Thursday, February 20, 2014

Prejudice

Last year, Bajo HSS had a sufficient number of teachers dedicated to instructing commerce and accountancy courses, and there were even some educators left without the opportunity to teach their designated electives. Nevertheless, a situation arose where a teacher, in order to teach elective courses in commerce and accountancy, agreed to teach mathematics as an additional subject upon volunteering.

Similarly, this year, a comparable scenario is unfolding at Bajo HSS, where a teacher is being assigned a subject unrelated to their elective field, contingent upon their willingness to teach history. This is occurring despite an ample presence of teachers already competent in teaching history. In light of these circumstances, questions arise regarding the significance of maintaining academic qualifications and the essence of specializing in elective subjects. The implications touch upon matters of fairness and justice, challenging the notion of equity.

Conversely, it is reasonable for individuals to have well-founded justifications; however, these compromises should not exceed reasonable limits. As professionals, it is imperative to uphold a sense of professional integrity when engaging in academic pursuits. In our Bhutanese context, there exists a prevailing belief in various concepts that might be likened to superstitions or dogma. For instance, it is commonly held that when seeking assistance or placement from a superior, a straightforward approach might not yield results. Instead, having a favorable rapport with a higher authority, such as the head of one's direct superior, could lead to the desired outcome, as they can exert influence in such matters.

This trend has manifested in the past and continues to persist. It underscores the intricate interplay between professionalism and personal connections. Ultimately, the level of professionalism and integrity upheld by an individual within their profession becomes evident in such instances.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Believe it or not

Walnut n Handnail



During my childhood, the act of cracking a walnut or trimming my nails after sunset, whether indoors or outdoors, was never sanctioned. Despite this, I clandestinely attempted to crack walnuts on numerous occasions, often during unconventional hours. However, the pervasive belief held by my parents and shared by many others cast a haunting shadow over my endeavors, dissuading me from pursuing them. This belief asserted that cracking walnuts or trimming nails after sunset symbolized a grievous act akin to bringing harm to one's parents and inviting misfortune. Regardless of my personal stance on this conviction, I have refrained from cracking a single walnut after sunset until this moment. Presently, I comprehend the underlying rationale, freeing myself from the grip of superstition.
Empty containers

 During the early hours of the morning, the sight of vacant containers is believed to herald unfortunate circumstances for the observer. During my days as a student, my thoughts were consistently preoccupied by this particular superstition. Consequently, I would often find myself fervently hoping that the presence of empty containers wouldn't disrupt my morning disposition. However, it was inevitable that I would occasionally cross paths with individuals carrying vacuous containers at daybreak, consequently unsettling my frame of mind on numerous occasions. The recollection of the various negative outcomes that I endured upon encountering vacant baskets or containers lingers vividly in my memory, serving to reinforce my preoccupation with this superstitious notion. Conversely, encountering individuals with containers brimming with contents was believed to attract favorable fortune, and I have indeed encountered a few instances that seemed to validate this belief. Remarkably, even now, I find myself still subscribing to this superstitious belief.
Monkey
Encountering a monkey in the early hours of the morning is believed by many forebears to herald unfortunate outcomes. The endeavors undertaken throughout the day, according to this belief, are destined to be fraught with failure. Personal experiences have reinforced my adherence to this notion. To illustrate, during two separate occasions of interviewing in Thimphu, my path intersected with a congregation of monkeys atop Thinleygang, resulting in unsuccessful interviews on both occasions. Thus, my mind has become ingrained with this particular superstition.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

National Day

I am proud to be born as Bhutanese. On this very auspicious day I and my family joins the nation to celebrate the 106th national day. Let us pray and wish long live to our Wangchuk dynasty for their hardship bravery.

The 106th National Day celebration in Bhutan was a grand and jubilant event that showcased the nation's rich cultural heritage, unity, and progress. Held on December 17th, this significant occasion brought together people from all walks of life to commemorate the founding of the Kingdom of Bhutan by Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907.

