JANUARY/2013 01 COVER STORY

26 Learning to love 54 Say You Love Work Me 10 five years on: a review of the ruling party 30 The Ultimate 58 Living with the Experience! Consequences of Teenage 34 Fiction The Raven’s Tshering Dorji provides an Pregnancy analysis of the DPT government, and postu- Revenge, by Karma lates on how its performance in the last five Singye Dorji years might impact the upcoming elections 65 Thumbs Up and in 2013 38 Social Me: To Be or Down Not To Be ?

40 Article A Moment For Self Reflection INTERVIEW

48 Legends Reflections on the Eternal Dragon 60 tÊtE Á tÊtE

49 Questioning the Quality of With Tshewang Tashi, who worked with Revenue Education and Customs

52 Restaurant Review MOST DISCUSSED

66 Experience e-Reader Vs a Book

E-reader Vs Book

TheThe Raven Raven OCTOBER,January, 2013 2012 1 letters to the editor

Sir/Madam,

As president of the Hungarian Bhutan Friend- The articles carried by your magazine have been impressive and ship Society, I would love to receive electronic therefore, I have immense respect for your team. I hope you all copies of The Raven. Is it possible? If so, can will carry on your good work and soon start going indepth with the we distribute it to our members? stories. So far, The Raven doesn’t seem to be tilted to any political party and I hope it stays that way. I really liked the interview with my friend Karma Phuntsho. Karma Pem, businesswoman, Thimphu.

Zoltan Valcsicsak.

Got hold of the Raven, the latest one I guess, The Raven has been providing different views to various issues. Of and flipped through the pages. Overall late, it has been nice to see different writers from different back- package is done well and very presentable grounds contribute to the magazine. New voices always add new and comparable to any in the region. While perspectives. Keep it up. congratulations are in order to the team, I’d like to suggest few points to be taken note of. Norbu Chimi, Phuentsholing. The interviews, regardless of how much sense it made, are too interminably long; the glossy pictures cheapen the efforts nearly resem- bling filmy magazines; the subject covered are It is nice to see that your magazine is tackling issues that really minimal. Get more contributors on different matter. The articles not only make the reader think, they also subjects from different Dzongkhags. Overall cast new light on important topics. personal ratings: 6/10. Let’s just hope that your content each month only gets better. Karma Tenzin, Author, Bhutan. And that will eventually help the magazine gain ground among the readers. Keep at it. Sonam Gyaltshen, Paro. Just reading the issue of The Raven, it is a fabu- lous magazine, great journalism. Trish Nicholson, Australia.

Just went through a copy of the second issue. Well done! Love the article on Karma Phuntsho- Loden.Very inspirational. Great job! Sonam Choden Dorji. The overall design of The Raven is excellent but the style of reporting, I must say, leaves much to be desired. It would be better if the writer left out his/her opinions while writing the stories. Nevertheless, I am confident that with each is- sue, the quality will only go on improving. Good luck. Jigme Palden, Thimphu. letter from the editor

KUZUZANGPO!

he end of 2012 is not like that of any other year. It is significant because it brings to a close the term of Bhutan’s first democratically elected government, which came into power in 2008. Through the trials and errors, successes and failures of the Druk Puensum Tshogpa party, we hope that politicians thinking of, or hoping to assume office in 2013 will have learned that the Bhutanese people expect much from their elected Tleaders. It is hoped that they will understand and take seriously their roles and responsibilities as representatives of the people. DPT’s term in office in the last few years became increasingly mired in cases of corruption, abuse of power, and lack of transparency through accusations brought against them by the media and by crit- ics. This created a very contentious environment between the opposition and some members of the media and the ruling party. As is normally the case, this also created strong fault lines and divisions within society. Some felt that both sides were dealing with the issues unhealthily, causing concern that Democracy was not really working for us. This was all brought to a close on National Day in December, when His Majesty the King graciously Post recognized both the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader for their work in building Bhutan’s Letters to the Editor ‘The Raven’ fledgling democracy. They were awarded the highest honor - The Druk Thuksey medal – for their P.O.Box:1047, contributions. His Majesty the King, whose speech stirred the nation, was seen as the unifying fac- Thimphu, Bhutan tor amidst this contentious political climate. With 2013 here and yet another election upon us, let us not forget the words of His Majesty the King: “Remember, achieving democracy is not the goal. The real fruits of our efforts should be that democ- racy brings greater unity, harmony and prosperity to our Nation. Democracy must be able to fulfill the aspirations of our People.” Mail [email protected] While political issues are important, so are social ones. The recent death of a two-year old hit by a gate in the park is not a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Neglect and irresponsi- bility to finish work properly; be it gates, buildings, roads, or bridges, often result in deaths of young children and other innocent citizens. A 5-year old drowning in a pool of water at a construction site, Facebook facebook.com/ a child falling into a septic tank and drowning, people hit by traffic because there are no stop signs theravenmagazine or cross-walks, should all tell us that we need accountability. These are not mere freak accidents, they are caused by neglect and lack of concern that people will get hurt or killed. With 2013 here, let us take the opportunity do our bit to act, speak, work, and behave responsibly. It Twitter twitter.com/ is never too late, and we are never too young or old to try. In the words of the Buddha: “No matter bhutanraven how hard the past, you can always begin again.” Wishing each and every one of you a Happy New Year!

write to us

Sonam Ongmo Editor-at-Large

The Raven january, 2013 3 TEAM & contributOrs

Michael Rutland is an educator by profession. He has taught at Oxford, England, and at the Ugyen Wangchuck Academy in Paro. He is currently the Honorary Consul of Bhutan to the United Kingdom.

Namgay Zam has been an anchor and producer with the Bhutan Broadcasting Service since 2009. She enjoys writing on her blog Executive Director: Kesang P. Dorji www.metanamgay.wordpress.com Publisher: Dechen Ongmo

Editor at Large: Sonam Ongmo Special Issues Editor: Karma Choden Tashi Pelyang Lhendup works in the Corporate Performance Department of the Feature Editor: Mitra Raj Dhital Tourism Council of Bhutan. He is a freelance writer. Senior Reporter: Tshering Dorji Designer: Tashi Palden Photographer: Lhendup

AFD: Karma Wangchuk & Tshewang Dem Sonam Wangmo worked at Chemonics International. She divides Circulation: Tshering Rinchen her time between her family and developing her writing craft at Grub Street in Boston Intern: Sonam Yangki Office # 02-337711 Fax: 02-337722 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Karma Singye Dorji is the author of ‘Dreaming of Prayer Flags: Stories [email protected] & Images from Bhutan.’

The Raven agent in the U.S Nima Lhamo 42-20 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 Jurmi Chhowing is a freelance journalist. He maintains a blog at Email: [email protected] iamdrukpa.blogspot.com Printed at: Kuensel Corp. Thimphu.

LP Tashi works in the Ministry of Education. He can be contacted at [email protected].

The Raven is a monthly publication ( Registration no 302000004) Content Copyright © The Raven. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form. The Raven is not responsible for statements expressed by non-staff contributors or advertising claims. The magazine cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of unsolicited material. Subscription enquiries and change of address should be sent to The Raven PO Box 1047, Thimphu. For international orders outside Bhutan please contact Business Director at telephone no +975-2-338953 Email [email protected].

4 TheThe Raven Raven OCTOBER, January, 2012 2013 news in brief DEC

daifam Patrolling for safety fter a Bhutanese forester ac- Acidentally shot a resident of Kumiholing village in India bor- dering Bhutan last month, men of Jomotsangkha (Daifam) markets have been night patrolling the area Executive Director: Kesang P. Dorji for the past few weeks. Civil serv- Publisher: Dechen Ongmo thimphu ants, shopkeepers, private employ- ees and hoteliers consisting of at Editor at Large: Sonam Ongmo International Anti-Corruption Day least 20 men in each group patrol Special Issues Editor: Karma Choden at night for security reasons. Feature Editor: Mitra Raj Dhital ome 200 people turned up to pledge against corruption on Decem- Senior Reporter: Tshering Dorji ber 10 - the International Anti-Corruption Day. The pledge book S thimphu Designer: Tashi Palden was opened for the public at the clock tower square, centenary farmers’ Photographer: Lhendup market and in front of Lugar theatre in the capital. The day was themed Two senior ‘ACT: Against Corruption Today’. AFD: Karma Wangchuk & hydropower officials Tshewang Dem thimphu and two National Circulation: Tshering Rinchen Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa applies for Intern: Sonam Yangki Council members Office # 02-337711 Fax: 02-337722 registration honoured Email: [email protected] ruk Nyamrup Tshogpa, the first of the new political parties to be n recognition of their dedicated [email protected] Dheard of, was also the last to submit its application for registration Iservices to the nation, Yeshi [email protected] with the election commission. During a press conference, following Wangdi and Phuntsho Norbu were submission of their application, the party said they had submitted to the awarded red scarves on the 105th election commission names of its 15 members. The party spokesperson National Day. Dasho (Dr) Sonam The Raven agent in the U.S said the party would soon invite all supporters, candidates and members Kinga and Dasho Karma Yezer Nima Lhamo from across the dzongkhags and the various constituencies for an an- Raydi from the National Council 42-20 Ditmars Blvd, nual general convention. were also awarded red scarfs. Astoria, NY 11105 Email: [email protected] trongsa pune Printed at: Kuensel Corp. Thimphu. Missing teacher returns home Bhutanese Karate he officiating principal of Chendebje primary school, who had gone team ranked third Tmissing on the evening of December 18 returned home after two hutan’s karate team ranked days. The teacher returned back unharmed but he doesn’t remember Bthird in the three-day SkSi’s In- how he reached home. Around 200 people including police and resi- ternational Karate Championship dents from nearby villages had combed the forest and the Chendebji that was held in Pune, India from riverbank looking for the 28-year old teacher. The teacher had parked December 7. The Indian team his car and left his cell phone in his room. He had then latched the door ranked first and the team from and gone missing. Since then, his relatives were performing rituals Hongkong came second. Other continuously to appease the local deities. Locals said that several people countries in the competition were have lost their lives in similar incidents in the past and that people do Sri Lanka, Hongkong, Bangladesh not walk in the area, where he went missing, in the evenings. and Dubai.

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I believe that the Golden Throne is HIs majesty the king not a Throne of wealth, power and in His address to the nation on the prestige. The Golden Throne of 105th National Bhutan is a unique Throne of Destiny Day. to serve our People and Nation. AROUND Dasho kinley dorji After the award On the challenge to measure Secretary,MoIC. I will try to become a better human being and work happiness the answer is that we to better the lives of our do not measure happiness. people and their life chances so that in collective well-being and peace, we actualize the kind of just, equal and prosperous society It’s important that we make available Ambassador envisioned for us by our beloved Robert o. Blake king: Dasho (Dr.) sonam Kinga USA facilities in Delhi to help on his recent visit on face book young Bhutanese understand their to Bhutan. Edition Six months 1 year (12 Issues) No. of copies Total amount On rupee shortage Hard copy Nu. 550 Nu. 1,100 opportunities in the United States, 17.2B Rupee overdrafts is PDF Nu. 500 Nu. 1000 including the kind of financial aid costing our exchequer over available. 39 lakhs per day in interest costs alone. We have a scary situa- Edition Six months 1 year (12 Issues) No. of copies Total amount tharchen tion in our hands: The NC candidates should an aspiring Lekey Dorji on facebook Hard copy USD 100 USD 200 National Council be able to give constructive candidate from PDF NA USD 100 Trongsa. On media criticism to the government. Media is a business, of course, and decent profits can be made from it. But quality journalism requires con- siderable investments and tends A party must find its confidence Dr. Tandi Dorji not to produce windfall earnings. the founding and strength within itself. It member of Problems arise when business- Druk Nyamrup must be prepared to take the Tshogpa at a men regard the media as akin to press conference any other industry. responsibility, if given the in Thimphu. mandate to serve the country. Rabi Dahal via facebook

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Write Right workshop JAN 7 - 20 THIMPHU Organized by the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), the write right workshop for young learners will include students from classes 5-10 to strengthen their writing skills. SPORTS

Shooting coaching camp Smart Guru’Z JAN 22 - FEB 4 JAN 7 - 21 THIMPHU THIMPHU Bhutan Shooting Federation will be organizing Rigsum Institute of IT and Management is conduct- a winter coaching camp. The camp is ing a two-week workshop on Smart Guru’Z by a especially organized for the youth to keep group of experts. The workshop is aimed at generat- them engaged during their winter vacation. ing courage, hope, enthusiasm, confidence, trust and faith among the youth.

Badminton coaching camp JAN 15 - 30 SPIRITUAL EDUCATION SARPANG, SAMTSE & SAMDRUP JONGKHAR Organized by the Bhutan Badminton Federation, the MINDFULNESS TRAINING CAMP two-week long coaching camp will be conducted in three JAN 5 - 12 different Dzongkhags. JIGME NAMGYEL POLYTECH, DEWATHANG Table Tennis coaching To help Bhutanese educators express mindfulness DEC 30 - JAN12 in their everyday roles as teachers and community leaders, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has encouraged PHUENTSHOLING Lhomon Education to initiate a Winter Mindfulness The Bhutan Table Tennis Federation will be organizing Training Camp. The week-long mindfulness program a winter coaching camp for table tennis enthusiasts at will be practice-oriented with discussions about strate- Phuentsholing. gies for Bhutan’s spiritual education.

TheThe RavenRaven OCTOBER,January, 2013 2012 9 cover story

Photo Courtesy: Google

five years on: a review of the ruling party

The Raven’s Tshering Dorji provides an analysis of the DPT government, and postulates on how its performance in the last five years might impact the upcoming elections in 2013.

