Human Resource for Bhutan

Bhutan is a small nation surrounded by two giant nations of the world with incomparable military might, economic power, demography and geography. Bhutan in no way match to them. This does not impugned Bhutan handicap or insecure. Our unique yet live tradition and culture  have been the source and saver of our sovereignty and independency for generations now. But with increasing influence of western culture and globalization, our culture is taking a

different shape and values are often degrading day by day. Now the only alternative to that is development of highly skilled human resource to keep our nation prominent in the world.

His Majesty also mentioned that investment in human resource capacity in Bhutan would be best investment that its return would make Bhutan one of the most powerful nation in the world if harnessed well. His Majesty further informed time and again that he has seen potential, intelligence and capability in the Bhutanese youth if they are given the opportunity. I totally agree to this view.

Contrary to this, I am not really pleased to read online on social media discouraging the Bhutanese from this kind of progress. Some people are of the view that our government is investing too much on this by allowing them to pursue even up PhD. Some of these people tend to go abroad for greener pasture and which is a brain drain. But we must understand that there are always exceptions to every rule. I don’t feel any effect of brain drain in this context as long there are justifiable rules equally applied to everyone on government scholarships to pay back through various means. When more Bhutanese people work in international organizations and developed countries, the ultimate benefit will be for Bhutan specially the nation’s economy and image. Some might work and send money back at home as already happening. Some might hold very good positions in the international organizations which Bhutan would ultimately benefit. We must remember that Bhutan is almost underrepresented in every UN offices at all levels. Today, even in many part of India, Bhutan is totally an alien to them. It is hard for them to believe that there is another nation between them and China. Thus, we must promote our presence in the international arena which is a pillar for strengthening our sovereignty and independency.

 We must learn to appreciate from others, for instance Singapore is much newer country than Bhutan which became independent only in 1965 from Malaysia. Singapore has just over 700 square kilometres compared to Bhutan which has over 38000 square kilometers. Contrarily, Singapore has a population of about five million people making one of the densest sovereign state in the world compared to just over 0.7 million in Bhutan.  But today, Bhutan is still one of the developing countries although our independence remains generations back but Singapore is one of the most developed countries. They have nothing except human resource and human brain. Therefore, we as a small nation has even better chance than this nation.

Thus, investment in human resource should be priority and deserves the attention to invest more, because that is the only alternative we have. Today, we are also proud to have one of the most qualified civil servant who are still working tirelessly even with meager income. Not every tom and dick has left the country for greener pasture.

Therefore, we not must not complacent, rather look at from different angles for the benefit of the nation so that we will one day become a nation like any other developed state.  

Human Resource for Bhutan

Bhutan is a small nation surrounded by two giant nations of the world with incomparable military might, economic power, demography and geography. Bhutan in no way match to them. This does not impugned Bhutan handicap or insecure. Our unique yet live tradition and culture  have been the source and saver of our sovereignty and independency for generations now. But with increasing influence of western culture and globalization, our culture is taking a

Becoming an EXAMINEE!!

It was bright sunny day, 23 July 2013, my lovely wife came to drop me at Paro International Airport. It was unusual compared to my normal departure from the Airport. Till now, I have been fortunate to travel on regular basis to attend short term trainings, conferences, workshops, seminars and so on which normally lasted for about one to two weeks. But not this time.
This time, I am going to be away from my family and country for the next many months which really didn't appear to be a happy moment for me as I leave my dear and near ones behind.

The moment of sadness is also accompanied by happiness.I was finally going to pursue my ambition to become a lawyer. This is a dream come true. A dream I that I had from my primary school days even though I didn't know what is meant by a lawyer or who is a lawyer. I was also happy because, I  have a decent and secured job and also a caring family.

Before, my final decision, some people also suggested that I should try to go to Australia so that I can study as well as make money. Their intentions were so good and I really appreciate those people who encouraged me. Contrary to their suggestion, when I really thought about my life, I was not really attracted to such endeavor not because I have enough money but I believe that having a decent qualification with a decent life will make me more happier than with lots of money as human mind can never be contented with what we have. Human life is full of greed and discontentment.

