KUENSELTHAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED FRIDAY, A UGUST 28, 2020t/V Around 400 workers of PII want to go home PII management will facilitate their journey back home
Phurpa Lhamo | Wangdue
About 400 workers of the Punatsangchhu-II hydro- electric project (PII) have submitted their names to project authorities express- ing their wish to leave for India. This came after nearly 500 workers of the Jaiprakash Associates Limited (Jay- pee Group), a construction company working for PII, came together demanding to go home yesterday. The 0GGJDJBMTPOEVUZFOTVSFUIBUSFTJEFOUTGPMMPXIFBMUIQSPUPDPMXIJMFUIFZBSFPVU Pg 6 crowd gathered around 9am in front of the Jaypee Group office in Wangdue. For the past few months, hundreds of PII workers had Inside expressed their concern and Covid-19 positive HOME wanted to leave for home. Most workers pointed out Paro relaxes that they had stayed in lockdown Bhutan for long and now frontline worker outside towns wished to leave. Others rea- Pg 5 soned family issues and the upcoming celebration of major festivals in India like moved to Thimphu the Durga Puja. Weather The PII management All contacts of the case were frontline workers as of yesterday led by chairman Lyonpo Loknath Sharma has en- Nima | Gelephu workers were quarantined. The patient had travelled THIMPHU sured to help the workers The surveillance and contact till Samtenling (Bhur) gewog leave at the earliest. Lyon- arpang like any tracing continues. while on duty, according to the po Loknath Sharma reached other dzongkhags The close contacts of the officials. 27 11 Wangdue yesterday after- in the country case include three health of- Medical Superintendent MAX MIN noon and immediately met was on its way to ficials who attended him at of CRRH, Dr Dorji Tshering with the workers. Lyonpo ease the lockdown the emergency ward. The said the man could have been also visited the campsites Swhen a frontline worker test flu-screening centre located exposed while at work. “But, to meet with the workers, positive for Covid-19 yester- separately in the old hospital we will have to rule out other 53"4)*("/( listening to their concerns day. block is operational from 9am sources of infection with ac- and hosted a dinner for the The 22-year-old frontline till 3pm. tive surveillance, which is un- workers yesterday. worker, who is the third posi- The surveillance and derway,” he said. Lyonpo Loknath Sharma 26 16 tive case in the dzongkhag, vis- contact tracing team from He added that the officials MAX MIN said that the worker’s imme- ited Gelephu Central Regional Gelephu CRRH collected over were wearing protective gear diate request was that they Referral Hospital’s emergency 80 samples from the point of like gloves, masks, and face be sent home. He added that ward with flu-like symptoms to- entry in Gelephu and Bhur shields, among others while the workers were of an un- wards midnight on Wednesday. gewog. on duty. “There could have derstanding that the govern- The patient was referred to The frontline worker was been a breach of protocol ment wasn’t allowing them Thimphu yesterday. on duty at the point of entry but we have to rule out other to leave. “From our side, we Over 30 contacts of the near the border gate since sources of infection,” he said. can send them any time. positive case, all frontline August 7. Pg 2 Pg 2 www.kuenselonline.com HOME PAGE 2 Friday, August 28, 2020| KUENSEL Covid-19 positive frontline worker moved to Thimphu
From Pg 1 identified and movement The contacts of the case within the gewogs eased. also include officials from The dzongkhag was di- immigration, health offi- vided into four different cials, De-Suups, and police zones: towns that include officials who were on duty at Gelephu thromde, a buffer the Bhutan India border gate. zone that includes four chi- CRRH has temporar- wogs surrounding Gelephu ily suspended mobile clinic Thromde, and Sarpang tar, service that was started to and gewogs. provide the people with es- A resident from Gelephu said it was worrying and also sential medical services dur- Gelephu Flu Clinic ing the lockdown. confusing how the patient The number of vehicles was infected despite the bor- hitting the road reduced der gate being closed since drastically, the roads and the lockdown. the queues leading to shops “Earlier there was a risk Around 400 workers of PII want to go home authorised to open during from vegetable imports and the lockdown saw fewer cus- other heavy vehicles. It’s tomers. scary now,” he said. The third positive case The two women who test- was reported when the ed positive to Covid-19 were dzongkhag Covid-19 task moved to the de-isolation force was charting plans to facility for two weeks after distribute movement cards testing negative on the RT- to the residents. Zones were PCR test on Tuesday.
