But even in these two towns, the problems persits only for a fe hours in day during the peak hours.  On the other hand, majority towns in the country are still empty without a single vehicle such as Lhuentse and Pema Gatshel. Today, many people in the east art of the country  pay huge some of their income as transport charge everyday. For instance people in Kanglung town pay more a Nu.100 to reach Tashigang Town which is just about a 20km where as in the wetern part people pay only Nu.150 to reach more than 60km like Thim-Paro journey. Thisis mainly driven by the lack of vehicle in the country.

 If the present proposal is approved by the Government, what will happen to this people? Will they be able to pay for the further increase in the charge? Is government not directly coercing these innocent famers and poor people to pay more?


The few promient questions that lingers into my mind are:
1. Is there really a traffice problem in the country today?
2. Does government has enough measures to make the public transport affordable through out the country?
3. Are we really into the right trak on acheiving the Gross National Happiness?
4. Does the government really moving towards the reduction of poverty inthe Country during the tenth five year plan.

A day to celebrate

Thousands of Indian Expatriates across the country joined the rest of the world to celebrate the  Vishwakarma  Puja day today.  The construction sites, automobile workshops including tailoring shops and even the cobblers called the day off to observe the day. 

Thousands of vehicles from trucks to buses to cars to bikes to cycles to power tillers  across the country lined up in the workshop and venues where the puja is performed to get the blessing from the Great Craftsman.

Hindus believe that Vishwa Karma is the divine draftsman of the whole universe, and the official builder of all the gods' palaces. Vishwakarma is also the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons.

17^th September of every year is celebrated as Vishwakarma Puja — a resolution time for workers and craftsmen to increase productivity and gain divine inspiration for creating novel products. This ritual usually takes place within the factory premises or shop floor, and the otherwise mundane workshops come alive with fiesta. Vishwakarma Puja is also associated with the buoyant custom of flying kites. This occasion in a way also marks the start of the festive season that culminates in Diwali.

As a mark of celebration, every car or machine is decorated with flowers, balloons and other ornaments and get blessings from Vishwa Karma. As a part of the celebration, various cultural programmes including dance competitions are also organized at various spots.

A day to celebrate

Thousands of Indian Expatriates across the country joined the rest of the world to celebrate the  Vishwakarma  Puja day today.  The construction sites, automobile workshops including tailoring shops and even the cobblers called the day off to observe the day. 

Thousands of vehicles from trucks to buses to cars to bikes to cycles to power tillers  across the country lined up in the workshop and venues where the puja is performed to get the blessing from the Great Craftsman.

Hindus believe that Vishwa Karma is the divine draftsman of the whole universe, and the official builder of all the gods' palaces. Vishwakarma is also the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons.

17^th September of every year is celebrated as Vishwakarma Puja — a resolution time for workers and craftsmen to increase productivity and gain divine inspiration for creating novel products. This ritual usually takes place within the factory premises or shop floor, and the otherwise mundane workshops come alive with fiesta. Vishwakarma Puja is also associated with the buoyant custom of flying kites. This occasion in a way also marks the start of the festive season that culminates in Diwali.

As a mark of celebration, every car or machine is decorated with flowers, balloons and other ornaments and get blessings from Vishwa Karma. As a part of the celebration, various cultural programmes including dance competitions are also organized at various spots.

The Vishwakarma Puja- The significance

 

Vishwakarma - Lord of Architecture

By Subhamoy Das,

The Divine Draftsman:

Vishwakarma is the presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects. Son of Brahma, he is the divine draftsman of the whole universe, and the official builder of all the gods' palaces. Vishwakarma is also the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons.The Mahabharata describes him as "The lord of the arts, executor of a thousand handicrafts, the carpenter of the gods, the most eminent of artisans, the fashioner of all ornaments ... and a great and immortal god." He has four hands, wears a crown, loads of gold jewelry, and holds a water-pot, a book, a noose and craftsman's tools in his hands.

Vishwakarma Puja:

Hindus widely regard Vishwakarma as the god of architecture and engineering, and September 16 or 17 every year is celebrated as Vishwakarma Puja — a resolution time for workers and craftsmen to increase productivity and gain divine inspiration for creating novel products. This ritual usually takes place within the factory premises or shop floor, and the otherwise mundane workshops come alive with fiesta. Vishwakarma Puja is also associated with the buoyant custom of flying kites. This occasion in a way also marks the start of the festive season that culminates in Diwali.