The festivities unfolded against the breathtaking backdrop of Bhutan's picturesque landscapes, creating a setting that symbolized the nation's harmony with nature. The event was graced by the presence of His Majesty the King, who is revered for his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Bhutanese people.

The celebrations were marked by a vibrant blend of traditional and modern elements. Dazzling traditional attire, adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, adorned the participants, reflecting Bhutan's deep-rooted cultural heritage. The air resonated with the sounds of traditional music, dances, and chants, evoking a sense of pride and belonging among the attendees.

As part of the celebration, a ceremonial march was held, involving various contingents that represented Bhutan's different districts and sectors. This display of unity and diversity underscored the strength of Bhutan's national identity while honoring the unique characteristics of its regions.

The occasion was also an opportunity to reflect on Bhutan's remarkable progress in various domains. From its pursuit of Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to its commitment to preserving the environment through sustainable practices, Bhutan's journey towards holistic development was celebrated and applauded.

Amidst the festivities, speeches were delivered that highlighted the importance of preserving Bhutan's cultural heritage, fostering unity, and embracing the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The National Day celebration served as a reminder of Bhutan's resilience and its people's dedication to upholding the values that have shaped their nation's character.

In conclusion, the 106th National Day celebration in Bhutan was a splendid amalgamation of tradition and progress, a testament to the Bhutanese people's enduring pride in their cultural heritage and their forward-looking approach to development. As the nation looked back on its history with gratitude and forward to its future with hope, the event left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who participated.

Drujeygang

The resemblance between Drujegang and my hometown is striking, encompassing aspects such as lifestyle, cultivation practices, and crop varieties. However, the complexity of the population in this area surpasses that of my hometown, with a diverse mix of origins. The languages spoken vary, including Khengkha, Lotsamkha, and even some Ngalop. The fertility of the soil here is somewhat lacking, resulting in a scarcity of readily available vegetables.

Upon our arrival, equipped with lodging essentials but not food supplies, we had optimistic expectations of finding all we needed. Yet, reality hit us hard – the cost of living here is notably high, and even worse, the essential items we require are scarcely accessible. The local staff informed us that they must travel all the way to Damphu to procure vegetables. In our group of eight, which included four of us and the overseeing examiner, we collectively decided to utilize the school kitchen for our meals. Collaboratively, we gathered the necessary ingredients and entrusted one of the cooks to prepare our meals. At the conclusion, we compensated him with a sum of Nu. 1500/-. Conversely, three of our companions opted for private arrangements.

A significant event unfolded on the 28th of November at DHSS, marked by a farewell bonfire in honor of the departing classes X and XII. We were graciously included in this event, relishing the farewell proceedings featuring various programs and a shared dinner.

The morning of November 30th witnessed the principal extending a warm welcome to the external examiners during the assembly. The overseeing examiner introduced the invigilators and briefed the students on the examination protocols and guidelines outlined by BCSEA. Expressing well-wishes for the students' successful completion of the exams, the overseeing examiner concluded the briefing. Notably, the student body consisted of 134 class X students and 34 students from the 12th Commerce stream.







Monday, November 25, 2013

Happy Vaccation!

The conclusion of your examination arrives today, marking a pivotal juncture for you. Now emerges the moment to harvest the rewards of your ceaseless toil throughout this year. I trust that your efforts have been steadfast. The outcome hinges entirely upon the depth of your diligent exertions.

Reflect on the journey that commenced in February 2013, culminating at the doorstep of December 2013. Bid adieu to the departing year, 2013, as you ascend to the echelons of the next educational tier. Refrain from allowing 2013 to blend into 2014 while remaining stagnant in your current status. Embrace 2014 with exuberance, anticipating the forthcoming World Cup and the jubilation it promises.

Each day heralds a fresh beginning, and every year should inaugurate a new chapter. Prolonged stagnation in the same grade over two distinct years is an outcome incompatible with your potential. Your guardians have unfailingly supported you, educators have invested their utmost efforts, governmental assistance has been extended, and friends have provided encouragement. The onus now rests upon you to become your own advocate.

