KUENSELTHAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020

COVID-19 Jomotshangkha recuperates - 24 from lockdown effect GLOBAL Younten Tshedup COVID-19

Life is normal and busi- SITUATION ness continues as usual in Jomotshangkha drungkhag in Samdrupjongkhar today. However, things were 5,408,327 different a few weeks ago. CONFIRMED CASES The reclusive drung- khag in the south is the only community in the country to go into lockdown after a 2,247,900 shopkeeper tested positive RECOVERED to coronavirus on the rapid diagnostic test on April 30. A weeklong restriction on movement of people 344,029 was imposed as a preven- DEATHS tive measure. While anxiety and fear gripped the community, the local authority and resi- dents say they managed to High risk come out of it ‘successfully’. countries Drungpa Lamdrak Bhutan not ready Wangdi credits the feat to USA 1,666,828 the proactive role the local Brazil 349,113 task force played including the cooperation and sup- to welcome Russia 335,882 port from the community Spain 282,370 residents during the lock- UK 257,154 down. Italy 229,327 tourists France 182,469 Walking the extra mile Tourism Council DG clarifes Everything was closed except the hospital in Jo- Yangchen C Rinzin tourists, the DG said that there interview was focused on motshangkha where treat- is no decision taken to open how tourism in the country Cases in the ment continued as usual. pening tour- tourism in Bhutan. is coping up with the current region The small group of staff ism would The headline of the article pandemic situation and the depend on the remained prepared to pro- in Forbes, which went viral on plans to welcome tourists post India 131,920 vide any emergency medical government’s social media read, “Bhutan Covid-19. Bangladesh 32,078 service. directives and Ready to Welcome Back Tour- The entry of tourists was The hospital had line- Ohow the pandemic situation ism Following Zero Covid-19 banned after the first Covid-19 Singapore 31,616 listed all pregnant mothers, will unfold, according to the Deaths.” “In the long range dis- case was detected in 73-year Thailand 3,040 people with comorbidities Director General (DG) of the cussion with the director gen- old American tourist on March Nepal 584 and disabilities including Tourism Council of Bhutan, eral, it is apparent that country 6. Bhutan today has no tour- the elderly. The mobile Dorji Dhradhul. is ready to begin welcoming ist after the only tourist in the Refuting the claims made tourists once the borders are country who was the women health clinic was activated Source: The Straits Times, ANN by an international media open with other countries,” the that tested positive for Covid- to provide services at the As of May 24, 2020 doorstep to all these vulner- company, Forbes, that said article reported. 19 left in April. able groups. Pg 2 Bhutan is ready to welcome The DG clarified that the Pg 2 HOME PAGE 2 Monday, May 25, 2020| KUENSEL Bhutan not ready to welcome tourists From Pg 1 sessment and the current norms like compulsory quar- far.” preparation for tourism post- “It was the headline of the situation Bhutan cannot be antine and requirement of Dorji Dhradhul said that Covid-19.” story that looked like Bhutan opened to tourism at least physical distancing. tourist could be expected only The ban on tourist, after will open up for tourism since not before November. “Even “I can see zero tourists by 2022, but we might receive the pandemic, has resulted there is zero Covid-19 death,” if we open after November coming to Bhutan in 2020 only about 50 percent of what in a national revenue loss of the DG said. “From the TCB’s this year, tourism will still even if we open unless a few we see today and start receiv- USD 4.4 million after 2,550 in- side, this was definitely not take time to pick up especially high-end tourists decide to ing full tourists only by 2025. ternational tourists cancelled our view expressed during the tourists visiting Bhutan,” he come,” he said. “If it opens “However, this is based on due to Covid-19 between interview.” said. in 2021, we might get 10,000 what we have assessed so far. January 15 and March 23. It According to the DG, He added tourists would more tourists, which is less It is going to take time, and excludes cancellations from based on the council’s as- have to go through certain than what we used to get so we’re already working on the regional tourists.

