who waits for me

He has now reached the age of two, and what astonishes me is that, even at this tender age, he refuses to be apart from me. His inclination towards constant companionship is truly remarkable. Every morning, when I prepare to leave for work, his eyes well up with tears as he yearns to accompany me. Throughout the day, he awaits my return with bated breath, his gaze fixed upon the window. The moment he spots me approaching along the road, his face lights up with sheer delight, and he gleefully cries out, "Apa... Apa..." Witnessing his enthusiasm fills me with a deep sense of admiration. He serves as my wellspring of inspiration and, above all, holds an irreplaceable position in my life.

Upon my arrival back home, he stands eagerly by the door, wearing a radiant smile. He waits patiently until I've settled in, and then he begins his joyful chorus of "Apa... Apa..." on the brink of tears. This scenario repeats itself frequently, during lunch breaks and after school hours. The underlying reason behind these heartwarming displays of inspiration and happiness is quite simple: he desires me to bring him something to eat.

Once my school day concludes, my little boy expresses a strong urge to go for a ride. His fascination lies in exploring the world beyond our home's confines. I wonder whether it's my habit of keeping him indoors or my occasional excursions with him that have fueled this penchant. At his current age, venturing outside holds immense significance for him, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.

The Relics at Thimphu

Commencing my expedition around 4:00 AM on the morning of Sunday, October 20th, 2013, I embarked on a journey bound for Thimphu, fueled by the aspiration to seek blessings from revered relics. The belief that these sacred artifacts could cleanse the accumulated weight of my transgressions impelled me forward. Urgency spurred my pace, culminating in my arrival at RAPA by approximately 6:30 AM.

There, I joined the meandering queue adjacent to the entrance leading towards Tashichhodzong, with the line's genesis situated precisely at the RAPA hall. The atmosphere was permeated by a piercing cold, though the line remained utterly immobile. The roadways bore witness to reckless vehicular velocity, seemingly devoid of concern, even as children ventured across streets engrossed in their youthful camaraderie. Overwhelmed by trepidation, I vigilantly safeguarded my children amidst this precarious scenario.

Parents and guardians stood united in the queue, driven by an ardent desire to receive blessings. Meanwhile, vehicles careened down the streets, their velocity emblematic of an unyielding pursuit of financial gains during what they deemed a lucrative period. Regrettably, some youngsters were left unattended in the midst of this hustle. The conspicuous absence of security personnel, law enforcement, the National Pension and Provident Fund (NPPF), and the Desuups became an undeniable reality. The custodians of security had faltered in their duty, mirroring the event's disorganized nature orchestrated by the organizers. In a baffling turn of events, the public was compelled to endure an extensive six-hour wait in the frigid cold, a situation that transpired despite many having arrived as early as 3:00 AM.

Within this interval, an unfortunate accident came to pass. A young boy suffered the grievous loss of a limb as a result of being struck by a bolero car. Providentially, a traffic police officer arrived at the scene, prompting the frustrated and disgruntled public to vocalize the security vacuum that had engulfed the event. My own determination persisted despite the circumstances, although my fervor was challenged when I bore witness to individuals who had arrived subsequent to my own arrival promptly securing more advantageous positions in the central line. Their privilege, being related to someone positioned within, left me in a state of moral dissonance, for I had embarked on this pilgrimage with noble intentions.

All these unfolding events were emblematic of a stark security deficiency. Around 9:00 AM, the event organizers finally presented the relics to the public, albeit with an insufficient number of security personnel at their disposal. Their efforts to maintain order amid the surging crowd proved futile, and a momentary instance of frustration on the part of the organizers led to the abrupt suspension of relic disclosure. This paradoxically magnified the organizers' authority, as their brief moment of frustration mirrored the public's six-hour ordeal. The outcome, unfortunately, was a disheartened public returning home, their aspirations crushed. May the collective discontent of the public find its repository in the lapses of the organizers.

I, being a teacher, find myself constrained in opportunities such as these, with Sundays representing my sole window of availability. My duties are intertwined with nation-building, and I cannot, in good conscience, divert attention from my students to partake in relic blessings, even of such sanctity. I also express reservations about the media representation, particularly Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS). Their coverage appeared to lean towards highlighting public shortcomings, neglecting the extensive hardships endured by the masses amidst the rigors of cold and heat. Encouraging a diversified media landscape becomes imperative, as a monopolized media often neglects the multifaceted nature of events. My resolve to abstain from partaking in the secretive relic unveiling remains firm, driven by the realization that the negative sentiments outlined above had burgeoned.

Being a devout Buddhist, my connection to blessings from such revered relics remains unshakable. Thus, I find solace in having garnered blessings along the path to Trashigang at Rabuna Wangdue, where I received chawang from the relics. Gratitude fills my heart for this contentment that now resides within me.

Ap Jai sa koi nahin

One month ago, my child was deeply engrossed in perfecting a Hindi dance routine for the annual school cultural concert. This marked the inaugural stage performance by class PP-A of Tencholing Primary School. Among the participants was my six-year-old daughter, Kezang Chuki, who took part in a rendition of the classic Hindi song "Ap Jaisa Koi Nahin."

