KUENSELTHAT THE PEOPLE SHALL BE INFORMED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020t/V 150 expatriate workers expected to leave tomorrow

Phurpa Lhamo | Wangdue

The Wangdue medical sur- veillance team collected samples from 150 Indian workers of the Punatsangch- hu-II hydroelectric project (PII) for the Covid-19 RT- PCR test yesterday. The samples were sent to Thimphu and results are expected in two days. According to PHPA II management, the test was to "GBSNFSTWFHFUBCMFHSPVQJO,JMJLIBSQJMPUFEUPNBUPDVMUJWBUJPOTVDDFTTGVMMZ)PXFWFS PXJOHUPMPDLEPXO UIFHSPVQ produce the Covid-19 certifi- DPVMEOPUIBSWFTUBOEUIFGSVJUTXFSFMFGUUPSPUJOUIFHSFFOIPVTF cate to process the leave of the Indian workers. PII Managing Director Amresh Kumar said that in the first phase of the process, Inside around 150 Indian workers would leave for home. A place for Thimphu’s HOME He added that the work- Gups in Dagana ers could leave on Septem- refuse to distribute ber 5. “Embassy is working wanderers hard. Both the gov- tobacco Pg 3 ernment and Embassy of A temporary shelter, managed by His Majesty’s Kidu Ofce, is India in Thimphu is facili- home to 23 drifters tating the process.” Today, almost 680 work- Yangyel Lhaden Most of them go for a sec- lice and De-Suup picked them ers have signed to leave for ond helping. One man gets his up as they wandered around, Weather India. t is 12:45pm at the food after everyone else and unaware of the lockdown or the The list was collected Rinchen Kuenphen eats quietly in a corner. He has Covid-19 situation. after around 500 work- Primary School (RKPS), not spoken a word since he De-Suup Ugyen Pem with THIMPHU ers gathered in front of the temporary home to 23 came here. His Majesty Secretariat (HMS) Jaiprakash Associates Limit- people who were found After lunch, the group sits said the temporary shelter was ed (Jaypee Group) on August inI different parts of Thimphu, in the sun chatting. Someone started upon the Royal Com- 27 11 27. Project chairman and with apparently nowhere to turns on the television and they mand after the first few people MAX MIN Economic Affairs Minister go during the lockdown. It all watch a Bhutanese film. were found outside in Thim- Loknath Sharma also visited is lunchtime and the motley At a glance, this group of phu after the lockdown was the site and promised the group, neatly dressed and people with nowhere to call announced. The first batch of workers to send them home wearing face masks, are lined home, have bonded in their seven moved to the shelter on 53"4)*("/( early. up for lunch at the assembly temporary shelter. They watch August 14. Before the shelter was MD Amresh Kumar said ground which serves as their Bhutanese films, sit in groups ready, they stayed at the police that workers who had earlier dining space and entertain- to chat or walk around the station ground for a few days. said to leave in November ment centre while the rest of 26 16 campus. There is a general, if The Officer in Command of MAX MIN have also registered this time Thimphu is under lockdown. unusual, sense of camaraderie Thimphu Police Station, Major fearing their leave wouldn’t A lively Aum Karma barges among a group of completely Gembo Penjor, said that the be processed next time. into the line, gets her food, and disconnected people. patrolling team happened to “There are cases, where calls out “laso! kadrinchey.” This “home” is under the come across these people dur- just out of fear and appre- Someone exclaims that the care of His Majesty The King’s ing odd hours and when asked hensions, workers have soup is tasty. Aum Karma kidu programme, organised by about their relatives or homes, started putting in an appli- replies, “Why wouldn’t it be the Office of the Gyalpoi Zim- they had no answer. cation. Pg 2 tasty? It’s bamboo shoot!” pon. Patrolling teams of the po- Pg 2 www.kuenselonline.com HOME PAGE 2 Friday, September 4, 2020| KUENSEL A place for Thimphu’s wanderers From Pg 1 team when he was visiting a because he couldn’t tell them Chimi Dorji, 28, started has accompanied Namgay to “That’s how we came to public toilet near where he his name when he was taken living in a temporary shel- RKPS. His job is to make sure know they had nowhere to lived. He said that he woke up for Covid-19 test to hospital. ter behind one of the 5-star Namgay does not stray away go,” he said. to the most pleasant morning All of them were first tested hotels in Thimphu after his from the campus. The group is a mix of daily and wondered why the prem- for Covid-19 before being landlord locked him out wage workers, doma sellers, ise was surprisingly quiet and brought to RKPS. Patient One when he could not pay rent. What next? construction workers, some empty. He wanted to take this was initially extremely unre- During the lockdown, with- The group is totally im- doing odd jobs, people seek- opportunity to take a bath. “I sponsive. He did not allow out a movement card, he pervious to the lockdown. ing alms, or working for other requested the police to let me anyone to come near him or sneaked out to buy essentials. What will happen after the families. Their stories are as at least take a shower or they touch him. The De-Suups had “I don’t have enough money lockdown? They survived in varied as the range of dis- bear the dirty smell,” said a difficult time giving him a and I used to go to sleep hun- Thimphu, unnoticed by the abilities many suffer from. Karma, who is a daily wage bath and helping him dress. gry most nights,” he said. city’s residents who are busy Most are chronic alcoholics worker. Patient One normally walks with their daily lives, and and have experienced dif- Devi Maya Sunar, her around Thimphu barefoot, Life at RKPS came into focus only because ferent stages of detox treat- husband, and two children carrying a backpack and The De-Suups on duty get the city shut down. Most of ment. They were brought to were asked to leave a make- stick, and sleeps on the Thim- along