My own Reflections of Facebook and Twitter Status

Following are some of my own random status updates over the years quoted from the Twitter and Facebook Account.

1. The fact of matter is that until the policy makers or an economy placed importance to population at the bottom of pyramid. The dream of social wellbeing will be far fetch.
2. Closing your eyes is not meditation, which many people make mistakes. It is beyond that.
3. If you find your happiness in other's happiness, perhaps you understand the fundamental values of life
4. You just realize that It doesn't matter which part of continent you buy the products it is marked “made in china", that is Globalization.
5. I doubt the sustainability of Tourism Industry in Bhutan in long run with the given mode of structure of operations without any direct benefits to the communities. Community Based Tourism has to be the alternative solution
6. Our leaders who work and share similar ideas with Economist like Joseph E. Stiglitz and Jeffery Sach don’t walk the talk on importance of Equality.
7. I think GNH survey should include sexual satisfaction variables. Like it or not, sex plays major role in one's happiness level
8. The way we look into Migration should shift the focus in Bhutan, from reactive to proactive measures and pessimist to optimist measures.
9. The Relationship statuses on FB are no different from values of shares in stock exchange market.it keeps on changing now and then.
10. LG Act was enacted based on principle of Decentralization. However, we function based on practise of De-concentration. Time for Change.
11. If you use heart more than brain in any decision, you will never regret and be able to live a peaceful life
12. I get surprised when some leaders talk like Socialist but live the life of capitalist
13. In the democratic set up of world, is important to keep eyes and ears open. But more important is to keep your mind open
14. If people start thinking of ruling the self than ruling the world, the world would have been better place to live in
15. The real winner will be someone who Win despite losing in his/her life
16. I don't have problem with people enjoying their dinner or drinks in Taj Hotel, it is their fortune. But hate when they talk and decide the life and happiness of street people.
17. Can anyone tell me the logic of “Mission on Moon or Mars" when we could not understand the earth fully.
18. Until Research becomes the foundation of Laws in Bhutan, the implementation issues will be alway there. We cannot make laws mere on perception
19. Why one should be afraid of falling on ground that is where you will germinate
     
20. The Fundamental Principle of Religion is different from Culture and practise. Until we understand this, there will be conflict among religions
21. To understand basic teachings of Buddha and Buddhism, you must be able to celebrate death and birth equally
22. Addiction is not all about Drugs and alcohol. Even People can be addicted to power, profit etc. that makes world difficult to live in.
23. Some time I am thinking our MPs over the last years, must have shifted their bracket from poor to rich. they started loving Pro-rich policies
24. Bad part of FB and social networking is losing human touch
25. When rich robs from poor, it is called Enterprising and when poor do the same it is called robbery.  
26. Optimism is all about finding God in Hell.

Personally, FB and Twitter serve as my own reflections diary.


 

Taal Volcano in Philippines- One of the world smallest but Active

Nature Is Beautiful

Few Shots of Fireworks in Philippines during Christmas Celeberation

Who can learn from Mr Tashi Dawa, a driver and a GNH Citizen?

Tashi Dawa with PM of Bhutan - Photo Courtesy Bhutan Observer

So happy that Mr. Tashi Dawa, a driver who returned a bag full of money worth 6.8M to his owner was commended by Prime Minster and rewarded Nu. 50,000 from Government side for showing an example to the people of Bhutan.(Read More) I think he deserves all kinds of rewards or awards for his exemplary action.

But I am still in dilemma, what would have happened if that bag went to the hand of one minister, Trulku and Rinpoche’s, DHI members, business tycoon or  else in hand of any higher income group people? I am sure politician could have solved their problems of unlimited desire of pays and perks, Trulkus and Rinpoches could have travelled more in western countries, senior bureaucrats or DHI member may not ask for further salary hike. Or for business people they could have established neither business to fulfil their greed.

The list may continue and difficult for me to come to conclusion. So, I leave to the readers for your own analysis and judgment.

Prime Minister rightly commended him and everyone  of us have a reason to learn from a simple driver, truely a GNH citizen. More importantly, I think our ministers, politician, DHI members, senior bureaucrats and business tycoon could learn more on GNH values from him.

His message is clear that money is not everything. For me personally it is even more complex when I put myself in the shoes of Mr. Tashi Dawa. But he did that with clear consciousness and values that make each one of us proud today.