Anticipation filled the auditorium as the audience gathered for the commencement of the event, and the excitement was palpable as the chairperson opened the first show. As a parent, I joined the ranks of many eagerly awaiting the second performance, "Ap Jaisa Koi Nahin." This particular show held great significance as it marked the debut stage appearance for these young students since their enrollment in the school.

The moment arrived, met with a burst of exhilaration, as the children stepped onto the stage adorned in red skirts and white shirts, their faces adorned with carefully applied makeup. Amidst this vibrant scene, spotting my own daughter presented a minor challenge, eventually relieved by the realization that she held a prominent position in the front row.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Madam Tshomo, the dedicated class teacher of PP-A, and her team for nurturing and refining my child's abilities. Through their efforts, my daughter's perspective has broadened, allowing her to perceive the world with new clarity.

Teaching, I acknowledge, is an intricate task, especially when it involves young children such as mine. While some may perceive teaching as solely the responsibility of educators, I hold a different view. Teaching stands as a profession that lays the foundation for all other vocations. Instead of dwelling on this point, my primary intention is to express gratitude to all the teachers dedicated to instructing class PP. My message is simple: please persevere in your teaching efforts, for your capability and dedication are undeniable.

Regrettably, circumstances beyond my control prevented my child's participation in the second show due to a personal emergency that necessitated a trip to Thimphu. Nonetheless, I wish to emphasize that my child's enthusiasm for the performance remains unwavering.

Think as you act

Verifying the validity of vehicles and ensuring drivers possess licenses is a reasonable endeavor. However, the execution of traffic regulations in Bajo falls short of acceptable standards. The current state of the roads, street lighting, roundabouts, and other infrastructural aspects is concerning due to their lack of maintenance. It is crucial that all these factors are addressed and rectified before introducing and enforcing new rules.

While the monetary aspect of a fine amounting to Nu. 1750/- might not be of utmost concern, the true importance lies in the proper implementation of rules and regulations. It's advisable to consider a procedural approach, such as providing initial or secondary warnings, rather than immediately issuing fines on the spot. This approach reflects a sense of compassion and empathy, qualities that define our humanity. Striving to avoid an air of superiority is essential; empathy should guide actions.

I urge you to reflect on the implications of imposing fines on individuals. While it's acknowledged that rules must be upheld, there could be room for exceptions. This prompts contemplation on how one's own livelihood would be sustained while enforcing fines on others. Adhering to regulations is vital, but equally important is recognizing when circumstances warrant leniency.

My Concern to Students

As an educator, my concerns extend to the well-being of our students. Not only do parents and governmental bodies share this apprehension, but it's disconcerting to observe that students themselves often seem unaffected by it. I consistently emphasize to my students the importance of reciprocal concern; when others express worry for them, it's an opportunity for them to reflect on their own self-care.

Contrary to this principle, current trends among students appear to defy conventional wisdom. Tasks that require completion are often left unattended, while activities that are expressly forbidden gain prominence. It begs the question: are students truly invested in their own welfare? Many seem to confine their activities to the periphery of home and school, raising doubts about their genuine engagement. Similarly, while some parents exhibit genuine concern for their children's development, it's worth remembering that merely enrolling a child in an educational institution does not guarantee holistic growth.

In bygone eras, the desire for education was evident in children even when parents prioritized their involvement in domestic chores. Presently, the dynamic has shifted — parents are keen to send their offspring to school, yet students themselves often exhibit a lack of earnest dedication to their studies. Instead, there's a noticeable inclination among them to intentionally damage clothing or adopt non-conventional attire, despite the availability of suitable alternatives. Unlike the past when our predecessors fashioned garments from leaves and animal hides due to scarcity, today's youngsters are exposed to a range of options.

Unfortunately, modern children seem to assimilate negative influences more readily than positive attitudes, almost as if a predisposition towards negativity is ingrained. Their pursuit of success and recognition often appears disconnected from the concept of diligent effort. It's imperative that we address these trends collectively, nurturing a shift towards a more balanced perspective that values hard work and responsible behavior.

Captain Election at Bajo HSS

Results have been announced, however, a few students have come forward to report an issue. According to their accounts, they couldn't find the expected candidate listed, and there seemed to be some inconsistencies. The election coordinator is actively addressing these problems. Specifically, there were discrepancies between the serial numbers on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the candidate list. This led to some votes being attributed to the wrong candidates.

Moreover, in this election, there were 16 female candidates nominated, but due to space constraints, not all of them could be accommodated in a single voting machine. Two candidates were placed on a separate machine, which unfortunately went unnoticed by most students. Among these candidates was my nominee, 'Wangmo,' who possesses the qualities required for a captain's role but couldn't secure the position. This incident highlights a failure on the part of the school's election coordinator. It would have been wiser to nominate candidates who could fit within a single voting machine.