10 The Raven january, 2013 he New Year is upon us, and with the enshrined in the constitution, and their TDruk Puensum Tshogpa government’s civil liberties enhanced under the new term coming to a close this might be democracy. But as the years went on, it

the perfect time to review its perfor- seemed that while there was not much It appeared to mance in the past five years. difficulty proceeding with implementing be a commonly In hindsight, the DPT party’s development projects the government journey to ruling government has confronted many on the socio-economic held view that been filled with trials and errors. There and civilian rights front. were numerous successes as well as Officials from the old government the ruling failures. After all, it was the first time and members of parliament who barely government that we have had a fully Democratic understood their roles saw that tradi- government, one that was elected by tional ways to dealing with the people was always the people. It is understandable that were no longer acceptable. Officers who everybody was learning as we went were traditionalists and seemed so used acting in loco along. However, could the government to functioning without any resistance parentis and have performed better? Were some of from the public on implementation of the parliamentarians who were voted policies were confronted with numerous often taking into office inexperienced, incompetent, road blocks. Some would say that it was and even lacking an understanding a good five years of confusion. the liberty of their responsibilities? Did many In an overall estimate, however, the of making of them know what it meant to hold government seemed to have done well such an office? Will their lackadaisical in meeting its commitments. Providing decisions for attitude towards voters cost future DPT electricity to rural homes and villages, votes? Was the Prime Minister a good achieving telecom connectivity and its citizens. enough captain of his ship? Are the primary school enrolment saw consider- party members, clear of what the DPT able success. Progress was also made in ideology is after all this time? agriculture, education, health, foreign These, and many more questions, affairs, and the hydropower projects. lies heavily on government ad-revenue. will be on the forefront in the minds of Internationally, thanks to the Prime It appeared to be a commonly held citizens as they head for the polls. Ministers great oratory skills and elo- view that the ruling government was Five years ago the DPT party came quence and his experience in foreign always acting in loco parentis and often into being with over-riding, over- relations, Bhutan’s profile was uplifted taking the liberty of making decisions whelming, and resounding success in a in the international arena as never be- for its citizens telling them what to eat, landslide victory defeating the People’s fore. GNH gained popularity worldwide, not to smoke, when to walk, and even Democratic Party. The Bhutanese par- the UN adopted happiness as a Millen- what to think. liament was probably the only one in nium Development Goal and the brand While the ruling government’s the world that had the smallest opposi- of GNH, Happiness and Bhutan were strength in 2008 was supported by tion – two members. The Prime Minis- established. the civil servants, such overbearing ter was seen as a promising leader, and But despite all these successes even policies, often implemented with little his party a strong one, given that many this area of relative accomplishment was consultation and in undemocratic party members already had a long- blemished. ways, could affect support for DPT in standing record serving in the old gov- Its progress in providing examples of the new year. ernment. Many had great hopes that democratic functioning, and establish- The ruling government was also seen Bhutan would continue to make great ing a democratic culture seems to have to be veering towards opaqueness by progress. Apart from development, been less impressive. Some examples how it mismanaged transparency on growth and improvements on the are passing of the draconian Tobacco a number of controversial issues. For socio-economic front, the Bhutanese Act law, Pedestrian Day, and the govern- one, the lack of response or explanation people hoped to see their basic rights ment’s struggle with the Media that re- to the public for the longest time on

The Raven january, 2013 11 cover story

the Gyelpoizhing land case, that government loosened its purse brought to the public’s notice strings, it zealously restricted the involvement of senior party public access to McKinsey’s members and cabinet ministers, final report. This, obviously, was Let us not left the public in the dark and viewed with suspicion, and, as the with many questions. Other land economic recession later proved, forget, cases including Chang Ugyen there was little gained from such and the Denchi compensation expenditure. however, that also raised concerns and disap- It did not help the DPT’s image 2013 will see pointment when there was little when accusations of nepotism and information and explanation corruption were thrown against the country’s from the government and peo- its ministers in cases dealing ple responsible were not held with the mining sector, education first primary accountable. city, and Trowa Theatre. Recently, round of There was even more public the Thimphu city bus tendering distrust with the introduction process was also questioned and elections. of the land bill which gave land scrutinized by a growing number kidu powers to the cabinet. Pub- of cynics and critics. lic backlash eventually allowed The existing Indian rupee the bill to be postponed. problem, the harsh measures that In private sector develop- came consequently, and limited ment, the government took off financial accessibility were also its thinking cap and entrusted issues that the government failed that responsibility to multi-na- to grapple with smoothly. Many tional consultants like McKin- thought the ruling government sey, paying a multi-million dollar did too little, too late on the issue, fees in the process. While the thus causing the current liquidity and debt issue. But opposing observers main- tained that the government was not to blame and that the public’s insatiable appetite for excessive it did not consumption based on borrowed help the DPT’s money is actually the main cause. Blame is also being heaped on image when the liberal lending policies of the banks. accusations of In the sphere of the economy, nepotism and another failing of the government formidable opponents has been in the Foreign Direct Opposition Leader corruption Investment sector. For example, Tshering Tobgay with his many are already saying that the party MP Damcho Dorji were thrown government’s IT park is simply against its a white elephant since no major investments have occurred. Bhu- ministers in tan has not been able to attract too many investors since 2010, when cases. the FDI policy was endorsed. To date, only about 30 projects have

12 The Raven january, 2013 been approved. This is mainly due be noted that these issues are few; and integrity, an excellent track record, to the strict restrictions that have to there are prevailing views that the issues charisma, and oratory skills. With many be followed in complying with GNH do not reflect the present government’s viewing the prime minister as having parameters. performance as they date back to before these qualities, it is a given that he will But while such issues may tar- the ruling government was elected. attract substantial votes for himself and nish the ruling government’s image In fact, a study revealed that voters his party candidates in 2013, despite and its prospects in 2013, it has to are looking for leadership qualities, recent failings and what critics say.

The Raven january, 2013 13 cover story

Let us not forget, however, walk in the park for DPT. Change we assume that the DPT wins in his majesty that 2013 will see the country’s is a powerful motivator and the the king and the end, one thing is for certain: first primary round of elections. DPT’s “core three” will have been her majesty there will not be another land- It is expected that DPT will make ministers for 15 years by then. the gyaltsun slide victory of the proportions we it through that first hurdle, but In that respect, a good chunk INTERACTING saw the last time. then again, who can say? PDP of the non-DPT voters from the WITH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT was expected to be a sure winner primary round would probably in 2008. The general elections, turn towards the DPT’s opponent however, will definitely not be a in the general elections. Even if

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The Raven january, 2013 15 in this frame

What Lessons Can We Learn From The Gun Massacre In America? By SONAM WANGMO

magine this: a disturbed health is practiced, parenting and Also in the U.S it is mandatory young man forces his way education. in Bhutan, but it is always better into the primary school While this incident sent to be safe than sorry. where your child attends shockwaves throughout America, In the U.S, fighting gun control Ikindergarten. Imagine then: the Bhutanese included with the is an uphill battle. UNODC and that he is armed with a semi- rest of the world, were equally small arms survey reports that automatic weapon and enters disturbed by the events. America has the highest civilian your child’s classroom. Imagine A shooting of this scale casualty to guns in the entire now: that he pulls the trigger…. certainly cannot be compared world. There are 88 guns for This is every parent’s worst to other crimes or situations, every 100 people. imagined fear, but this horrific and definitely not one in a small The right to bear arms, the nightmare occurred on Dec 14, society like ours, but Bhutan tenet of the Second Amendment 2012, in the world’s most power- has recently experienced its own is a symbolic right of freedom ful nation - America. Despite its tragic incident, where a life was that almost half of Americans economic might, America is un- lost because of a gun. cherish. According to National able to stop massacres by guns, Such a tragedy so close to Public Radio (NPR at npr.org), such as the one in Newtown, home, should get us thinking 42% of respondents still believe - Connecticut and shootings that about our own gun laws. Ac- after the incident at Sandy Hook happen daily, because guns are cording to the UNODC (United - that the rights to bear arms deeply embedded in American Nations Office on Drugs and trumps gun control. However culture. Crime) Bhutan’s gun ownership 65% of people who participated For loved ones of the 20 is 3.5 guns per 100 people and in the same survey responded children and six adults massacred a total of 22,000 people in the positively to a ban on semi-auto- by Adam Lanza, a young man entire country. But how accurate matic weapons. diagnosed with a developmental a picture this paints is hard to In the U.S the National Rifle disorder, their world came to an tell because we do not know how Association (NRA) has huge lob- end in the instant when a police good our monitoring systems are officer announced to them that or whether there is a proper gun there was no hope. The entire registration system is in place. nation and the world were in dis- belief and it was not long before leaders of the Democratic party that all schools have fire drills -- at least as a first step -- called and safety drills. This prepares for a complete ban on semi-auto- faculty and the children to re- Atlantic magazine, the Violence matic weapons, the kind used by main calm and know what to do Policy Center estimates the Lanza on his shooting spree. during times of such emergency firearms industry donated $38.9 What was prominently situations that would prevent million to the NRA in 2011. It is featured in Obama’s speech at chaotic ones resulting in more therefore in the NRA’s interest the interfaith vigil was a call casualties. to use their lobbyists at the State for change: change in the gun We may not think it is neces- and Federal government to stop culture of America, how mental sary the ban on semi-automatic

16 The Raven january, 2013 bying power. According to The and bad parenting, are all factors on the beaten path of develop- weapons, and the tightening of that contributes to creating a ment and its side effects? background checks. In the NRA’s society of violence. I believe that the trouble with most recent response to the Gun culture is strong in youth and violence in Bhutan massacre, Mr. LaPierre, the CEO America, but violence in our are no longer isolated incidents. of NRA brazenly called for more modern world is universal -- from Bhutan’s society has changed armed security at schools and China where men slash school and some of our institutions scolded the video game indus- children with knives, to Afghani- may not be prepared to re- try and media for the increased stan and Pakistan where young spond to the challenges that violence among youth. Mr. suicide bombers blow themselves come with modernity. From LaPierre’s speech is poorly timed, up regularly, to India where men America, we can learn that we disrespectful, and insensitive, horribly rape and assault young need a multi-pronged approach, and far from the compromising women on buses with iron rods; one that addresses gaps in our tone America was expecting. His and to our very own treasured education and guided regulations speech signals that the NRA is Bhutan. Bhutan is now part of the for violent video games, televi- going to put up a fight to any modern fold, where lives are lost sion shows and movies. Most gun control laws Obama and his because of guns, violence, alcohol importantly, we need to establish government are going to try and and drugs. Violent crimes com- mental health institutions that pass. mitted by displaced young people address mental health issues Although I do not agree with are not uncommon anymore. commonplace to our rapidly Mr. LaPierre’s inability to take What we need to ask ourselves changing environment. From some of the responsibility and the are the following questions: Are many countries around the world poorly timed tone of his speech, incidents in Bhutan just isolated we learn that displaced and job- I do agree that incessant viewing or are they symptomatic of needs less youth go hand-in-hand with of violent video games, unfiltered that are not being met as more increased violence. media -- and this is where I differ of our lives change rapidly from In the meantime, we as par- from him -- combined with the a deeply traditional and rural set- ents need to take better care of free flow of guns, and also easy ting to one that is more modern, our children by being involved in access to drugs and alcohol, un- urban and complex? What can our children’s lives, empathizing employment, a gap in the mental we learn from the gruesome trag- with them, accepting them for health institutions, something edy in America? And what can we who they really are, and meeting lacking in the education system learn from other nations already not only their material, but also their emotional needs.

The writer is a mother of two. She worked at Chemonics International Open Society, and Asia Society. She now works on her writing craft at Grub Street in Boston.

Bushmaster a-15 The (same make) assault weapon was used by Adam Lanza in the Connecticut school shooting.

The Raven january, 2013 17 photo essay

The stadium in Changlimithang, Thimphu, is packed to its capacity as the 105th National Day celebrations are underway.

Lhendup, a freelance photojournalist, specifically chose these photographs because he says most times he is right in front of scenes that unfold unpredictably and often, spontaneously.

18 The Raven january, 2013 His Majesty the King accords the Druk Thuksey (Institutional Award) to the leader of the opposition.

A typical Bhutanese game, the bar-pillow fights are a major draw during celebrations, as contestants try and out-fox each other with wit, craft and strength.

De-sups or the Guardians of Peace, live up to their motto of unity, harmony, integrity, duty and courage.

The Raven january, 2013 19 Almost 80% of the Bhutanese popu- lace depends on agriculture and livestock. As Bhutan is self-sufficient in maize and wheat imports are relatively small, food self-sufficiency is focused on rice. Bhutan consumes approximately 100 thousand tonnes of rice annually.

Eleven rice cultivating dzong- khags, beginning June 2013, will be mandated to protect at least 15,000 hectares of rice cultivating land.

20 The Raven January,OCTOBER, 2013 2012 Paro has the highest number of power tillers in the country - 482. So far, Bhutan has received 2,323 power tillers from Japan over a period of 28 years.

“There’s only one road that winds around the moun- tains; you’re pretty much on your own but the odd one that sprouts up on a bend can be a memorable one,” an English guide who leads tours to Bhutan.

TheThe Raven Raven OCTOBER, January, 20122013 21 photo essay

52% of the Bhutanese populace is either in their early twenties or younger.

Since the beginning of the history of Bhutan, weaving has been considered among the highest forms of artistic and spiritual expression.

Thimphu, each year, produces more than 18,000 tonnes of waste amounting to 50,000 kg of waste every day. The City Corporation spends almost Nu 10 million a year on waste collection.

22 The Raven january, 2013 Layaps - a nomadic community from Laya and Lunana in Gasa dzongkhag live at some of the highest habitable altitudes. Legend goes that the conical hats were a privilege accorded to the nomads by Guru Rinpoche.

The history of lhakhangs, gonpas and nyes Of the estimated population of nearly 700,000 people, dates back to the 7th century when the 244,000 of the Bhutanese populace is illiterate. Life Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built 108 expectancy at birth is 66 years for women and 65 years temples throughout the Himalayan region for men. to subdue a demon.

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Learning to Love Work By MICHAEL RUTLAND

Some may feel the comments in this article are unfairly critical of our education system. Can I therefore begin by paying a sincere and heartfelt tribute because we cannot know what to the quite remarkable progress made somebody’s potential actually is so in education in Bhutan over the last forty years. Remember Bhutan began how do we know when someone to educate its young population from has achieved it! But I suggest there what in effect was virtually nothing – at is another fundamental purpose of least in terms of conventional educa- tion. Forty years ago the total pupil education, less philosophical and number was in the hundreds. Today it’s more practical, more concerned well over a thousand times more. No with the individual as a member mean achievement! Recently I was at a Parent/Teachers afternoon at a large of society than with just the Thimphu Secondary School and was so individual as an individual; a impressed by the hard work and dedi- more social aspect to education cation of the staff and wide range of activities going on. We have very many –it’s about ‘putting in’ as well as highly dedicated and sincere teachers ‘bringing out’; it’s about ‘giving’ whose work is at last being given public as well as ‘receiving’. It’s about recognition. Some may say the quality of education has fallen over the years the individual as part of a larger – but all too often those who make that whole called society. The education comment have given little real thought provided for young people should to the issue – they repeat it as a ‘man- tra’ because they’ve heard someone else equip them to live their lives in say it! However, I do feel there needs society, to contribute to society, to be some changes in the ‘system’ and to allow them to provide for in the curriculum at the national level to cope with Bhutan’s needs in the 21st their families, to contribute to Century, and that’s what I want to talk the common wealth of society. about. Education should provide a person with the means to ‘give’ to society hat is ‘education’; if by earning their daily bread you know, then skip through productive work. Does this first paragraph. our education system give enough WCertainly we spend emphasis to the ‘giving’ or is it a lot of money on it, and the too much about ‘getting’ – a pass education industry gives certificate, a degree, yet another employment to a lot of people. degree. Educationists, those I suppose ‘to educate’ in its whose profession is ‘education’, purest sense is to encourage the sometimes give insufficient value doctor, a ‘trained’ lawyer, not an educated development of the intellect, to to this second purpose and devalue lawyer! And I would rather drive over a stimulate the mind, to pass on it by calling it ‘training’. Do you bridge designed by a ‘trained’ engineer knowledge, to enhance skills of remember the days of ‘Passed for than just an ‘educated’ engineer! When analysis and synthesis, and to Training’, which to most students formal education was first introduced bring out the best in a person; and parents and teachers was into Bhutan it had a very clear purpose I never like the phrase beloved interpreted as ‘failed’! Perhaps – to create the nucleus of Bhutan’s Civil of educationists ‘to allow each they forgot that we talk of a Service. It was elite in its approach in that person to achieve their potential’ ‘trained’ doctor, not an ‘educated’ the purpose was to train a body of highly