Jomotshangkha recuperates from lockdown effect From Pg 1 answer their doubts im- Health assistant, Pema mediately,” he said, adding Lhadon ran the mobile that correct information health clinic single-hand- was gathered after discuss- edly. Her husband, a Desu- ing with officials concerned. up, assisted her during her “It was a challenging week visits to various far-flung and it could have been more villages. Given the shortage difficult if the lockdown had of official vehicles, the cou- prolonged.” ple used their private bolero The restrictions were to move around. lifted on May 8, after the “We were already 55-year-old shopkeeper briefed on our responsibili- tested negative for Covid-19 ties should we enter such for the third time during the a situation. There were not week. many challenges except for Drungpa Lamdrak the bad weather and poor Wangdi said that despite road conditions,” she said. the shortage of manpower to The health assistant Covid-19 messages in Jomotshangkha reach all the scattered com- delivered basic health ser- munities, the drungkhag ef- vices to about 140 people citated nearly for an hour fectively managed the week- that included elderly care, after the delivery. The hos- long lockdown. “Compared immunization and fam- pital team managed to save to a partial lockdown, it was ily planning services and the baby. Both the mother easier to handle a complete follow-up and delivery of and baby are in good health lockdown situation.” medicines to patients with today. He said that because comorbidities and those the drungkhag was already with mental health issues. Local hotline 1210 in a state of isolation due to Pema Lhadon said she To disseminate accurate in- the closure of border gates, also treated OPD (outpa- formation during the lock- things did not escalate, as it tient department) cases as down, the drungkhag had would have otherwise. “How- people could not visit the established a local hotline ever, if the lockdown had hospital. service, 1210. Three indi- prolonged, we could have “As a health worker, it viduals manned the centre faced further difficulty as was routine work for me. 24-7 for a week. The centre is the stocked essential goods The only thing different operational even today. would have exhausted.” was that I had to go to the Jomotshangkha Wildlife The drungpa said that patients myself,” she said. Sanctuary’s chief forest of- from the experience, every- Pema Lhadon said that ficer, Ugyen Tshering, who one was now better prepared it was a learning experience is the planning team leader to handle a similar situation for her personally and that of the local task force, said in the future. her husband was support- there were over 300 calls so Jomotshangkha drung- ive. far. Most of them enquired The health worker and her husband visited villages to khag shares porous inter- “But, my parents were about Covid-19 and its provide health services during the lockdown national border with two worried about our safety.” symptoms. Indian districts – Udalguri in Back at the hospital, the Some enquired about health services. Our team de- leum gas (LPG) cylinders to Assam (south) and West Ka- lone doctor was seen rush- roadblocks, reported on livered the essentials to their 15 households. meng, in Arunachal Pradesh ing for a delivery case im- illegal price hike on com- doorsteps,” Ugyen Tshering The CFO said that they (east). The drungkhag has mediately after attending modities by shopkeepers, said. have made about 190 outgo- one formal entry point and an emergency meeting that and sighting new people in Essential goods were de- ing calls to the public. “We over 20 informal entry and concluded around 10pm. the community. “People also livered to about 115 house- had to call them back when exit points along the inter- The baby had to be resus- called for food items and holds including liquid petro- hotline operators could not national boundary. HOME Monday, May 25, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3 PHPA II readjusts workforce to stay on track Supply of materials and critical components resolved Phurpa Lhamo | Wangdue cruiting Bhutanese nationals,” said the managing director. The Punatsangchhu-II hydro- The project is today chal- electric project (PHPA II) is lenged with lack of highly readjusting its manpower to skilled manpower for DSSG ensure continuity of work after works, hydro-mechanical and the issue of import of critical electromechanical works. materials and components are However, the management resolved. said the government recently With the help of the gov- approved to mobilise around ernment and the Indian Em- 11 specialists for grouting, drill- bassy in Thimphu, import of ing and erection of dam gate. critical materials such as drill- Mobilisation will be in ing accessories, construction accordance with the health materials, structural steel and ministry’s Covid-19 standard lubricants are continuing. operating procedures, which The PHPA II imports mate- would mean that the special- rials worth Nu 4 to Nu 5 billion ists would be quarantined for on an average every year. Work 21 days. is expected to complete as per Today, PHPA II has about schedule. 2,700 employees. “Best efforts The travel restriction and are being made to mobilise the the closure of the border af- manpower further” MD Am- fected the project with many resh Kumar said. of its labourers stuck in India. Meanwhile, project officials Workers who left for India for said that about 87.24 percent of the Holi festival couldn’t come work at PHPA II has been com- back. pleted. The dam, they said is According to the project 86.5 percent complete, while Around 87 percent of the work at PHPA II is completed as of today (Photo: PHPA II) Managing Director, Amresh the headrace tunnel is about 99 Kumar, about 34 Bhutanese la- percent complete. The power- bourers were employed in ad- house complex is 76.3 percent hydro mechanical and electro- nents damaged in Phelreychu Amid the Covid-19 pan- dition to 50 Bhutanese already complete. mechanical works. Two draft stream outburst has also start- demic, PHPA II staffs are made engaged at the Downstream “Civil works are in advance tubes have been installed in ed. Despite the travel restriction to work from home on alternate Surge Gallery stage. Critical works of DSSG the powerhouse and erecting and supply chain disruption, basis so as not to congest the (DSSG), where a portion of and additional Surge tunnels of the third is in progress. Stator the project works are continu- area. For the workers at the site, the tunnel collapsed in 2016. are progressing satisfactorily,” fabrication at the site has also ing with determined efforts to hand washing points are set up The project floated vacan- MD Amresh Kumar said. commenced. mitigate the impact of Covid-19 at all locations and mealtime cies of 268 skilled and unskilled Technical solutions to the PHPA II suffered a major and deliver the project on time,” has been scheduled differently labourers. “In areas where collapse in DSSG in March setback when a flash flood in MD Amresh Kumar said. to maintain social distancing. work is hampered because of 2016 has also been imple- August last year wreaked havoc With over Nu 66,203 mil- Further quarantine facili- manpower, the management mented. damaging properties and infra- lion budget spent, PHPA II is ties for 60 heads are set up at is today diverting manpower The project is today tran- structure. “Procurement and expected to complete by July various locations in case the to critical locations, and re- sitioning to commencing manufacturing of the compo- 2022. need arises.