Vishwakarma's Architectural Wonders:

Hindu mythology is full of Vishwakarma's many architectural wonders. Through the four 'yugas', he had built several towns and palaces for the gods. In "Satya yuga", he built the Swarg Loke, or heaven, the abode of the gods and demigods where Lord Indra rules. Vishwakarma then built the 'Sone ki Lanka' in "Treta yuga", the city of Dwarka in "Dwapar yuga", and Hastinapur and Indraprastha in the "Kali yuga".

'Sone Ki Lanka' or Golden Lanka:

According to Hindu mythology, 'Sone ki Lanka' or Golden Lanka was the place where the demon king Ravana dwelled in the "Treta yuga." As we read in the epic story Ramayana, this was also the place where Ravana kept Sita, Lord Ram's wife as a hostage.There is also a story behind the construction of Golden Lanka. When Lord Shiva married Parvati, he asked Vishwakarma to build a beautiful palace for them to reside. Vishwakarma put up a palace made of gold! For the housewarming ceremony, Shiva invited the wise Ravana to perform the "Grihapravesh" ritual. After the sacred ceremony when Shiva asked Ravana to ask anything in return as "Dakshina", Ravana, overwhelmed with the beauty and grandeur of the palace, asked Shiva for the golden palace itself! Shiva was obliged to accede to Ravana's wish, and the Golden Lanka became Ravana's palace.

Dwarka:

Among the many mythical towns Viswakarma built is Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. During the time of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is said to have lived in Dwarka, and made it his "Karma Bhoomi" or center of operation. That is why this place in nothern India has become a well known pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Hastinapur:

In the present "Kali Yuga", Vishwakarma is said to have built the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Kauravas and Pandavas, the warring families of the Mahabharata. After winning the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna installed Dharmaraj Yudhisthir as the ruler of Hastinapur.

Indraprastha:

Vishwakarma also built the town of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. The Mahabharata has it that King Dhritrashtra offered a piece of land called 'Khaandavprastha' to the Pandavas for living. Yudhishtir obeyed his uncle's order and went to live in Khaandavprastha with the Pandava brothers. Later, Lord Krishna invited Vishwakarma to build a capital for the Pandavas on this land, which he renamed 'Indraprastha'. Legends tell us about the architectural marvel and beauty of Indraprastha. Floors of the palace were so well done that they had a reflection like that of water, and the pools and ponds inside the palace gave the illusion of a flat surface with no water in them.
After the palace was built, the Pandavas invited the Kauravas, and Duryodhan and his brothers went to visit Indraprastha. Not knowing the wonders of the palace, Duryodhan was flummoxed by the floors and the pools, and fell into one of the ponds. The Pandava wife Draupadi, who witnessed this scene, had a good laugh! She retorted, hinting at Duryodhan's father (the blind king Dhritrashtra) "the son of a blind man is bound to be blind." This remark of Draupadi annoyed Duryodhan so much that later on it became a major cause for the great war of Kurukshetra described in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita.


Retrieved from About dot.com Hindusium www.http://hinduism.about.com/b/2009/09/15/vishwakarma-the-lord-of-architecture-3.htm    on 17 September 2009

The Vishwakarma Puja- The significance

 

Vishwakarma - Lord of Architecture

By Subhamoy Das,

The Divine Draftsman:

Vishwakarma is the presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects. Son of Brahma, he is the divine draftsman of the whole universe, and the official builder of all the gods' palaces. Vishwakarma is also the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons.The Mahabharata describes him as "The lord of the arts, executor of a thousand handicrafts, the carpenter of the gods, the most eminent of artisans, the fashioner of all ornaments ... and a great and immortal god." He has four hands, wears a crown, loads of gold jewelry, and holds a water-pot, a book, a noose and craftsman's tools in his hands.

Vishwakarma Puja:

Hindus widely regard Vishwakarma as the god of architecture and engineering, and September 16 or 17 every year is celebrated as Vishwakarma Puja — a resolution time for workers and craftsmen to increase productivity and gain divine inspiration for creating novel products. This ritual usually takes place within the factory premises or shop floor, and the otherwise mundane workshops come alive with fiesta. Vishwakarma Puja is also associated with the buoyant custom of flying kites. This occasion in a way also marks the start of the festive season that culminates in Diwali.