26 The Raven january, 2013 Learning to Love Work

the education system has hardly educated graduates who could number of students in schools Students in lead Bhutan on its new path of was numbered in the hundreds. Bumthang changed in its fundamentals. development. The education Now times have changed. Firstly, enjoying their What was suitable for a few hun- provided was primarily to equip instead of a few hundred, there walk to school dred potential university entrants students to go on to University. are now around 150,000 students in 1965 is neither suitable nor Appropriately, it was academic in in schools. Secondly, today there appropriate for a large proportion its approach, style and content. is arguably a surplus of Universi- of students in Bhutanese schools It served Bhutan well in those ty graduates being produced. Yet today. It could be argued that the early days. However, the total the approach, style and content of education provided today will un-

The Raven january, 2013 27 FEATURE intentionally create unemployment in the Bhutan of the have worked so hard to pass Class IX as a ‘drop out’! 21st Century! Graduates from Class 10 and 12 have not So my first argument is that there needs to be a profound been equipped with the skills needed for employment – change in Bhutan’s education policy to better cater for that they have been equipped primarily to go on to College, majority of students who need to be educated for work rather and emerge as yet more graduates seeking an employ- than further studies. I realise this statement may shock many ment status which they feel is deserved by their qualifica- people, but never mind. tions but which is increasingly in short supply. They have Such changes in fundamental policies and attitudes will been equipped to go onto a job market where there are certainly take time and the rate of growth of unemployment too few buyers! The human resource needs of Bhutan surely calls for more immediate measures to create more today have changed from forty years ago – has the educa- employment opportunities for young Bhutanese. Currently we tion system anticipated this change and reacted to it? talk mainly of unemployment among young school-leavers; Way back in 1982 a new Draft National Education Policy but rapidly this is becoming a problem for university gradu- was produced by a Working Party which included late ates too. Father Mackey and late Dasho Lam Penjor. It included Standard Keynesian economic theory suggests that an in- many strategies to address some of these problems, but crease in economic activity in a nation increases employment unfortunately the Policy was never implemented. Today, opportunities. Is this the case in Bhutan? There has certainly too many students still see the only been an increase in economic activity; road to success as Class X, Class one only has to look at the rapid rise in XII and a University degree of some Let’s try our construction, be it apartment blocks, sort. Is it not true that for many road building or hydropower projects. young graduates who join the Civil hardest to make But it’s enough just to drive past a Service, their first thought is ‘Where our young people construction site to realise that much can I get funding to do my Masters’! of this increased economic activity in Fundamentally, the problem is not feel proud of the last few years has provided only a really the students’ mindset. The doing any and marginal increase in employment – of problem lies with the parents’ and Bhutanese – the vast majority of the the society’s mindsets. Why do so every sort of job. employment generated is taken up many parents make enormous and by expatriate workers, at every level; often unreasonable financial sacrifices which they can and is this not one of the causes of the current Rupee supply ill afford to send their children to private schools and to problem? Surely this calls for determined Government policies universities in India and other countries in the mistaken to reduce Bhutan’s dependence on expatriate labour. Only then belief that it will necessarily improve their childrens’ job will increased economic activity result in more employment prospects. But their job prospects may well be signifi- for young Bhutanese coming on to the job market in increas- cantly better if they had carried out some form of training ing numbers. Of course, this is not an easy course to follow. more connected to the actual needs of the job market in We are all aware of the constraints. That is why it requires Bhutan. genuinely bold – some might say brave - actions at the Govern- The pressure from parents and society to succeed in aca- ment level, and an acceptance that though this will probably demic exams is an appalling burden for many students, increase the costs of construction, it will in the end be of over- for whom the academic route is simply inappropriate. all benefit to the nation. We have seen a dichotomy grow in Bhutan; on the one One might say that there needs to be ‘right’ economic devel- side ‘academic’ education, and on the other ‘vocational’. opment where ‘right’ means the sort of development which The latter has become seen as second-class, undesirable, really does provide employment for Bhutanese rather than unattractive, of lower status. And where on earth did an expatriate labour force. Perhaps as well as a ‘GNH Filter’, the awful phrase ‘blue collar job’ come from; surely not Government and private sector policies should pass through Bhutan, where people don’t wear collars, blue or other- an ‘employment filter’ – acknowledging that this is surely one wise! Was it a foreign import? And ‘drop out’, as in Class of the most effective ways to implement GNH. How much em- X ‘drop out’! The phrase ‘drop out’ is exceeding insulting ployment - for Bhutanese - is provided by some of the major in the English language. Why not say ‘Passed Class IX’ or high-profile projects underway or planned? Has any analysis ‘Passed Class X’ – use positive language instead of nega- been carried out on the impact on the employment situation - tive words! I would like to shoot (metaphorically speak- for Bhutanese – of the massive increase in both Government ing) anyone who talks about a young person who may and private expenditure during the last few years? degrees or ‘white cuff’ jobs – or the size of your vehicle! Perhaps a greater emphasis on the basic principles of Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist religion might enhance the perception of what really is worthwhile work among both parents and students. Perhaps our society needs to become less status-conscious in thought, ac- tion and outward show. Let’s try our hardest to make our young people feel proud of doing any and every sort of job; an old Eng- lish saying (modified for Bhutan!) says ‘A real gentleman treats his servant like a Dasho, and a Dasho like his servant’. He shows both jobs equal respect. Finding solutions, short term and long term, to Bhutan’s growing youth unemployment problem Why cannot some of the major would serve the dual purpose of is surely the most fundamental multimillion dollar construction supporting training and en- and challenging job the Govern- projects be required to set up couraging the employment of a ment has to face. Education (in training schools to produce the greater proportion of Bhutanese its very widest form) has a crucial sorts of skilled manpower re- nationals. It would of course role to play. But so have society’s quired in that project – and then cause howls of outrage from the attitudes – and this is something be required to employ the output private sector, both large and we adults have to understand. It from that training. It is certainly small, and certain other quarters School children is the case in every country in the my impression that the private too! The private sector could earn line up for the world that unemployment, es- sector does not at present play exemption from the tax by setting midday meal in pecially when it most effects the gasa its full role in creating the skilled up their own training facilities. young, is corrosive and rapidly manpower the nation needs now And think of the long term ben- destructive of society’s stability – and in the future. I would, for efits to the nation. it was after all the fundamental example, like to see all construc- Then perhaps the concept of cause of the Second World War. tion projects in both the private ‘right livelihood’ – one of the ele- In a demographically young and public sectors, whatever ments of The Buddha’s Eightfold country such as Bhutan the prob- the size, be subject to a ‘train- Path - needs to be promoted lem is especially dangerous – and ing tax’, the proceeds of which more actively. If society in general it’s up to us adults to address are hypothecated for use only to were more aware of this, perhaps the problem, to help secure the provide training opportunities many currently despised occu- future of this unique and marvel- for young Bhutanese. This is not pations might be seen as more lous Kingdom. unusual in many other countries. meritorious and worthy than In the Bhutan context it could be some to which we now give those The writer is an educator by profes- levied as a special tax payable for adjectives. The Lord Buddha did sion. He has taught at Oxford, England, and at the Ugyen each expatriate worker employed not seem to give too much regard Wangchuck Academy in Paro. He by that project – but not payable to making money or to mate- is currently the Honorary Consul of for Bhutanese employees. This rial possessions or university Bhutan to the United Kingdom.

The Raven january, 2013 29 TRAVEL

The Ultimate Experience

By MANAN KARKI

t wasn’t until the first few of the world’s wildest rivers - the to myself, when seemingly far seconds prior to the jump Bhote Koshi, frothing angrily some away, his voice like something that I felt the first tinge of 530 feet below! out of a dream, I heard him begin fear, of panic, of terror. Now, Until then I had been congratulating the countdown: “Three... two....” I’ve always been terrified of myself heartily over my equanimity. Now I “Just like diving into a swimming Iheights – I get queasy every time was just about clinging to a rapidly fraying pool,” I told myself as I felt a light I have to stand close to the edge sense of self-possession. nudge on my back at the count of of anything more than thirty feet “Don’t think. Don’t look down. Look three and proceeded immediately high; and here I was – on the edge at the mountain straight ahead,” I was to fling myself off the jumping of a suspension bridge, with one repeating the jump master’s instructions platform.

30 The Raven january, 2013 And then I found myself to be! ” giving way to raw panic. free-falling headlong towards the It was a rush, all right – of It was just then that I felt the THE JUMP IS AT A foaming river below, my heart falling, flying, hurtling through HEIGHT OF 160 rope and the harness grow taut in my throat, and an indescrib- the air, the wind whistling past METERS around my ankles and my waist able sense of ecstasy mingling my ears, its sibilance like a wall and I was suddenly pulled back with the sheer panic and terror. impervious to all sounds – even up. Before the jump I’d imagined “This is not quite how I expected that of the roaring wash of water myself screaming wildly the mo- it to be,” was my first thought, now getting closer; getting too ment I leapt off the bridge, but followed immediately by: “This close too soon; getting so close so it was only now that I found the is even better than I expected it soon that the ecstasy was rapidly voice to cry out – the scream an

The Raven january, 2013 31 TRAVEL

expression as much of a sense of relief and catharsis as of exhila- ration. So, I was pulled back up and the force of the jerk sent me falling back down again. And again. And again, a human yo-yo, bobbing up and down, the Bhote Koshi raging below, and far above me the bridge from where I’d jumped not too many moments ago. And then, after the bobbing was done with, it was time to turn into something approximat- ing a human pendulum, the rope swinging a little from side to side while I dangled around at the bottom of it, spinning. These moments, as I descended ever so slowly downwards, were definitely the most harrowing of the entire experience. As I was left dangling without any support whatsoever, midway between the bridge and the safety of the thin strip of dry land beside the river, my immediate thought was that I was stranded there; that somehow or the other I had finished my jump too high. It front of my chest and submitted my pockets completely. So, in lieu wasn’t until I saw a barrel serving myself to the whirl of river, sky, of the smoke I craved for, I had to as a counterweight ascend slowly hills, and forest. I cannot describe satisfy myself with the bottle of up towards the bridge that I the palpable sense of relief I felt water that I was handed. Which, breathed a sigh of relief. The final when my fingers finally grasped in hindsight, was not too bad a moments were spent trying to the bamboo pole held out by the trade off, given that I had to walk negotiate the descent with as little crew at the landing station. THE LAST RESORT back up to the resort, a climb that discomfort as possible, a feat that IS THE PERFECT Lying prostrate on the bed does much to rid one of the every for all intents and purposes may destination beside the river, as the crew FOR ADRENALIN vestige of adrenaline, and can be be considered next to impossible. removed the harnesses, the first JUNKIES quite an ordeal if one is unfit. Spinning around without thing out of my mouth was a At a height of 160 metres , the control, I first tried looking up to- question addressed to one of the jump at the Last Resort, apart wards the bridge, and then, upon staff: “Do you have a cigarette, from being among the highest in finding that position impossible dai? ” the world, is also quite possibly to maintain, tried looking straight The answer was negative, one of the most spectacular. The down towards the river, joining and I cursed myself upon being jumping platform itself is in the my palms together as if I were told that I could have sneaked middle of a custom-built suspen- diving. Needless to say, this made one through instead of having sion bridge that links the resort me feel extremely queasy, so, followed the instructions with ab- to the Arniko (Kathmandu-Lhasa) finally, I just crossed my arms in solute thoroughness and emptied highway, which lies on the other Photographs: Google

32 The Raven january, 2013 t ravel details THE JUMP PLATFORM

By Flight From Paro Druk Air has direct flights to Kat- mandu.

side of the deep gorge carved ing, and kayaking and rafting of the sea-green rivers threading Car out by the Bhote Koshi river. expeditions on the raging waters Three-hour drive their way by the highway – are Flanked by the lush green hills of the Bhote Koshi. Offering from Kathmandu. the best times to make the jour- of the mighty Mahabharat range, rapids ranging up to the Grade ney, a drive during the monsoons the river rushes on far below, VI variety, the river offers what is too has its attractions: namely, the

turquoise during the dry months, considered by many to be the best Stay numerous waterfalls that cascade but in the monsoons muddy with short distance rafting experience The Last Resort. in torrents down the hills that the The resort pro- silt. It is hard to imagine a more in the world. vides state-of-the- winding highway threads its way art ameneties at pristine setting. And even if adventure sports affordable rates. through. And while the bungee, and are not quite your cup of tea, a the swing, are undoubtedly the trip to the resort is still a worth- star attractions of what is billed while experience, if for nothing, as “Asia’s Premier Adventure for the quite spectacular drive Manan Karki is the author of The Memory of Leaves. He is a Nepali Playground”, the resort offers from Kathmandu. While the dry Climate Best time to go citizen and lives in Kathmandu. a wealth of adventure sport seasons – with the panoramic - the dry season opportunities, including canyon- view of the Himalayas and that (Oct to May). Photographs: Google

The Raven january, 2013 33 Fiction Revenge

By KARMA SINGYE DORJI

The Colonel fought for everything in his life. As a boy, he had always been driven by the brooding absence of his father, the eventual cruelty the old man had perpetrated on his mother. The Governor, who was indifferent to her at first, had, toward the end of their lives together, taken to beating his wife. It was as if each of the many indignities he inflicted Ton her, the countless infidelities left unchallenged, instead of appeasing him, only made him angrier. As a result the Colonel had often watched his mother, cowering in the dark, as the Governor returned home from nights of debauchery, a dark, hulking figure at the door. The door would smash open and, as his father stepped forward into the light, the Governor’s glittering eyes under hooded brows were the first things the boy saw from his place on the floor next to his mother. Strangely, the Colonel never remembered being afraid, even as a boy. He had only felt the consuming hatred he learned to hide behind cold, dead eyes that revealed nothing of the fires blazing within. As the shadow of his father’s hand rose and fell, rose and fell, repeatedly pummeling his poor whimpering mother, the Colonel swore he would be strong. He promised he would never be so weak again that he could not protect the only woman he loved. Yes, in the beginning he had followed his instinct, and pounded helplessly against the dark mass of his father, flinging himself repeatedly at the behemoth that seemed

34 The Raven january, 2013 intent on destroying the limp figure on the floor. Always, he was flung away, like a useless old rag, impotent in his biting, scraping rage. Eventually, though, he learned to carefully tend the flames of his hatred, not letting them dissipate in all that useless flailing. He learned to feign indifference to the Governor’s bouts of cruelty, waiting for them to pass like unpleasant storms without shedding a single tear. He would rather have died than have his father see him cry. There was not a single chink in his armor that he wanted the hardhearted old man to see. But, finally, he did cry. In the final moments of his life, the Colonel cried like a baby. The floodgate of tears opening, his teardrops falling like rain, as he remembered his mother’s gentle gaze, suffused with her unfathomable love for him. She had told him once that she had known the exact moment of his conception. “I dreamed that a shower of rainbow-colored flowers fell from the sky,” she had said. At the time, she took the vision to mean her unborn child would have a life unblemished by exis- tential troubles. Given the later tumult of his life, she could not have been further from the He would truth. A month or so before the Colonel was born, a blue-green blob of a baby, she had had rather another dream. She was drinking sweet aqua tinted glacier water with both hands cupped to- gether to form a bowl, standing beneath the sacred village prayer wheel. The water splashed have died out happily below the water driven prayer wheel, emerging from a stone spout some long forgotten ancestor from the village had carved by hand in the shape of a giant penis. The than have stone penis had been around so long it had slipped into the stuff of myth. “It’s the old man’s ‘thing,’” the young girls of the village tittered like the bulbuls in the fields as they splashed his father and drank from the spout, referring to guardian deity of the valley. According to the valley’s myth, the old bald-headed mountain that rose above the Colonel’s mother’s village was actu- see him ally the old deity scowling down on his people; the rigid stone penis a symbol of his fertility. The water from the spout, splashing down into a wide pool that fed the valley’s main irriga- cry. tion channel, gave credence to the myth at least in one respect. It fed the ancient fields where the stalks of hardy red rice ripened in the fall and the villagers prayed and made annual sacrifices to the cranky old spirit to make sure the crops would never fail. In her dream, the Colonel’s mother tasted the sweet, clear water but the spout ran dry before she was done. “That was a sign,” she said to her wide-eyed boy many years later, “that I would have only one son.” It was always like this with his mother, the Colonel thought many times over. Everything in her dreams had at least half a chance of being right. She was ingenious about finding the half-truths that lurked within the visions that haunted her. “First he blessed me, then he changed his mind,” she often told the Colonel complaining about the guardian of the valley. “But what can you do? This is the way of gods and spirits. If they do not always hold something back who will honor them?” Then, switching tempo, she would add: “And that’s why you have no control as well. Your frustrations come spilling out the moment they enter your mind…because you are the product of an ill-tempered old man!” The Colonel never knew if she was talking about the old village deity or his biological father. He had to agree, though, many years later, as he sat mull- ing over the biggest errors of his life. He did have a tendency to do and say things he sorely regretted later. It was a pattern he had repeated with his friends, his wife, his children and, most of all, his superiors in the Royal Guards.