Heavy rain leaves Mongar roads in poor condition Tshering Namgyal | Mongar patched a backhoe to clear Only a month ago, the fam- apart and broke through the and the GC roads in Jurmey, the mudslide at around 10am ily shifted from a shack into window of the girl’s hostel. Kengkhar, Dramitse, Saling Continuous rainfall for yesterday. It is expected to their new home constructed The wall was constructed just and Silambi gewogs were almost two days in Mon- complete today. Dzongkhag with a loan of Nu 350,000 and about five months ago. damaged. Narang road suf- gar damaged a newly con- officials visited the place for additional amount borrowed In Balam gewog, a reten- fered major damages,” dzong- structed single-storey house inspection yesterday. from neighbours. Tashi Wang- tion wall of the gewog’s ECCD khag disaster management partially due to landslide in Tashi Wangmo was in the mo’s husband has started attached to the primary school officer, Karma, said. Jaibab village in Mongar on house with her mother and work at a private company to collapsed partially. He said an assessment of May 21. son when the mudslide oc- repay the loans. In Drepong gewog, a the damages would be done The gewog officials and curred. “A part of wall and the windstorm damaged an acre once the weather improves. around 20 villagers helped She said the family had window has been slightly of wheat yesterday. It also af- Meanwhile, two road- to remove the water that had a busy night trying to dig damaged but I am relieved fected maize fields of a few blocks, one below the dzong entered the rooms and sup- drains. “We couldn’t even eat after the machine has come households in . and another at Dorjilung, ported the walls with planks dinner,” she said. to clear the debris.” left a stranded vehicles on the to avoid pressure from the “We gathered and placed Following a heavy down- trail of damages on the farm Gangola-Lhuentse highway mudslides. our belongings in a corner of pour, a retention wall in roads in Mongar. “Almost all had been cleared by Friday The dzongkhag dis- the sitting room.” Tsamang Primary School fell the farm roads in 17 gewogs evening. PERSPECTIVES PAGE 4 Monday, May 25, 2020 | KUENSEL MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN Thromde services need improvement t’s about time the Thimphu Thromde dis- pensed with its could-care-less attitude. Altogether. There was a time when complaints about lack of quality service were few and Ifar between. It, however, doesn’t mean that the service delivery systems were impeccable. Far from it. The people had nowhere to complain. Thanks to social media and the encouraging growth of traditional media, the people now have found platforms where they can voice their con- cerns. Because Thimphu is the capital and big- gest city in the country with a large and growing number of population, the thromde’s services are talked out often, but not in good grace. It is appalling that the thromde still finds it convenient to turn deaf ear to complaints and Twice as nice : suggestions from the residents. For the many pro- Poetry and art go jects that the thromde administration has been hand in hand in this able to execute successfully, we thank you. But creative presentation the thromde can and must do a lot more. Photo: Sonam Pelden, For example, the Thimphu Thromde can focus UNICEF a lot more on building safe infrastructure in the city and work hard—very hard—to cut corruption in the system root and branch. According to a latest audit report for the thromde, financial mis- Send in your pictures to: [email protected] management is one of the biggest issues. Millions of ngultrums are lost in excess, inadmissible, and unnecessary payments to the contractors for the construction and maintenance of roads, drains MY SAY and footpaths, among others. But let us look at the city’s roads, drains, and footpaths. Where did the money go? The city roads are filled with potholes. Drains and footpaths are Online learning: becoming dangerous by the day. There are far too many spots to name them here. Anyway, the thromde administration, we believe, know it all what teachers can do too well even though it chooses to be blind, deaf and least concerned. I understand that during this from a different platform Teachers can then think of period, with schools closed, come with challenges. more productive exercises Any proof of mismanagement is a sign of poor teachers have their own Students studying at home or activities and strategies to leadership. The thromde’s aspirations have to share of challenges and stress aren't adapting well. They give real meaning to online grow and efficiency with it. to tackle. My suggestion do exercises for a subject learning. A couple of days ago, the Fire and Rescue Divi- for teachers would be to for about 30 minutes and For online learning sion of the Royal Bhutan Police were involved in encourage the students to an hour is wasted watching will now not go away, even join and learn from online YouTube videos. after Covid-19. It will be rescuing two bulls that had fallen into an open teaching. Students listen to Teachers could ask an intrinsic part of our drain at Motithang. The operation took hours. their teachers. students how they are education system. The bulls rescued and set free, the people began Our schools have been feelings. Ask about asking serious questions. closed for more than two experiences, activities and Yeshey, Why do we have open drains and ditches at all? months now and, along with their progress. This could Thimphu Only the thromde can answer. We haven’t heard the teachers, students are provide much-needed also under stress. Learning comfort to the students. a word from the office yet.