well with the large fam- them are not worried what the shelter in a much worse shift home where they lived phu streets. He depended on ily. Aum Karma and Karma happens next because they condition than they are now. by the proprietor’s brother hotels and shops for food. His Dorji are the entertain- do not think about it. They were washed, some re- during the lockdown. They bag still had a few fizzy drinks ers. They all crack up when Patient One could not luctantly, and given clothes met the police patrolling and mouldy bread when he Aum Karma speaks. Karma even walk properly when he and kept clean by two De-Su- team in Hejo. was brought to the shelter. Dorji on the other hand is a first came to the shelter. Now ups who are caring for them Khotsa is deaf. He ran He did not have any clothes. very jolly person. He moves he can run. The person who at the shelter. away from an apple orchard Now, he has around five sets. around, jokes with every per- wouldn’t let anyone come where he was a gardener. Aum Karma lives in a son, especially with the two near him is now an enter- The group He was found walking near makeshift home in the city, De-Suups on duty, but he gets tainer of the group. He com- Karma Dorji, 28, has an in- Zilukha during lockdown, and sells doma. She keeps agitated whenever someone municates enthusiastically tellectual disability. The bus and refused to go back to his saying, “keep distance or asks him about his family. with hand gestures and broad stop was his home before the employer. else you will get cooperation Aum Karma and Patient grin on his face. He signs to lockdown. He was picked up There is an elderly man (coronavirus)”. She has heard One do not get along. Pa- the De-Suups to take him for on the first day of the lock- who is deaf. The De-Suups De-Suups and volunteers say- tient One is sensitive to Aum a ride because he enjoyed the down by the police patrolling refer to him as Patient One, ing this around town. Karma’s teasing and they car ride to the hospital when Namgay, 43, is an alco- are seen chasing each other he was taken for the Covid- holic and also has an intel- around the school buildings. 19 test. lectual disability. He is a daily Aum Karma, folding Patient Aum Karma is stable now, wage earner at a construction One’s clothes, says that she but she still feels like she is in site, and was sleeping on the feels sorry for him. Karma a prison. She does not under- streets. Namgay has an uncle Dorji says he is exercising stand the lockdown, no mat- TV Schedule in Thimphu who, he says, to become a police officer. ter how much the De-Suups does not take care of him. He runs around the football try to explain it to her. She Sept 4, 2020 Khando, 53 used to be a ground every day. He seems does not crave for alcohol, messenger at one of the cor- to annoy all the others but and says that she will quit Jurwa (Short Film) 9am porate offices in Thimphu. He they don’t seem to mind. and use her savings to find Home Sweet Home /Press Briefng 11am is a religious man and goes to The two children of Devi a proper home. What she religious ceremonies where Maya Sunar play goti (a stone misses the most, she says, is Chik-Thuen 12pm he gets some money. He has game). Sometimes their her doma business. some relatives with whom he mother joins them. Khotsa was lost after run- Coronavirus: Your Stories 12:30pm stays occasionally, but that is Dorji and Namgay met at ning away from his employer. not always easy as he is an the police station. The police At RKPS, he has found people Hardtalk 2:30pm alcoholic. He is mostly not requested Dorji to be Nam- he can trust. He wants them Focus On Africa 11:30pm welcomed. He usually sleeps gay’s attendant when Nam- to help him find a new life. at the bus station. gay was taken for detox. Dorji Savage Family Diggers 9:10pm Expedition Unknown With Josh Gates 9:30pm Man Vs Wild 10:30pm 150 expatriate workers expected NBA HLs 6:30pm to leave tomorrow Kick-Of 8:30pm From Pg 1 Similarly, applications of ily emergencies, he wished UNL 2020 HLs 9:30pm Because of unlock 4 things 135 Indian workers of the Ni- to leave for home as soon as have been substantially eased kachu Hydroelectric project possible. Fantastic Beasts 5:30pm out (in India). They have in have been sent to the Indian He further added that in mind that in India things are Embassy. The documents India, he had chances of find- Crawl 7:40pm free and they are put in un- were sent around five days ing work. “My grandmother I Am Legend 9:30pm necessary hardships here.” ago, the project management and mother aren’t well,” the Some workers of PII after said. 28-year-old man said. their names weren’t called for The project management Today, the management is Coco 3:30pm the RT-PCR further expressed will facilitate the Indian work- accepting applications as per concerns to the management ers’ leave according to the workers’ request to leave for Toy Story 3 5:10pm yesterday. However, things India Embassy’s approval. home. The Nikachu HEP has Titanic 9:30pm have settled today. A worker of the Nikachu 992 Indian workers. HEP said that with fam- HOME Friday, September 4, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3 Gups in Dagana refuse to distribute tobacco Yeshey Lhadon consumption by chewing betel tion rather than supplying it. cision.” She said she had a hard daily chores. nuts and other products. Some consumers from time without tobacco during While most of the tobacco Dagana received 180 packets Some gups didn’t deliver other gewogs called the Goshi the lockdown. consumers are hopeful that of cigarettes, 120 packets of the tobacco as it’s considered gup pleading to share the to- Tobacco users somehow they would get their quota of chewing tobacco (Baba) and a sinful act. Drueygang gup, bacco products. Goshi Gup, managed to get some supplies. tobacco, the planning officer of 200 packets of bidis. There are Tawla said tobacco was not an Tandin, said. “Those chronic Some consumers