TV Schedule August 28, 2020 Lyonpo Loknath Sharma met PII workers yesterday and arranged a dinner for more than Butsu Rigpa Chen (Short Film) 9am 2,800 workers of Jaypee Group Live Press Briefng 11am From Pg 1 would disrupt the hydro- we will be okay.” Sangwa 12pm There are formalities to be power construction work. However, Bhutanese completed from the Indian “But human beings are more would be given priority. Coronavirus: Your Stories 12:30pm government side as well. That important for us, their fami- is why I am going to take all lies are more important for Critical works at PHPA to Hardtalk 8:30pm the forms and the list and go us, their sentiments are more begin BBC News Special 9pm to the Indian Embassy.” important for us.” Despite the shortage of work- Lyonpo said that the man- Lyonpo also expressed ers at PII, the project man- concerns over the worker’s agement has plans to begin Savage Family Diggers 9:10pm agement would request the Indian embassy to expedite experience in Bhutan and its critical works in PI and PII. Expedition Unknown With Josh Gates 9:30pm the process. “Not all of them impact in future. Lyonpo Loknath Sharma After over 400 workers said that the management Man Vs Wild 10:30pm are from West Bengal, some are from other parts—each left for India last month, the had talked with the dzong- State has their own route of construction companies of khag taskforce with regard to Ultimate Guide to UFC 7:30pm transit. Bus and trains are not PI and PII announced vacan- continuation of the critical Kick-Of 8:30pm available.” cies. The project had plans to works. Many workers of the pro- recruit Bhutanese workers. He added that the man- Impact Wrestling 10:30pm ject usually leave for home PII announced around 268 agement was developing a after a few months’ stay in vacancies. Standard Operating Proce- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider 5:40pm Bhutan. However, as of mid-July dure (SOP). “We have some Jaypee Group today has only 17 vacancies were filled. specific work such as at the Shazam 9:30pm around 2,800 workers. Prior Lyonpo Loknath Sharma powerhouse, which can be Final Destination 11:50pm to the lockdown, more than said that the project’s plan done with a certain number 1,000 workers left for home. to recruit Bhutanese had not of workers.” Eleven workers who were worked. “We are also thinking If possible, work at the Baby’s Days Out 7:40pm to leave on August 11 were about bringing workers from critical sites will begin today. stranded because of the lock- India as replacement. The The workforce would be man- Beauty And The Beast 9:30pm down. management and contractors aged with the available work- Cinderella 11pm Lyonpo Loknath Sharma are working on it. If we can ers at the project. said that the workers leaving bring in around 500 workers HOME Friday, August 28, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3 Tenants in despair, hope for rent waivers Tshering Palden who runs a pharmacy shop measure put in place to com- Lhamo, 35, from Pema- nationwide lockdown shut in Gelephu town said it was bat the outbreak. gatshel, said that she would her business. She is hoping Besides the Covid-19 virus, difficult to earn even a few “But, it’s difficult when not be able to pay rent this for a rent waiver from the many residents, mainly thousand despite having the benefit of the govern- month and the landlord has building owner. those running small busi- a permit to open his shop ment’s initiative is not reach- not indicated any discount in Having invested all her nesses or private sector twice a week. ing us,” he said. the rent. savings in setting up the res- employees, in urban areas “I won’t be able to afford With a huge drop in busi- “I don’t have other al- taurant, she said that she was across the country are faced the rent this time for sure. nesses, private and corporate ternative sources of income already running into loss. with a major problem which Hardly any customer came companies are also strategis- and also have to look after my She said that she would they say is more pressing to buy medicine,” he said. ing how to minimise costs poor parents in the village.” have to leave the restaurant than the pandemic. Bir Bahadur Tamang including cutting the salary With restricted move- if there was no reduction, as Many businesses con- and the tenants of the same of employees. Some are al- ment, cab drivers in the coun- there was no business at all. tinue to remain shut. Eco- building, who are running ready on half salary. Others try are left with no income. However, some landlords nomic activities have come small businesses, received a are drawing up more desper- Most have volunteered with have waived the rents by to a halt since the govern- one-time rent waiver of Nu ate measures as lockdown the Bhutan Red Cross Society certain percentage starting ment declared lockdown on 1,500 to date. continues. to help in Covid-19 response. March. Pema from Lamgong August 11. “It’s been quite some- A shopkeeper in Sam- It has been more than two said that her landlord re- Some residents in time after the government drupjongkhar town, Namgay weeks for Karma Phuntsho, a duced the rent to Nu 8,000 Phuentsholing, which is a announced a loan waiver. has similar concerns about taxi driver from Satsham in from Nu 12,000. red zone and has new cases But it’s unfair to see that we paying rent for two spaces Paro without any income. Meanwhile, a house almost every day, were are not able to get the ben- but without income. “Shop He is worried about the owner, Sangay said that her served notice to pay their efit from the Kidu,” he said. is the main source of income payment of rent and other family’s only source of in- rent already. He will have to pay a rent for me.” dues, as his saving has already come was the rent. “It is dif- With no end in sight for of Nu 10,000 for the phar- “Although some home- exhausted. “If the lockdown ficult during lockdown for my the lockdown, a grocer in macy shop and another Nu owners have to pay loans, extends, I am worried.” His family as well.” She said