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MANAGING DIRECTOR - Bachu Phub Dorji, MANAGING EDITOR - Ugyen Penjor, PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, MARKETING & SALES GM - Karma J Yangzom, KANGLUNG REGIONAL MANAGER - Ugyen Wangdi ADVERTISEMENT Monday, May 25, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5

Tender PuBlic announcemenT BhuTan Ferro alloys limiTed. royal moneTary auThoriTy oF RMP/C&F/2020/ BhuTan Sealed item rate bids are invited from Bhutanese licensed clearing & forwarding RMA/ADM-44/2019-2020/6825 and transportaton frms for the following works: Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan would like to Package i (imPorT) bring to the kind notce of the Authorized Money 1. Clearing and forwarding of electrode carbon pastes bulk in 1MT jumbo bags in Changers (AMCs) that we have incorporated 20’ containers and semi coke loose in 20’ containers, plant & machinery spares additonal feature in the AMC system for renewal at Kolkata Port. It also includes completng all customs formalites pertaining of AMC licence. to the shipment at the port. Therefore, we request all Authorized Money 2. Transportaton of 20’ containers, plant & machinery cargo and LCL consignments Changers licence holders to process renewal of from Kolkata to Phuentsholing and to Pasakha including completng all customs AMC licence through the AMC system. formalites at the Indian land customs ofce in Jaigaon and in Bhutan. For further informaton, please contact Department 3. De-stufng of items from containers in Phuentsholing. of Foreign Exchange and Reserve Management at Package ii (eXPorT) 323111 (225/106). 1. Transportaton of Ferro Silicon consignments from Pasakha to Kolkata Port by Management, RMA trucks including carrying out all customs formalites in Bhutan and at Jaigaon land customs. Materials will be packed either in 40 Kgs bags or 1 MT bags. noTiFicaTion 2. Clearing & forwarding of ferro silicon consignments at Kolkata Port. This job includes booking of containers, unloading of cargo from trucks and stufng BhuTan inFocomm and media into containers either in 1 MT bags or bulk in containers, container weighment, auThoriTy complete all customs formalites and loading containers on to the ship. BICMA/Social Afairs-Printng/2020/2737 3. Ocean freight from Kolkata to major ports in Japan and Europe In accordance with the provisions of the Informaton • Cost of tender document : Nu. 500/- for both documents to be Communicatons and Media Act 2018, the Authority deposited with Finance division, Head ofce, is mandated to issue Printng Press Licence, which P/ling. authorizes licensees to print books, newspapers, • Sale of tender documents : From 25/5/20 from the purchase division journals or any other documents in a large volume on producton of money receipt and original for commercial purpose. copy of clearing & forwarding and Therefore, the authority would like to inform all the transportaton license(Import & Export) procuring agencies (Government/Corporatons) to • Last date of submission : 10/6/2020 tll 5:00 PM. require submission of Printng Press licence and not • Date of opening : 11th June, 2020 at 3:30 PM at Head ofce. Trade licence along with the bidding documents. Please contact # 77191015/77602437 should you need any assistance/ This is also to avoid awarding any printng works to clarifcatons. frms without printng infrastructure and to ensure Dy. General Manager (Purchase) professionalism in the printng industry. Director ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 6 Monday, May 25, 2020| KUENSEL

shoRt notiCe open tendeR penden Cement AuthoRity Limited PCAL/SCD/NIT/2020/ Penden Cement Authority Limited (PCAL), would like to procure coal and is pleased to invite the quotaton from eligible Indian and Bhutanese suppliers for Indian or the imported coal. The required specifcatons is as follows.

parameters sl# item UHv sulphur tm Ash Content % Max 12% penalty: Above 5500 Kcal/kg Max 3% (beyond 3.1% 12.1% to 13.0%: 5% penalty Max. 21% (beyond 1 Coal (below 5499 Kcal/kg total total reject) 13.1 to 14.0%: 10% penalty 21.1% total reject) reject) 14.1 to 15.0%: 15% penalty 15.1% and above will be rejected. Ofer can be submited through mail at [email protected], test certfcate is to be enclose. Your ofer should reach to us on or before 26th of may 2020 by 12 noon, and the same shall be opened at 2.30 pm. For any clarifcaton please contact at 05371211/8116855382. Director Corporate Afairs Department To adverTise Call 326191 or fax 322975; email: [email protected]

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Bumdeling Mangmi, Tsher- Trashiyangtse Dzongdag ing Wangchuk, said that the Thuji Tshering said that there number of collectors this year was a guidelines from Minis- was half what was last year. try of Agriculture and forest “Many are concerned for collection and advice from about Covid-19 infection,” said health ministry. “We have also Tshering Wangchuk. introduced separate guidelines The gewog administration and set rules for the collectors. will issue the permit on June This year, collectors have to sign 4 and collection will begin by undertaking letter to make sure June 24. they don’t cross the border.” Kuenzang Namgay and his Surveillance team, includ- family member from Longkhar ing foresters and Royal Bhutan Highlander prepares to leave for cordyceps collection decided not go for collection Army will be there to monitor. this year. “Those who cross the of quarantine period, they will collectors. “Those who are unfit Entry and exist point will be “We decided not to go for border or fail to abide by dealt as per the Penal code of must sign an undertaking letter.” installed at Lawoo, about two- collection this year because of collection guidelines will be Bhutan and other laws of King- The dzongkhag administra- days walk from Bumdeling. Covid-19 situation across the quarantined in Bumdeling,” dom,” dzongdag said. tion will also install three oxygen “We have instructed all border,” Kuenzang Namgay he said. “They will have to Before collector depart, supplement stations in three collectors to stay home for 21 