It was this lack of self-restraint that had finally caught up with him.

The Raven january, 2013 35 January February

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 2 - Nyilo 11-12 - Losar 12 - Traditional Day of Offering 21-23 - Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King

May June

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 30 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2 - Birth Anniversary of Third Druk Gyalpo 25 - Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana 18 - Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche

September October

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 29 30 10 - Thimphu Drubchoe 27 28 29 30 31 14 - 16 Thimphu Tshechu 14 - Dassain 21 - Blessed Rainy Day 26 - Descending Day of Lord Buddha

36 The Raven january, 2013 Water Female Snake Year 2013

March April

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 31 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 20 - Zhabdrung Kuchoe

July August

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

28 29 30 31 12 - First Sermon of Lord 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Buddha

November December

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 17 - National Day 1 - Coronation Day of His Majesty the King 11 - Birth Anniversary of Fourth Druk Gyalpo & Constitution Day

The Raven january, 2013 37 Namgay Zam has been an anchor and producer with the Bhutan Broadcasting Service since 2009. She enjoys writing on her blog www.metanamgay.wordpress.com

Social Me: to be or not to Be?

ello! I am a questionable business - if not now, then eventu- figuring out what/how we want to use Bhutanese with treason ally. So for some to hide under the this wonderful online power: do we running through my veins! mask of anonymity and take potshots want to make a difference? Do we want If my genealogy drafted by at those who have no way of know- to be clever and funny? Do we want an a most enterprising troll is ing who they are, is cheap, lowly, audience? Hanything to go by, every story in my life cowardly and immoral behavior. It is I began my blog because it gives me could begin as dramatically, and all of also cheating. space outside of my professional you would be hooked! My career would There are Bhutanese, both known boundaries to be the person that I am, definitely not suffer the worst for it. and anonymous, who contribute to share my own opinions with people Bhutanese are very polite people - in intelligence, wit, humor, and elo- who know that I am not just Namgay person, definitely, but I do not think quence, and then there are the trolls. Zam, a news anchor from BBS (the that is true when it comes to our online Sadly, the trolls appear to be multi- Bhutan Broadcasting Service). I was avatars. It is as if being in social media plying faster than you can say “It”! naïve to believe that they would be the space means having the license to be as Could the numbers be increasing be- only people reading my blog. A certain uninhibited as we can, to the point of cause Bhutanese have their behavior, film director took issue with me for being rude and even crude, if you like. officially, regulated officially through criticizing his film on my blog, and Social Media is definitely empowering, our Driglam Namzha? Our code of he felt I had to remove my criticism and it does allow us tremendous freedom conduct is mainly about humility and because I work for BBS- that I cannot of expression, but I do not think a lot of respect, quite simple actually, not! have an opinion of my own. us (Bhutanese) are using it in the best Years of having to be polite out of Our Constitution grants us freedom manner, we can. custom, instead of spontaneity may of expression, but many of us are yet Bhutanese love to talk, and we love finally be causing the unexpected to grasp the full meaning of such a gossip. It is an interesting situation when explosion of vitriolic sentiments on- phrase, it seems. a conversation spiced with gossip ends line. There are rarely any restrictions Also in Bhutan, we suffer the “small up online. It becomes almost definitive online, and hardly any consequences, society syndrome”: everyone knows because it has been written! When gossip ever; so I can imagine why a person everyone, so please never be honest in and the written word marry, they give birth to mercurial sentences. If there ever would find such a situation ripe for public! Unfortunately, in Bhutan this was a need to describe the state of a Bhu- plunder. “public” also extends to social media. tanese online, I think “mercurial” should Social Media is Bhutan’s Mount Etna: Therefore, the hundreds of anony- suffice. Maybe we are all little anarchic a very active volcano. Everything mous online Bhutanese people and Mercurys? comes out in this space: the good, the blogs. Gossip is normal and it happens in all bad, and definitely, the ugly! I was “public” about my criticism, and societies. But combine gossip and small For an observer, Bhutanese online my honest opinion took a severe beat- society and then put the tool of social are very entertaining. When you are ing. Several people online who have media like Twitter into the hands of those in the thick of it, though, it is quite been opinionated and not anonymous who thrive by it; you have nothing but complicated. Just like our young de- have also been viciously attacked by trouble. People say there are no secrets in mocracy is experiencing her teething anonymous people and trolls. Cases of Bhutan, and that may be true. You may problems, Bhutanese are definitely cyber bullying are rare, but the Bhuta- try to hide and deny the reality of things experiencing growing pains with nese online world is vulnerable. There but everyone knows about everyone’s Social Media. A lot of us are still are potential bullies lurking behind

38 The Raven january, 2013 those malicious tweets. viciousness and superciliousness. I down The effect of negative online interac- had so much hope for the Bhutanese fifteen principles: tions is not only draining, it is very dis- online world, that we could collectively orienting and toxic for anyone involved. use Social Media to our advantage, and Treat others as you would wish to be Depression and suicidal tendencies are in the process learn to have healthy treated. known to have been brought on by such arguments, that could in turn translate Never forget that the person reading your interaction. into productive action. But, no, we message is a human being whose feelings Cyber-bullying is rampant since the are reduced to personal spats, online can be hurt. onset of social media but it is some- groupism, and alienating anyone who Behave online just as you would in real thing that happens a lot with teenagers has a different opinion. I was, once, life. and school children. While it is not so inspired by Bhutanese in the online Help maintain a healthy and informative ok even for children to do this, it is world that I even wrote on my blog environment for public debate. understandable that teens and children about “The Argumentative Bhutanese” Share your knowledge with the commnity. are immature and do not comprehend a few months back. I may have, unfor- Make sure both your opinions and your the severity of how a malicious tweet or tunately, been too much of a romantic contributions are friendly, courteous, post will be received by young, vulner- to have believed that Bhutanese could polite, patient and respectful–this is also a able minds. Adults may be better at be a powerful online force. good rule of life. dealing with it but even there it takes I saw Social Media as a savior because Respect the privacy of third parties–gang- ing up on another person is wrong. Respect the time and band width of other people. Show your good side online–don’t encour age gossip, smear campaigns, or intoler- ance. If you write everything in capital letters, The effect of people will think you are shouting. negative online Respect the opinions of others without insulting them; your replies should be interactions is not polite and considerate and reflect the only draining, it is truth. Be objective about topics that are of very disorienting personal concern to you but not neces- and toxic for sarily of general interest. Respect religious beliefs as well as anyone involved. sexual, ideological, and political orienta- tions. Be tolerant of people whose opinions you do not share. Do not use hurtful or derogatory lan- guage, and do not violate the personal integrity of others. its toll. The American singer, Leann I thought it could finally deliver us Rimes, is among many celebrities who from our “small society syndrome”, The Election Commission of Bhutan has its has openly sought treatment to help and finally be an egalitarian space for Social Media Policy, and I believe that it is a improve their coping mechanisms discussion: no arguments would ever step in the right direction. I am not for total against such negative online interac- be personal, but precedence has been control over what we do online, but I do be- tions. Bhutanese may need help in the set in a totally different and unproduc- lieve in regulation that encourages positive same department, soon. The need to tive direction. I may be dystopic about behavior in a space that could be anarchic, go anonymous for the sake of pro- the current conundrum, but I also do otherwise. viding constructive criticism to the nurse that little hope that things can Sometimes, it is better to have on a life- government may have allowed some improve for the better. jacket to stay afloat than to reject the jacket to discover that they could indeed get Ecuador, just this month created an and hysterically swim to stay above water, away with much more – attacking Electoral “Code of Conduct” for Social and risk drowning. people personally simply because they Media, basically advising users on their don’t like them. It is a little sadden- online behavior. ing for me, this huge wave of online The Ecuadorian Code of Conduct lays

The Raven january, 2013 39 ARTICLE

A MOMENT FOR SELF REFLECTION

Learning to work

By TASHI PELYANG Photo Courtesy: Google LHENDUP

40 The Raven january, 2013 e are a land fellow sentient beings or take to dispenser of wisdom. The ordinary distinct in culture, doing whatever they can in terms folk are straitjacketed by their no- cuisine, conviction, of physical assistance, to alleviate tions as to what is right and what is costume and the plight of the less fortunate ones. wrong whilst those of the ‘religious custom. But more These include saving the lives of order’ are fattening on the herd importantly, we are the last purely animals which are on the verge of mentality of the general populace. WMahayana Buddhist kingdom. The being slaughtered, donating clothes Being the cynic that I am, I find eve- Bhutanese population is largely and necessities to the deprived, and rything that they preach (the ones Buddhists; Buddhism and its values being a part of some other illustrious who might be decked up like men of are inherently visible as one travels charitable activity like contributing faith but deep down, are personali- in and around the country. People physical labor or financial remunera- ties seduced by the illusions of mon- from all walks of life seem to bear the tion for the construction of a religious ey and power) to be nothing short of stamp of being a devout Buddhist. monument. Some take up meditation phenomenal bullshit. Their relent- Frequent sights of a toddler feeding a in their leisure time while most live a less lip service and empty rhetoric loft of pigeons, an adolescent visiting life following a simple basic principle, fails to convince me; empty rhetoric a temple, an adult gleefully working ‘do good and be good’, which is some- can only deliver crumbs at the most. for some charity purpose or an elderly how in line with what the Buddha Their personal examples show us person circumambulating a religious taught. Most Bhutanese continue to that their ‘laws and guidelines’ are monument leaves very little doubt live their lives embracing the Bud- meant to be praised in theory, but that the principles of Buddhism have dhist principles and morality with breached in practice. And the really indeed penetrated the hearts of many immense dedication. Despite that sad thing is that one doesn’t have to a Bhutanese. Every other hilltop, many years having passed since the try hard to seek out such examples mountain or ridge has a monastery advent of Buddhism and modernity displayed by the very people who built on it by some revered religious having set in, Buddhist ideologies still preach us the ‘laws and guidelines.’ figure, and almost all of them bear appear seemingly rich and strong in The many designations such as baffling accounts of how they came most parts of the country. ‘Rimpoche’, ‘Khenpo’, ‘Trulku’ do to be. These monasteries are home But then this is where the Chinese have a magical resonance to it and to exceptionally rare objects of Yin and Yang holds true. With the their efforts at convincing the rest veneration, some of them so sacred good there is also the bad. Not all is of us that materialistic pursuits are that ordinary folks are forbidden to seemingly well. There are always the futile whilst they themselves busily even look at them. exceptions. engage in all matters of money In Bhutan, every house shelters There are some among us who making are indeed commendable. I an altar room where deities of the are an embarrassment to Buddhism. do admit that being the pious souls Buddhist pantheon in the form of They are the ones whose perception that they are supposed to be, they sculpted images are venerated on a seems to have been distorted either must have genuinely altruistic senti- daily basis. Offerings in the form of due to their sins in the past lifetime ments. But judging by their actions, butter lamps, fruits and flowers are or due to their massive ignorance one just cannot help concluding that made every day and rituals are con- in the present. In this decadent era, those feelings are often outmus- ducted periodically. And then there is along with the pious lot we also have cled by feelings of insatiable greed. also the frequent recital of profoundly amongst us, a handful of misan- Though their actions and conduct heartfelt prayers accompanied by thropic and egoistic people who seem runs squarely against the philosophy backbreaking prostrations for the to live by the notion that life is a race of Buddhism, one almost admires benefit of all sentient beings, to en- for riches. The worst part is that even them for their business acumen; able them to attain Buddha hood - the those in the ecclesiastical garb are their ability to capitalize on the end of suffering, the point of absolute no exception to this maxim. Those most lucrative opportunity is indeed enlightenment with no stopovers in in the ecclesiastical garb are what I impeccable. The ordinary people By the intermediate realms. like to call the ‘merchants of faith’, rely upon these ‘holy souls’ to guide TASHI PELYANG Most Bhutanese either pray for the the ones who thrive on the common them towards the higher realms but LHENDUP happiness and well-being of their man’s regard for them as the all time there is no shred of truth in this.

The Raven january, 2013 41 ARTIARCTILECLE

Truth be told, given the current after bearing witness to their hypo- disbelief in the reality of the baseness state of affairs, expecting something critical full-bodied pursuit of wealth, of their conduct, my efforts are in vain good out of all this just means being I have lost count of the number of because of the obviousness of facts. As a delusional optimist - the chances times I have had to ask myself if we long as the financial incentives are there of deliverance are, if you are not have finally reached the pinnacle of everything else is basically out of focus. a good person to begin with, stag- decadence. No matter how hard I try When one thinks about it, they can’t re- geringly low. Not exaggerating but to engage in serious suspension of ally be blamed. After all they are human

42 The Raven january, 2013 and these days it is a bit difficult to ing or being a part of an altruistic activ- restrain oneself with the television ity might actually do them good or at beaming all sorts of desirable objects least make them feel good about them- at us 24x7. selves. We have a few exceptions, and Every person But the fact does remain that all there are people who are doing their bit, desires to live a these are extraordinary deterrents but those are few and far in between. life of dignity, a to our Buddhist mandate and those Finally we come to the pretentious begging to differ are most welcome lot; the ones who are self-centered life enveloped to strategically place their lips upon deep down, but successfully manage by happiness my posterior and repeatedly kiss it. to put up the façade of being devoutly but not many Forgive me for my trespasses of gross religious and humane. They frequent dare to question generalizations but my intent here is monasteries on every auspicious day themselves as just to prick the conscience of those in the Bhutanese calendar but know to where things guilty souls who will doubtlessly re- very little about compassion, kindness sent and deny the truth in the reality and other genuine altruistic emotions. are going wrong. that exists. Some of these people are often sighted Then there are the rich and afflu- at charity gatherings as sponsors but to ent; those with a healthy bank bal- the discerning eye their hidden motives ance. The rich live a life of extrava- appear vivid - yes, it’s the good reputa- gance, totally oblivious to the fact that tion that they are after. We live in a such death, the inevitable finale of every a small society, we all know. They want living being, is just as real as the lat- to be talked about as ‘the person who He pointed out that it is up to us to est SUV that they have bought. Their was involved in this humane project’ follow his teachings and attain en- wants never seem to cease and their or builder of that monastery. Appar- lightenment or continuously endure ego and needs are directly propor- ently these people are so busy in their the cycle of suffering. Materialism tional to the amount of money that pursuit for this reputation that they do is like deadly poison while altruism, they make. It is painfully obvious that not even have the time to take a breather the unsurpassed cure, is a stairway to the more riches they accumulate, the to sit alone in a room and delve within enlightenment. Martin Luther King more their greed and egoism grows. themselves to reflect upon their actions Jr. once said, “Every man must decide It never occurs to them that sponsor- and what it means to be a true Buddhist. whether he will walk in the light of They do not understand that it is not the creative altruism or in the darkness of number of times one circumambulates destructive selfishness.” So, it is up to the Chorten, or the number of times us to decide whether we want to bear one prostrates, or the number of times the burden of constructing humun- they chant mantras that matter. They gous buildings when we know very I have lost count overlook the core aspect of the teachings well that ultimately a four by four of the number of the Buddha. Most of these people funeral pyre is more than enough for of times I have tend to, in the words of a highly revered our onward journey. Tibetan master, Patrul Rinpoche, ‘leave had to ask the elephant at home and look for its myself if we have footprints in the forest.’ finally reached Every person desires to live a life of the pinnacle of dignity, a life enveloped by happiness The writer works in the Corporate but not many dare to question them- Performance Department of the decadence. Tourism Council of Bhutan. He is a selves as to where things are going freelance writer and can be contacted wrong. As life is shrouded in secrecy, we at [email protected]. Bhutanese tend to leave everything to fate; a perfect approach to have one- self ensnared by the webs of Samsara. Buddha came, he taught and he left.