My due honour and appreciation goes to Mr. Tashi Dawa for his exemplary work and pray at the same time for more sons and daughters with his values be born in Bhutan especially in the families of higher income group.

No Rural Bhutan – If We Do What We Speak

Whenever, I had to introduce myself to friends in abroad saying I come from a very small country with an area of 36, 394 sq. kms and population less than 0.7M. The first reaction I get from them is ‘OK’ then everyone must be knowing each other. That makes me reflect and think again, do we really know each other? Perhaps, every Bhutanese now may have to ask that question yourself.

We have realized today that we have enough people who can bring changes in Bhutan. It will not take much time to make a dream place in Bhutan, if we are all genuine in what we “Think” and “Do”. Unfortunately, all those people are in Thimphu, Phuentsoling and other urban centre and completely forgot their own roots.

I am not exaggerating here, it is fact that there are many of us who have never been back to their own villages and lost contact with their relatives and communities for so long. Today, we blame for lack of development in remote Dzongkhags and I can confidently say that many of our policy makers, efficient leaders, workers, engineers, doctors all come from those remote places. And that makes me wonder, why?

Our youth do not know about the Rural Life, because parents never took them to their root place. Our so called Dasho’s and educated parents are the ones, who commited the mistake and preach other wise. Today, there are thousands of youth passing out every year with university graduates and their choices too remain and confined in urban areas. Sorry, we cannot blame them alone we have brought up them in such environment and we failed to facilitate and give them the right values.

I have come across in my life many officials, beautiful women, handsome men and friends whom I can’t believe that they can ever belong to those places they mention as their hometown. Women are so beautiful and men are so handsome physically that I have never come across such people in those places. That makes me ask every time, Are you sure? Yes ofcourse wai, but I live in Thimphu and Phuntsoling and my parents are settled here. I have never been to my village and only my grandparents and relatives lives there are the answers I usually get.

Perhaps, if all those intellectual people could visit their own villages’ atleast once in a year, talk with them and try to understand their problems. I am confident enough to say that huge difference could be made within no time. Besides, I should mention that it is not only problems that exist in rural area, but there are many beautiful things that you have never experienced in your urban life and you may be able to learn those values as well.

Yes, it is good to show concerns of common people on Facebook, twitter and finger point eachother on media papers in urban places. But more empirical would be to act and make differences in the field.  That is completely lacking in Bhutan at the moment. And fact is that those same old people without the degrees, without computer knowledge and skills are serving with the utmost dedication for the common people and I wish for God sake, if stop blaming them.

As Dalia lama said. “If you can, help others; If you cannot do that atleast do not harm them”

LET US NOW GO BEYOUND PAPERS AND INTERNET AND ACT GENIUNELY IF WE ARE FOR COMMON PEOPLE.

 

Brothers and Sisters living with HIV/AIDS in Bhutan wanted to go public and help Society

Bhutan as of July, 2010 has official figure of 217 HIV/AIDS cases out of which 43 died and leaves with 164 known HIV/AIDS cases. In-between December 2009 to July, 2010, 32 new cases were detected out of which 16 females and 16 males including one minor. The figure shows only the detected cases and actual infected numbers could be higher in country.

The infected people cut across all section of society including civil servants, corporation/Pvt. employee, housewives, farmers, students, uniform personnel, commercial sex workers, religious groups etc. No one has been speared and for God sake not even our monks.

Yes, defiantly it will remain a concern and has been priority issue for the country. Since 1993 with first detected cases, government has been putting all its efforts to prevent and control the disease. Considering the priority, Her Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuk took an initiative and under the leadership of her queen mother, many programmes have been initiated right from the central level to grass root level.

Millions of money has been spent through the help of donor funding to support the programme. There is a continuous effort by the Government to educate the people on disease. Mult-Sectoral Task Force was formed right from Ministry level to Gewog level at the grassroots to help achieve the programme. Yet today, it still remains a concern and needs more efforts to address the issue.

In fact, the most courage’s move was taken by the patient themselves to form a NGO called Lhak-Sam in 2009 with aim of supporting each other. Now, again an unprecedented move is being contemplating by NGO to go public and reveal their identity and work for the cause.( Read: Kuensel Story)   

 Personally, I must bow down  for courage of those people who wanted to support each other and work for the common cause.  There were constant efforts and ideas by the patients voluntarily to go publicly and help society in many ways. So, it is time that society supports them and cheers them up.