said. bear the expenses for 21-day health officials will carry out areas, Shingphel, Lawoo, and days after they return,” said The dzongkhag administra- quarantine. After completion thorough health screening for all Pemaling. dzongdag. Chukha hazelnut growers becoming impatient MH says problem solved with pollinizers provided Rajesh Rai | Chukha limited number of pollinizers be- “Likewise, the farmers invest cause of production difficulties, their labour and inputs for a Having heard the prospects of which has now been resolved. number of years prior to making hazelnut, Tsagay of Tsimakha “In many of the orchards the a financial return,” she said. “The village in Chukha planted 175 pollinizer trees were planted a waiting time is generally less hazelnut saplings in his 50 deci- year or more later than the than with apples and oranges. mal land four years ago. production varieties. Some Also, hazelnut’s risk from uncer- The hazelnut has grown patience and adjustments are tain market demand and plant and reached fruit-bearing stage. always required as plants ac- health is minimal, especially Unfortunately, they have not climatize but fundamentals are compared to these other crops.” started fruiting. Tsagay is the sound,” she said. MH, the officer said has held “hazelnut tshogpa” of the vil- Lhaki Woezer also said that advocacy programmes in more lage. He said about 30 farmers the grafting programme under- than 80 gewogs across the coun- who ventured into hazelnut are way is the fastest method to fill try, with more than 1,000 local waiting in Tsimakha. the gap in more mature orchards. officials, gewog administrators, “We have given up hope of “By 2021, they will see a very RNR staffs, and growers to pro- earning from hazelnut,” said Tsa- A hazelnut orchard in Chukha large commercial harvests.” vide information on the pollin- gay. As the tshogpa, he knows the MH has invested more than izer grafting programme. reason. He attributes the fruit- of them,” she said. investment company, clarified Nu 20 million (M) on a large-scale In communities where water lessness to the lack of male trees Sangay Zam said she spent that when hazelnut trees were grafting program in more than is scarce, MH has designed cost- (pollinizers) when they planted about Nu 60,000 in works re- distributed, farmers were told 4,000 acres of hazelnut orchards efficient methods to collect, store, the samplings four years ago. lated to the plantation. She that the pollinizer trees (for that will rapidly increase nut pro- and distribute water to orchards The male trees were pro- also claimed that some farm- male pollen) would not be ready duction. They also trained more and has equipped over 130 grow- vided just few months ago. ers had not received the male for at least two years, to which than 150 field staffs to carry out ing communities with materials In Chukha, by 2016, about trees. Another farmer, Mikha farmers had agreed and went the programme alongside more and technical support to ensure 1.3 million hazelnut trees were Dorji said he spent about Nu ahead with planting the produc- than 50 master grafters with the water is available for irrigation planted in about 260 acres of 400,000 in planting more than tion varieties, even though the support of experts from the ag- during dry winter months. private land that were left fallow 3,000 hazelnut saplings in more nuts would be delayed. riculture ministry. This year the With more than 200 field in several gewogs. than 10 acres of land in Bjachho MH’s communication of- company carried out grafting in staffs stationed across 18 At Tashigatshel, Sangay village. However, due to water ficer with the corporate depart- 5,000 acres. dzongkhags to provide tech- Zam has stopped tending to her problem, his plants didn’t do ment, Lhaki Woezer said this Lhaki Woezer said MH’s nical guidance to growers, 700 hazelnut trees in an acre of well, he added. problem has been addressed business model is a long-term promoting intercropping and land, since last year. after distributing pollinizer trees partnership in which the foreign incentives to support mechani- “The trees are still there, MH clarifies and the grafting programme. investor will receive no income sation of orchard management but I have stopped taking care Officials from the Mountain Ha- On the delay in providing for more than a decade despite are among many facilities the zelnuts (MH), a foreign direct pollinizers, she said they had investing millions of dollars. MH is providing. DIVER SION PAGE 8 Monday, May 25, 2020| KUENSEL Jangchubsem – The Spirit of Awakening

Karma Phuntsho is a thought leader and changemaker, the accordance with it are known as the vast milk of Buddha’s teachings. open, pure and perfect. The under- founder of the Loden Foundation Bodhisattvas or altruistic beings Atīśa passed down the seven-fold standing of Bodhicitta in both rela- and the author of many books and who seek enlightenment for all instructions of cause and effect (ར་ tive and ultimate terms is common sentient beings. འབས་མན་ངག་བདན་) to cultivate Bodh- in the Nyingma and Kagyu Buddhist articles including Bodhicitta is also commonly icitta. Longchenpa recommended schools. However, the popular way The History of Bhutan. categorized into three types. The the practice of the four immeasur- in which the Bhutanese recollect superior type, like the motiva- able thoughts of loving kindness, and practice Bodhicitta is through tion of a shepherd (རའ་ལ་བའ་ compassion, joy and equanimity in the following verse which is recited སམས་བསད་), seeks enlightenment order to develop the thought of Bod- ubiquitously and frequently. SAGA DAWA is a powerful time for other sentient beings before hicitta. Masters such as Chekhawa oneself. A shepherd would seek Yeshi Dorji and Patrul Rimpoche to cultivate Jangchubsem (བང་ཆབ་ བན་ཆབ་སམས་མཆག་རན་པོ་ཆ།། grass, water and safety for his further elaborated on the different སམས་) or Bodhicitta, the thought མ་སས་པ་རམས་ས་གར་ཅག ། of enlightenment or awakening. It flock before he seeks his own ways of generating Bodhicitta. སས་པ་ཉམས་པ་མད་པར་ཡང་། ། is a desire to take all sentient be- comfort. The middling