As a part of an initiative to promote tourism in the eastern part of Bhutan, the project Sustainable Hospitality Industries Inclusive of Native Entrepreneurs (SHINE) launched the “Uncharted Bhutan Tourism Attraction Books” and “Regional Food Program” in Thimphu yesterday.
The project’s lead manager, Dr Robert Wimmer, said that the project has employed a two-way strategy with comprehensive information on the eastern dzongkhags. The books, he said, could be used as a framework for regional tourism development and a resource map.
“While Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha hold 65.9 percent of the tourism share, all the six eastern dzongkhags combined receive only 2.3 percent of the tourism influx and the corresponding value. This project is exclusive and in-built with local partners who will continue the project,” said Dr Robert Wimmer.
Chorten Dorji, executive director of Handicrafts Association of Bhutan, said the project would be able to make a difference with co-operation among the stakeholders in strengthening Bhutan’s local economy, creating jobs and improving infrastructure while also conserving the fragile ecosystems.
“Weeks after the implementation, we noticed tourists taking interest in local products; we can achieve high value in tourism if we work on these aspects and provide an authentic experience to the tourist,” said Chorten Dorji.
The books have lists of rich tourism products in the seven eastern dzongkhag of Bhutan—Dagana, Lhuentse, Mongar, Pemagatshel, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, and Zhemgang with detailed information on natural and cultural resources, food and beverages, handicrafts, festivals and infrastructure, among other.
The project is being implemented in partnership with HAB (Handicrafts Association of Bhutan), BAOWE (Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs), and Stenum Asia.
The five-year project worth 2.3 million Euro is being funded by European Union SWITCH-Asia programme which was initiated in 2020.
Football fans await to see the season's mascot during the World Cup.
Naranjito - 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain™
Image Credit: Who Ate All The Pies
The 1982 mascot 'Naranjito' was inspired by Spanish oranges. Donned in the host country's kit uniform, the mascot got its name from the Spanish word for Orange, 'Naranja'.
Name: Naranjito
Inspired by: Orange
Pique - 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™
Image Credit: Who Ate All The Pies
The mascot of the tournament in Mexico was called 'Pique', one of the country's most significant ingredients-Jalapeño.
Mexican cuisine is known for including Jalapeños, and this mascot did justice to it by being a Jalapeño wearing a 'Sombrero' (traditional Mexican hat).
Its name was inspired by the Spanish term for spicy peppers and sauces, 'Picante'.
Name: Pique
Inspired by: Jalapeño
Ciao - 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy™
Image Credit: People's Daily Online
Unlike typical mascots that tend to be fluffy animals or fruits & vegetables, this one was rather unique.
The mascot 'Ciao' was designed by a self-taught graphic designer who had submitted an entry when the Italia 90 organising committee called on a competition. He claimed to have come up with the idea at a traffic signal.
Many accepted, appreciated and approved of the mascot as they believed it represented the start of a new era and a futuristic Italy; most importantly, it set them apart from the rest.
Name:Ciao
Inspired by: Italian flag
Striker - 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™
Image Credit: Who Ate All The Pies
The 1994 mascot 'Striker' was iconic as it was designed by the renowned 'Warner Brothers' who kept it simple at heart. Humbly inspired by a domestic pet dog, the choice was due to it being so common in American households.
It also represented the American flag with the tri-coloured kit.
Name: Striker
Inspired by: Pet dog
Footix - 1998 FIFA World Cup France™
Image Credit: Who Ate All The Pies
The rooster is one of the national symbols of France; hence, was the ideal choice of inspiration for the respective tournament. It also replicated the national team shirt with 'FRANCE 98' wording on the chest.
The name 'Footix' was a combination of the words 'football', and the 'ix' was from the much-loved Astérix comic strip.
Name: Footix
Inspired by: Rooster
Ato, Kaz & Nik - 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™
Image Credit: Who Ate All The Pies
The mascot for this tournament was symbolic as it was the first time there were three elements to a mascot.