Government can help them in many ways, religious leaders and group have immense role to play which is of course line with the Buddhism principle and media can play a very important role.  What they need is our support at this time.

 A simple message from Je Khenpo, Prime Minister and various Eminent Rinpoche’s will defiantly have strong hold and bearing in supporting the cause. And no explanation is needed when it comes to the role of media in such programmes. Above all, I believe each one of us who understands the situation can help in many ways.  

I am sure, educated people will have no contrary argument when it comes to their voluntary will of going public and support the cause. But there may be certain reservation from our uneducated section of society owing to their innocence and it may not be very difficult to convince them. I understand the social stigma considering our conservative nature of our society but that is not enough reason to hold us back. Infact, we are very fortunate that our brothers and sisters who are infected with disease are willing enough to come forward and help the society.

If we fail today then I think we not only fail as a society, but may have to pay a huge price in future.  

However, I would like to stress here that the choices should remain with those living with HIV/AIDS on decision to go public or choose to remain protecting their identity. As far as they are willing, our society should be able to support and help them.

TODAY I URGE EACH ONE OF US TO JOIN OUR HANDS AND SUPPORT OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS FOR THE GREATER CAUSE.

Tourism and Local Community in Bhutan

Tourism development in Bhutan since 1974 played an important role in country’s economy and social wellbeing. Today, after Hydro Power the Tourism industry remains one of the major source of revenue genarator in our country. In 2009-2010, the figure stands at 19.8 % in GDP contribution.

Tourism Industry over the past decades has defiantly benefited the people and the country. Today, there are more than 400 registered tour operators, more than 100 hotels across the country and thousands of employees benefited in the country especially in the hot spots area of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Bumthang. Besides, the royalties that goes back to government treasure plough back indirectly to people in the form of social benefits like health and education etc.

However, the benefits to the rural people largely remain indirect and people failed to realize the importance of the industry. The incorporation of tourism plans in Local Government plan has never been realized and participation of local people in the process is very limited. Still it is consider a central driven plans and infact the direct benefits goes only to the section of people.

Government realizing the consequences has come up with measures including the model of  developing  a community based and Eco-toursim. The Tourism Council of Bhutan has drafted Tourism Bill.(Not yet presented to Parliament) which will help Local Government prepare their own Dzongkhag Tourism Development Plan and manage the tourism resources. The initiatives are being taken and some of them includes, pilot project at Haa and Zhemngang Dzongkhag, Phobjikha project, Nabji-Korphu trail and few projects in Tashiyangtse Dzongkhag. The products includes trekking trails, Bird watching, heritage villages, farm houses, road side ammunities etc.

The Tourism development and local community will have to go together in longer interest of the industry and remain a vital mainly due to followings;

·       to create a sense of ownership

·       manage the resources,

·       Direct benefits from industry and

·       Local Participation in process.

Local people need to understand the importance of industry and with government objectives of diversifying the products and address the issue of seasonality, the involvement of local people is undeniable fact and very important. Local community has to feel the sense of ownership and manage their own resources. And until, communities are directly benefited it will be difficult to involve them in process and make them feel the sense of ownership and responsibilities.  

Perhaps, at the moment since Local government do not have the required capacity and knowledge, people may not demand or expect much from the industry but that will not last long and it is already evident from some of the Dzongkhags like Paro and Bumthang.

Local people will defiantly demand more in times to come and without a clear system of involving the local people there would be possibilities of creating an unfavourable situation which will hamper the growth of the industry.

Without the Societal approach taken into consideration, the present trend will led to a volatile situation where there could be lots of conflict of interest and may hamper the longterm interest of economy.

Considering the importance of industry, it is high time that government gives a priority and pass the laws which governs the industry and takes all stakeholders into board. The involvement of local government and community in tourism industry cannot be ignored for longer time.   

My message and best wishes to students in Bhutan

Now the time has come to ripe the fruits of your hardworking for a long academic year and I know each one of you will do well. I can feel the pain and stress you go through at this point of time and my prayers are with you all to bless with all the powers to do best in your examinations.

Personally, I don’t feel logic in doing examinations and I wish the system should have never been introduced in education system. But, reality is always different and every one of you should take that as an opportunity and never consider as stressful times.

Don’t worry about passing or failing in exam, each moment of life is an exam and as far as you succeed in life that is most important. Remember, most of the scientist, thinkers, leaders, musician, celebrities  and other icon people in world have failed in one point of time amongst which include Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Socrates, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, Elvis Presley, and many more.