type, like In later Mahāyāna writings, གང་ནས་གང་ད་འཕལ་བར་ཤོག ། ings, leaving no one behind, to the the wishes of a boatman (དད་ Bodhicitta is divided into relative May the precious and sublime ultimate state of happiness, which དཔོན་ལ་བའ་སམས་བསད་), wishes Bodhicitta and ultimate Bodhicitta Bodhicitta is Buddhahood. Bodhicitta is con- both oneself and others to reach of which the latter refers to the gno- Which has not arisen arise. sidered as the essence of Mahāyāna enlightenment simultaneously. sis of Emptiness, the ultimate state of May that which has arisen, not Buddhism. It is also known as A boatman would wish for both being. This idea is further developed diminish, himself and others to reach in the Vajrayāna systems to refer to But increase more and more. Semkye (སམས་བསད་) or cultivation of the thought, i.e. the altruistic the other shore together. The the empty and luminous nature of thought to benefit all sentient be- inferior type, like the intention the mind, which is primordially free, of a king ( ), ings. Just as taking refuge ( སབས་འག་ རལ་པོ་ལ་བའ་སམས་བསད་ ) is said to differentiate Buddhists seeks enlightenment for himself from non-Buddhists, Semkye is first so that he can help others said to distinguish the followers also reach it. A king first takes of Mahāyāna from non-Mahāyāna. the throne and position of power The entire Mahāyāna system is and prosperity himself and then characterized by the theory and looks after his subjects. Bodh- Sudoku practice of Bodhicitta. icitta is also classified in various Maitreya, in his famous work on other ways in to four, five, six, the Perfection of Wisdom, defines twenty-two, etc. in order to help Bodhicitta as ‘the desire to reach people generate it as easily and the perfect state of enlightenment frequently as possible. The theory and practice of for the sake of others’ (སམས་བསད་པ་ Bodhicitta was passed down ན་གཞན་དོན་ཕར། །ཡང་དག་རོགས་པའ་བང་ཆབ་ through two Mahāyāna tra- འདོད། །). According to his defini- tion, Bodhicitta has two compo- ditions: the Profound View nents: compassion which acutely tradition (ཟབ་མོ་ལ་བའ་སོལ་) passed feels the suffering of sentient be- down from Nāgārjuna and his ings and wisdom which seeks full followers and Vast Praxis (ར་ཆན་ enlightenment as the ultimate so- སོད་པའ་སོལ་) tradition transmit- lution to the suffering. In practice, ted by Asaṅga and his followers. Bodhicitta is often experienced as The theories and techniques an earnest wish to take all sentient of Bodhicitta practice from the beings to the unsurpassable perfect Profound View tradition were transmitted to Tibet and Bhutan state of the Buddha (སམས་ཅན་ཐམས་ by masters such as Padmasamb- ཅད་བ་ན་མད་པ་རོགས་པའ་སངས་རས་ཀ་ག་ hava and Śāntarakṣita and the འཕང་ལ་འགད་པར་ཤོག་). Śāntideva classified Bodhicitta Vast Praxis tradition by Atīśa into two types of Aspiring Bod- Dipaṃkara and others. Śāntideva, a champion hicitta (བང་ཆབ་སོན་པའ་སམས་) and promoter of Bodhicitta, pres- Engaged Bodhicitta (བང་ཆབ་འཇག་ ents the practice of Bodhicitta པའ་སམས་). The first is the desire to take all sentient beings to Buddha- through equality between one- hood, like a wish to go somewhere, self and others (བདག་གཞན་མཉམ་ and the second is to engage in the པ་), exchange between oneself activities to take them to Bud- and others (བདག་གཞན་བར་བ་), and dhahood, like making the journey the six perfections (ཕར་ཕན་དག་ towards a destination. The people ). Śāntideva extols Bodhicitta who generate Bodhicitta and act in as the quintessential cream of How to play Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 My Space X 3 box contains the numbers My Space is a sanctuary for creative engagement. come—read- 1 through 9. ers and writers—share your creative work with us at

[email protected] Answer Answer PERSPECTIVE Monday, May 25, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 9 Our solutions are in nature In the Hindu epic Ramayana, of the vast Kubuqi Desert in edge is vital for NbS in Hanuman, the divine monkey China, NbS have solved major mountains god, rushes to the Himalaya problems faced by societies Knowledge generated and to fetch a medicinal herb to around the world. accumulated by indigenous save Lakshmana’s life. Hanu- communities in the HKH for man carries back an entire NbS for the moun- generations has helped them mountain full of medicinal tains adapt to climate-related and herbs, among them the San- NbS are particularly impor- other stressors. Traditional jeevani plant, which saves tant for the mountains. Moun- practices supported by nature Lakshmana from certain tain ecosystems host half of help in not only dealing with death. Ramayana as it turns the world’s biodiversity hot- stressors but also managing out has for centuries – along spots and are home to ancient nature sustainably. with folklores, mythical sto- indigenous cultures and eth- For example, local com- ries, traditional beliefs, and nic groups. These ecosystems munities in mountainous cultures around the globe – provide diverse services such Nepal plant bamboo to been showing us the value of population of wildlife has de- energy, clean transport, recy- as biodiversity and freshwater regulate runoff and con- nature not only for sustaining creased by 60%, and a third cling, and circular economy to half of humanity. An exam- serve soil in gullies and em- life but also for the solutions it of the world’s arable land has are a few NbS which contrib- ple of this is the HKH, which ploy traditional irrigation provides to complex problems been converted to deserts. ute to economic growth with- directly supports the lives and practices along contours. and uncertainties. This burden on nature out burdens on nature. livelihoods of 240 million peo- Indigenous communities in International Biodiversity is resulting in a massive loss Similarly, the transbound- ple living in the mountains northeast India and Myanmar Day on May 22, 2020 was of biodiversity. The degrad- ary landscape approach is an and provides water to 1.65 bil- have conserved crop diversity celebrated under the theme ing health of ecosystems and innovative approach that uses lion people downstream. The and maintained