The Raven January, 2013 43 happenings

For the Love of Music

he Music of Bhutan Research Centre (MBRC) was founded in Thimphu in late 2008 by renowned TBhutanese musician, Kheng Sonam Dorji, to document, preserve, and promote the traditional music of Bhutan. MBRC professionally researches, records, and archives the many musical traditions of the country’s diverse regional, linguistic and ethnic groups, and documents the finest living master musicians in performance and interviews. Through training programs and the production of CD recordings, videos, and other educational materials, MBRC hopes to foster renewed appreciation of and involvement in traditional music within Bhutan, and to introduce this rich, profoundly beautiful music to a global audience. Also there is an independent U.S. sup- Sonam Dorji and Kinzang Court dancers from the port arm of MBRC, a non-profit Chopel interviewing a reign of the Third King organization based out of Santa master dancer from dancing a zhundra at Cruz, CA and headed by Dr, Janet Thimphu Chilela, Haa Herman, ethnomusicologist and Jane Hancock, music educator the U.S. organization was a tour and photographer. of Germany featuring Pemba, a Some of the recent accomplish- traditional musician, and Sonam ments of MBRC include the Chophel an aspiring artist and establishment of the annual member of Vast. This was a cul- Bhutanese Folk Music Festival, tural exchange where Bhutanese the annual Druk Norbu Award, in music and art traditions were collaboration with the ministry of presented in various German cit- culture, for lifelong achievement ies as well as Pemba and Sonam in traditional music and dance, experiencing the best of Western and important documentaries on art and classical music. rare sacred festivals focusing on the music and dance. For more information please go to: A recent project supported by www.musicofbhutan.org.

44 The Raven january, 2013 what ‘S your quirk

Tshewang Penjor Businessman.

Age I am 33 years old.

Place I am from Paro but I was born and brought up in Omdingkha, Samtse, where the Indo-Bhutan- China border is, since my father was stationed as an army officer there. Now, as my business is here in Thimphu, I have been living here for the past nine years.

Life Life for me is a mixture of sweat, tears and blood yet pleasant nonetheless.

Career I am in the textile business. Other than that, my passion lies in bodybuilding although some feel it is a narcissist sport. I have been lifting weights for over four years now. And , if I may add, I am a certified bodybuilding judge by the World Body- building Federation.

Food As a bodybuilder, I prefer tuna, beef, chicken, sushi and tomyam kom.

Vision I am determined to represent Bhutan in the Mr. Asia bodybuilding championship.

Entertainment The kid in me never dies therefore I like to play video games while listening to western rock and Bhutanese music.

Love My wife and children are not only my support group, they mean the world to me.

Interest I like playing the guitar. Sometimes, in between my busy schedule, I play bass guitar for a local rock band.

Style I feel most comfortable in tracks. But because I feel that tight shirts reveal my personality, I wear them a lot. I feel bolder in them.

Dislike Funny, I know, but I dislike coriander. Also, I dis- like people who are discouraging and those who mock bodybuilders.

Quirk I like pain because I’ve made friends with it. Therefore, I push myself really hard in the gym. I believe in the saying: Train heavy or go home.

The Raven january, 2013 45 A critical look at the Amoch- hu Reservoir Hydroelectric Project and what its opera- legends tion will entail) this makes it (sound too much like a report.) Reflections on the Eternal Dragon: Even after all these years, a fan still remembers By JURMI CHHOWING

charming young man with a disarming smile, deep humility and cocksure bravura once said the following: “The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering.” AAmongst many other notable quotations spanning all of the thirty two years he spent on this planet kicking ass, teaching others how that kick-ass art could be cultivated pragmatically in various ways and means in the eternal quest for that stickler called ‘peace’. And becoming one with that monkey on the back - and yeah, getting even with those high school bullies were genuine reasons in that other vital need and requirement, together with its daily sustenance and maintenance – sanity in the vanity. “My goal is to make the fastest action motion picture ever made” was how he put it and moved about in his quest to blow your senses to kingdom come in his pursuit of the truth, a sort of ‘as in life, so in the movies.’ By now you have probably guessed the identity of the mysterious individual in the spotlight. Water as an element and in its lesser metaphysical avatars was what quenched his thirst in becoming the complete fighter and martial artist, as well as in shaping the kind of man he became both on and off the silver screen. “Now you look at water. You put water into a teapot it becomes the teapot. You put water in a cup it becomes the cup. Now water can drip, flow or just crash. Be water my friend.” Yes ladies and gentlemen, we are indeed referring to none other than Bruce Lee, the man who inspired and influenced millions, and the man who lived and packed more punches in his thirty two years than millions of us ever will in one lifetime. He was the ultimate bomb; a shooting star that still illuminates countless new generations, able to leap over color, caste, creed, class, boundaries and borders prepped with that unique mass appeal and universality

46 The Raven january, 2013 Reflections on the Eternal which endeared the man and his the idea, practice and cultivation philosophy all across the globe. of ‘Truth’ and its dialogue and I Am Bruce Lee Dragon: Even after all these It’s a name that enables people interplay with one’s sense of self. to break into big grins and warm In the course of that legendary in- Probably “the best Bruce Lee documentary years, a fan still remembers smiles. It’s the perfect icebreaker, terview, Bruce tells Pierre: “Being ever made,” this autobiographical-docu- and a bridge that creates strong true to yourself. Not lying to one- mentary features rare and never-seen-before By JURMI CHHOWING yet human bonds without the self. To express myself honestly. footage and photographs about the legend- bondage. And how appropriate! Now that [big infectious Bruce ary actor-martial artist. ‘I am Bruce Lee’ As in life so it was with the films features brand new interviews with those grin] is not easy.” This is what closest to him, particularly with Bruce’s he made - a central theme and a makes and sets Bruce Lee apart wife and daughter. It has lots of never seen running parallel to his own life from the herd and makes him the before archive footage including rare footage and the times in which he lived endearing enigma everyone and from “Enter the Dragon” and clips from his and grew up in, Bruce fights anyone could connect with and appearance in the TV series “Here Come the bondage more than anything. Brides”. The filmmakers have also managed understand. He never bought the to get their hands on previously unreleased This innate sense of miscarried hype and the hoopla surround- (and believed to be lost) color footage of justice and blatant suppression ing his person and image. On the Bruce at Ed Parker’s Long Beach Karate of what he called the “little man” contrary, he was the very antith- Tournament. drove him to right the wrongs esis of that projection as he took Despite his tragic and sudden death on and to bring about a sense of 20th July 1973 at the age of 32, Bruce Lee’s a position of mocking irony and enormous influence on martial arts, enter- ‘ground lost to the bullies.’ oxymoron on the terrain wherein tainment and popular culture lives on to this An epitaph he worked on stands many lose the footing and the day. Utilizing rare archive footage, photos, over the cross in a grave by a grounding to discover one-way movie clips and brand new interviews with cemetery. tickets down the sudden, steep members of his close family, as well as with It reads: “In memory of a once numerous stars from the worlds of sport, and rapid declines unto oblivion music and acting who have been inspired fluid man now distorted by the and quite often, personal tragedy. by Lee’s legacy, I Am Bruce Lee goes more classical mess.” I’ve always dug If the dead talked, we would have deeply into the true story behind the legend Bruce. There is no sense of ‘ha- some rousing tales, inconven- than any ever before. The film also examines tred’ in Bruce as we understand ience regretted notwithstanding. Bruce’s connections to the establishment of the word and the emotion. If Mixed Martial Arts as we know them today; Talking about the quest for truth acknowledging that if Gene LeBell is con- one is in a mood for poems and and living the honest life with sidered the Godfather of MMA then Bruce recitals, YouTube Bruce Lee and yourself as Bruce did: is without doubt the modern-day Father of watch the poetry come alive in “To me, ultimately, martial arts MMA. motion. Or you could simply go means honestly expressing The film also shows extensive footage of for the double whammy – watch Bruce training in the back garden of his yourself. Now, it is very difficult Bel Air home in Los Angeles and at Bruce and listen to the man himself to do. It has always been very easy Coburn’s house (including Chi Sao training talk about his art in that priceless for me to put on a show and be in Wing Chun that have never been seen footage from the show “Around cocky, and be flooded with a cocky before) and the first official release of Bruce the World with Pierre Berton”. feeling and feel pretty cool and in Seattle practicing Chi Sao. Bruce was not just merely an ‘I am Bruce Lee’ is directed by the award- all that. I can make all kinds of winning documentary filmmaker Pete exceptionally well-gifted propo- phony things. Blinded by it. Or I McCormack whose previous films include nent of the martial arts but a can show some really fancy move- Facing Ali and Uganda Rising. Among those true ‘philosopher-warrior’ and a ment. But to experience oneself being interviewed are Linda Lee Cadwell man well aware of his flaws and honestly, not lying to oneself, and (Bruce Lee’s wife), Shannon Lee (Bruce’s shortcomings. daughter), JKD instructor and close friend to express myself honestly, now of Bruce, Dan Inosanto (Game Of Death), He left no room for accusatory that, my friend, is very hard to world champion kickboxer Bob Wall (Way fingers or jabbing jaws, prefer- do.” And then he kicked ass again Of The Dragon; Enter The Dragon; Game ring to enjoy that pleasure him- with the surety of who he was: self. There is constant reiteration “To hell with circumstances; I cre- on the need and relative lack of ate opportunities.”

The Raven january, 2013 47 legends Of Death), Richard Bustillo (a former JKD student of Bruce Lee), actors Mickey Rourke (The Expendables; Iron Man 2; The Wrestler) and Ed O’Neill (Modern Family), NBA All Star Kobe Bryant, Taboo from Black Eyed Peas, actress and MMA fighter Gina Carano (Haywire), legendary stuntman and former wrestling and judo world champion Gene LeBell and UFC World Champion Jon Jones. It’s a gem of a treat for the Bruce fan and a wonderful introduction for those who have probably never seen him beyond the image of an incredible fighter, for hidden behind the art is a man who epitomizes the very es- sence of the ‘warrior-philosopher.’

48 The Raven january, 2013 column

Questioning the Quality of Education By LP TASHI Of late there has been sector. People should not pass a societies and places of learning have under gone a barrage of criticism, blanket judgment over the entire dramatic changes. The once accepted model of ranging from inten- Education System simply based teaching/learning is simply inadequate and does sive press coverage on these few incidents. Surely we not address the changing needs of the students and Oto “educated” views hurled at the cannot forget or dismiss these the society. Hence there is the need for diversified education sector on the perceived incidents, but rather learn from programs and activities, whether academic or ex- decline in the quality of education them. What we also have to un- academic, to address the growing and developmen- in Bhutan. Some of these views derstand is that like every sector, tal needs of the learners. In that sense, the quality are expressed out of concern, despite all the advancements we and variety of educational programs have increased some in jest, and some, simply will make in Education, there will and widened. The focus on basic rudimentary skills to ridicule. However, in view of also be setbacks. not withstanding, the fluency over language and the incessant scrutiny and indis- Quality is defined as “the stand- arithmetic have shown an upward rise. Teachers criminate emotional outpour of ard of something when it is struggle with all these, day in and day out, while thoughts and opinions, it would compared to other things like it the rest of us are busy dedicating and rededicating be worthwhile pondering on what - how good or bad something is.” ourselves to the service of the Tsa-Wa-Sum from our the big fuss is all about. As the If we use this definition to gauge revolving chairs. editorial page of one newspaper the rise or decline in the quality At the ground level, at the frontiers, the educational stated, all the voluminous obser- of education, then a compara- programs today are well packaged to meet the vations on the supposed decline tive analysis with a time-tested changing needs of the students and the society. De- in the quality of education “have yard stick might have to be used velopment of life skills, holistic growth of students, to be a superficial analysis at best. and will be more accurate. How encompassing all forms of intelligences, are topics It is not based on a substantive do we then measure the present that are being taken very seriously by the Education study.” It would also be worth standard of education? All the ac- system in Bhutan. (I just thought it sounded too while bearing in mind that we cusations against the ‘perceived’ light and not serious enough by saying its offered are talking quality of education decline in the quality of educa- on the menu like a restaurant.) against the backdrop of ‘national tion are hypothetical at best and In the final analysis, besides the ability to read and apathy’ for teachers and working over-zealous at worst. When we write -incidentally all that talk on declining standard conditions of teachers that some- say that there is decline in the of education is based purely on this premise, there times border on the primitive. quality of education, we use cer- are a whole lot of aspects that holistic education Quality education needs quality tain pointers, certain yardsticks, needs to encompass. And our schools, and teachers, teachers who are human beings as it were, and do a comprehen- are well on their way to providing just that - prepar- after all! Unless basic issues con- sive analysis before arriving at ing students for life. fronting teachers and schools are such a convenient conclusion. A addressed first, such accusations comprehensive study, if one were will only serve to demoralize the taken, would have to look into the teachers and kindle the flame of present system of education that despair. goes far beyond the four walls The writer works in the Ministry of Education. The recent incidents of abuse of the classroom. With emerg- He can be contacted at [email protected]. that have been highlighted in ing and re-emerging educational the press should not overshadow philosophies and studies, the the hard work of the rest in this scope and horizon of schools as