Every individual has his/her own unique talents and features. Nurturing yourself with values plays a greater role in life. Academic achievements not necessary guarantee a success in your life. It depends on many factors in and around you. That is the beauty of life.

Sometime, it is very unfortunate and sad situation that our youth commits suicide for not being able to perform well in examination.  Children’s are not only responsible it is even the parents who demands too much from their children. Parents try to enforce their greed’s and unfulfilled desires through their sons and daughters and that is where we go wrong. Parent’s job will be best if we can facilitate and nurture them with values instead of imposing the will.

My messages to all our youth at this critical time is to give your best, believe in yourself, keep faith in God and never give too much stress to yourself. Values in life are beyond Examinations.

Community Harmony may become a Tale in Bhutan

Bhutan for so long has preserved many of our cultural values among which the community vitality and harmony is one of the important and valued components in a daily life. I am here referring to harmony that exists in villages, among the households and individuals.

Helping and consoling from neighbours and family members during the time of sickness and death, labour contribution during the construction of the houses, taking care of our parents, elders and relatives, visiting the neighbours and community festivals including social gatherings are few examples of integral part of daily Bhutanese life.

In the past, there are no mobiles or any easy mode of communications but a loud voice shouting from one of the neighbours is enough to alarm everyone during emergency and within no time there would be enough helping hands. It does not require any laws or bylaws but all happens with mere sense of belongings and concerns. A person knows what your neighbours are eating, wearing and daily household chorus. Sharing even a single piece of chilli you have, offering of tea and meals if you are there on time, chit chat and part of gossiping are part and parcel of life.

For me, I am grown up in rural hamlet called Bongo under Chukha Dzongkhag and remember my days back listening to folk stories from our elders, helping neighbours in grinding rice using the traditional methods which requires a labour force and hanging around in the night for so called “Night Hunting” (word loosely used in English for making Love in Rural Life). The life in my village is so wonderful that today, I question why the present youths are not being able to enjoy the same life. Youths no more leave in village and connection between older and younger generation are widening every year. Infact, it is a sad situation and we are taking up some initiatives  to revitalize the community harmony that existed during our childhood days and works are in progress and praying that one day we would be able to live in same harmony that existed in past.   

Sorry to mention that now everything is changing so fast and can’t believe even if ever it has to go at that pace nor convinced that everything happens for the best. I understand that the change is inevitable and for that matter even culture has to be dynamic and it needs changes with change in time but unfortunately experiences taught us other way round.

Now, the community harmony and peace we enjoyed are diminishing in all parts of country. If you don’t believe, go to west and developed Dzongkhags and gewogs of Paro, Wangdi, Haa and more. People has become quite individualism and economic oriented. The neighbour hoods were lost and instead replaced by economic competition and in process lost many of the values and peace we enjoyed. I don’t have impirical and scientific research to prove my claim, but for sure question yourself today why cooperatives and group never get succeed in our country? The government’s efforts to promote groups and cooperatives were not that smooth, I will not say that the programmes has completely failed but it is not also a success and primary reasons is lack of confidence and trust in eachother over the pursuit of individualism. Despite all the cooperatives act, laws and bylaws in place, there are very few success stories.

Sharing among the neighbours are no more, helping hands comes only on conditions, money talks to much, religious and celebrations become profit oriented and it should not be a surprise when I say I face difficulties meeting friends and near one in Thimphu and Phuentsholing. Everyone is busy and no one has time.

It is time now to reflect back and see, when in the past without all those cooperatives acts and bylaws when our forefathers could work in harmony, why not during our time? Why people don’t share anymore? Why time has become so important? And why money talks too much.

The answers are not simple and direct, so we cannot remain complacent for too long. It is time now to review and see where we are standing?   

   

Historic Day of 11-11-11 in Bhutan

A Tribute to Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk

11^th November every year is a day that Bhutanese cannot forget in his/her life. It was on that auspicious day of 11^th November, 1955 our beloved father, the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuk was born in Dechenchholing Palace to late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuk.

 

Enthronement of King in 1974

I will share few things, not about the life of King but a simple ordinary serving and loyal person who has to sacrifice everything for his own people. He scarified his youth life and had to assume the throne at the age of 17 upon dismiss of his late father King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. He lives in a simple log cabin at Samteling which even do not qualify as palace and most Bhutanese own such houses.