knowledge “Our solutions are in nature”, the services they provide not the NbS framework to tackle diversity and rich resources about wild edible plants that and provides the perfect op- only undermine nature’s abil- challenges shared by people of the mountains provide are important sources of nu- portunity for us to reflect on, ity to support wellbeing and and ecosystems beyond po- immense opportunities for trients and contribute to food value, and sustainably utilize economic growth but also litical boundaries. An exam- nature-based solutions. and nutritional security of the restorative and replenish- make us vulnerable to differ- ple of the approach is well re- For instance, utilizing the households in the mountains. ing power of nature. ent changes, including climate flected in ICIMOD’s Regional elevation gradients of moun- Similarly, the mountain Since time immemorial, change and disasters. A vivid Programme on Transbound- tains to increase agrobiodi- communities of Badakhshan nature has been the basis of example of this is the ongoing ary Landscapes in the Hindu versity, revisiting traditional Province in Afghanistan have our life, development, and COVID-19 pandemic, which is Kush Himalaya (HKH), which farming techniques, using combated the accelerated re- adaptation to change. From inextricably linked with nature aims to conserve and sustain- high-river gradients to moval of medicinal plants in catering to our ever-growing and humans. The loss of biodi- ably use natural resources for properly manage irrigation, their region which could have demand of food and water to versity and destruction of na- generating co-benefits to na- and revitalizing grasslands severely impacted health se- helping lessen global warm- ture is directly linked to most ture and people at the scale of by conserving mountain wet- curity in the rural province by ing by absorbing and storing zoonotic diseases, including larger landscapes defined by lands can greatly counteract revitalizing the indigenous carbon to enriching our en- the emergence of COVID-19, ecosystems. The programme the negative effects of climate knowledge of medicinal vironment and providing a which has brought the world brings together not only change in the region. The nu- plants and traditional medi- sense of community, nature to a standstill and ushered in countries but also diverse merous positive results from cine practices. Therefore, an has been crucial for sustain- a period of great uncertainty. stakeholders to cooperate and reviving traditional farming, integrated approach combin- ing life on Earth. Nature not work towards the common promoting local food sys- ing the rich traditional knowl- only provides humankind Nature-based solu- goal of balancing conserva- tems, value chain develop- edge and modern technology, with basic necessities but also tions are the future tion and sustainable develop- ment for mountain produce, and privileging a role for local nurtures us physically, intel- Solutions to much of what ails ment. This is important not and restoration have high- communities and institutions, lectually, and spiritually. For society today can be found in only for the conservation of lighted the significance of is important to tap into the instance, recent research on nature. Nature-based solu- biodiversity (especially flag- NbS even more. Of particular numerous solutions provided the Japanese practice of shin- tions (NbS) are those actions ship species and wide-rang- importance is the integration by nature to better adapt to rin-yoku or “forest bathing” which encourage the protec- ing species) but also for im- of rich traditional knowledge climate and other changes. – which is just being in the tion, sustainable manage- proving the adaptive capacity and practices in agriculture, This takes us back again presence of trees – indicates ment, and restoration of natu- of communities to changes. forest and rangeland resto- to the anecdote of Hanuman its potential to improve intel- ral or modified ecosystems to Equally important is ration, and spring rejuvena- and the lifesaving herbs found lectual and spiritual wellbeing. address societal challenges the river basin approach, tion. For example, jholmol – a in the Himalaya. This is still while simultaneously sup- which considers upstream– bio-pesticide and nutrient relevant today: Nature is a life- Nature gives, but we porting human wellbeing and downstream linkages. For supplement – contributes saver and should be protected snatch biodiversity benefits. Innova- example, the restoration of to improving plant health for posterity. The indigenous Expanding human activities tions, particularly in technol- natural forests upstream will through effective disease traditional knowledge sys- over the past centuries have ogy and economy, supported not only increase carbon control. The exemplary forest tems supported and nurtured been exponentially ravaging by nature have been gaining sequestration but benefit restoration efforts by women by nature could be integrated nature. With the onset of the increasing attention recently, the downstream area with from the Dumrithumka Adar- into the NbS approach to Industrial Revolution in the including endorsement by nutrient-rich soil and provide sha Mahila Community For- generate co-benefits for both mid-18th century, we have the Secretary General of the essential services like water est User Group in Udayapur, nature and people. made remarkable progress United Nations. NbS are seen for drinking and irrigation, Nepal has received national ICMOD urges people to in terms of accessibility to as a crucial step towards cli- habitat for a variety of species, and international recogni- join hands to protect and basic necessities, improve- mate change adaptation by and fresh air. There are count- tion, including the 2017 Bird- nurture nature for our shared ment in health and educa- the United Nations Frame- less examples of NbS proving life Nature’s Heroes Award. prosperity and future genera- tion, and other materialistic work Convention on Climate to be effective long-term and Similarly, the spring reju- tions. services – but the