Coronation Day of His Majesty the King

 On November 1, 2008, His Majesty received the "Dhar Kha Nga" from His Holiness the Je Khenpo within the sacred "Machen" of the historic

Punakha Dzong, where the sacred and private rite of consummating His Majesty's commitment to govern as a Dharma King was performed.

Since then, the world has seen His Majesty serve with altruism, compassion and wisdom. Placing the people's welfare at the core of everything, His Majesty continues to give leadership a new meaning. 

We are fortunate to be subjects of a sovereign, the likes of whom rarely trot the world. 

As we remember November 1, 2008, I join the Nation in offering my most sublime prayers for His Majesty's good health, joy and long life.

Baseball in Bhutan

 

Within a few years, baseball has made its influence in Bhutan. 

I first saw and got to play baseball in 2019 while facilitating Camp Rural Urban Friendship in Panbang, Zhemgang. 

All thanks to Aue Namgyel Wangchuk who made sure that the participants learn a new form of sports. 

Today, for the second time I got to attend RICB U18  Bhutan Baseball League playoffs being played at Motithang School.  

Thimphu Baseball Club played versus the Royal Body Guard team and Taba LSS played against Dechencholing HSS.

It was great to learn from the coordinators, coaches and teams regarding the ongoing match as well as know its reach in the country.

With good wishes to the winning teams (RBG and Dechencholing HSS) who would be playing finals on November 11, I am glad to know this new sport will draw in hundreds of youth into an engaging game. 

The tournament is organised by the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association (BBSA) in collaboration with the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. It started on August 27. 

BBSA has reached out its campaign to schools under Thimphu Thromde and Wangduephodrang dzongkhag. It plans to reach out to southern dzongkhags next year. 

The polluted river: an eye-sore

... The priorities are clear and it is very welcome that the pathetic state of our drains that connects to the river is a priority.

From how our drainage system is built and maintained, we will never be able to manage a few hours of heavy rains. 

If we have built some, they are blocked with garbage carelessly thrown in it. In fact, open drains are the favourite dump yard for the city's residents. Moreover, the drains flow down to the river polluting the pristine water. 

The approach to urban governance needs to change.

Wastewater treatment plants are constructed with effect and it is said that 12 million litres a day is treated once the water reaches the treatment area at Langjophaka and one at Babesa where the treatment plants are based. 

The treatment plant has not been able to lower the total suspended solid (TSS) or particles and debris floating on the surface of the sewage to the permissible threshold (Kuensel, 2022.)

What about the river, and the aquatic life in between? Cannot we have a better system in place to ensure that dirty drains do not flow into the river? 

The priorities are clear and it is very welcome that the pathetic state of our drains is a priority. We need better gutters, well-maintained, and efficient treatment, not lip service on clean Bhutan. 

Pedestrian terminal user fee welcome

The decision to charge a Nu 10 user fee at the pedestrian terminal in Phuentsholing from November 1 is welcome.

The levy is applicable for every instance of entry and exit. That means if a Bhutanese goes to Jaigaon, he or she will have to pay a Nu 10 user fee at the terminal and another Nu 10 user fee to enter Bhutan.

This will also be applicable to foreigners—if an Indian national from across the border decides to enter Phuentsholing, he or she will have to pay a Nu 10 user fee at the terminal and another Nu 10 exit fee.

Bhutanese in general see the merit of this decision. When the announcement came early this week, Phuentsholing residents, although a bit surprised, supported the decision.  

What we must understand is that the terminal should be self-sustaining. As the director general of the Department of Immigration, Pema L Dorji said, the user fee is for the “upkeep and maintenance of the terminal.” What this means is that the fee collection will be ploughed back into many recurrent expenses at the terminal such as electricity bills, internet bandwidth charges, and air-conditioning, among others.

As the terminal is busy throughout the day, it has already seen some wear and tear. Because there is a huge potential for success, the thromde should be able to manage the terminal outside the government’s development budget.

What we must also remember is that our neighbours from across the border might feel that we are making entry to Phuentsholing difficult for them. Such views are unfortunate and can’t be helped. We are already hearing complaints from across the border and their threats to retaliate with similar requirements for Bhutanese entering Jaigaon.