He has served the people of Bhutan for last 34 years until he abdicated the throne to his eldest Son fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgay Wangcuk voluntarily in 2006. Here is the King, where the devolution of power goes down to people voluntarily and formed a Constitutional Democratic Monarchy from the absolute Monarch despite people submitting their pleas not take such decision and stick on Genja of 1907 where his forefather Gongser Ugyen Wangchuk, who unified the country and unanimously accepted and enthroned as first hereditary King of Bhutan by the people and thereby bringing end to all the civil disturbances in the country. Bhutan must be only the country with Constitution which requires King to abdicate his throne at the age of 65 and introducing a system of voting no confidence in the king. The provision comes not on demand of the people on street like other countries, but the directives to incorporate such provisions came from the Throne despite people’s plea not to take such decisions on every occasion. Instead, King himself went around the country and met with his people, talked with them and reminded time and again the long term interest of people and country.

Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk

The country has been successfully transacted from the absolute Monarch to a model and youngest democracy which befits small nation like Bhutan who is located between two giant nations of China and India. The transaction was not at all a onetime measure, but a subsequent process starting 1981 with formation of Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdu and Gewog Yargay Tshockchung in 1991. The decision making powers has been devolved at the grass root level and people’s participation was thrust in every plans and programmes.

 The Gross National Happiness, a philosophy which is now being looked upon as an alternative model of development in the international arena and many economist, sociologist, leaders are interested upon was primarily founded by no other than simple and humble servant King himself.

I am sure His Majesty at that age of 17, may not have imagine or thought that his simple and profound vision would one day become a talk of nations around the world, but it was just a mere dedication to his people and mentioned that progress of his country will be measured by Happiness of people and not a GDP. And ever since the enthronement at the very young age, His Majesty has worked tirelessly pursuing that dreams and he also wanted to achieve the dreams of his late father King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who mentioned that “If I were to make a prayer, I would ask that during my son's reign the people of my country would be far more prosperous and happy than they are today.” And today every one of us enjoys the fruits of his tirelessly and dedicated efforts.

Fourth King and Fifth King of Bhutan

He is not only a King but protecting deity of our country. He led the small troops and had to go and flush out the militants of ULFA and Bodo who has been illegally occupying our territory. The country who believes in peace has tried all measures to resolve the issues peacefully and when our plea fell deaf on their ears, finally we had to resort to military actions and successfully flushed out from our soil in December 2003.

He is a father who brought up a son of Bhutan, who today known as People’s King around the world and continue to uphold the legacy of Wangchuk dynasty ad serve the people with utmost dedications.

What Bhutan has today and its proud face on global agenda are fruits of selfless dedicated works of our beloved monarchs and full credit goes to our fourth King Jigme Singe Wangchuk. There are no other dreams for His Majesty then to serve his people. The interest of the people and country remains always a priority for him.

Today, on this historic day I joined my Bhutanese family to wish our beloved fourth King a Happy and Long Life.

Inflation and Poor in Bhutan

The inflation rate in Bhutan reported as of second quarter ending 30^th June, 2011 is estimated at 8.33% driven by increase in food prices up 10.56% and Non-food prices by 7.12% respectively. (CPI-NSB). Perhaps, the inflation rate could be higher than official figure and it is evident from daily life and need no further explanation.

The worst hits are the poor people and somehow there is not much of visible and concrete step being initiated to curb the inflation problem. Yes, defiantly our inflation is borrowed one and not all are within our capacities but still I believe we are far behind and we can do more rather than just sorting to the solution for hiking the salaries now and then for certain group of society and then compete among the privileged ones themselves.

Myself as Civil Servant want to appeal to the Civil servant not to further ask for the hike in salaries or allowances but appeal and demand for the inflation control measures. It will be just a neither eye wash and ultimate benefits goes to upper hands and If my memory serves well, I remember the most irrational recommendation of pay commission earlier to raise the salary for higher position at higher rate and lower group with lower % which ofcourse the government disregarded and went for flat rate hike of 35% and 20% hike respectively twice followed by other hikes including Parliamentarians and DHI members.

The ultimate blunt was felt by other group of society which includes employees of Pvt. Firms, farmers and lower income group people because the inflation did not discriminate or spear them and infact they were hit the hardest with immediate effect of those decisions. So, the question today will be, is another hike a solution to the inflation or we have to find other solutions?  But sad thing is that the inflation is not consider even a priority issues in our country and I feel pity on innocence  of our poor people and continue to suffer the same fate and continue chanting a mantra of GNH.( Gyelong Gaki Pelzom).