that town said he was worried 5,000 as rent for the apart- it would help if they could house owner hasn’t reduced the rent took care of the fam- about meeting the basic ment where his family lives. waive a small portion of the the rent so far. ily’s grocery and bills. needs of his family. For now, But his income this rent because I have to pay A young woman opened paying the rent is bugging month is only Nu 8,000. about Nu 100,000 a month a restaurant in Paro after re- Additional reporting him. He said that the lock- for my apartment and shop,” turning from the Middle East from Phub Dem, Nima, and Bir Bahadur Tamang down was an important Namgay said. recently. Two weeks later, the Kelzang Wangchuk Jomotshangkha makes own movement cards Kelzang Wangchuk | for two hours. The four Samdrupjongkhar movement timings are di- vided between 8am to 6pm. The Jomotshangkha drung- “One movement card was khag Covid-19 task force issued to a household in the came up with their own de- respective zone, and vehicle sign for the movement card movement is not allowed.” as they lack the printing The drungpa said that press or facilities like other since the drungkhag does dzongkhags. not have printing presses or The task force had de- facilities like other dzong- signed the movement card khags, the task force printed and printed in black and the cards in black and white white because they could and distributed them to not travel to Samdrupjong- about 224 households in the khar to print the cards due four zones. There are about to lockdown. 1,500 people in the town. Officials used sketch He said that the task pens to colour about 25 force members and De-Su- cards for the essential and ups completed the distribu- medical suppliers. tion of the cards on August The incident command- 25 and implemented the er (IC) and Jomotshangkha movement pass in the re- drungpa, Lamdak Wangdi, spective zones on the same said that the Jomotshangkha day. town was divided into four “People have to wear zones- north throm, east the face masks, wash hands throm, upper throm, and and follow the health pro- lockdown in the gewogs. “For monitoring, we others while the gups and lower throm. tocols.” People in the gewogs are al- deployed police, foresters, local leaders also monitor He said the movement Meanwhile, the drung- lowed to carry out farming army, De-Suups and retired the situation in the gewogs,” for cardholders is allowed khag task force lifted the and other works like before. armed forces (RAF), among Lamdak Wangdi said. EDITORIAL PAGE 4 Friday, August 28, 2020 | KUENSEL A genuine MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN concern or many Bhutanese with a single source of income, the last week of the month is the best week. It is, even if for a few days, the time when they have cash in hand or balance in their account. Rents and dues Fare paid, empty LPG cylinders are refilled, essentials are bought and if lucky, spare a few for a family treat. This August, it is not going to be the same. The salaried group, civil servants and most corporate employees have little to worry, as the salary and the various allowances are credited in their account even if many stopped working since August 10. Daily wage earners, part timers and the thousands in the informal Literate cats: sector depending on small shops and eateries will feel This pair of felines the pinch of the lockdown this week. appears to be deeply Shops, except for a few identified, have not opened engrossed in that since they abruptly closed on August 11 morning. Many handwritten note found themselves workless when they woke up with the Photo: Ugyen Lhendup, news of the lockdown. After remaining idle for nearly ulhendup17@ three weeks, the greatest fear is the knock on the door education.gov.bt from the landlord asking for house rent. Businesses were affected since March when Bhutan recorded the first Covid-19 positive case. There were no Send in your pictures to: [email protected] complete shutdowns. The discount house owners gave after they benefited from the government’s monetary policy eased the burden. Some waived off house rents MY SAY for a month or two, some gave generous discounts while some argued that they had no loans to pay. The lockdown is different. Apart from a few critical industries, offices, shops and all businesses are closed. Let's play our part The hope is that there will be concessions because the little they have needs to be spent on essentials. The rea- son is that the second phase of the Covid-19 monetary and not complain measures are still in place. As the Covid-19 positive suddenly and not many to go on this way. Our small Those with loans need not pay interest on the loan cases rose in the country, people were prepared. contribution to the country until September and there is a concession of 50 percent schools were shut, borders Some had run out of food can make a huge difference. from October until March next year. Payment of loan were sealed, commercial stock. Even the shops did Stay home and be safe. You itself is deferred for one year without penal interest. flights were suspended and not have enough stock. might find it difficult but businesses and shops closed. People were worried but this is the only way to break It would be unfair to avail discounts or waivers to all, All these were done to save the government under the the chain of coronavirus but there are people whose means for livelihood has the country from the deadly guidance of our King had transmission. Let's do it. suddenly disappeared with the lockdown. Coronavirus. But the number made arrangements. There Let’s take care of our There is no compulsion and the government will not of positive cases keep on will always be supply of food physical and mental health, intervene as they feel it is the “moral responsibility” of increasing, almost everyday. stocks. protect ourselves and others. In Bhutan, all the cases When the government Let us not complain about the house owners. However, no one is certain when the were imported until the trace and the Kings have done service