The time has come to witness the culmination of your endeavors, a denouement suffused with elation and mirth. The specter of a disheartening outcome is one we ardently hope to avert. Solely through tenacious labor can you illuminate your life's path. Remember, divine assistance favors those who actively strive.

As an educator, my aspiration is for you to achieve higher marks. I yearn to perceive each of you adorned with a spectrum of accomplishments. Your parents' singular aspiration is to witness your progression to the subsequent grade. It's crucial to realize that the sacrifices made by your teachers, parents, and the government bear little import if you falter. In doing so, you not only cause concern to your parents but also undermine their spirits.

Your guardians have nurtured, supported, and invested in your education with the sole desire to see you stand independently. Their aspiration doesn't encompass seizing your employment, wealth, or opulent lifestyle. Rather, they ardently anticipate your radiance within society.

The winter season is upon us, a time when your parents' affection takes center stage. This period proffers an opportunity for you to reciprocate their love through small yet meaningful gestures. Extend assistance, refrain from causing them distress, and eschew delving into deleterious habits or frivolous pursuits. The fragility of existence underscores the importance of self-care. Hence, navigate this winter recess with purpose, ensuring it yields fruitfulness. Wishing all a state of well-being, I encourage you to unwind and relish this vacation period. Farewell and take care.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Reviewing


  1. Accompanied young male and female students to Samtengang, facilitating their participation in an inter-school regional sports meet.
  2. Provided oversight and support to the school's archery team during their journey to Punakha, where they competed in a prominent regional archery tournament.
  3. Assumed the role of a Visiting Examiner at YHSS in Thimphu, overseeing the administration and assessment of Physics Practical examinations.
  4. Fulfilling the responsibility of an Invigilator for both the BHSCE and BCSE examinations in Dagana, specifically at the Drujegang examination center.
  5. Currently engaged as an evaluator at CST, assigned to grade 12 physics papers. Having concluded the evaluation process for class 9 physics papers, I am presently engrossed in grading class 11 physics papers, thus ensuring my readiness for upcoming invigilation duties.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Government Quarter

If the government were to develop housing facilities for various sectors, including teachers and other departments, it could naturally generate revenue. The provision of rent allowances to civil servants would become redundant in such a scenario. By occupying government quarters, the funds received by individuals essentially circle back to the government, forming an exceptionally efficient revenue cycle.

Consider a scenario where affluent individuals take out loans to construct buildings. Ultimately, who bears the loan repayment burden? It inadvertently falls on us, the civil servants, as we are obligated to rent their spaces, essentially repaying them through rent. But who reimburses us? The government does, implying that the loan repayment is indirectly shouldered by the government. However, it's important to note that these funds do not return fully to the government's coffers; perhaps a marginal 5% to 10% in the form of taxes. Ultimately, who reaps the benefits? The affluent individuals do, as they generate income through this arrangement. Consequently, in Bhutan, the wealthy tend to become even wealthier, partly due to this indirect support from the government.

The time has come for the government to meticulously examine these intricacies and devise novel strategies to bridge the gap between the less privileged and the affluent. I find it challenging to muster enthusiasm when the government proposes rent allowances or salary hikes. After all, this often leads to a surge in rental costs, an occurrence we are currently witnessing. Even if the government increases our salaries, it doesn't necessarily translate to personal gain, as the augmented income would be offset by higher rents paid to the affluent. This predicament highlights how the government's actions inadvertently favor the upper class while not adequately aiding the lower and middle classes.

If an ample number of government quarters were available, we could potentially pay up to 50% less compared to private accommodations. This arrangement would be mutually beneficial: we, the civil servants, would experience relief, while the government's income, channeled through our salaries, would also thrive. Conversely, when we rent from private quarters, the entire payment goes to the landlord, leaving both us and the government at a disadvantageous juncture. In this context, private income is generated, while the government taps into alternative sources for civil servant compensation.