On one hand it is not at all surprising to find family with owning luxury car for every family members and construct buildings like match boxes in capital cities but on the other hand we have people who live below poverty line. In 2008, official figure says 23% of our population are considered to be below poverty line and not sure if ever we could achieve the target of 15% at the end of 10^th FYP.

Further, the media speculations and over reactions added fuel to the fire and it is equally responsible also for the suffering of our poor people. Hope in future, media too would be sensitive enough and knowingly or unknowingly may not commit the same mistakes.

I will live to the judgment of every reader on the question of, who is responsible to look for the solution. Defiantly, our innocent people cannot do that nor expect much but we have ministries, agencies, economist, specialist and above all ruling government overwhelmingly trusted by the people.

I am thinking about the irony of life when I write this article, when poor people steals from rich it becomes robbery and when rich rob from poor it becomes enterprising. Ideally speaking, poor should rob the rich but in every part of world including Bhutan it happens just the opposite.  

My appeals to all the citizens of Bhutan will be to look upon the problems as societal instead of one or two particular groups and take every Bhutanese into the boat and let us sail together.  

The Controversal Reproductive Health (RH) Bill of Philippines, What will be the way forward?

The Senate Bill 2378 or “An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development” commonly known as RH Bill introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santaigo  has a significant importance for the country like Philippines.

The Bill as intended was to provide Filipinos with information on the reproductive health, access to health care facilities and skilled professionals and save the lives of mother and unborn. As reflected in Bill, it is infect the fundamental duties of State enshrined in Constitution of Philippines to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instil health conscious among them and shall equally protect the life of mother and unborn. Also, country being signatory to many of the international convention and being a members of international communities has responsible to strive to provide better health education and facilities to all the citizens as per international standards.

Considering indicators available with government on maternal death with 162 mothers out of 1,00,000 live birth, Infant mortality rate of 19.34 death per/1000 live birth, birth rate of 25.34 per 1000 population (2011), 32.9 percentage of population below poverty line (2006) etc. gives the government an enough evidence and statistics for the need of a laws that protect the health of people and control the population growth. Today, Philippines stands at world 12th ranking interms of population in the world with 94.01M (NSO-Projected 2010) and given current growth rate and fertility rate, it is expected to further claim and it will be a great challenge for the Philippine government to cope up and meet the demand with current level of economic growth. The wellbeing of the citizen of any nation depends on the law that exists in country to promote a better ways and means supported by the policy, plans and programmes.    

However, the RH bill over the past years has been debated in house of Senate sponsored by Senator Miriam Defensor Santaigo and Sentor Pia. S Cayentano without much progress and conclusion. The RH movement was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church group and supported by few other Senators. The issue has been too much polarised between Pro-RH Bill and Anti-RH movement and for more than 10 years it has been a controversial issue. It is my personal view that the Bill will further take time until the younger generation of Filipinos and citizens are educated and understand the essence of the Bill and demand from the government in way and language that politician could only understand and that is “Vote”.

The approach taken by the Pro-RH Bill from the beginning has been also too arduous which has already insighted an abhorrence in the mind of Ant-RH which led to unnecessary impediment in legislature process. During the subsequent following of Senate debate online on RH Bill, it was pretty clear that the debate was not much focus on contents and essence of the bill rather it was beating around the bushes to unnecessary delay the process. The Anti- RH Senators are simply questioning the legitimacy of statistics provided by National Statistics Office, unnecessary debating on the biological term of conception and questioning the motives of agencies promoting family planning indicates the clear motives behind the movement.

They are more worried and debate on rights of unborn child but the irony is that thousands of children goes hungry daily and it is not uncommon to see kids roaming on the streets. May be it is time for Filipinos to ask the Senators and Congress man to ride a ‘Jeepney’(mode of transport used by ordinary people)once and go around Metro Manila or any other cities to find the truth instead of them travelling in luxury car with black shell preventing them from seeing the truth and reality.   

It is undeniable fact that if not late it is not at all early for Philippines to pass the law for the general wellbeing of the Filipinos. The difference between the Pro- RH and Ant- RH has to find an amicable solution including a political will. For the interest of Filipinos, the tone of language used by both the parties may have to be lowered down to come to a reasonable conclusion.