Vishwakarma's Architectural Wonders:

Hindu mythology is full of Vishwakarma's many architectural wonders. Through the four 'yugas', he had built several towns and palaces for the gods. In "Satya yuga", he built the Swarg Loke, or heaven, the abode of the gods and demigods where Lord Indra rules. Vishwakarma then built the 'Sone ki Lanka' in "Treta yuga", the city of Dwarka in "Dwapar yuga", and Hastinapur and Indraprastha in the "Kali yuga".

'Sone Ki Lanka' or Golden Lanka:

According to Hindu mythology, 'Sone ki Lanka' or Golden Lanka was the place where the demon king Ravana dwelled in the "Treta yuga." As we read in the epic story Ramayana, this was also the place where Ravana kept Sita, Lord Ram's wife as a hostage.There is also a story behind the construction of Golden Lanka. When Lord Shiva married Parvati, he asked Vishwakarma to build a beautiful palace for them to reside. Vishwakarma put up a palace made of gold! For the housewarming ceremony, Shiva invited the wise Ravana to perform the "Grihapravesh" ritual. After the sacred ceremony when Shiva asked Ravana to ask anything in return as "Dakshina", Ravana, overwhelmed with the beauty and grandeur of the palace, asked Shiva for the golden palace itself! Shiva was obliged to accede to Ravana's wish, and the Golden Lanka became Ravana's palace.

Dwarka:

Among the many mythical towns Viswakarma built is Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. During the time of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is said to have lived in Dwarka, and made it his "Karma Bhoomi" or center of operation. That is why this place in nothern India has become a well known pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Hastinapur:

In the present "Kali Yuga", Vishwakarma is said to have built the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Kauravas and Pandavas, the warring families of the Mahabharata. After winning the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna installed Dharmaraj Yudhisthir as the ruler of Hastinapur.

Indraprastha:

Vishwakarma also built the town of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. The Mahabharata has it that King Dhritrashtra offered a piece of land called 'Khaandavprastha' to the Pandavas for living. Yudhishtir obeyed his uncle's order and went to live in Khaandavprastha with the Pandava brothers. Later, Lord Krishna invited Vishwakarma to build a capital for the Pandavas on this land, which he renamed 'Indraprastha'. Legends tell us about the architectural marvel and beauty of Indraprastha. Floors of the palace were so well done that they had a reflection like that of water, and the pools and ponds inside the palace gave the illusion of a flat surface with no water in them.
After the palace was built, the Pandavas invited the Kauravas, and Duryodhan and his brothers went to visit Indraprastha. Not knowing the wonders of the palace, Duryodhan was flummoxed by the floors and the pools, and fell into one of the ponds. The Pandava wife Draupadi, who witnessed this scene, had a good laugh! She retorted, hinting at Duryodhan's father (the blind king Dhritrashtra) "the son of a blind man is bound to be blind." This remark of Draupadi annoyed Duryodhan so much that later on it became a major cause for the great war of Kurukshetra described in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita.


Retrieved from About dot.com Hindusium www.http://hinduism.about.com/b/2009/09/15/vishwakarma-the-lord-of-architecture-3.htm    on 17 September 2009

New Belgian Ambassador to Bhutan from Kuenselonline

Belgian ambassador presents credentials
Date: Wednesday, September 16 @ 00:43:11 EDT
Topic: home

16 September, 2009 - His Majesty the King accepted the credentials presented by the new Ambassador of Belgium to Bhutan, Jean Marie Deboutte, at the Tashichhodzong yesterday.

His Majesty also granted an audience to the Ambassador after the presentation of the credentials. While in Bhutan, the Ambassador will make courtesy calls on Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley and the officiating foreign minister Daw Penjo. He will also visit some important historical places in Bhutan.
Formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Belgium were established with the signing of an agreement between the two countries on January 21, 2009 in Thimphu. Then, according to a press release from the ministry of foreign affairs, Bhutan opened a resident embassy in Brussels and appointed Ambassador Sonam T Rabgye as the first ambassador of Bhutan to Belgium.
Ambassador Rabgye is also accredited to the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the European Union. With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Belgium, Bhutan has diplomatic relations with 23 countries, including the EU.
By Rinzin Wangchuk

This story is retrieved from Kuensel website at http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13444  on Tuesday September 16 2009