It is the responsibility of the dzongkhag, drungkhag, and thromde officials to disseminate the plans and information to their counterparts across the border. The pedestrian terminal is there not to limit the movement of people and trade between Phuentsholing and Jaigaon; it is to facilitate both very transparently and professionally. More important, it is for the safety of the people on both sides of the border.

@Kuenselonline

Media literacy, still low in Bhutan

 ...media literacy, is still low in Bhutan and today I came to know Media Studies will be discontinued in schools as a subject...."

Did we forget what happened recently?

The previous week, social media was flooded with posts and videos of Bhutanese being scammed. 

Within a week, 10 cases of the online scam were reported to the Royal Bhutan Police, Thimphu. 

Bitcoin mining, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), and American DV are the three mediums on Telegram, Instagram and WhatsApp that the scammers have tried to scam the public. Several Bhutanese have fallen victim to online scams. 

The government must improve user abilities to use ICT tools and online access services, raise awareness, develop a digital literacy training programme, and build ICT skills among citizens to make technology usage a success.

One of the reports by RBP says that the victims have lost Nu. 350, 000 to the scammers.

Even at this stage, the rate of media literacy in Bhutan is still low. The scammers were not within reach as they were using different numbers to contact people and alternate accounts to transfer the amount. 

The Bhutan CIRT which deals with the country's cyber security has been advocating and alerting Bhutanese to be cautious and refrain from sharing personal details with unknown accounts.

There are a total of 553.6 thousand social media users in Bhutan and research found that emphasizing media literacy is crucial if the Digital Drukyul Flagship is to succeed. 

Bhutan aims to achieve digital Druk Yul and such incidents are negative factors affecting the attainment of the flagship program. 

This is why a more comprehensive understanding of digital literacy should comprise a person's level of preparedness in terms of assimilation, utilisation, and operation of digital technologies to create a digitally inclusive community.

Way forward

A well-discussed plan is a must in the country to determine citizens' technological requirements and computer literacy skills. 

There is also a requirement to offer training programmes by educational institutions to enhance students' media literacy skills. 

Implementing a strong and efficient channel-management strategy is also advised, as is raising awareness of the previously deployed e-government solutions through significant promotion or marketing initiatives.

Zachum for the storytellers

'... little did we speak while going_laughing and shouting we returned.'

After a long while, I attended such a celebration. 

Excited, early morning I woke up. Wore a woollen quilted jeans jacket to make sure I remain cosy and not late for the day. As I stepped out, one of my brothers was there waiting for me outside. 

We gathered at the meeting point, and the turn-up was as expected, only a handful of people made it on time. 

Three buses were ready to reach us at the picnic spot. The rugged leather seats were not so loveable on such a chill morning. As a greater number of our people gathered, we occupied the comfy seats and started to make ourselves comfortable. 

'bhrommmmm…' the sound started as the driver ignited the engine with dark smoke released through the silencer pipe. 

As we passed the majestic autumn meadows covered in stunning colour-filled trees, the temptation to click pictures or pluck the leaves made our minds uneasy. 

Through the small, bumpy and dusty road that seemed never-ending; an hour later than the scheduled time we reached the picnic spot. 

As soon as we reached it, the first move was definitely towards the fire or the warm sunlight to keep ourselves hot. 

"Time for thuep (porridge)," shouted a man bold and firm from the kitchen. 

We prepared ourselves to get our share of warm porridge to warm our bellies. 

After we were done with the thuep, everyone moved back to the respective gang of the team. The card playing group at one place, the cooking group at another, the printing team at another side and so did the editorial newsroom team. 

It was uneasy for me to see people from one corporation into several different teams. "Were we going to compete for the prizes that were placed at our center?" 

Definitely 'NO.'

The sole reason was we hardly met or interacted while in the office. Everyone was trying their best to make sure one gets involved and talks with the other. 

Then came a man to the rescue. 

Bold and powerful he looks. A leader he is, Mr Ugyen Penjor, the CEO, came and got involved in every place. The way he was trying to engage and involve everyone was fascinating. 