Note: This is just a part of my Reaction Paper for accadamic purpose in Population Studies and open Lecture on RH Bills and by anymeans does not represent the views of any organization or movement.

References:

Miriam Defensor Sentiago, Senate Bill 2378 or “An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development”

 Statistics, retrieved from Index Mundi.com website on October 19, 2011:
               http://www.indexmundi.com/philippines/birth_rate.html

Why “Big No” to KFC, Mc. Donald, King Burger etc. in Bhutan?

Bhutan for centuries has remained without the influence of western world particularly due to its geographical situation and now no more in a safe zone with modern development and its doors opened up to the outside world since 1961. However, Bhutan was wise enough for years to remain choosy under many circumstances and today we are proud of having many things which have been lost in the other parts of world including, culture values, environment and community harmony.

However, it will not be far where Bhutan will encounter the same fate like those nations and may lose forever the gift of our forefather if our policy does not continued to support with strong commitment.

As per the article, KFC and Piza Hut eye Bhutan by Phuntsho Wangdi, “the KFC and Piza Hut have tabled a project proposal to set up Business in Bhutan to FDI committee of the government and it is in the process of looking into the feasibility of the proposal.”

As an individual, I wish and pray that such proposal do not get through and fail to accord approval from the government. I am sure the expertise working with FDI proposal will look into it carefully and decide for the long term interest of nation and GNH screening tools will give sufficient test so that every aspect are taken care of.

The establishment of KFC, Piza Hut, Mc Donald, King Burger etc. may for a short term fulfil the exciting desire of the people, but in longer run it will have lots of negative impact both socially and economically including lost of our cultural values. Moreover, in small nation like Bhutan with just mere population of 0.650M, the effect will be more devastating.

The opening up of such FDI will compromise the existing business particularly the restaurants and hotels around the country with limited market. Also known and sufficient evidence from the countries which the FDI are operating with serving fast food, the health of population will be compromise with various man-made diseases like diabetes, Obesity, etc. and ultimately increase in Healthcare cost. Many researches has shown the evident of positive correlation between fast food and diet related diseases which includes works of Chou et al(2004), Cawley (1999), Bleich et al. (2007) etc.

Further, Bhutan a Buddhist country with principle of “compassion” and its continued efforts to educate people to help animals free from suffering, if ever the business gets established will be a big blow and will it will become more challenging. 

Can Bhutan efforts to open such FDI? Will have to be questioned by every citizen and remind government time and again to make a rational and conclusive decision. Yes, so far we have been able to keep away but what will be in future, will depend on our decision and it will be moral responsible for every one of us.  

Can developed nations claim Happiness so proudly?

Going by the latest report of HDI and further developing the happiness Index, Norway continued to top the highest rank on happiness Index followed by Australia, The Netherland, United States, New Zealand, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Germany and Sweden on the top 10 list and bottom 5 countries are Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Burundi, Mozambique and Chad.

The Article also states, “Bhutan, the only country that gauges its progress by measuring its people's happiness rather than economic contributions, came a rather lowly 141.”

Further, Adam Rogers, the UN’s Communication officer in Geneva clarifies that, “This [UN HDI] study is much more empirical than the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index you will find in Bhutan, which is quite subjective.”

So far, the term “‘Happiness” has remain a subjective and no doubt that it will continue to remain so, no matter how much the economist, sociologist, thinkers, leaders etc. try to define and come up with theories. The subject itself is by nature subjective and absolute. Yes, Adam Rogers is right when he says GNH is quite subjective but at the same time he should not forget GNH is broader than HDI as well. HDI could be just a component of GNH.

As far as I am concern, the developed nations which include USA, Germany and other nation also proudly cannot claim themselves as happiest country. Again the indicators are subjective and it is debatable. Today, we see an economic down falls, over consumption, war in the middle east, hunger in Africa and Asia, resource depletion, Global warming etc. and I think developed nations are equally responsible for those factors which led to billions of population living below poverty line and daily billions of people are deprived of basic facilities like food, shelter and clothing. If they are happy, I think they are one at the cost of billions of humans, natural resources, animals, plants etc. on other part of the world.

Many economist, thinkers, scientist, environmentalist, sociologist has come up with thousands of theories and evidences on how the developed nations are equally responsible for man-made disaster in the world.