We reached Airport on time and I had a nice cup of Suja and Zow, a favorite drink for me at the Airport with my wife and her friend. I know she does not like suja nor departing away from me. We  had a last hug  and few words of love and care, I bid goodbye to her.

The journey was not too smooth as I had to wait over four hours at the Kolkotta Airport to catch the flight to Pune. Interestingly, I was also for the first time flown from Paro to Kolkoatta in a chatted flight making my ears quite numb by the time I reached my disembarkation. From Kolkotta it was another four and half hour journey with Indian flight where for the first time again, I had to buy everything to eat in the flight. I arrived in the Pune Airport at 11:00PM with a stopover in Chennai.
It was rainy yet my two friends, Jangchu and Lama took away all my gloomy weather as they came to receive me from Airport with a smile and words of homeliness. They were kind enough that I didn't even have to carry my baggage.
The next day, early in the morning, I joined college. The college look better than I have anticipated which further boost my impression of the college. It has all modern facilities a law college should have and I was also happy to learn that this college is among the top law colleges in  whole of India.

Since then, we Bhutanese students have been one of the most sincere students in attending classes as we rarely miss even a single period which was noticed by the college too. I   learnt so many useful information on law and justice. I liked everything from environment to faculty to contents of the course. The only problem I had and still continues is my inability to remember the case laws.But today, with the end of September, our professors has more smiles than ever as they have completed our semester syllabus. And  the responsibility of that course has fallen on us, the students as the exams are near and we have so many things to study.

I like one aspect of this college, the Principal always reminded us to learn the law not for exam but for life. He tells us that passing in law is not so difficult but being a good lawyer with adequate knowledge on law is important.

Whatever, the reasons may be, with the exams knocking at my door, I hereby finally suspend all other works for the time being for me to prepare for my exams. After all, in this modern world, certificates and marks also matter as it serve the key to many things in life.

Hope when I come back on this forum again, I hope to write down the best and good about my exams.

Becoming an EXAMINEE!!

It was bright sunny day, 23 July 2013, my lovely wife came to drop me at Paro International Airport. It was unusual compared to my normal departure from the Airport. Till now, I have been fortunate to travel on regular basis to attend short term trainings, conferences, workshops, seminars and so on which normally lasted for about one to two weeks. But not this time.

The family problem

Everyone in any country is confronted with family problem in one or other way in their life time. Most of the problems are between wife and husband on various issues. It is true that a famous Bhutanese saying that "If you don't have enemies, try to find a life partner"
and another saying that the most difficult enemy you would have in life will be the ones near to you. I think this is true. When we fell in love and marry, no one intends to become enemy of each other. But with the marriage come numerous roles and responsibilities. This means, lots of comprises need  to be done and in doing so, we at times as human being either fail or do not agree with each other. As a result, family bond breaks down, the love we once shared become a sword that hurts you the most because it pierces the deepest into our emotion. External enemies can never overcome our emotions and feeling but the family does.

With more and more disagreements results to occasional exchange of blows and fights often leaving the rest in the family insecure, disturbed and not peaceful environment in our family. This, as we live further leads to fighting always and finally come the word of divorce or frequent family settlement requirements.

We never realize that we may be wrong, we always think that other is wrong and I am right so I should back up. Quite often, those who starts arguments are the ones who may not under his or her faults and accuses the other of not being gentle or good. We never come to consensus unless something happens. We regret over the past, argue at present and disturb the future peace in our family.

Therefore, we must appreciate the value in the Buddhist Philosophy of uncertainty and impermanence and thus, always try to comprise and be in peace and harmony.

The family problem

Everyone in any country is confronted with family problem in one or other way in their life time. Most of the problems are between wife and husband on various issues. It is true that a famous Bhutanese saying that "If you don't have enemies, try to find a life partner"

The Re-Concilation

With the emergence of three new political parties into the Bhutanese political race in 2013 elections, many Bhutanese people seemed to welcome all of them on the board at the beginning. Unfortunately, one was taken out of the race before it could join the rest. The other four even requested
the Election Commission to re-consider the case which could happen because of the electoral laws.