delivery. lockdown will ease so that people could go about with was lost in Phuentsholing. It this, we as citizens must be The country is going to be their lives. Like in the first quarter of the year, some was soon followed by more grateful, cooperative and safer only if we abide by the house owners will step up, without having to be told, cases. There was community obedient. health protocols. to help their fellow citizens. transmission and we had to This is the 19th day of Chola As we wait to see another week pass by in lockdown, declare nationwide lockdown. the lockdown and no one Thimphu The lockdown came knows how long is it going whether the government should intervene or leave it up to house owners is worth pondering over. The govern- ment has come to the rescue with the monetary poli- cies. If the lockdown, an extraordinary circumstance, Make your opinions known. Send your letters to continues for long, the benefits of the policies is a good reason to convince property owners to let some of the [email protected] benefits trickle down to the tenants. Letters are edited for space and clarity
MANAGING DIRECTOR - Bachu Phub Dorji, MANAGING EDITOR - Ugyen Penjor, PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, MARKETING & SALES GM - Karma J Yangzom, KANGLUNG REGIONAL MANAGER - Ugyen Wangdi DZONGKHAG Friday, August 28, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5 Paro relaxes lockdown outside towns Phub Dem | Paro
With no new Covid-19 cases Considering for a week, residents in buff- the population er zones and gewogs in Paro started moving out of their density and five homes yesterday. positive cases Except for farmers work- from these areas, ing in the fields and herding the place still cattle, there was no rush in remains a high- stores nor people loitering in the open space. risk zone.” Jitsiphu, which is the hub for shoppers in Tsento gewog, saw only a few cus- tomers. Khandu Wangmo rushed enter into another zone. “But to a nearby grocery store to the essential service provid- buy some goods for her four- ers will continue to deliver year-old child. She said that the goods.” it was convenient to visit the He added that wholesale shops and buy the required dealers would also deliver things rather than ordering essential goods to the retail it through service delivery. shops in gewog and buffer “As service delivery is zones if the shops run out only for essential goods, we of stock. don’t get the things as per Even small grocery shops in Tsento remain open for customers As per the standard op- our desire.” erating procedure, the iden- head Besides, another resi- tified shops have to setup dent said that it usually took morning, afternoon and nothing in our area.” fied in the buffer zones don’t handwashing facilities, and two to three days for the or- evening starting from 8am Dzongdag Tenzin Thinley have the necessary goods, the the customers should follow dered goods to reach home. to 7pm. said that if the shops identi- residents were not allowed to strict health protocols. “Easing the lockdown has Movement of the individ- been of immense help.” uals from the same building Paro dzongkhag admin- will have different timing. istration distributed move- Except for farm works ment cards to residents in and cattle herding, move- the buffer zone on Wednes- ment between gewogs is day. restricted. However, movement Only a member from card is not distributed in each household in gewogs Tshongdue town along with is allowed to move from 9 high alert zone—Bonday, am to 5pm. But it is limited Chang Mendi and Woochu. to a maximum of five peo- Paro Dzongdag Tenzin ple working in the fields in Thinley said, “Consider- a group. ing the population density Paro dzongdag said that and five positive cases from the gewog officials, along these areas, the place still with Food Corporation of remains a high-risk zone.” Bhutan, would distribute He said that the dzong- essential items if the zones khag would allow movement do not have shops in their in the town area only after area. Besides, he said that the health ministry and gov- construction works were al- ernment declare it safe. lowed in gewogs. The dzongkhag is divid- For Dawa Choden from ed into three zones: town, Nemjo under Lungnyi buffer zones, and gewogs. gewog, the movement card Chiwogs that are adja- won’t ease the hassle of buy- cent to the town zone and ing essential goods. She said share boundaries with the that the small general stores area are identified as a buff- in her zone don’t have any er zone. required essential goods. Each individual in the Another resident Tsh- buffer zones is allowed to ewang Rinzin said that the move around their zone for cards would be helpful three hours. The movement only for walking around the duration is divided into paddy fields and refresh oneself. “Otherwise, there is DZONGKHAG PAGE 6 Friday, August 28, 2020| KUENSEL Trashigang residents relieved as lockdown eases Neten Dorji | Trashigang said he feels much relief support the government and A civil servant said that for move around.” after they were allowed to follow the health protocol many people, they have been Deyjung wholesale owner, When the officials and vol- move around. “It has been while everyone is out. cooped up in their homes by Yeshi Zangmo said that not unteers came knocking and quite tough and really hard “We are very excited when watching television and stay- many people are coming out delivering the movement to stay at home without any we get the movement cards,” ing with children. “Being able like the first day of easing the passes, residents of Trashi- work for weeks.” said Dolma Lhamo, who runs to get out again is a big deal,” lockdown. “During the lock- gang were much relieved Another resident, Sangay the business. “It has been re- he said. “But people need to down, we used to get orders that the process to lift the Zangmo said she was happy ally tough for me. Now I feel be responsible and follow from more than 10 house- lockdown has begun. that at least she could buy relaxed.” the government’s advice on holds in a day, now