Unlike many other mascots inspired by existing elements, Ato, Kaz & Nik were computer-generated futuristic characters. They also had their version of the game termed 'Atmoball'.
Interestingly, they got their names through public voting, which was taken at McDonald's branches across the countries.
Name: Ato, Kaz and Nik
Inspiration: Futuristic characteristics
Goleo VI & Pille - 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™
Image Credit: FIFA
A lion and talking football, Goleo VI & Pille, were the mascots of choice for the German tournament. The name Goleo was inspired by the term 'goal' and the Latin for lion, 'Leo'.
The talking football was named 'Pille', a commonly used word for football in Germany.
Name: Goleo VI and Pille
Inspired by: Lion & football
Zakumi - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™
Image Credit: Who Ate All The Pies
'Zakumi', the mascot, was a friendly twist on leopards. The animal was chosen because it is very common in South Africa.
The green and gold colours were inspired by that of the national sports teams kit. 'ZA' is a commonly used acronym for South Africa, and 'Kumi' was an African term for '10'.
Name: Zakumi
Inspired by: Leopard
Fuleco - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™
Image Credit: FIFA
The 2014 mascot 'Fuleco' paid homage to the endangered 3-banded-armadillo, native to Brazil. Its name came from the Portuguese words 'Futebol' (football) and 'Ecologia' (ecology).
Name: Fuleco
Inspired by: Armadillo
Zabivaka - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™
Image Credit: Shutterstock
The 2018 mascot known as 'Zabivaka' was brought to life by a student at Tomsk State University. She claimed to be inspired by Disney.
The character of choice was a wolf wearing sports glasses to protect himself from his high-speed run.
The mascot was a subject of much debate at the time as people interpreted the sports glasses to be winter glasses that weren't deemed relevant to a summer event. However, it was put to rest with due clarification.
Name: Zabivaka
Inspired by: Wolf
La'eeb - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
Image Credit: FIFA
The mascot for the Qatar tournament, known as 'La'eeb', gets its name from the Arabic term 'super-skilled player'.
Unlike its predecessors, this mascot is one of a kind as it belongs to a parallel universe known as the 'mascot-verse'.
He gets his features from traditional Qatari menswear elements, the 'Ghitra' and 'Igal'. Typically worn with a thobe (white robe), the 'Ghitra' is a white cloth worn on the head, kept in place by a black woven ring known as the 'Igal'.
Name: La'eeb
Inspired by: Ghitra (headpiece from traditional attire)
World Children's Day 2022: Inclusion, for every child
As we celebrate every child, it becomes vital for the children, young people, policymakers, influencers and advocates to strive towards the well-being and rights of every child.
It is an annual day of action for children, by children. From climate change, education and mental health, to ending racism and discrimination, children and young people are raising their voices on the issues that matter to their generation and calling for adults to create a better future.
Every year on November 20, World Children's Day—originally known as Universal Children's Day—is observed to encourage global understanding, raise children's welfare standards, and promote international cooperation.
The celebration of children's rights on World Children's Day gives each of us a motivational springboard to engage in conversations and take concrete steps toward improving the lives of children worldwide.
Football enthusiasts around the country can watch the FIFA World Cup on Sports 18 1HD channel as the international tournament kicks off on November 20.
Sports 18 channel is provided by Viacom18 broadcaster based in India which caters to the Indian subcontinent. The channel is available on all Bhutanese cable networks.
An official from the Norling Cable said that one has to do an auto search if the channel does not appear on television. “In the set-top-box remote, one has to press the menu button. After that, press channel search and then auto search. If there is a password requirement, press all zero.”
Cable operators said the necessary help will be provided if someone has difficulty finding the channel.
Host Qatar will take on Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in the opening game. For Qatar, it will be their first ever world cup appearance in history.
World Cups in the past usually took place in May, June or July, but due to the intense heat in Qatar in these months, the tournament is shifted to November with a reduced time frame of 29 days.
The 2022 World Cup will take place in five cities of Qatar at eight venues. Qatar won the World Cup bid in 2010.