walked for Dagana, Sonam Jamtsho, said about 4,000 tobacco consum- essential food item. “No people tobacco users are suffering but hours in search of tobacco right that this could be the first and ers in the dzongkhag. would die if they stop consum- I couldn’t help them because after the lockdown was lifted. last consignment of tobacco for However, the seven gups ing tobacco. People should the stock was too less even for One paid Nu 500 to get a the dzongkhag. of Khebisa, Tsangkha, Karna, adapt to critical situations,” he people in my village.” Goshi packet of a cigarette from her “People must be suffering Tsendagang, Drujeygang, Do- said. gewog received 198 packets friend. She said, “I’m a chain- but even if their gup decides rona and Tseza gewogs in Da- Tseza Gup, Phurba, said he of baba, 30 packets of cigarettes smoker. I feel restless and to distribute the tobacco prod- gana refused to distribute the didn’t distribute tobacco be- and 35 packets of bidi. there’s no substitution for the ucts, there is not enough for tobacco products. cause there weren’t enough for The gup said that many cravings. She wished that the everyone.” The gups said that the all the consumers in his gewog. consumers were unhappy with government would distribute Tobacco products were di- tobacco consumers outnum- According to Karna gup, their decision. tobacco to people living in vided among the four gewogs bered the stock they received. Lhawang Dorji, number of “It is more important for rural areas as they do in the of Goshi, Gesarling, Lajab They also wanted to help peo- tobacco consumers have re- the local leaders to curb illegal capital city. Tashiding and Dagana Throm- ple quit the habit of consuming duced in the rural areas due smuggling or selling of tobacco Some farmers who are ha- de. However, it couldn’t reach tobacco. Some gups consulted to inaccessibility amid the rather than refraining from bitual tobacco chewers said most consumers. their tshogpas and elderly peo- Covid-19 pandemic. He said, distributing what has legally they couldn’t focus on their ple before making the decision. “People in my gewog don’t been sanctioned for habitual Dorona gup, Suk Raj Rai need tobacco. I have asked the tobacco consumers,” said gup said, “Distribution of limited chiwog tshogpas to submit the Tandin. numbers of tobacco would list of consumers but I haven’t A consumer from Tsenda- create disharmony among the got any.” gang was disappointed when Highlanders consumers and the gewog ad- The gups are looking for- her expectations were turned ministration.” ward to educating and spread- down. She said, “Our gup acted The gups said the consum- ing awareness on the harmful on his own, he didn’t even care face the brunt ers have substituted tobacco impact of tobacco consump- to consult before taking the de- of pandemic Thinley Namgay communities are strictly mon- itored by the local leaders to Kangpara GC road to open today The highlanders of Lingzhi, prevent the Covid-19. Soe and Naro in Thimphu are “I have friends and rela- battling the consequences of tives in other gewogs but I the Covid-19 pandemic and cannot visit them. Weather the recent nationwide lock- in Lingzhi is foggy and there down. is always rain at this time. It Restriction on selling their makes us feel lonely,” said dairy products, inter-gewog Sonam Pem from Lingzhi. movement, lack of adequate She said that her fam- essentials and porter pony ily lost cattle two months ago business are among the major due to harsh weather. “Such challenges facing the people. incidences hurt our income.” Karma from Naro said: Usually, the people of “With the nationwide lock- these communities are busy down, selling dairy products with porter-pony business at is not possible. We are drying this time of the year. The pan- the cheese but are worried demic has killed the business about the stored butter. I have altogether. stored more than 20kg surplus Karma said that people butter.” with more horses make a good Road block at Thomchi Barongjuk, Kangpara The people of Lingzhi and income in the peak season. Soe usually trade their dairy “Although I have only seven, Neten Dorji | Trashigang the Thrimshing drungkhag. it rains again, it is likely that products in Paro from where I made more than Nu 100,000 Kanpara gup, Sangay roadblocks would occur. “We they buy essentials enough for last year.” The major roadblock at Thom- Wangdi said that continuous remind commuters to be cau- a month. The government has chi Barongjuk, which cut off sliding of soil and the lockdown tious while travelling through Without electricity, refrig- opened FCB shop in Lingzhi Kangpara for more than a hampered excavation work to the slide area.” erating the dairy products is and Soe. However, stocks have month, is expected to be cleared clear the road. Gewog officials said if the not an option. been dwindling, worrying the by evening today, according to “It took us almost a month rain stops, they could clear all Some households own people. officials of Kangpara gewog in to clear the block,” he said. the blocks within a couple of more than 150 cattle and Kelzang Dolkar from Soe Trashigang. “Apart from the major block weeks for all traffic. “We could horses. Karma had to take care said that the FCB shop has lim- Massive landslides buried at Thomchi, multiple minor clear the major blocks around of 30 horses of the neighbours’ ited stock of rice, salt, cooking over 140 meters of the road blocks along the road would 2pm today. Currently only bo- who are stranded in Paro. “Re- oil and dhal, among others. blocking the road about 12km be cleared by today,” he said. leros can pass,” said an official. cently, I lost one horse to tiger.” What worries the people towards Kangpara gewog from However, he said that if Movements between these most is shortage of salt. EDITORIAL PAGE 4 Friday, September 4, 2020 | KUENSEL Let there not be MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN another lockdown