The questions on why war never ends in world? Why every environment and Global Climate summits failed? Why today billions of Population lives below poverty line? and many more are without much answer. If billons of people in Middle East, Africa and Asia are not happy, it will not be far where developed nations too will have to pay the price and they will not be able enjoy the happiness they are claiming now.   

It is very unfortunate that the developed nations still failed to realize and those who realizes continued to pretend that they do not know about the problems. For sure, they know that they are also equally responsible for the cause root of the problem and yet they failed in many of the occasion to address the common problems. Until, the developed nations who have developed at the cost of underdeveloped nations sees as common problems and come forth to lend a helping hand, the happiness of the developing nations and underdeveloped nation will remain a fairy tale for centuries to come.

It will not be very far, where developed nation will realize soon the interdependency and its principles.

References:

An Article, World Happiest Countries: 1-187 by Jane Leung (Nov. 4, 2011). Retrieved from CNN International website : http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/life/united-nations-announces-world%E2%80%99s-happiest-country-247768

Sumaguing Cave in Sagada, Philippines

Shots from Trip to Baguio and Sagada

Sun Set in Baguio

Tam-awan village

Sagada View

For every Man-Made Problem there is Man-Made Solution.

Yes I am proud and I will be proud enough to be called myself a Bhutanese and a man from the Land of GNH because I have more reasons to do so. But at the same time I have more reasons to think and worry as citizen belonging to the Land of Shangrila with changes taking place in our country and more so the increasing trend of social issues which includes suicide, rape, murder and more.

Yesterday, neither cases of suicide reported in Samtse College and just day before in Gedu College. Referring the past records (http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/stock-agonies/), for me personally is alarming rate. Is it not time for Land who believes happiness as ultimate goal to think more and do more? For me, there are more we can do and it is time now to start.

Firstly, Government should be sensitive and responsible enough even if one citizen especially youth commits suicide, rape or murder. Government should not wait for the absolute numbers to increase but look into it from the angle of proportion to its size of population and learn some lessons. Japan currently is country which is considered to be a country with highest suicide rate and if we do some proper study, who knows Bhutan may not be far away and if not late it is not early for the government to get it alarm and not only to initiate the measures but do more effectively to cope with changes in times. For nation like ours, we cannot effort to wait for the absolute numbers to increase and even if single citizen commits suicide, rape or murder government should be sensitive enough.

Secondly, Society has role to play and with the changing times the social issues are bound to happen and it is responsibility of the society involving every citizen to think and come up with measures. Yes, perhaps I think we can even now proudly claim that our country must be the last country who still values the community harmony with families, friends, neighbours and social gathering considered a highest priority  in individual’s life. But if we don’t do more, the time will not be far away, where all those living culture in our country will become like a fairy tale like in other parts of world. For now, we have to ask ourselves a question, how far our relationship with families, friends and neighbours has changed. It is now no more a surprise to say I don’t know who lives next to my door? Fathers and mothers wanted to go to Australia and USA to earn dollars and families are left behind, the divorce rate increasing with women claiming more rights without values, people do not have time to spend with families where they are more economic drive and many more. It is time now to question ourselves and find where the chain has been broken.

Yes, Religious body has definitely a role to play. There are programmes being initiated but the snail pace is hardly coping up with fast changing times. Instead, our Trulkus, Rinpoches, Khenpos and Lamas are busy in western world including Taiwan and Singapore with dollars flying around which I think is not really a Buddhist principle. It is time now to ‘Think out of Box’ and revaluate the happenings around us.

Media and NGO’s has greater role to play. Why don’t Media ask the government, whether the cases that has happened in past is alarming enough for them to think and do more? Why don’t our NGOs do more research and educate the people and suggest the government a measures. Do we need more numbers to act? If not late it is not at all early.  

Bhutan has lots of treasure which we cannot effort to loose. For centuries, our forefathers and especially our successive Beloved Monarch through their farsighted vision have been able to hand it down to the generations. And it is equally responsible for our generation to pass down those valuable treasurers to next generation at least if not better, the same we have inherited from our forefathers.

Yes, we may not be able to solve all those social issues especially in times of such a fast changing world, but defiantly we can minimize the effects if we start thinking now and individually take the responsibility.

It is my sincere request to every citizen now to think out of box, make someone responsible especially the government through asking questions, learn to give a constructive ides and above all not to forget that we are Bhutanese and responsible lies with each one of to make our society a better living place and further more work for the cause of Humanity.

No doubt, Every Man-Made problem has a Man-made solution.