Four parties took part in the primary round, Druk Chirwang Tshogpa (DCT), Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT), Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) and People's Democratic Party (PDP).  Among the three new parties, DNT reported to have gained more momentum in terms of the its popularity especially on social network users. Some people also expected that new parties might get through the primary round. But on when the Primary Election Round results were announced, people decided to keep the old parties and seemed to have less trust in new parties by giving about 40% of the total votes to DPT, 30% to PDP. DPT took over both the Postal Ballots and EVM.  The Ruling party dominated 33 of the total 47 constituencies and DNT with only 1 and DCT with none. This forced DCT and DNT to be out of race till 2018.

The race then took between two old rivals, DPT and PDP. PDP replaced a total of 7 candidates from DNT compelling the DPT to allege them of collation of DNT and PDP which is in contravention with the Constitution and electoral laws. DPT also could not escape from taking in one of the candidates from DCT when Radi-Sakten Candidate was disqualified from participating by the Returning Officer in Trashigang.

Since the campaign began, both the parties left no place in Bhutan from political race. The campaigns began with smooth and more friendly environment slowly began to get more heated. There were numerous issue of corruption, bribery and intrusion of discussion on relation with India, Bhutan's oldest  and loyalist friend. The mudslinging took between the parties, candidates and more so between the Tshogpas most commonly referred as Japchorpas. 

Finally, it was 13 July, the Bhutanese people once again geared toward the poling station.This time, when the results announced, it was first lead by DPT with 6 and PDP with 1. Gradually, DPT could not take much breath as PDP started wining numerous constituencies even from where previously described as DPT stronghold by many. Eventually, PDP took over 38 constituencies by Postal Ballot, in total winning 32 constituencies leaving only 15 for DPT to form an Opposition in the Second Democratically Parliament of Bhutan. While PDP was very happy with the result calling it free and fair election and people's choice for change, DPT stated that PDP's win was through corruption, bribery and coercion taking the matter  to His Majesty the King.

However, upon the audience with His Majesty the King, DPT finally announced that their 15 winning candidates will take over the post of opposition.

Simultaneously, PDP also elected their Party President Tshering Tobday as the Prime Minister Elect through a secret ballot among all the winning candidate except President himself. He was unanimously elected as the Prime Minister Elect who will officially become the Prime Minsiter after His Majesty the Kind awards him with the Dhar Ngyenga. He is  also given the power to nominate the ministerial portfolios to his machinery to function at the best. 

Finally, as we see today, we have the PM-Elect, cabinet in process, opposition and the King to move with the Eleventh Five Year Plan which the Bhutanese have been waiting for so soon. Its in fact the Re-conciliation of the parties to in building the nation with a single machine for the growth of the nation and its people.

The Re-Concilation

With the emergence of three new political parties into the Bhutanese political race in 2013 elections, many Bhutanese people seemed to welcome all of them on the board at the beginning. Unfortunately, one was taken out of the race before it could join the rest. The other four even requested

Single press is irreversible ...so lets press the right button

Bhutan is one of the smallest country in the world and also one of the only country in the world where democracy came from the throne. The subjects even
rejected such move yet the King assured  that he will always be there to serve the country but democracy shall be the ultimate goal of any nation. His Majesty further informed that, there are numerous countries in the world where people fight for democracy and here in Bhutan he wants Bhutanese to accept this offer and make Bhutan a model country in the world. People reluctantly accepted this precious gift from the throne and embarked on the journey of democracy.

Bhutan became one of the newest democratic countries in the world in 2008. The first parliamentary election in Bhutan was not free of chaos. Though we had only two parties, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) and People's Democratic Party (PDP), there were stories of separation of families and communities due to politics and 2013 election is no exception either. Despite of all these, the expenditure spent by the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) is too huge and parties themselves have also spend so much in such election. The total expenditure would surpassed the expenditure for some of our five year plan budget. Thus, democracy is not only about voting but it is about judiciously and consciously voting.