s we enter the second of the three-phase lockdown relaxation, we have much to look back and take stock of the shortfalls and opportunities in our long-drawn-out battle against the unrelenting virus. AFrom 5 a.m. today—September 4—buses and taxis will be allowed on the roads again. This means business for those who depend on the transport sector for income and convenience for the general public. Considering we do not have new cases and dangers, the movement of all vehicles will soon be permitted. What we must not forget is that we are still vulnerable. Easing lockdown doesn’t mean the Covid-19 pandemic is dead and gone. Far from it. In fact, we could be in for a longer, harsher lockdown as was and is seen in some coun- Scrap mealer: tries and cities if, in the euphoria of new-found leeway, we Looking for a bite fail to abide by the standing health protocols. to eat in the bin The 21-day lockdown was necessary to allow the front- but not looking too liners contain the virus from spreading further which could happy about it have had us in a very difficult, perhaps even ungovern- Photo: Phub Tshering able, situation. To put in a serviceable communication and service delivery system overnight was challenging but we had to ensure that the lockdown did not become too Send in your pictures to: [email protected] cumbersome to the people. With all their imperfections, the systems—brought to life as the situation demanded— succeeded in delivering essential items and services to the MY SAY households. The question that lingers is whether things would ever return to “normal”. But that’s not important. What is im- portant is that the country and the people should build The virus could be resilience. In other words, we must be able to cope with the changing dynamics of the pandemic and the threats, which is, of course, easier said than done. anywhere The days when we did not have to wear face masks and A 21-day-lockdown has As it has been for many never good. I would never avoid crowd and crowding, alas, may be gone for ever. The successfully ended. Both countries in the world, people want to have one again. But “new normal” could be a society of people that is conscious the government and the coming out on the streets lockdown could be prevented and always on-guard. In these unprecedented times, we people are happy. None of after the lockdown could only if we act responsibly and have also exhibited sheer courage to adapt to the new ways the people in rural or urban equally be risky for Bhutan. collectively. of organising life and transactions, which could be our very areas went hungry unlike On the third day of the Let us avoid crowding in other countries. Hats off lockdown relaxation, people roads and streets and try to tools to combat the current and future adversities. to everyone who worked in groups were sighted remain home, which is only As we prepare to ease the lockdown further—from Sep- hard towards making this walking on almost all the a safe place for us at the tember 7, the final phase of lockdown, all offices will open lockdown a success. streets and roads yesterday. moment. The government and and operate full-time—we will require more head and eyes Now the people can Maintaining social His Majesty have done enough to ensure that the standing health protocols are observed come out of their houses and distance is virtually for us and we should be able premises. Go for walks and impractical, as we have to do this much at least. Let by all at all times. It will be challenging but we cannot fail. shopping to the extent that to pass each other on the us all remain cautious for the Or else, we will have thrown a spanner in all that we have they could but only within streets. And this made me novel coronavirus could be so far achieved. respective dzongkhags. worry about the chances of anywhere. Community transmission of Covid-19 is our biggest Even cycles are allowed for spreading the virus and call Avoid crowds, try to be threat which calls for more stringent measures to ensure now. Taxis, buses and the for another lockdown. home for the safety of the that people follow health advisories ant the standing pro- movement of private vehicles I, as an obedient citizen country and your family. will follow soon after leading of the country, 21 days Lunten tocols. towards a normal life. lockdown experience was Changzamtok Let there not be another lockdown.