it has re- Residents have gradu- the food items thats her fam- The residents thanked health and safety.” duced,” she said adding that ally appeared on the streets ily wanted. “With movement His Majesty The King and Officials monitor strictly. people now only order heavy of Trashigang that donned cards, we can buy every- the government for easing the They ensure people follow things. a deserted look in the past thing, as per our needs and lockdown and allowing them every health safety protocol. Meanwhile, the number two weeks. choice.” to move around in a regulated “I feel comfortable with of calls to Trashigang opera- Thukten Zangpo, who She said it is also time to manner. the protocols we have in tion centre for delivery ser- works at a private company, Another resident, Thinley place,” said a graduate, refer- vices has dropped after resi- Wangchuk said: “You can al- ring to wearing face mask, dents were allowed to move ready tell that there is a sense washing hands and keeping out of their homes. “We used of relief from people being physical distance. to receive 70 calls in a day for able to do shopping them- “To stay at home is most essential items and other pur- selves again. It brings a little difficult for youth like me,” poses. It has dropped to 40 Lhuentse divided more of that feeling of normal he said. “It is a relief for me calls today,” an operator said. into three zones coming back.” since we get four hours to Tshering Namgyal | Mongar The dzongdag who is also the dzongkhag inci- Lhuentse dzongkhag is di- dent commander said while vided into three zones ex- gewog vehicles (Boleros) cluding the gewogs. Phaling were deployed to cater es- town near the dzong area, sentials to rural communi- Autsho in the lower and ties, many volunteers came Khoma gewog area in the forward with their private middle are the three zones. vehicles to supplement the Phaling town has 140 house- transportation needs. holds, Autsho has about 130 A self-sufficient dzong- and Khoma has around 45 khag in vegetable and live- households. stock products, Lhuentse De-Suups started dis- dzongkhag supplied four tributing the movement DCM truckloads of surplus cards since Wednesday. vegetables and 130 trays Lhuentse Dzongdag, of eggs to Nganglam. The Jambay Wangchuk, said the dzongkhag also sent 153 kg implementation of move- of butter and 1200 balls of ment card would begin from cheese to Thimphu. August 29, as they would Meanwhile, 665 move- need a day for sorting out ment cards were distributed the cards and do neces- in Trashiyangtse yesterday sary corrections if there after dividing the dzongkhag are any. There are two time into four zones — Yangtse zones, three hours each in Throm I and Throm II zones, the morning and afternoon Doksum town zone and the where residents can shop gewog zones. from the identified shops. The dzongkhag Covid-19 The dzongkhag, accord- task force has issued cards ing to the dzongdag has to all three town zones and been doing well in terms also issued six special cards of door-door delivery of es- to single mothers and disa- sential items including LPG bled persons. cylinders. The dzongkhag People will be allowed to distributed almost all the move around in their zones essentials through Food starting tomorrow. Corporation of Bhutan F and Residents in respective farm shops, with only a few zones can move around from necessities unavailable with 9am-5pm, with their specific FCB arranged from identi- time. fied shops. ENTERTAINMENT Friday, August 28, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 7
Let’s Play THONG MA NYO
E B A B A Ngee metsey dhi na Bhum nga lu nyong ma chu B A E B Choe zum thong ma nyo Ngee sem gi rewa dhi choe gi PEMA DEKI E B A A E Rangwa me be ngee sem Dup na mae B A E B My father is from Paro and my mother is from Trashigang. I was Thuena lang ma chu Ngee sem gi rewa dhi choe gi born here in Thimphu. A E B A Dup na mae Your favourite Bhutanese song/ singer? Dha dhi zum bei dhungyel It amazes me how the young generations took over the music B A A E industry in such a short duration. We have so many upcoming Bhu nga lu nyong ma chu Jigten ge zamling gatey yea ru ra great singers in Bhutan and each of them have their own unique B A E tone that makes the song even more beautiful. Ngee sem gi rewa dhi choe gi Ai menchu bhum choe ra den bae mo My favorites will always be Mingzung and Ugyen Panday. A E A E Dup na mae Ai sem kha yea bei bhu choe en ru ra Somehow their songs never get old ! And yes I learn a lot from B A E them even today. Ngee sem gi rewa dhi choe gi Nga chae nge metsey zo zow en A E A B Three words that best describe you? Dup na mae Dha gadhe ben na nga Passionate Funny E B A E B A Dreamer Choe lu rachey kay dhi dhei Ngee metsey dhi na B A E B A E How do you past time these days? Hingtam shae ba wong na mae Choe zum thong ma nyo Cooking E B A E B A Spending time with my daughter Kaywei katsay zha na mae Ngee metsey dhi na B A E B A E Composing songs and working out Ngazami dhamtsi choe lu en Choe zum thong ma nyo B A Message for your fans during the lockdown? Dha dhi zum bei dhungyel I think It’s the best time to fnd yourself, who you are , what you want in life, fnd out what your passion is, your goals, and how you want to achieve them. And try to keep your mind occupied! And stay positive! BAD HABIT BEN PLATT
C Gm7 C Bb F You always said that I’d come back to you again Bad habit, I know Above this little town, you do F/A Bb F Gm7 C Gm7 F/A ‘Cause everybody needs a friend, it’s true But I’m needin’ you right now Look at me smile with tears in my eyes C Gm7 Bb Bb F Someone to quiet the voices in my head Can you help me out? I love the way you lie, I do Bb F C Make ‘em sing to me instead, it’s you Can I lean on you? [Pre-Chorus] C C [Pre-Chorus] Been one of those days Hate to say that I’m lonely C Gm7 Gm7 Hate to say that I love you Sun don’t wanna come out Hate to say that I miss you Gm7 F/A Bb Bb Hate to say that I need you Can you help me out? Hate to say that it’s dark in here Bb C F Hate to say that I want you Can I lean on you? But it’s true, oh F But I do [Verse 2] [Chorus] ... C Gm7 [Chorus] You make me feel like I’m foatin’ of the ground DIVER SION PAGE 8 Friday, August 28, 2020 | KUENSEL