Be it a balloon dance or musical chair, he was taking part to ensure everyone enjoyed the gathering. 

Slowly, everyone started to come closer to the warm fire as the midday sun started to hide over the mountains. 

The team of chefs prepared the best dishes possible and placed the items. 

Everyone, in the queue, served their share. The delicious meal was able to make sure we go again for a second share. 

As time passed by musical performance was necessary to express one's happiness. Single, dual and in groups we danced. 

Finally, the awaited lucky draw was happening...

"Yes, I was supposed to win the lucky draw as much as any of the others were waiting for their number." 

An unlucky day for me to win the prizes, no consolation, no money given away win, or the prize. Nevertheless, 'Congratulations' to the ones who won the 'rice cooker, water boiler and the curry cooker' or the consolation prize.

Everyone was now hooked together, speaking like a team.  The conversation was easy flowing. 

The final call was for 'Tashi Lebey' initiated by the CEO who was making everyone shout, 'Hello everybody.'

After singing and dancing over a few songs, the wrap-up process was happening with things being loaded back.

We got inside the bus and started to move back. 

This time, the environment inside the bus was different with everyone either contributing to shouting more than singing, dancing, and laughing as the bus kept moving. 

It became dark, and at around 6 we reached back and finally moved back home. 

The day was remarkable for all the storytellers of Kuensel Corporation. For me, it was an amazing journey in a new place with a huge number of members of the family whom I had never known.

(Reflection of the Kuensel picnic on October 22, 2022)

The Frogs Who Wished for a King

The Frogs were tired of governing themselves. They had so much freedom that it had spoiled them, and they did nothing but sit around croaking in a bored manner and wishing for a government that could entertain them with the pomp and display of royalty, and rule them in a way to make them know they were being ruled. 

No milk and water government for them, they declared. So they sent a petition to Jupiter asking for a king.

Jupiter saw what simple and foolish creatures they were, but to keep them quiet and make them think they had a king he threw down a huge log, which fell into the water with a great splash. The Frogs hid among the reeds and grasses, thinking the new king to be some fearful giant. But they soon discovered how tame and peaceable King Log was. In a short time, the younger Frogs were using him for a diving platform, while the older Frogs made him a meeting place, where they complained loudly to Jupiter about the government.

To teach the Frogs a lesson the ruler of the gods now sent a Crane to be king of Frogland. The Crane proved to be a very different sort of king from the old King Log. He gobbled up the poor Frogs right and left and they soon saw what fools they had been. In mournful croaks, they begged Jupiter to take away the cruel tyrant before they should all be destroyed.

"How now!" cried Jupiter "Are you not yet content? You have what you asked for and so you have only yourselves to blame for your misfortunes."

Be sure you can better your condition before you seek to change.

Author: Lee Seon-a

 

Hazelnut Harvest in Bumthang in Hope for Better Yield

 

The annual harvest for Mountain Hazelnut Venture has not been convincing to the farmers of the Bumthang district this year in spite of the hard efforts made by them. Yet there is a hope for better reap - a benefit for their hard work in the course of time. This year a total of five truckloads of nuts were harvested.

The history of Mountain Hazelnut Cultivation in Bhutan as of now is rather an uninspiring one. When the business first started in 2009, the farmers were promised that hazelnut would bear fruits within 3-4 years of time but it has not made a good impression as of now. The company is currently at loss and more than Ngultrum 1.4 Billion has been invested in the venture. This has shaken the company's credibility among the farmers.

happy farmer with hazelnuts

harvesting hazelnut

"So far we have not made any significant revenue through the sale of hazelnut. However, we are hopeful of a big harvest in the next few years. Despite the challenges we are facing, we have collected more than 14 metric tonnes of nuts this year and have planned to export soon."-Chenga Tshering (PhD), the Director of Mountain Hazelnut Ventures, (Sonam Nutty, BBS News)

The hazelnut cultivation venture was established with the hope to improve the subsistence nature of farming in Bhutan. The farmers would plant plants in fallow or degraded areas and sell the produce at good prices to add to their income. It is the first 100% foreign direct investment company in Bhutan. Not only at Bumthang but also at places all across Bhutan, approximately thousand of farmers are planting hazelnut. Mountain Hazelnut Venture is providing free saplings for strong and committed farmers.