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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 - HOME Friday, September 4, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5 Bhutan commits to responsible investments in agriculture and food systems

Choki Wangmo tainable social and economic well-being of the Bhutanese While presenting the coun- people,” he said. try statement on prioriti- In his opening address at sation of country and re- the ministerial meeting, For- gional needs at the 35th FAO eign Minister Dr regional conference for Asia- called upon member countries Pacific yesterday (virtual), to stabilise food systems against agriculture secretary, Rinzin current and future threats and Dorji assured Bhutan’s com- frame immediate, mid-term, mitment to what is called the and long-term plans to respond seven umbrella programmes through cooperation and sup- proposed by FAO. port of relevant stakeholders. The umbrella programme Lyonpo said that it was es- seeks to support responsible sential to bring together experts investments in agriculture and in the field of food and agricul- food systems by involving pol- ture to reduce global problems Ministerial meeting Chair Lyonpo and FAO Director General icy makers, parliamentarians, of hunger, poverty, malnutri- Qu Dongyu small-scale producers and the tion, and stunting while ensur- private sector. It expects to ing sustainable, resilient, and tion, but we must prepare for ties for achieving sustainable enhance quality and quantity inclusive food systems. higher risks and make sure that development or in protracted investments in member coun- “We need to further ad- During such there is sustainability in the food crisis due to natural disaster or tries, thereby contributing to vance our agriculture produc- supply chain,” Lyonpo said. conflict to join the initiative as food security, nutrition, and tion system by coming together pandemics, food Securing food resources beneficiaries. FAO has also in- sustainable development. with better ideas and skills and supply systems through local productions, how- vited more than 80 countries to Currently, lack of aware- with effective collaborations in the region ever, was challenging in Bhutan become contributor countries. ness, governance challeng- that will have a positive nation- have continued due to the mountainous terrain. The Director General of es, capacity and information al, regional and global impact.” to function, but “Technological advancement in FAO, Dongyu QU, said: “The gaps were found to impede Recognising the negative food production, post-harvest programme is aimed at prevent- responsible agricultural invest- impact of the current pandemic we must prepare management, and marketing ing a global food emergency ment, the FAO stated. “The ag- on vulnerable groups in the so- for higher risks is inevitable to progress and during and after the Covid-19 ricultural sector suffers from ciety, Lyonpo said that Bhutan and make sure sustain our food security,” he pandemic, while working on serious underinvestment.” was working to further im- that there is added. medium- to long-term devel- Rinzin Dorji said that prove agriculture productivity sustainability in The ministerial meeting opment responses for food se- the agriculture development for food security. the food supply discussed FAO’s new Hand-in- curity and nutrition.” in Bhutan sought to secure a The chair of the ministerial Hand Initiative, an evidence- The conference hosted and safe and healthy environment, meeting, Lyonpo Yeshey Penjor chain” based, country-led and-owned chaired by Bhutan was attended ecologically balanced sustain- said that the conference attend- initiative aiming to achieve Sus- by government ministers, sec- able development, economic ed by a pool of about 500 par- tainable Development Goals 1 retaries and senior officials, self-reliance, private sector en- ticipants across the world was and 2—eradicate poverty and private sector and civil soci- gagement, and adequate live- a platform to support framing activities in the region. end hunger and malnutrition in ety representatives, academia, lihood. Bhutan’s efforts have and developing various strate- “During such pandemics, all its forms. technical experts, observer na- been strongly grounded on gies, plans, and programmes for food supply systems in the re- As of today, FAO invited 44 tions, and FAO officials from the principle of “ensuring sus- successful implementation of gion have continued to func- countries with limited capaci- around 46 countries. REGION PAGE 6 Friday, September 4, 2020| KUENSEL Fifth BIMSTEC Summit proposed for January next year