drain on Change and other global cost-efficient approaches to venation is an exceptional Contributed by Sunita natural resources has been agencies, including the Glob- tackling climate change and example of NbS for climate Chaudhary, Biraj Adhi- massive. Nature has been ex- al Center on Adaptation. Sus- other problems. From coun- change adaptation and en- kari, and Kesang Wang- ploited beyond its limits and tainable Development Goals tering droughts through the suring future water security. chuk boundaries: almost half of the have been specifically framed management of watersheds ICIMOD forest area has been lost, the to enhance NbS. Renewable in El Salvador to the greening Indigenous knowl- DZONGKHAG PAGE 10 Monday, May 25, 2020| KUENSEL Zorig Chusum students learn and earn with institute closed Neten Dorji | Trashiyangtse tional classes “Some stu- dents don’t have access to The students of College of online facilities, especially Zorig Chusum in Trashi- those who live in places with yangtse is making the most poor connectivity. It is dif- of the closure of schools and ficult for both the teachers institutes due to the Covid-19 and students as we have to pandemic. teach sketch practically,” With the skills they ac- said a teacher. quired, they are killing two However, he said they birds with a stone. While they keep students engaged send- keep honing their skills, they ing assignment on other sub- are also earning a decent in- ject like Mathematics, Eng- come from doing temporary lish and on social jobs painting or carving. media. Some, meanwhile, have re- College’s principal, Kin- turned to their villages to help ley Penjore said most of the their parents in the farms. subjects involve practical Karma, who is pursu- hands-on lessons. “It is dif- ing National certificate level ficult to teach online,” he said three, stayed back in Trashi- adding that the institute had yangtse after the institute sent students home with the- closed last month. He and Karma paints a debri of Buddha ory notes and other sketch a friend, Sangay Wangdi are notes to practice at home. engaged in painting. He said skills. “I could earn Nu 20,000 than listening to theories in the practical, it was difficult to The teachers keep stu- although they have to sit for this month carving on a choe- class,” he said. “In practical, I learn lessons online. “The dents engage with giving examination on skills, their shum (altar). I got another can learn through mistake and general students can learn assignments on English and instructors created WeChat two ordered,” he said. “As we also teacher correct me.” through television and other other subjects on WeChat and groups and other online fo- have focus more on practical He said, he decided to facilities, but it is difficult for Facebook messenger services. rums to teach them. work, it is difficult to learn stay with relatives and learn us as we have to learn more Students were also provided “While the mornings and lessons sent through on- additional skills by doing doing practical,” he said. printed copy of drawing, evenings are occupied with line, but we are learning on practical works. “I didn’t Teachers said that the sketch and other textbooks to online classes, I use the free sketches that teachers send reached that level to learn, biggest challenge is instruc- keep them engaged. hours during day to paint us online.” but it would help me in fu- thangkas (scrolls),” he said Kelzang Dawa stayed ture. I can also earn pocket adding that his dream is to back with his relatives who money.” become a skilled painter and are teachers of the institute. Meanwhile, Choining make a living out of painting. He is engaged in painting a Dorji, 23, from Chagkadeymi TOMORROW Another students, Kar- debri (wall painting) together has returned to his village sang Dawa said his parent with his teacher inside teach- to help his parents after the Good Day supported him to stay at ers room in Trashiyangtse. institute closed. He said as Trashiyangtse and learn “I could learn more this way most of their lessons are Bad Day Greenhouse for a green diet A good day for rituals (laza): those born in the rat and pig years. Phub Dem | Paro The dzongkhag team Tsento Mangmi Chencho Generally a good day (sogza): helped the villagers make the Gyeltshen said that years ago those born in the ox, dragon and dog Yaktsa and Nubri are remote beds and sow the seeds. similar greenhouse project years. villages under The low-cost greenhouse was tried but failed due to A bad day (shedza): in Paro that depends solely uses wood in place of steel heavy snowfall. those born in the snake and horse years. on yaks and cordyceps. poles. He, however said that the The people here grow cold “It is a pilot project. If it is project won’t fail this time as season crops such as potato, successful, every household they used woods in place of spinach, radish, and turnip. will get a greenhouse each steel. Time of issue: 04:00 PM, Earlier this month, the from next year,” Tandin said. Nedup from Yaktsa ex- SUNRISE : 5:08 am |SUNSET : 6:48 pm 24 May 2020 dzongkhag administration Cabbage, broccoli, let- pects a bountiful harvest of Paro built five low-cost tuce, mustard, coriander from the greenhouse soon. greenhouse in Yaktsa and seed were given free to the He said that the highland- Nubri with the aim to diver- households. ers had to buy the vegetables Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing sify the highlanders’ diet. Due to fertile land and all the way from Paro town Dzongkhag Agriculture high quality manure, he said and had to hire horses to 14 18 17 26 26 Officer (DAO), Tandin, said that the dzongkhag focused transport the essential items. that the project was aimed on organic agriculture, as it Nedup said, “Besides 9 13 11 22 19 at achieving vegetable self- was feasible in the chiwog. potato and turnip, we can sufficiency in the chiwog, at Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. Each greenhouse cost Nu now focus on different veg- For any weather information: Call hotline 335578 least during the summer. 12,500. etables.”

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