The Raven january, 2013 49 story

know your FOOD Guli

nutritional information Nutritional Information Nutritional value per 100g

Energy 670 kJ (160 kcal) Carbohydrates 8.53 g – Sugars 0.66 g – Dietary fiber 6.7 g Fat 14.66 g - saturated 2.13 g - monounsaturated 9.80 g - polyunsaturated 1.82 g Protein 2 g Water 73.23 g Eating avocado is a great way to stay healthy. Thiamine (vit. B1) 0.067 mg (6%) Photo Courtesy: I nternet Riboflavin (vit. B2) 0.130 mg (11%) Niacin (vit. B3) 1.738 mg (12%) energy Pantothenic acid (B5) 1.389 mg (28%) nutritional information A great source of energy and carbohydrates. Vitamin B6 0.257 mg (20%) Folate (vit. B9) 81 μg (20%) Vitamin C 10 mg (12%) nutritional information Vitamin E 2.07 mg (14%) Vitamin K 21 μg (20%) Calcium 12 mg (1%) Iron 0.55 fat Nutritional Information Rich in monosaturated and polyunsaturated fat. mg (4%) Magnesium 29 mg (8%) Phosphorus 52 mg (7%) Potassium 485 mg Nutritional value per 100g Nutritional value per 100g Vitamins (10%) Zinc 0.64 mg (7%) 70 CaloriesCalories 160 kcal Contains Vitamin B6 0.257 mg (20%) Folate (vit. B9) 81 μg EnergyEnergy 670 kJ293 kl (20%) Vitamin C 10 mg (12%) Vitamin E 2.07 mg (14%) CholesterolCholesterol omg 0mg Vitamin K 21 μg (20%). CarbohydrateCarbohydrate 8.53 g18.59g SugarsSugar 0.66 g 12.53g Minerals Dietary Fiber 3.6g Dietary Fiber 6.7 g Contains minerals like Calcium 12 mg (1%) Iron 0.55 mg Fat 0.19g (4%) Magnesium 29 mg (8%) Phosphorus 52 mg (7%) ProteinFat 14.66 g 0.58g

Protein 2 g Potassium 485 mg (10%) Zinc 0.64 mg (7%). Database, ministry of agriculture, Bhutan. USDA Nutrient Source:

50 The Raven january, 2013 Guli

void animal and butter fat ger period. The oleic acid, a fat in and potassium content reduces and this season, and instead avocado, also activates the part of lowers the risk of heart attacks and indulge in the goodness our brain to make us feel full and stroke. It had been used in ailments of natural fat from avo- also helps in reducing cholesterol of epilepsy, anemia and exhaustion. A levels, which is good for the heart. cados. Avocado (Persea Americana) Even the leaves of the avocado sup- to most Bhutanese is the small It has been shown that healthy un- posedly indicate efficacy as being round wild fruit available in the saturated fats containing oleic acid anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic and anti- sub-tropical and tropical regions produce a greater feeling of satiety Wild or not inflammatory. of Bhutan, which is not the geneti- than its less-healthy saturated fats Avocado cally cultured large fleshy fruit now and trans-fats found mostly in pro- lowers risks of Apart from the wild avocados widely heart disease available in the market. In the ear- cessed foods. available, Bhutan has also begun lier times before the genetically en- to produce the genetically cultured gineered products were available, For people working on computers avocados. Bacon and Hass avocados I am sure many of you can recall the whole day, a frequent intake of are now being planted in few places the times when we would rub these avocado provides much needed lu- like Lingmithang, Tsirang, and Bajo. wild avocados (also known as criol- tein, a carotenoid that works as an- The Bacon variety is hardy, more oval lo) on rocks to soften the thin layer tioxidant and helps protect against and the fruit is darker green with a of yellow fat inside, which in turn eye disease. Avocados also contain white flesh. The Hass variety is pear would be scraped out using our other carotenoid like zeaxanthin, shaped with a light green color and alpha-carotene and beta-carotene Photo Courtesy: I nternet teeth and then relished like butter the flesh is also white. Avocados are melting in our mouths. Today, one as well as vitamin E which are great known to fruit most of the year with just has to peel the fruit without all to protect against different forms of proper irrigation facilities. that energy wasted. maladies. But the great thing about avocados is that they help you get It might be interesting to note that Primates in the wild enjoy this more of these nutrients from other the Avocado tree is native to Central fruit as much as we do, and for foods, since carotenoids are lipo- Mexico. They have a famous recipe good reasons. Avocados provide philic, meaning they are soluble in called “guacomole”. This is simply the much needed calories (138 cal- fat and not water and help our body mashed avocado, which is often add- ories and 14.1 g fat in half a fruit) absorb these nutrients from other ed to a spicy salsa, nothing different and contain a high percentage of fruits and vegetables. from our native Aezay. So, go ahead both soluble and insoluble fiber, and relish in the unique flavor this which aids in keeping the diges- For expectant mothers, a cup of fruit has to offer by adding it to our tive system running smoothly, avocado provides nearly a quarter own condiments. as well as help with diarrhea and of recommended daily intake of dysentery. For people who are folate, a vitamin which minimizes watching their weight, the solu- the risk of birth defects. For those ble fiber slows the breakdown of who have a history of heart diseases By KARMA CHODEN carbohydrates in the body, thus in the family, a daily intake of avo- Source: USDA Nutrient Database, ministry of agriculture, Bhutan. USDA Nutrient Source: giving a fuller feeling for a lon- cado is recommended as the folate

The Raven january, 2013 51 REVIEW restaurant

***** s of April 2012, Thimphu has had its very own Mexican restaurant. The first of its kind Where in Bhutan. Ole! Owned and managed by the Etho Metho Plaza, Thimphu ever-affable Simran Chetri, Salsa Fiesta serves special Aup authentic Mexican food with a kick. Originally located Mexican Food at another smaller location, it soon grew too popular TIMING for its small 12-seat space and moved in September this 9 am – 9:30 pm year to a much larger venue. Salsa Fiesta is now located CONTACT at the very top of the Etho Metho Plaza, in the heart of # 17698592 Thimphu. With lots of seating, a well stocked bar, and chips and salsa to munch on, it’s a nice place just to hang extra WiFi, Books, Magazines out. And if you are in the mood, the pineapple margaritas are delicious!

52 The Raven january, 2013 There are the traditional burritos, tacos or enchiladas (veg or non-veg) as well as bean or beef chilli with rice, and patatas bravas (spicy potatoes in gravy).

While trying to stay true to the Mexican roots and ap- peal to the local crowd, the menu is ever expanding. There are the traditional burritos, tacos or enchiladas (veg or non-veg) as well as bean or beef chilli with rice, and patatas bravas (spicy potatoes in gravy). You Patatas Bravas have your choice of individual pieces or a full meal served with rice, beans and salad. The tacos are lovely soft flour tortilla shells filled with lots of flavour. And the enchiladas come out of the oven covered in a rich and spicy tomato sauce and heaps of gooey cheese. Recently, Simran has also introduced fried chicken and tortilla soup to the menu. Finish off your Overall, the menu would ben- meal with delicious caramelized Bananas efit from the use of some real with Ice Cream and you will go home Jalapeno peppers and a few other happy. spices and ingredients that are New to the menu in December 2012 difficult to obtain in the country. is fresh Guacamole – while avocados But the service is pleasant and are in season. Salsa Fiesta also makes the ambiance relaxing. At the their own homemade Sour Cream front of the restaurant are a few that is served with most meals, includ- the ever-affable comfortable wicker chairs and ing the Bumthang cheesy Nachos. Simran Chetri small tables, where one can relax Depending on your preferences you with a hot drink while waiting may want to specify how much chili you for the rest of your party to show want in your food. The spicy chicken up. Might we recommend the hot can be especially hot. Often they apple juice with cinnamon while have several different kinds the weather in Thimphu remains of salsa available to accom- freezing cold. modate everyone’s palate. Don’t be surprised if there is mango in your salsa one day By KESANG P. DORJI and cilantro the next. The menu will change depend- ing on what is available in the market.

The Raven january, 2013 53 REVIEW movie

et another commercially successful movie by award winning director Tshering Wangyel, ‘Say You Love Me’ has been screening for more than a month in theaters and is still running - creating a record of Ysorts in the Bhutanese movie industry. The plot of the movie fluctuates from the modern era to olden times and then back again. The movie is just right for the Bhutanese audience, in that it contains all the right ingredients a moviegoer here would want in a feature film - romance, suspense, humor, action, and some good dance numbers mingled with peppy songs.

Say You Love The movie is just right for the Bhutanese Me audience, in that ***** it contains all the right ingredients a moviegoer here would director Tshering Wangyel want in a feature film. cast Tandin Sonam, Tandin Bidha, Phurba Thinley synopsis Say You Love Me is a romantic drama with multiple themes conveying varied messages. The story revolves around the life of a young man and his love for a beautiful lady.

54 The Raven january, 2013 Tandin Sonam & Tandin Bidha - in a still from the movie

The later half of the movie trans- ports the viewer to the period of the civil war. In all, even if the actions scenes have been inspired by various Hollywood blockbust- ers, they have been executed well, and the costumes are well designed. Actor Tandin Sonam also ex- plores his singing talents in the movie apart from producing it. Both Tandin Sonam and Tandin Bidha have delivered excellent performances. But, what keeps the audience laughing is the usual dose of comedy from vet- eran comedians Phurba Thinley and Gem Tshering. Mostly shot in Paro, the movie features many faces com- mon across most of Tshering Wangyel’s movies but the charac- ters in this particular one are well thought out and better developed. As the audience anticipates one thing, the suspense draws out but to a different end.

By TSHERING DORJI

The Raven january, 2013 55 REVIEW book The book serves as a reminder of how Bhutan functioned in an era of serfdom; how landed families protected communities that came under its diocese.

The book deftly brings forth the “Interestingly, while the front, east- social structure prior to political ern elevation of the utse is perfectly changes in Bhutan, along with a symmetrical, its central door is not rich architectural account of the aligned with the entrance of the manor itself. The beautiful build- manor. Instead, the whole build- ing which is a standing example of ing is slightly shifted northward. here is an old manor that still ex- ancient Bhutanese craftsmanship This configuration of avoiding ists in Central Bhutan. The ancient tells the story of how it was central strict alignments of doors appears building is a testament to much in Bhutanese politics, whilst the in- to be the norm in Ogyen Choling, of a prominent family history in habitants within changed to adapt and can likewise be seen in many TBumthang, Central Bhutan. as the years went by. ancient Bhutanese buildings.” In “Ogyen Choling/A Manor in Central Bhutan” the authors attempts to compile The book serves as a reminder of The chapter on the construction the memories brought alive by the mem- how Bhutan functioned in an era of techniques offers details of Bhu- bers of the Ogyen Choling descendants serfdom; how landed families - this tanese architecture under the ru- and elders. being one of the many - protected bric and how it was implemented. communities that came under its Though it was prevalent that build- diocese. It also relays the changes ings were built without drawings, a brought about on such families great deal of collective practicality and communities by the abolition was usually applied. The illustra- ***** of serfs; families that gradually tions offer a complimentary visual became less influential and then guide throughout the book. Now Author politically obsolete though still converted into a museum, it caters Kunzang Choden, F. Pommaret, P. Pichard, commanding a cultural status. to provide both local and interna- U. Rinzin tional clients an understanding on publisher The architectural reference by the origins, functions and signifi- Riyang Books Pierre Picard, a French architect cant roles that old landed house- specialized in conservation shares holds played in the history of the his knowledge on the structural nations and the region. design, landscape and layout of

the manor; By KARMA CHODEN

56 The Raven january, 2013 QUICK CROSSWORD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23

Across Down 1 Relevant (8) 1 Without water (4) 5 Elderly (4) 2 Feign (7) 9 Boudicca’s people (5) 3 Drink stirrer (7,5) 10 Japanese flower arranging (7) 4 Yorkshire racecourse (6) 11 Female singing voice (5-7) 6 Pear-shaped tropical fruit (5) 13 Steering apparatus (6) 7 Card suit (8) 14 Coders (anag) (6) 8 Wearing glasses (12) 17 Cheers! (4,3,5) 12 One to whom money is owed (8) 20 Molasses (7) 15 Get (7) 21 Longest French river (5) 16 Wipe out (6) 22 Garden tool (4) 18 Edible marine snail (5) 23 Racing tie (4,4) 19 Retained (4)

Solution: next month Courtesy: Guardian UK Guardian Courtesy:

The Raven january, 2013 57 Living With the consequences of teenage pregnancy

Dechen is an 18-year-old single mother working to support her young child. She comes from a broken family. She has gone through one cruel experience after another, yet in life she remains grounded, with a heart both magnanimous and humble.

Dechen has had more than her a soldier in his early 20’s, and fell fair share of troubles in life. She in love with him. She had now knows very well what the term turned 15. neglect means. As a little girl her Leaving behind her old life mother left her with her father while looking forward to the new, to start a new life. She grew up she married the soldier. The fol- without ever knowing what it was lowing year, at 16, Dechen found like to have a mother, a friend, herself pregnant. Suddenly, she who would guide her through was not only confronted with the puberty, through her emotional daunting task of mother-hood, ups and downs. but also a cheating husband. The Her father who was but a sim- father of her child-to-be aban- ple soldier never thought about doned her for another woman. sending his little girl to school. “I was very young and I didn’t Instead he raised her by himself even think of taking him to court, in the Royal Bhutan Army en- nor did I have a strong family to campments, where they lived. support my decision if I did,” she Then, in 2003, misfortune says. struck. She lost her father to re- Just like her mother had left her, bel fire during the Flush Out op- Dechen was once again neglected eration in the Southern borders. at a time when she needed Only 12, Dechen went to live someone by her side. She never with relatives in Samdrupjong- ever saw the person who was khar. There, her life was largely supposed to be there for her at a confined to taking care of cattle vulnerable period in her life. often herding them into the jun- Teenage pregnancy, also By gles in Martsala. And, just as she referred to as adolescent preg- Tshering was getting accustomed to her nancy, is one that occurs from Dorji lifestyle and routine, Dechen met puberty to the age of 19. Teenage

58 The Raven january, 2013 pregnancies should be of great premature labor in her home and concern to a society because it delivered a baby girl there, all by has great implications on the so- herself. With assistance from a few cial problems that emanate from friends she went to the hospital and it. Not only are there additional the baby was kept in the Intensive I was very young and medical and health concerns care unit (ICU) till it fully matured. I didn’t even think of for the young mothers and the Today, Dechen’s little girl is two, babies but social implications and fortunately has turned out taking him to court, on young parents who are often healthy like any normal child. How- nor did I have a strong unemployed, lead to many socio- ever, her only concern is that she economic issues. Babies delivered did not breast-feed the child. Her family to support my by teenagers also have several concerns for her daughter’s health decision if I did. risk factors. Premature birth, looms large, as their surroundings birth of underdeveloped child, of where she lives and works are not delivering a baby with low birth the healthiest for a little girl. Dechen weight, blood pressure problems, found a job at a car-wash at Olakha low iron level in blood, threats in Thimphu and so her daughter is comparatively high in the eastern of sexually transmitted diseases spends her time playing amidst the dzongkhags. According to officials from and hypertension are common filth and dust using the workshop the health ministry, 15 percent of the risk factors regarding teenage and garages as her play area. The deliveries in the Mongar hospital were pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy mechanics tools are her toys. The teenagers. has higher rates of mortality for workshop provides her free accom- A report by Save the Children re- both mother and infant because modation and that eases things for vealed that, annually, 13 million children of all the health complications Dechen and her daughter. are born to women under the age of 20 that can come from a young She understands fully that the worldwide. And more than 90% of these body. The psychological impact workshop is an inappropriate and births occur to women living in develop- of such a pregnancy on a young dangerous place for a little girl to be ing countries. mother – especially one that lacks playing in. And so, when she can, In Bhutan, while 80 percent of women the emotional, psychological, and Dechen tries to drop Kalden, her in urban areas give birth in hospitals or health support can have lasting little girl, off at a friends place. But clinics, in rural areas 45 percent do so. and damaging impacts on both there is only so much friends can And teenage pregnancy is twice as com- mother and child. do, and Dechen finds herself torn mon in rural pockets as in urban areas. There is also the issue that between the need to put food on the Utilization by and access to contracep- a large number of teen parents table through a regular income and tives for teenagers, is a large part of the often wind up as single parents. the need to care for her little one. problem. The children, in turn, land up Dechen earns Nu 5000 a month Educating and creating awareness being raised by single parents washing cars and she makes sure amongst teens on the risk of teenage who struggle to provide them that even though she can hardly pregnancy would be the answer. But for with a decent life. Studies have make ends meet, she puts away teenage mothers like Dechen, these les- shown that children coming from some of her earnings to an account sons have had to be learnt the hard way. If single parent homes struggle and she has set up for her little daughter. we can ensure that we make free contra- face more difficulties in coping “I wish to educate her and give ception easily accessible to teenagers all with adolescent issues, leading her the opportunities I never had,” over the country, it will save not one but to numerous youth-related and she says, with a strong determina- many lives from the mistakes, the strug- social issues. tion in her voice. “I do my best to gles, and the suffering that teen-pregnan- Unfortunately for Dechen, she bring up my child, and fortunately, cy brings upon our young people. didn’t even carry full term. Prob- for me, my girl has never once asked ably because of a lack of proper about her father.” prenatal care, Dechen went into Teenage pregnancy in Bhutan

The Raven january, 2013 59 tÊtE Á tÊtE

Tshewang Tashi is not your typical politician or woman, instead living life on her own terms and having learnt from it, she believes being politically correct all the time is immaterial in politics. Claiming a high degree of intolerance for injustice, she says she will run for office to pave a way for “clean” politics. She talked with Karma Choden on her journey – her experience in the civil service and what trepidations she carries forth as she prepares for the 2013 elections.