Compassion is our natural state
happiness of others, it will Shenphen Zangpo was born in We read a lot about compassion in Buddhism, but practically how also bring us closer to reality. Swansea, UK, but spent more than do we make ourselves become kinder and more compassionate To put it in another way, it will be a cause of waking up 28 years practicing and studying to others? Buddhism in Taiwan and Japan. from the dream. I’ll end with a quote from Currently, he works with the youth TL, Thimphu and substance abusers in Bhutan, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche: “The symbol for compassion teaching meditation and organizing squabbling over toys or that can be identified as a on deeds that both benefit is one moon shining in the drug outreach programmes. coming to blows over who permanent and inherently others and, at the same time, sky while its image is reflected goes first in a game. We existing entity. As this bring us closer to our original in one hundred bowls of are at ease, and from this concept is often difficult to nature. Does this mean, then, water. The moon does not undisturbed state our natural grasp, it might be helpful to that we should refuse business WELL, actually compassion demand, ‘If you open to compassion and goodness undertake a classic Buddhist opportunities or reject high is our natural state, and so me, I will do you a favor and pours forth. Now, as this method of investigation. paid jobs and instead move to rather that ask how to make shine on you.’ The moon compassion is an expression Basically, you imagine that a remote cave? No, not all. It ourselves kinder, we should just shines. The point is not of our original mind, it is you are dissecting your body just means that we approach consider how to remove the to want to benefit anyone not contingent on outside – first perhaps removing an these things with the right obstacles that block it from or make them happy. There influences. Instead, like the arm and then asking yourself view – that like situations flowing forth. As an example, is no audience involved, warmth and light of the sun, where you are located. “Am that unfold in a dream, they Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche once no “me” and “them.” It is it naturally touches everyone I in the arm or the remaining will not bring us long-lasting said that if we see children a matter of an open gift, and everything equally, part of the body?” Probably happiness or contentment. running out in front of a bus we complete generosity without without discrimination. you will conclude that If we deeply understand instinctively reach out to stop the relative notions of giving To put it in another way, you are in the remaining this, then we will not use our them. At that time, we don’t and receiving.” by projecting its light and part. Now you repeat the wealth or power for selfish think about a reward, nor do I hope this short warmth, the sun is merely process with your other arm, ends, but instead use them we consider whether we know explanation was helpful. expressing its own nature and then your legs. Each to benefit others. In turn, this the children or if they are from *Buddha nature is and it doesn’t switch itself on time a piece of the body is will not only bring us worldly a rich or poor background. We common to all sentient beings and off according to whether removed you ask the same contentment, but, if the merit just reach out to grab them. and is the factor that enables people like it or not, nor does question: “Where am I?” derived from altruistic action That spontaneous reaction, us to attain enlightenment. Rinpoche says, is an expression it differentiate with regard After the limbs have been is dedicated to the ultimate of our Buddha nature.* to who or what receives it’s mentally taken away, you Chogyam Trungpa glow. It is the same with can then imagine that you Rinpoche referred to our innate compassion. It is not are removing the organs – at Buddha nature as ‘basic filtered by prejudices, but each stage you can make goodness’. By using this term, flows unobstructed as an the same enquiry: “Am I in Rinpoche reminds us that expression of our original the heart, liver, kidneys, etc ‘goodness’ is our natural state mind and touches everyone or in the remaining part of and so we don’t need to make without bias or prejudice. the body?” Now, as the body Sudoku ourselves better, but instead So, in daily life how do is reduced in size, you’ll need to reconnect to this innate we connect to our innate probably think that you are goodness. In this respect, the goodness? Basically, we no longer in the remaining blue sky is often used as an need to practice mindfulness part. But, in which section of example of our Buddha nature so that we are aware of the body did you disappear? while clouds are depicted the clouds and do not get Did you go with the heart as various manifestations entangled with them. What or maybe the stomach? of ignorance, attachment, are these clouds? Well, as In reality, you will not be and aversion, which appear mentioned above, they are able to identify a part of as disturbing thoughts. In the various manifestations of the body that you can say, reality, no matter how dense ignorance, attachment, and “This is me.” Other than the the clouds or how long they aversion. However, the root combination of parts that have obscured the blueness, of all these is ignorance. temporarily join together they do not in any way stain or Now, ignorance in a (blood, muscle, limbs, organs tarnish the purity of the sky. Buddhist context does not etc) there is no permanent In this respect, the initial aim mean lacking knowledge, and inherently existing entity of meditation is to connect but signifies holding the that can be identified as ‘I’. In to the blue sky of our original mistaken view that we and this respect, we note that the nature through the gaps that phenomenon are inherently thing we call me is no more exist between the thought- existing entities, which we real than a figure in a dream, clouds. Later, as our practice then try to promote and which also only exists as a develops, we naturally rest in protect. However, under combination of factors – the the vast and spacious sky and analysis, we discover that this mind perceiving the dream, just allow the clouds to come understanding is incorrect, past experiences, and the How to play and that in reality our body state of sleep. and go without any attachment Fill in the grid so that every row, every and the things that we can When we recognize that or aversion. Like an old man column, and every 3 X 3 box contains see, hear, touch, or even nothing is more real than a watching his grandchildren the numbers 1 through 9. play, we recognize that fighting think are nothing more than fleeting dream, we slowly