Consider the implications of an imbalanced ecosystem. Imagine a situation where there's an excessive number of tigers but an insufficient prey population to sustain them. Inevitably, these tigers might encroach upon human territories. Similarly, the wealthy seem to be encroaching upon the government's resources, ostensibly in the name of the less fortunate. How long can the government persist in the pattern of raising salaries and employing existing techniques that perpetuate a lopsided financial cycle? The ones reaping the benefits are not us, but the wealthy few. Our plight remains largely unchanged.

In the private sector, the government indirectly shoulders the loan burden, and the private individual becomes the building owner. In contrast, in government-owned structures, the government assumes the loan liability, making it the proprietor. Unfortunately, this dynamic is less common in Bhutan. These sentiments reflect my personal perspective, devoid of any intention to offend or harm anyone.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

The currency value

The prices of onions and tomatoes in the vegetable market have surged significantly, surpassing reasonable levels. This increase in cost extends beyond that of other goods, indicating an unprecedented escalation. I wish to emphasize particularly the exorbitant price of tomatoes. In Wangduephodrang, as of today, the price of tomatoes stands at Ngultrum 150 per kilogram. The sum of a thousand currency units barely covers a small bag of vegetables, illustrating the astonishing disparity. This prompts contemplation on whether this trend signifies a robust advancement in the nation's economy or rather a lag in its economic progress.
Comparatively, before 2008, a kilogram of tomatoes was priced at a mere Ngultrum 15, magnifying the stark difference to the current Ngultrum 150. The instability in currency valuation exacerbates the situation. The once Ngultrum 1000 note now merely holds the worth of Nu. 100 from the pre-2008 era. During my training phase, a stipend of 1500/- sufficed for survival, but presently, managing with 15000/- has become an arduous endeavor. Extrapolating a decade into the future, a 10,000 note might be necessary to equalize the value of the present 1000 note.

Looking ahead, in the span of 20 to 30 years, the prospect emerges where substantial bundles of money might be indispensable for the purchase of even the smallest items. This paints a concerning picture of the economic trajectory.

Happy Birth Anniversary

11th November: I and my family join the people of Bhutan in celebrating this most auspicious occasion of the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk – our divine blessing. I humbly offer my deepest prayers and wishes for the health, happiness and long life of our beloved Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Long Live Your Majesty.

Saturday, November 09, 2013

Action Vs Reaction

After an illustrious span of four years dedicated to the field of education, I am transitioning into the role of an invigilator. Regrettably, my nomination has encountered resistance from a few quarters. It appears that some individuals have not taken into consideration the extensive array of workshops I diligently participated in throughout the past year. Despite the numerous learning opportunities I engaged with, there have been grievances lodged, with an attempt to revoke my nomination on the grounds of my status as a visiting examiner.

If I were to place myself in your shoes, I can scarcely fathom the approach I would adopt to address this situation. The experience would undoubtedly be profoundly distressing, and the sentiments associated with it would be difficult to reconcile. This sentiment is especially pertinent, as I find it perplexing that you have raised concerns about my selection as an invigilator, even though I championed your nomination for the same role, regardless of the number of workshops you had attended. Your entreaty to "understand, my friend" echoes in my thoughts, invoking contemplation. What if, instead of me, it had been you who encountered rejection? I consider myself fortunate to have been granted this opportunity, just as you were.

Considering the prospect of receiving certain benefits, it is conceivable that an awakening would transpire, even from the depths of inertia. Conversely, envision the scenario wherein these benefits were rescinded; it is conceivable that distress would pervade even the realm of dreams. While I am inclined to believe that your comments were perhaps not intended to wound, they undeniably incited a profound ache within me. After all, I perceive a shared trajectory and common purpose, though the need for resolution is evident. It is plausible that your words may have inadvertently slipped forth, and I acknowledge that my response might similarly stem from my own personal experiences.

In conclusion, as I embark on this new chapter and assume my role as an invigilator, I reflect upon the complexities of our shared human experience. It is my hope that we can navigate these intricacies, fostering understanding and accord along the way.

 
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