Were you always interested in of a politician - eloquence, politics? street smartness and always doing and saying the politi- Never in the conventional, ac- cally correct things - is im- cepted way. My late father, my material. This offered me the idol, was a man who believed opportunity to indulge both in doing what was right and my desire to be an activist in working for common good and to initiate good changes even if that meant suffering in the country. I couldn’t personal loss. And it naturally have asked for more out of follows that I emulate his good life. example. Because I do believe that politics is the area where What do you think is the dif- one can do good nationwide, ference between a civil activ- I had thought of grooming a ist and a politician? group of people who thought ‘country first’ for the 2018 elec- I think as a civil activist, one tions because I would never would be more involved with want to be in a group/party issues and problems - up with a different commitment against the authorities and and where I would have to trying to bring justice and succumb to the designs of the fighting for what is right. Pol- greater number. itics in a way is the same. But politics involves a lot more Why Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Par- things, has greater ramifi- ty? cations and covers a larger area of concern. So in a way, Because of my inherent intol- politics is the better option to erance for injustice, I had se- create awareness and make riously considered a career as far-reaching changes in the a civil activist. Bhutan Kuen- country. NyamParty believes in redefin- ing politics as an area where Does this mean that you are the most important attribute not happy with how the pres- of a politician is having a heart ent government has been that is totally committed to the functioning? country and where your con- formity to the expected image My dissatisfaction with the

60 The Raven january, 2013 functioning of the government with some self-confidence. I think How has that helped you in your organizations started a long that the traditionally matriarchal career in the civil service? time before the present govern- social system - the lady of the ment came into existence. What house made all the major deci- It’s not so much about wanting to happened since 2008 does not sions in the family, controlled the do things differently, but I think seem to have brought any major purse strings and inherited all the it’s about caring- giving your changes and I strongly feel that property- has something to do heart and soul to whatever you we have yet to witness true demo- with this strength in our women. are doing. And then for me to do cratic governance.There are a lot anything, I have to believe in the of things in Bhutan we can do One of the current topics appears work. I always question a lot, even properly as a country and that can to be introduction of a quota sys- with rules and regulations- I am be done. These are manageable tem for women. While I agree that always asking about the logic be- because of our small population. we need to see more women par- hind it, and it has to make sense. So some things that to me seems ticipation, especially in politics, Maybe some people find it easier so obvious, which would make I do not find it a strong enough not to rock the boat, but my con- lives much more easier, are not argument for establishing a sys- cern is not about whether the sys- happening. tem that many around the world tem is stable or not, but whether now find too cumbersome. The it makes sense or not. In the pro- Could you be more specific, in quota system has been known to cess, [perhaps] I may come across what areas is the government not induce others to regard the ben- as somebody doing things differ- doing the obvious? eficiaries with disdain and the ently. beneficiaries themselves to suf- Maybe because we are donor de- fer from loss of self-confidence/ I want to go back to your college pendent, we seem to bend a lot regard vis-à-vis the deprecatory days in Sherubtse, Kanglung. to what the donor agencies insist behavior of others. The quota Even then you were known to on- like international best prac- system involves a lot of trial and push the boundaries of what was tices, which may not always apply error, runs where competent peo- accepted norm for the girls and to Bhutan. I wish people would ple are sidelined to make way for decided to do exactly the opposite. think more in the lines of what we less competent or incompetent I believe you are the one who initi- need that can be done here. That candidates. These inappropriate ated dancing without waiting for will be more effective. persons are then introduced into the boys to ask you, and eventually public offices causing irreparable that put an end to the trend where Women make up a very small per- damage. In the long run, this kind girls needed a boy to ask them for centage of Bhutanese politicians. of system tends to be misused by a dance. When you do things like Do you, as a woman, think you incompetent people, to advance that, how difficult does your life will be able to make your mark in themselves thereby destroying get? politics? healthy competition - inducing, general apathy and cynicism and The way I see it, how I function More than as a gender representa- is uncomplicated. I need to see Tshewang Tashi reluctance of the general public to tive, I am confident of being able participate actively in democratic reasons- I am always looking to value-add because of my mental processes. for one. Because people expect make-up. I always question what girls/women to behave in certain I do and once I believe in some- A system, once established can ways- be shy, not to be the one to thing, I put my heart and soul in prove very difficult to remove and actually start a relation- for me, it. However, I hope that my life’s wreak havoc in its wake. It would it did not make sense. If I like a experiences help destroy what I be better to induce women partici- guy, why shouldn’t I be the one believe to be a myth, discrimina- pation through other encouraging to tell him, he may never know tion against women in Bhutan. I means like equipping our women and go off with some other girl. have personally never experienced with skills focused on public of- Why should I miss the chance? gender-based discrimination and fice, awareness programs drawing It also did not make sense to wait have seen that what matters are on success stories and removal of for boys to come up and ask us to your own competence and at- obstructions. dance, especially when the music titude. I would like to tell the was good and I wanted to dance. women of our country that I see You certainly are a woman who Why should my wanting to enjoy great potential in them and there wants to do things differently and the music depend on a guy? Why is nothing that cannot be achieved have always made your own path? can’t I just get up and dance? I

The Raven january, 2013 61 was so busy enjoying my life that I didn’t Maybe I have had it easier than most even notice if anybody had issues with women. There are advantages to being what I did. It [Kanglung] has been very a woman. It brings about a softer side Because of interesting that way. from men, less resistance and makes it my inherent easier to do your job. intolerance So you are responsible for every choice for injustice, I you make or don’t make? Yet, there are the stereotypes within the had seriously service? What do you think? Everything has to do with yourself, with considered your attitude basically. You can’t control I have personally never faced those ste- a career as a what other people do or say. Most of the reotypes in my career. In fact, I have civil activist. time, it’s how you react that defines your been picked for difficult assignments own life, and not the other way around. because my superiors felt I was capable to see it through. In hindsight, do you think girls were done my job. And I think I have done more critical of you than boys? Did you There is the notion that a woman boss is a good job. Even in the success of a ca- feel alienated at all? always tougher than a male boss? What reer, it largely depends on how good do you think? you can be as a human being, which is I don’t think I was alienated in college. I the most essential thing in life whether thought I had quite a fan following back I don’t know so much about tough, but you are a mother, a boss, or a subordi- then. I did what I felt like doing and may- yes I have been very exacting as the per- nate. be secretly the other girls wished they son in-charge. Also there has been a could also do the things I did. Even the lot of understanding and feelings that Now that you are embarking on a new ones who appeared to be disapproving, I comes with being a woman and that has journey, what is your biggest fear? am sure they wanted to be in my shoes. made me a better manager. As a person I feel I will remain the I have never really bothered about what same. But politics, I feel will push cer- other people think. For me, it was all about self-discovery. I talk to myself in the mirror- if people tain things on me since there are other You blazed your way through life. How saw me they would think I am a little factors and people involved. I have this has that great sense of humor helped you off. But understanding myself more has inborn intolerance for injustice, which along the way? An anecdote, perhaps. actually helped me understand others can sometimes bring out the worst in more. The book by Dalai Lama, “An- me. As a politician, I am not sure if I My life is full of anecdotes anyway. My cient Wisdom, Modern World,” has had will be able to indulge in those sorts supposed sense of humor has really a profound effect on me on compassion of things. But, politics provides a plat- helped me, especially during difficult for others. I used to be quite intolerant form to reach out to many like-minded moments in my life. Even in the worst of with staff who were incompetent at their people. In my job also I have always circumstances, I would find something work. After reading the book, I began to wanted to do what was for the common to laugh about and that would help me look at situations from their point of good of the people, but you have cer- spring back. It has always helped me get view and it has always helped me a lot. tain boundaries and areas where your back on track. Otherwise, it could lead to sphere of influence reaches and there depression. I think it’s very important You represent the generation that her- is a limit to how much change we can that we make fools of ourselves once in a alds the ‘new woman’ in Bhutan- a bring. Now politics has inextricably while, to remind ourselves not to take life woman who has embraced new respon- become the deciding factor of where or ourselves too seriously. sibilities in society, while continuing the country is headed, so the changes with the conventional roles as well. Per- can be far-reaching. Though I had my You went on to join the civil service, sonally, how difficult is it? trepidations thinking I might be a mi- which was rather a male dominated nority, with Kuen-Nyam, I have found environment for a long time. And you A lot of people ask me this, how do I my group. managed to carve out a successful career. balance this. For me, it came naturally- What in your experience are the chal- I never felt it was a problem. With my Isn’t that a danger in itself- finding lenges a woman faces in the current civil children, I have given them few rules in only like-minded people, keeping in service? life, which they have followed, and we mind politics is about contradictions, have been more friends rather than par- discourses and dialogue and compro- In fact, being a woman actually has its ent and child and sharing a very good mise? advantages. When you need things done, rapport. As long as my children turn out men don’t usually argue with a woman. to be good human beings, I would have When I mean like-minded, I do not

62 The Raven january, 2013 win elections? How different is Kuen- Nyam going to be?

I have seen that happen a lot where till the elections they are with the people, and after they win they move away. We at Kuen-Nyam, I am quite confident, will never do this. We want to spend time with our own constituency. Vot- ers don’t vote to find somebody who can lord over them, but are looking for somebody who understands their collective needs and represents them. Democracy is the voice of the people, so in a sense we have 700,000 peo- ple that should be telling what the 47 in the parliament what it is that they need. The 47 are not supposed to de- cide what is good for the 700,000, but they should hear, listen, empathize and translate these into good policies and make sure it’s implemented effectively.

Living life on your own terms has its consequences and rewards, what have those been for you?

I have been made to feel that I was too mean with the same views, but that in-hand at certain levels but pursuing idealistic because I would refuse to give we are all very committed to bringing public interests regardless of personal in to ground realities but if the ground positive change in the country. We are sacrifices will ultimately benefit all, in- realities are far from ideal, should not ready to make sacrifices if we see that cluding oneself. Happiness lies in mak- one strive towards better realities? I it is [the] only logical way to protect the ing others happy…. have been refused posts because the future of our children. Once we have interview panel saw that I was not one this essential ingredient, every other If you are successful running for office, to sit on a job but would most certainly thing falls in. We are very diverse in our will you really halve the salary of mem- ‘rock the boat’. It is amazing how many experience and thought process but we bers of parliament? people are afraid of change even if they are very passionate. We are sometimes see that it is for the better. at loggerhead on [certain] issues but Yes, of course. We have had a lot of criti- we reach a consensus in the end- we all cism about this clause in our manifesto As for rewards, I can feel no better sat- agree because of our conviction. – thinking that we are too idealist, but isfaction than in the thought that if I we are being realists. If the average sal- were to die today, I would go peacefully What changes are you personally aim- ary of a member of parliament is Nu. in the knowledge that I have not let ing for? 80,000, halving it will mean you still societal norms and expectations stop get to take home Nu. 40,000. How me from indulging my curiosities and I want to carve out a way for clean poli- many people in Bhutan earn that much? I will not be asking myself ‘what if…..?’ tics where the voters understand that We have people living on Nu. 5000 a on my death bed. All my experiences, a politician should represent greater month, and surviving. Why can’t we live good and bad, have taught me a lot good, rather than submit to personal with Nu.40,000? To stay rooted with the and helped in shaping the person I am agendas. I look forward to be able to people, and really know what is going on now. I try to be as good a human be- demonstrate what benefits a selfless with the population, it is necessary that ing as is humanly possible and strictly service can have for all. I frequently you do not remove yourself by ways of adhere to the rule: ‘if you cannot help find that the reason why sound poli- large salary packages. others, try not to harm.’ cies have gone awry was the presence of personal agendas. Personal and Do you think politicians in Bhutan are public interests do not always go hand- short-sighted and are looking only to

The Raven january, 2013 63 Bhutan Shortlisted for Sustainability Award

Bhutan has been shortlisted for a highlight good examples and successful human needs and aspirations.” Sustainability Award along with two strategies and help stimulate debate other nations – Finland and Costa on shaping and implementation of The Brundtland Report was expanded Rica. The award is given by Germany’s sustainable policies in Germany and upon by the Agenda 21 agreement, largest private non-profit foundation, around the world. which was adopted at the first United the Bertelsmann Foundation, which Nations Conference on Environment is active in political, social, economial, According to the Bertelsmann and Development in Rio de Janeiro educational, cultural and health-related Foundation, “the term sustainability in 1992. The signatories to Agenda issues. remained long restricted to the realm 21 pledged to accept “sustainable of ecological discourse. Since the development” as a core guiding According to Andreas Esche, who end of the 1980s, however, a new, principle of global action, and works for the foundation, the award is more comprehensive conception of to develop national sustainable considered prestigious in Europe, and sustainability has developed. The development strategies by 2002. Bhutan was shortlisted along with Costa modern approach brings the long-term These strategies were expected to Rica and Finland based on innovative survival of global human society into the define economically efficient, socially and highly successful sustainable foreground. No longer focused solely just and ecologically sustainable development strategies, policy on ecological issues, this integrated development as a goal approaches and action at the national approach expands its purview to include and regional/state levels. Countrys economic and social systems. At its core A small team from the Bertelsmann have to meet certain criteria, which is the demand that political and societal Foundation will visit Bhutan in include four fundamental dimensions development be aligned with the goals January to see how effective the of inquiry: of comprehensive intergenerational philosophy of Gross National equity and fair development and Happiness and its policies have been i) strategy quality ii) implementation participation opportunities for all people on the ground. potential iii) forms of participation, and on earth. The groundwork for using iv) successes. the current concept of sustainability A case study on Bhutan’s Gross as a guiding political principle was National Happiness philosophy, laid by the report of the Brundtland which seemed to fulfill most of the Commission in 1987. For the first criteria, is what helped it become one time, that commission linked the of the finalists. However, according issue of global society’s ecological to Mr. Esche, a small team will come survival capacity with the social aspect to Bhutan in January to study how of worldwide poverty reduction. The effective this philosophy has been at the commission also addressed the issue of policy level and in implementation. intergenerational equity. Following the 1987 report, sustainability is conceived This award was started in 1988 and in the current project as a process called the Carl Bertelsmann Prize of continual change, with the goal given to groundbreaking projects of ensuring that the “exploitation of in important issues. In 2011, it was resources, the direction of investments,

renamed the Reinhard Mohn Prize after the orientation of technological Photograph Google the foundation’s founder. Information development; and institutional change released from the foundation says are all in harmony and enhance both that the prize, € 150,000, is used to current and future potential to meet