over property, money, or status a compilation of parts that detach from the obsessions Answer is no different from children temporarily bind together. In of building status, wealth, this respect, there is nothing and power and instead focus ASIA Friday, August 28, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 9 Fighting two pandemics hand in hand in Asia and the Pacific Ending hunger and poverty amid COVID-19 impacts will require leveraging agricultural technology, innovation and partnerships
lobal hunger natural resources such as has been on a water, indoor farming and regrettable rise consumer tools for nutri- in recent years, tion monitoring and smart and despite purchasing. Asia’sG economic clout, the There is no time to continent – home to more waste. Everyone needs to than half of the world’s lend a hand: governments, undernourished – has not academia, the private been spared. Now COVID- sector, UN agencies, civil 19 is leading to a slow- society organizations, inter- down of regional economic national financial institu- growth and further threat- tions and the people who ening food security. bring us the food we eat Southern Asia is par- – the smallholders. And our ticularly vulnerable, with hands need to be working the number of chronically in unison to overcome pan- underfed people projected demics that by definition to rise by almost a third affect and involve everyone. to 330 million by 2030. It FAO has rolled out the is also the only subregion Hand-in-Hand Initiative in the world, where more fying new marketing chan- source by enabling farmers is as dynamic as it is large. to tackle these collective than half the children nels (like e-commerce), to be more dynamic, entre- It has some of the best challenges, and the FAO from the poorest fifth increasing efficiency to preneurial and competitive agricultural scientists, Regional Conference for of society are stunted, a reduce losses, improve the through continual innova- institutions and innovative Asia and the Pacific, which condition that prejudices quality of products avail- tion. ideas. From Australia, New will be virtually hosted by their futures. But there are able and storage facilities, We need smallholder Zealand and the Pacific to Bhutan (1-4 September), challenges all around: The which are critical to flows farmers to produce nutri- China, India, Japan, South is the perfect opportunity Pacific Island States have of healthy foods and in- tious foods, without fear Korea, Singapore and for forty-six Members and the world’s highest child come to those who produce of crop failures, and we virtually every country in other partners to forge ways wasting rates, and East Asia them. Inclusive access to need to get those foods to between, innovators are to expedite action and lev- has the world’s highest finance to strengthen and the mouths of the hungry proving that everyone can erage resources. absolute costs for a healthy expand rural supply chains across the region and be- benefit from new technolo- By working together, diet – one that goes beyond is also crucial. yond. To do this, smallhold- gies and science. learning together and con- mere calorie counts to offer The Food and Agricul- ers desperately need access Examples range from tributing together, we can balanced nutrition. On top ture Organization of the to financial resources, tech- deploying drones to moni- overcome both pandemics of that, Asia and the Pacific United Nations (FAO) has nology and innovation. We tor flood and pest risks, and transform the agri-food is the region where obesity recently launched a new also need to educate peo- smartphone apps that can system. and overweight, for chil- comprehensive COVID-19 ple on the importance of identify plant diseases, Contributed by dren and adults, are grow- Response and Recovery healthy diets, so that farm- advanced genetics that QU Dongyu ing faster than anywhere Programme to provide ers will have a solid base of build on crop and livestock Director-General of the else. an agile and coordinated demand to whom they can breeding, precision agri- Food and Agriculture Or- We are facing two global response aimed at market those foods. culture and aquaculture ganization of the United pandemics. COVID-19, ensuring access to nutri- The Asia-Pacific region systems that conserve Nations (FAO) which beyond its health tious food for everyone toll is crushing livelihoods, by mobilizing all forms of and hunger, a scourge the resources and partnerships international community at country, regional and pledged to eradicate by the global level. In line with the end of this decade – the UN agenda to “build back Sustainable Development better”, and in pursuit of the Goal 2. Sustainable Development Tackling them will re- Goals (SDGs), the new quire new ideas and more comprehensive COVID-19 robust political will. Past Response and Recovery progress was sustained by Programme aims to miti- the benign trickle-down gate the immediate impacts effects of strong economies. of the pandemic while This is not the case any- strengthening the longer- more. term resilience of food sys- The facts have changed, tems and livelihoods. and so must our minds. So we are making