Thus, we must realize the once we press the EVM, we cannot reverse. A party could win by a single member and a single member could win by a single vote. We therefore, should be very mindful of exercising our precious gift from the throne because each vote is too important not only for five years but all times to come.

Single press is irreversible ...so lets press the right button

Bhutan is one of the smallest country in the world and also one of the only country in the world where democracy came from the throne. The subjects even

The International Day Against Illicit Trafficking of Drugs

Today, Bhutan joins the rest of the international community  to observe the International Day against the Illicit Trafficking of Drugs.Here in Bhutan, organized by Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency and Bhutan Youth Development Fund, the day is marked with a cycle relay  by officials and
volunteers from Thimphu to Paro and back. It is not a competition but an advocacy to rest of the people around educating them on various ill effects of drugs.

This year the theme is 

They are fllagged off by the Hon'ble Secretary, Ministry of Education who is also the Vice Chairperson of Narcotic Control Board.During her short opening note, she emphasized that drug addict or dependents need to taken care, provide services but at the same time, we need to sensitize the public about drug menace and must enact stringent laws to curb  the drug trafficking.

The cycle relay will be reach Paro in the afternoon and come back to Thimphu in the evening.


The day is being organized in Thimphu, Paro, Samdrupjongkhar, Bumthang, Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Monggar  by the Drop-In-Centres run by BNCA, YDF and CPA (Chethuen Phendhey Association).
  For more details log on  to UNODC

The International Day Against Illicit Trafficking of Drugs

Today, Bhutan joins the rest of the international community  to observe the International Day against the Illicit Trafficking of Drugs.Here in Bhutan, organized by Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency and Bhutan Youth Development Fund, the day is marked with a cycle relay  by officials and

Shift in my blog address

Dear all,
My blog address is no www.paropsonam.blogspot from the previous address

Shift in my blog address

Dear all,
My blog address is no www.paropsonam.blogspot from the previous address

Nothing is predictable in politics even in the most peaceful nations of world

I am not a writer nor a politician or a political analyst. I am just a mere human being happen to exist in the realm of political arena. I knew nothing about politics in the past and not even now. But I am compelled to put forth how I live as Bhutan gears towards the Second
Parliamentary Elections on 13 July 2013.

By profession, I am a humble civil servant who is there to serve the people and nation with commitment and loyalty and political neutral. The law says all civil servants are apolitical and so do I. But I am still a voter and my vote could make a difference not on 13 July but for the next five years. That makes me think what should I do, who should I vote and why should I vote? who should I vote? and so on and so forth.

By human value and birth, I am a son of a soil, who toiled through my life with ups and downs. And that gives me a reason to understand and make my decision not with emotions and attachments but with firmness and reason to elect the most deserving candidate. When I say deserving, I mean not what the candidate deserves but the what people deserve for the next five years.

As I look through the prism of my journey for the last five years and first primary elections ever held in Bhutan, I am made to understand one peculiar thing about politics. I see that politics  is something the most unpredictable neither by the best astrologer we have nor by the best science or analyst. It does not recognize prestige of academic excellence, not money nor power nor relations. It does not  recognize the medals the candidates win during their carrier, does not count the years of experience or give preference to any gender or even the post one held before joining politics.

That is why some describe politics as crazy journey, some describe a dirty and yet some describe as the people's choice. What ever the reasons may be, for me, politics is a tool that will teach us the real essence of impermanence, it teaches us not how to lean on our medals and qualifications, designations and experience nor power and relations. But it teaches us how to accept defeat even with the best chances you may think, be able to make sacrifices in life, be able to sit on not where we wish but what majority wants you, a minister, an honourble member or a mere human being upon the declaration of election results.

Nothing is predictable in politics even in the most peaceful nations of world

I am not a writer nor a politician or a political analyst. I am just a mere human being happen to exist in the realm of political arena. I knew nothing about politics in the past and not even now. But I am compelled to put forth how I live as Bhutan gears towards the Second