Hazelnut thrives well between the elevation of 1600 to 3000 meters above sea level.

 

What is the future of White Bellied Heron in Bhutan?

The recent news on the sighting of White-Belled Herons along Phochhu and Mochhu is important to talk about. 

Bhutan is one of the tenth global hot-spot for natural heritage and kindly supports 50 bird species preserving varieties of birds. Great-billed heron (Ardea insignis) is at its critical stage of extinction. It is known that approximately 200 numbers of White-Bellied Heron are existing in the world; out of which 14% of the total species' habitat is in Bhutan. Owing to the survey report undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MoAF) and WWF Bhutan in 2022, there is exactly 30 surviving great-heron in Bhutan.

White-Bellied Heron, often termed the Imperial Heron is one among many endangered species in Bhutan. It resides in the wetlands and along riversides. In the earlier days, they were traced only at Punatsangchu, but now they could be tracked even at Zhemgang which concludes that they can thrive in many parts of Bhutan.

Many Ornithologists and tourists recommend Bhutan as the last existing 'Shangri-La'. Not because it sounds correct but because the protection of the natural environment is our national priority. Moreover, the type of tourism sector in the country is dominantly sustainable tourism. Yet, there are many loopholes posing threat to their existence.

The number of great-heron is reduced due to attacks from predators such as the crested serpent eagle, and many people and communities lack awareness of endangered species. Thirdly, Bhutan is developing at a leap-bound rate; the construction of roads and tunnels for hydro-power leading to the bombing of cliffs is posing threat to their habitat.

Nonetheless, Bhutan follows the Sustainable Development philosophy, where the environment is given high priority as prescribed in the Gross National Happiness philosophy. Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in collaboration with the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS) is making an enormous effort; they are working closely with the local inhabitants and with the support from College of Natural Resources (CNR) students, they are creating awareness to the people. Furthermore, a captive breeding centre is established at Changchey, Tsirang, which is fully funded by Punatsangchu Hydro-power Project Authority (PHPA

Development is crucial in all countries. Nevertheless, not at the cost of existing resources. One shares a symbiotic relationship with nature and it becomes one's duty to gratify the existing environment in a way that the resources are used in a way that the natural habitat remains green. We as global citizens have this utmost responsibility to keep our natural heritage pristine so that our future generations can also enjoy their existence.

The debate on Education

 When the debate is about education, we have got to be all the more solemn and sincere.

Debates we must engage in. The more seriously we do, the better. Without serious debates, there scarcely is anything concrete we can hope for. When the debate is about education, we have got to be all the more solemn and sincere.

Trivialising education just because one can say anything about a subject anywhere, as noble as sharing is, is reprehensible. We have had enough.

An unstable vision is the worst thing we should aspire for, particularly when we are talking about the nation’s education system.

We will continue to question why 200 schools are better than 500 schools and how boarding schools are better than day schools. The press release issued soon after the news that the number of schools would be reduced to 200 did not help. In fact, we are left to wonder how such miscommunication could even have happened.

Blaming the press for what it did, and informing the nation as the information roll on from the sources, is not right. It is a pity. Our schools face many problems today that can be addressed by simply rationalising the power of needs and wants. Perhaps we understood rationalisation quite differently. That is why we often hear about disturbing nonchalance when hoards of our seasoned teachers are leaving the system.

If the aim is to reduce the workload of our teachers, reducing the number of schools is not the way. And now we hear that the closure of any school will be left to the communities and the parents to decide. What does it mean?

Who got it wrong, the ministry, the public, or the government? Miscommunication can be costly.

The time has not come for Bhutan yet to reduce the number of schools. If we bring down the number of schools, how are we working with the number of teachers who leave the system and those who are getting into it? And, more importantly, are we giving our children the education that will help them stand on their own feet? There are numerous more questions. Education debate must not lose focus. No one can play with it.