We need to find ways to headway, but we must, as a increase resilience across priority, attend to the most our food systems by identi- urgent issues at the very HOME PAGE 10 Friday, August 28, 2020| KUENSEL We are always ready: Red Cross volunteers Jigme Wangchuk lost one of his in-laws, says this new arrangement is very They are the undertakers, so sensible. “Crowding, lavish to speak, the directors of the food and drinks as is tradi- last honours. They are the tional in such situations in managers and service pro- our society is insulting to the viders both and much more. dead—I beg to differ. Covid- In these newfangled, difficult 19 will go away one day but and unprecedented days, I wish this system of dealing they are to many individuals with the dead became the and families the only friends new normal. It is good for and source of strength. It’s a both dead and living.” hot day, Thursday, August 27. Such views and senti- The place is crematorium at ments can meet with derision Hejo in Thimphu. in a society that is steeped The expansiveness of deeply in traditional beliefs. the space suddenly unfolds Gempo Dorji is well aware under the vast blue sky and of this. “But for the sake of stretches on. And this is the our country and safety of all, picture: green army tents, not particularly at this time, why a single drunk swaying about, can’t we adjust a little bit?” or the usual crowd of people Rinzin Chophel gets a call and vehicles—utter silence. from the management base. Here the departed are so It is urgent, from the referral honoured that the place in- hospital. The body manage- spires awe and deep rever- ment team must prepare the ence. Are they—the dead and Members of body management team prepare the pyres seventh body of the day. gone and those they have left “There is no space for behind—the fortunate ones? stand. Your temperature gets was by far more important. bit of crowd even with strict failure. We have done well Five Red Cross volun- checked and your personal They could certainly do more, movement restrictions. Today, so far and can do better. We teers are preparing the details are registered. a lot more. there are only 10 cars inside are always ready to serve pyres. It’s not a good day Death is an expensive The volunteers broke the crematorium compound. our country,” says Rinzin today (going by Bhutanese affair; many families can’t into small groups and thusly Gempo Dorji, a teacher Chophel. astrology) to cremate body even afford wood for cre- forged on: five for body man- of Yangchenphug Higher And, in a jiffy, the proud but the team of volunteers mation. And there are other agement; three women at the Secondary School, who has undertakers are gone. must always be prepared. things that must accompany entrance; one to handle the It’s neither too early, nor the complete ritual. But here base information manage- too late. Last night they had the Red Cross has stocked up ment; and three to ensure a meeting—all the 12 Red 12 truckloads of wood. The physical distance. Cross volunteers attend the families of the dead do not As in Thimphu, such Red late-night meetings—and have to pay. What is more? Cross groups also are in Gele- the five who have taken TOMORROW The women Red Cross vol- phu, Phuentsholing, Mongar, upon themselves to man- unteers ensure that physical Trongsa, Bumthang, Tsirang age the bodies decided that Good Day r UPTUBSUOFXCVTJOFTT distance is maintained during and Samdrupjongkhar. nothing should go amiss, r UPBOOVBMPGGFSJOHT r UPSPPGIPVTF the ritual ceremonies. “We get the bodies and whatever the case. r UPIPJTUQSBZFSMVOHEIBS call the relatives. We ar- Bad Day r UPIPMEHPPEEJTDVTTJPOT At least six bodies come to As things happen range everything for them r UPBQQPJOUJOUPOFXQPTU the Hejo crematorium every r UPMFBSOBTUSPMPHZ Days before the nationwide here. Sometimes it is dif- day. But then, how during the r UPNBSSZBOEDFMFCSBUF A good day for rituals (laza): lockdown, the Red Cross ficult—when emotions are lockdown? These five volun- r UPFOUFSJOUPOFXIPVTF those born in the dragon year. volunteers got together. It involved—but that’s only to teers, led by Rinzin Chophel, r UPTIJGUIPVTF was difficult getting every be expected. We have learnt the chairman of Bhutan Taxi volunteer involved but it had to deal with them very pro- Association and a Red Cross to be done. They saw that a fessionally and compassion- volunteer, bring the bodies to plan was necessary in case ately,” says Rinzin Chophel. the crematorium. Where the the pandemic situation in “There are religious beliefs Time of issue: 03:49 PM, team works is a small informa- the country got serious and and traditions and there is SUNRISE : 5:38 am | SUNSET : 6:26 pm 27 August 2020 tion centre. The set-up is frugal decided that they would deal practical urgency to consider. and bare and there is just one with all deaths related to People often misunderstand man coordinating the whole Covid-19. There were mock us but that is not important. and the next day’s events. sessions galore with experts What is important is that we Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing And there are the women and health professionals. But must protect every body from Red Cross volunteers too. As then they realised that they the pandemic, not just our- you enter the crematorium, 21 24 24 32 31 could do more—managing selves and our families.” they stop you at the en- 9 11 11 25 23 the crematorium in the times Wednesday, August 26, trance. There is no gate but of Covid-19 meant they must was a heavy one for the vol- Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. two straight lines that lead take the full charge. Minimis- unteers. Eleven bodies had to For any weather information: Call hotline 335578 you to the hand-washing ing the transmission threat be cremated and there was a Printed and published by Kuensel Corporation Limited, PO Box 204, Tel: 975-2-322483/324688, Fax: 975-2-322975, www.kuenselonline.com BICMA Lic no. 303000005, ISSN 0259 1499 REFER & EARN GET REWARDED
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