Sri Lanka, the current chair ous areas of coop- on Criminal and Legal Matters of the Bay of Bengal Initiative eration under BIM- among the member states dur- for Multi-Sectoral Technical STEC, endorsed the ing the Summit. and Economic Cooperation appointment of next Similarly, member states (BIMSTEC), has proposed to secretary general, have also agreed to sign an host the fifth summit of the re- finalised the draft of agreement on Bimstec Tech- gional grouping in the first half the BIMSTEC char- nology Transfer Facilities, Co- of January 2021, subject to the ter and the draft of operation among Diplomatic improved Covid-19 situation. the Memorandum Training Academies and per- The proposal was made of Association on sons, building templates on during the 21st Session of Sen- the Establishment BIMSTEC centers, entities and ior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) on of BIMSTEC Cent- mechanism and finalisation of Wednesday. ers/Entities, among BIMSTEC Transport Connec- Member states will discuss others, according tivity Master Plan during the later on the proposal and final- to a foreign minis- Colombo Summit. ise the date and other agendas try statement. The foreign secretary level like holding the ministe- In the absence of meeting also approved the rial level meeting in Colombo a dedicated charter, nomination of new secretary ahead of the Summit, Foreign BIMSTEC is running general from Bhutan. Dhaka, Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, with the spirit of the the capital city of Bangladesh, told the Post after the meeting. Bangkok Declara- hosts the BIMSTEC Secretariat. The Summit, initially, tion of 1997 and the The current Secretary Gen- was proposed for later this charter is now in the eral of BIMSTEC is Ambas- month, but due to the Covid-19 final stage, which is sador Mohammad Shahidul pandemic, it was postponed. states, also finalised the much- of another regional organiza- expected to come Islam of Bangladesh, who will Member states agreed on awaited BIMSTEC charter, re- tion–South Asian Association out from the Colombo Summit. be replaced by Lekphell, Sri Lanka’s proposal to host viewed the progress made in of Regional Cooperation or Officials said that besides a distinguished bureaucrat- the Summit and the ministerial the last two years after Kath- SAARC. finalizing the charter, the turned politician from Bhutan level meeting next year, whose mandu Summit and discussed The 21st session of Senior meeting of senior officials also from April next year. date will be confirmed later, issues of legal instruments of Officials’ Meeting (SOM) took recommended signing of the The Kathmandu post Bairagi said. the regional grouping and how stock of progress made in vari- Convention on Cooperation ANN After the Summit in Sri to move on to establish the Lanka, the chairmanship of the regional centrse and mecha- regional bloc will be handed nisms, according to Bairagi. over to Thailand for the period Nepal, Bhutan, Bangla- of 2021-22. desh, India, Sri Lanka, Thai- The meeting, which took land and Myanmar are the place at the foreign secretary member states of BIMSTEC level of all seven member that is often touted as a parallel