64 The Raven january, 2013 nergy consumption Ein Thimphu averages Dungsam Cement 7th BCCI President around 41 MW, almost The delayed Dungsam Cement Dasho Ugyen Tshechup Dorji, the double its summer Project which is already facing a seventh president of the BCCI wants consumption which is Nu 2.3B cost overrun, has missed to make the chamber credible by around 20MW. its revised deadline to start representing all kinds of businesses in he Personal Income clinker production - a byproduct the country, small and big. Tax increased by Nu of cement. T 220M to Nu 925M during the last fiscal year.

n the past seven years, Ihouseholds in urban Thimphu increased by 3,013 which comes to around 430 every year.

he National Pension Books Donated Sexual Harassment Tand Provident Fund Sonam Wangmo, who lives in Dorji Tshering, a tour operator (NPPF) suffered a revenue Boston, met with Brookline Library allegedly assaulted and sexually loss of around Nu 22M and they generously donated 450+ harassed a 29-year-old Austral- in the 2011-12 fiscal year, books - for young children. Sonam ian tourist - his own guest- in a as a result of the liquidity then arranged shipment from USA to drunken state. crunch faced by financial Bhutan. institutions.

idung gewog in the Beastern district of Trashigang could not put together 12 women dancers for the annual dzongkhag tshechu this year, highlight- ing another shortage that is becoming a part of rural Bhutan. The gewog man- G4S Secure Solutions Order of Meritt aged only eight dancers. Sher Bdr Pradhan, 58, and his G4S Secure Solutions, the country’s This year the urban Photograph Google son Kumar Pradhan, 33, received first private security firm, has lost population has slightly the National Order of Merit T more than half of its employees in six decreased to 30.5 % from (Gold) on the 105th National day, and half years of its existence because 31.5 % in 2011. for their dedicated services. Both of salary issues. The guards are paid father and son are teachers. Nu 12 for every hour of overtime they do. The Raven january, 2013 65 BOOK VS NOOK Experience E-Reader VS book for the Bhutanese reader

book lover’s choice is always a book, so when the wave of alternate and new ways of reading slowly crept into Bhutan, like most Bhutanese I thought I would never, and I mean never, go that route. Experiences of reading on a laptop had not yet been banished, that the mere thought of an e-reader Awas blasphemy, perversion to the ‘natural’ order. Call it the sway of technology or the success rate of advertising firms, here I am today with my first ever e-reader. The novelty of finally becoming the newest member in the New Age Readers Club brings in a certain satisfaction, which eventually wears off when I find out that I need to register and share my non- existent credit card information. Free books are available, but to e-readers that are registered. Solution- But if you can work around the credit card issue by bul- lying relatives, parents or friends studying/working abroad, then it’s a simple straight on process. The free library offers English language classics as well as children’s stories, free applications and games.

The second damper is that e-books are not cheap, in fact sometimes more expensive to the real deal/books. The bestselling and award winning books is

66 The70 RavenThe Raven January, NOV-DEC, 2013 2012 always more than Nu. 600; and online transaction is a hassle if you don’t own a credit card (here your previously bullied family/friends will not comply with you spending their hard earned cash). Solution- So as an option, download PDF version of popular books, available on many file sharing sites, and use free online convertor to turn them to EPUB or Mobi format. The (soon to be) third disappointment is that if ever your e-reader has a problem, there is no way in Bhutan that our technicians can fix it. A plausible solution is ship it back, but not really; that is an even longer and dreary prospect.

But the reading experience is great- the backlight makes it comfortable to read at night, and you can move away from the lamp. It gives you the option to change font as per your liking- which give the individual some leeway to customize. However, the dictionary is the best thing about the e-reader; if you come across an unfamiliar word, you can look it up by holding your finger on the word- it’s that fast, especially for lazy readers. It has the potential of being a very good travel companion; it would provide much needed respite in long transit hauls and lousy movies. Since an entire library can be maintained, carrying any number of books is not an issue.

For finicky readers who are daunted by the size of the book, e-reading may be an option. Since the thickness never registers, it provides for more opportunities to reading thicker books. The experience of e-reading is fun, especially as most e readers double up as your music and video player.

However, the real book experience is therapeutic; nothing beats the smell of books straight from the press, the feel of paper on your fingers, the rustling of pages, and the pages you re-visit to read one more time a poignant piece. The pleasure of reading a book in a coffee shop is the ultimate definition of leisure, but with an e-reader, it’s left to guesses- the proliferation of games will do that.

I say no matter how big e-reading gets elsewhere in the world, for Bhutan there is still time. Maybe one day when we have accessibility to credit card and online shopping, it might be a thing to possess. For now, we should still use bookmarks to mark our ‘real’ book pages.

For some early birds, it will remain an alternate choice to reading, even with the green revolution. In the race to digitalize reading, after all what e-readers do is emulate a real- book. And you only emulate what you admire.

Popular E- Reader How To Get Your E-book Popular e- Reader How To Get Your book

1.Amazon’s 1. For those who own an IPad, you could download 1. Amazon’s 1. For those who own an iPad, you could download kindle fire the Kindle or Nook software to begin reading. Kindle Fire. the Kindle or Nook software to begin reading. 2.Barnes 2. Nook Tablet is only available in the USA. I got 2. Barnes & Noble Nook 2. Nook Tablets are only available in the USA. I &Noble mine through somebody who was coming back Tablet got mine through somebody who was coming Nook for a study break. Accessories for Nook not back for a study break. Accessories for Nook is Tablet available either in Europe or South East Asia. notThailand available vendors either have in Europe no clue or what South Nook East is. Asia, Thailand vendors have no clue what Nook is.

By KARMA CHODEN

The RavenThe Raven NOV-DEC, january, 2012 2013 71 67 most discussed news

A toddler died from head injuries he suffered when an iron gate at the Centenary Children’s park in Thimphu fell on him on the evening of December 22. Bodoland Territorial The child was walking with his babysitter to the park, when the roller gate, which had come out of alignment, and was supported Council Dy. Chief Reassures on the park’s mesh wire, fell on him, when another boy - playing in the park, pushed it People of Gakiling Gewog Paediatrician Dr Kinley Tshering said the baby was brought in unconscious to the emergency unit around 5pm. A CT scan by the surgeon showed that the baby suffered multiple fractures on the skull, and internal bleeding. The incident has raised the issue of who should be held respon- sible for it. The baby’s relatives, who are still mourning, said, while they do not blame anyone, it is an issue of safety, as most parents in Thimphu take their children to the park. Thimphu Thrompon Kinlay Dorjee said it was an unfortunate incident, and he would ensure that such incidents do not occur again. “We’ll make sure that the gate does not come out of the alignment.”

Park Gate Claims Life

The Deputy Chief of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Kampa Borgoyari, visited Gakiling gewog on December 22, in connection with the two abduction cases in Sarpang Dzongkhag. He said the incidents that happened were unfortunate and apologized to the Bhutanese people and the government on behalf of the BTC. He met with the villagers and assured them that the miscreants involved would be arrested and dealt with accordingly. The first abduction case of a taxi driver was reported in October, when the driver went missing from Dekiling in Gelephu. He was released only after a ransom was paid, 18 days later. The second case was reported in November when a 60-year-old man was abducted at gunpoint in Gakidling. His family too had to pay the ransom money for his release. Photographs: google

68 The Raven january, 2013 Burglars Target Tusks most and Rhino Horns discussed Thirteen elephant tusks and a rhino horn were stolen from six different lhakhangs in the country within a year’s time. The series of burglaries in monasteries has made the Royal Bhutan Police announce a reward of Nu 100,000 to anyone who provides information that would lead to detec- 12,106 tion of the tusks and horn. The first burglary was reported on November 30 last year, when a pair of elephant divorcees in 20 dzong- tusks and a rhino horn was stolen from Yami gonpa in Punakha. khags. Thimphu has the On September 29, this year, Shoba lhakhang in Wangduephodrang was relieved off highest divorce rate of 13.3 a pair of elephant tusks. Pangkha gonpa and Masipokto lhakhang, also in Wang- percent, followed by Pu- duephodrang, were also burgled off three elephant tusks in November this year. A pair of elephant tusks was also stolen last month from Pugmola lhakhang, which is nakha with 12.75 percent, a three-hour walk from Phajoding in Thimphu. The most recent was the burglary of according to the Labour four elephant tusks from Ugyen Tsemo lhakhang, above the Taktshang monastery in Force Survey, 2012. Paro on the night of December 20. Police spokesperson said that there were many cases of monasteries being robbed, and that was because the caretakers were living away from the monasteries, and some were not present during the burglaries. 26,049 electricity metered consum- ers under Thimphu divi- sion that stretches all the way from Paga (Chapcha gewog) to Tango. 700 students are taking part in the 8th phase of police- youth partnership program. The program is expected to make youth understand the law, penalties and provi- sions. A 23-year-old Bhutanese Girl Molested in Bangalore, India 33 A 23-year-old Bhutanese woman was allegedly molested by a bus conductor and a driver in entities avail tax holidays, Bangalore on December 26. including media houses, The older sister, who was present at the scene, said they had taken a Volvo bus to work colleges, resorts and the when the incident occurred. The conductor, she said, misbehaved with them, so they got down near the Tin factory - hoping to catch an auto rickshaw, but the conductor and the Bhutan Development Bank. driver followed them. They then dragged the younger sister into the bus, closed the door, and molested her, she said. Photographs: google

The Raven January, 2013 69 art

Featuring Artist: SONAM CHOPHEL The Piece: A Happy Place

This work in acrylic on canvas features a house in rural Bhutan. Its’s significance is the realism of the artist’s brush strokes depicting a true representation of Bhutanese architecture and rural setting. The fence in the foreground is rustic and offers a polite barricade to intruders, yet the house itself stands proud and well maintained.

This and other works of art may be viewed at the Terton Art Gallery, Thimphu.

70 The Raven january, 2013 TERTON gallery

BY KELLY DORJI

+975 77 88 99 99 Hotel Druk [email protected] Clock Tower 5th floor, Zimchu apartments, Square Wongzin Lam, PO Box 354, Thimphu, Bhutan Wongzin Lam Bhutan Punjab Bank

The Raven NOV-DEC, 2012 71 His Majesty the King’s Address to the Nation on December 17, 2012

n the occasion of the 105th National Day, it gives me much happiness to address our People of the 20 dzongkhags. This National Day is of special significance. The powers offered by our People to the King in 1907 were, after hundred years of Nation building, returned in 2008 to our People by the Druk Gyalpo. It was in that year that we held the first elections under democracy and adopted the Constitution. Today we are nearing the end of the term of the first OParliament we elected in 2008 and the culmination of the tenth and largest 5-year plan. So much work lies ahead and such immense responsibilities rest on our shoulders as we approach 2013. Yet, with capable and dedicated citizens who have great love for our country; with the guidance of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and; with the ever-stronger bonds between People and King, I have great confidence that we shall achieve our goals. Our People of Bhutan are unique. We have a sense of family, community and brotherhood that inspires us to come together in times of need. I have seen this following natural disasters and most recently in the way in which all Bhutanese came forward to offer whatever little we could afford to rebuild the historic treasure, Wangduephodrang Dzong. In other nations, difficult moments in their history are met with strife, violence and conflict as people sacrifice national inter- est in order to achieve individual ambitions. In Bhutan such acts and events have never occurred. Our way of life, our heritage, loyalty and values remain strong in the hearts of our People and our People stand ready, even in times of great personal hardship, to place Nation above Self. I am so proud of our People and offer my deep gratitude for the love you have shown for your Nation. It is during times of prosperity and success that we must remind ourselves of the work that lies ahead. We have made a good start in our transition to democracy but much remains to be done. Our Nation has seen great socio-economic growth but it is more important that we have growth with equity. We must raise, with all our effort, the less fortunate so that they may, at the earliest, begin to partake in the opportunities brought by modernization and progress. The government has provided education to our youth. But for the nation to prosper for all time, a sound education must be succeeded by access to the right jobs and responsibilities, so that our youth may bloom as individuals and at the same time serve their Nation well. The recent Rupee shortage is a serious problem. I feel it is a reminder that, as a Nation, we must exercise our traditional sense of caution and work even harder as we address the challenges of the time. For no matter what challenges lie ahead, it is only the Bhutanese citizen who can protect and safeguard Bhutan. Today, the most important duty for us is the upcoming 2013 Parliament elections. I would like to say that we - all of us - are new to this democratic transition. We have all equally acquired four and a half years of experience in democracy. Experience comes with participation, so I urge you all to come forward as candidates, members of parties and voters for 2013. Remember, achieving democracy is not the goal. The real fruits of our efforts should be that democracy brings greater unity, harmony and prosperity to our Nation. Democracy must be able to fulfill the aspirations of our People. Many hundreds of years ago, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified the nation, established the dual system and laid the foun- dations on which a unique Bhutan was born. This new nation was then further strengthened over the course of history by fifty- four Desis and generations of Bhutanese. The last hundred years, the Wangchuck dynasty, further strengthened the foundations laid by the Zhabdrung and handed over a special Nation to our People in 2008. All of this was possible because our People have lived as one small family, true to the ideals of the Zhabdrung and the foundations of a unique and special Bhutanese identity. As we approach the elections of 2013, we must, therefore, keep in mind these foundations of our Nation and prevent all eth- nic, religious or political divisions in our small Nation. We must participate in democracy with the spirit of harmony and frater- nity. In 2008, our democratic transition and the wholehearted participation by the people including the 80% voter turnout were lauded by the world. I urge you all to exercise your right to vote – it comes but once in 5 years – for it is an act of great benefit to the Nation. With the Blessings of the Triple Gem and our Guardian Deities and the good fortune of our People, I am confident we will conduct the second elections under democracy successfully in 2013. For me, I hold sacred the endeavors begun by my father, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. I have committed myself to bringing to fruition all the noble endeavors begun in his 34 years of service and sacrifice. I also hold sacred my duty to ensure the success of democracy and I shall work to lay the strongest foundations for a vibrant democracy within my reign. Above all, I believe that the Golden Throne is not a Throne of wealth, power and prestige. The Golden Throne of Bhutan is a unique Throne of Destiny to serve our People and Nation. As King since 2006 I have always served with complete dedication and integrity. Sometimes I may have erred. Yet, you my people, have given me even more love and support and placed your complete faith and trust in me. To our People of the 20 Dzongkhags, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and pledge that I shall give everything to be of service to you and Bhutan. In this land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and our Fourth Druk Gyalpo, I pray that there shall be everlasting peace, prosperity and happiness.