TOMORROW

Good Day r UPFOUFSJOUPOFXIPVTF r UPQFSGPSNBOOVBMPGGFSJOHT r UPSPPGIPVTF r UPTUBSUOFXCVTJOFTT Bad Day r UPNBSSZBOEDFMFCSBUF r UPDPOTFDSBUF r UPMFBSOBTUSPMPHZ A good day for rituals (laza): r UPBQQPJOUUPOFXQPTU those born in the dragon year. r UPTIJGUIPVTF

Time of issue: 3:52 PM, SUNRISE : 5:41 am | SUNSET : 6:18 pm 3 September 2020

Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing 21 25 24 30 32 12 16 15 24 23

Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. For any weather information: Call hotline 335578 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, September 4, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 7 Let’s Play DAWAMO

Capo 8

C G Achu chu gi yue na lu Am F Ngim ya hasa sha ni dhu C G Ta gi chim lay chey jow dha Am F Wo gi chim na nga kha Jang

C G Che gi ming dhi nga meshey Am F MISTY TERRACE Dawamo ra im zum dhu C G Jarim dong ma tsey tsey Am F Born in Tsirang on May 9, 1992. Khey gi shui ga nga lu ngo tsai ga BA Cinema and Media Studies graduate Am Em F C Your favourite Bhutanese song/ singer? Che gi Yak gam chi yey I like Ugyen Panday. Favourite songs are many, one of them would be Am Em G F Pey Nye Mi Sha lu, these days favourite songs keep changing. Chu go tsu tshong ba Jo dho ga Am Em G F Three words that best describe you? Lok dhi Na ley Jo go ma no Passionate, dreamer and liberal C G How do you past time these days? Dawamo Dawamo Watching good movies, reading books and writing songs Am F Gang chen gi Dawamo Message for your fans during the lockdown? C G Use your spare time wisely! Che gi dzi ngo ma mo Am F Che gi jarim ben ngo ma mey C G Dawamo Dawamo Am F Laya gi Dawamo

SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW KEANE

C Em Dm G x2 C Em Em Is this the place we used to love? Somewhere only we know? (pause) C Em Dm F G I walked across an empty land Is this the place that I’ve been dreaming of? Dm F G Dm C G I knew the pathway like the back of my hand Am Em This could be the end of everything C Em Oh, simple thing, where have you gone? Dm I felt the earth beneath my feet Dm F G So why don’t we go Dm F G I’m getting old and I need something to rely on Em Dm Sat by the river, and it made me complete Am Em Somewhere only we know? So tell me when you’re gonna let me in Am Em Dm F G (Slowly) Oh, simple thing, where have you gone? I’m getting tired and I need somewhere to begin Em Dm Dm F G Somewhere only we know I’m getting old and I need something to rely on F C Am G Em Dm C Am Em And if you have a minute, why don’t we go Somewhere only we know So tell me when you’re gonna let me in F C Am G Dm F G Talk about it somewhere only we know? I’m getting tired and I need somewhere to begin F C Am This could be the end of everything C Em Dm I came across a fallen tree So why don’t we go Dm F G Em I felt the branches of it looking at me Somewhere only we know? REFER & EARN GET REWARDED

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Peace lies in the ability to adapt to change

Hi Lam, I need some advice. During the lockdown, I constantly felt anxious and had low mood the entire day. I realized that I needed to change my outlook, but I didn’t are suffering. Although this Shenphen Zangpo was born in know how. I am interested in Buddhism, but have not read much. I have also attended may seem counterintuitive Swansea, UK, but spent more than when we are feeling low, in shamatha meditation classes, though only practiced once or twice. Would reading reality it is very effective in 28 years practicing and studying Dharma books and doing meditation help me in such situations? I also have a big fear Buddhism in Taiwan and Japan. alleviating fears and opening Currently, he works with the youth for the future and have even started having nightmares about it. Is there something our minds. and substance abusers in Bhutan, wrong with me? In conclusion, we need teaching meditation and organizing ND, Thimphu to recognize that life is drug outreach programmes. characterized by change, and so to find peace we says, “Conditions are always brought by the pandemic and do not have to rhyme. Instead, should not struggle against WITH regard to your questions, changing, and real peace lies lockdown is easy. It’s not. the emphasis is on capturing this reality, but, as Mingyur I’ll answer your last one first. in the ability to adapt to these However, in Buddhism we the uniqueness of everyday Rinpoche advises, learn to No, there is nothing wrong changes.” talk about view, meditation, experiences and expressing adapt to new situations. with you. Although there has Here is a well-known and action. In this respect, them in three brief lines of Finally, during such been no extensive research story of how the Buddha we need to first acknowledge verse. This can help you to situations as the recent on the psychological effects taught the truth of the truth of impermanence, develop mindfulness and so lockdown, it is would help of lockdowns and the fears impermanence to a grieving then be mindful of how discover the magic in small, our sense of wellbeing if we induced by the pandemic, mother: After losing her only everything we can see, hear, everyday things, such as can frequently reflect on the initial studies overseas show child, Kisa Gotami became touch, smell, or even think shadows moving in the breeze, selfless and tireless efforts of that a high percentage of desperate and asked if is constantly changing, the sound of rain hitting a roof, His Majesty, the government, people, especially the young, anyone could help her. Her and then finally apply or perhaps the smell of freshly frontline workers, and do suffer similar or much worse sorrow was so great that this wisdom to daily life brewed coffee. the desuups. If we can do reactions to lockdown than you many thought she had gone situations. In addition, tonglen is an this, our own problems experienced. So, please don’t mad. An old man suggested Now, if you want to excellent practice to undertake and inconveniences will feel that you are abnormal. that she consult with the view the scenario on a when we feel challenged or be superseded by a sense Anxiety and low mood is a Buddha. Now, the Buddha deeper level, consider that low. Basically, tonglen is a of humble gratitude, and, common reaction to being told her that he could help everything is compounded meditation where we breathe moreover, we will develop isolated and cut off from family if she could bring him and so no more real than in the pain of others and an overall feeling of being and friends. Also, as everything some white mustard seeds. a movie (made up of film, breathe out our happiness, protected and cared for. I changed so rapidly, people will However, those seeds must projector, and light) or a which we offer to those who wish you well. naturally feel disorientated and come from a household dream (composed of the concerned about the future. where no one had ever died. person dreaming, past In reality, though, what Delighted with this promise, experiences, and the state actually occurs in our minds at she set off to find the seeds. of sleep). In this respect, the such times? Well, in general, Everyone sympathized with pandemic and lockdown are people seek security and so her and responded positively ultimately just like scenes automatically feel anxious to her request, but when in a dream or a movie. How ku when situations change and the she asked had anyone ever does this help? Well, when Sudo future becomes uncertain. died in the household, she we believe the scenes in a Now, if we were to ask the always received the same movie to be real, our reaction Buddha about this, he would replies, “Yes, my sister is very intense, but once we no doubt remind us that passed away last year” or realize that they are just a change and impermanence “My grandfather died ten projection on a screen, we are the nature of the universe, years ago”. In this way she may still get scared by the and that nothing stays continued from house to monsters, but our reaction is constant for even a single house, but she could not find far more relaxed. Of course, moment. In this respect, it is a household that had not this concept may initially not change and uncertainty suffered the loss of a family be difficult to grasp, and so that creates anxiety, but our member. Finally, the truth I suggest that you just throw failure to recognize this truth of the Buddha’s teaching the idea in the back of your and to live accordingly. Now, struck her and she realized mind and then think it over of course, understanding that everything, including once in a while. Then, slowly impermanence intellectually life itself, is impermanent. you’ll become more familiar and accepting it on a practical She returned to the Buddha with it. level is a very different matter, and joined his order of nuns. As for Buddhist practices, and few of us could respond Later, it was said that she was well, as you have learned to the loss of our job, the awakened to the first stage of shamatha meditation, I experience of a relationship enlightenment. suggest that maybe now collapsing, sudden ill health, In a similar way we is the time to start a daily or the changes caused by the can reflect on change – the practice as this will help seasons moving from winter you to decrease your level pandemic by merely shrugging How to play our shoulders and saying, “ah, to summer, our bodies of anxiety. Also, if you are impermanence.” Still, the first losing their youthfulness, enjoy writing, I recommend Fill in the grid so that every row, every step to opening up to this truth friendships waxing and you try haiku, which are column, and every 3 X 3 box contains is to accept it intellectually, and waning, and pandemics short poems inspired by the numbers 1 through 9.

coming and going. the Zen Buddhist culture then we can slowly apply it to Answer situations we encounter in our Now, I’m not suggesting of East Asia. Unlike English daily life. As Mingyur Rinpoche that accepting the changes poetry, the words in a haiku