...can Bhutan become an ambassador for the elimination of cervical cancer?
Towards elimination of cervical cancer (Google)
With a rise in the number of cervical cancer cases in the region, World Health Organization (WHO) calls for action against it.
As per WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women reported globally. About 604, 000 new cases were detected and 342,000 deaths in 2020, actions to eliminate cervical cancer are a public health concern.
According to the Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, countries of the region continue to make steady and sustained progress against cervical cancer, in line with the Region's Flagship Priority. "Five member states_ Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand have introduced nation-wide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination."
In Bhutan, cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women, with an estimated 20.5 cases per 100,000 women.
The Ministry of Health, Bhutan has launched the strategic plan for cervical cancer 2019-2023 towards the elimination of cervical cancer in Bhutan. This strategy should be a guideline to achieve the target by 2023.
Several measures have been taken by the Royal Government of Bhutan: HPV vaccination for boys and girls reaching over 90 per cent a year, Pap smear cervical cancer screening every three years, and cervical cancer treatment. These measures can make Bhutan an ambassador for cervical cancer elimination.
As per the Health Minister, Dechen Wangmo, Bhutan will be among the first country in the region to present the cervical cancer elimination strategy.
Despite several challenges that Bhutan would face: vaccine and screening test supply and delivery challenges, human resource capacity and infrastructure challenges, Bhutan has committed to eliminating cervical cancer at the 144th session of the World Health Organization in 2019.
Eliminating cervical cancer will promote various Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), and SDG 10 (reducing inequalities).
We have finally found a solution to the waste problem or are finding one with some actions put into place as soon as a Waste Management Committee is formed. Yesterday, to the surprise of business owners, a team of thromde inspectors and officials from the Committee fined 149 people for violating the Waste Prevention and Management Regulation 2016.
The violators were taken aback even if they were aware that there is a regulation that is six years old. The difference is that not much has been implemented. The warning seems stern now.
The Waste Management Committee is created to see how the waste situation in the country could be improved. It can be. It is formed with an executive order from the Prime Minister, headed by officials from His Majesty’s Secretariat, the office of the Gyalpoi Zimpon – well aware of His Majesty’s concern on the mounting waste problem and many relevant institutions.
More than who is on the committee, it is the decision to take tougher approaches against who litter or violate regulations. The carrot approach has failed. The advocacies, awareness and cleaning campaigns have not helped. Some are even convinced that there are volunteers to clean their waste from time to time. Quite often it is school children and recently the de-suups cleaning up the mess others created.
The committee will also review and recommend changes in policies, regulations and institutional structure to improve waste management practices besides exploring the most suitable and environmentally sound technological solutions to manage waste effectively and efficiently. This is a welcomed change.
Our waste issue is getting complicated. It is not only plastics or pet bottles now. There are bigger issues like e-waste and untreated harmful waste flowing freely into the rivers or landing at the landfills. Then there are spillage of construction material or water on public infrastructure like roads damaging them and costing the government coffer.
In the meantime, the thromdes, dzongkhag licensing and monitoring authorities will also have to create adequate space and infrastructure for managing waste while tightening rules and improving monitoring mechanisms.
In the thromdes, property owners could take up ownership by adopting surrounding areas and keeping them clean. Schools adopting streams and free space is a good example of taking ownership.
The initiative should not stop after the launch and initial fervour. A good reference is the repeated ban on the use of plastic bags. We have admitted defeat and failed to prevent a good decision from going to waste.
1)You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.
2)You need to know a lot about your own tiny field of expertise, but for the vast majority of life’s necessities you rely blindly on the help of other experts, whose own knowledge is also limited to a tiny field of expertise.
3)Happiness Begins Within.’ Money, social status, plastic surgery, beautiful houses, powerful positions – none of these will bring you happiness.
4)Romanticism tells us that in order to make the most of our human potential we must have as many different experiences as we can.
5)The vast majority of human communication – whether in the form of emails, phone calls or newspaper columns – is gossip. It comes so naturally to us that it seems as if our language evolved for this very purpose.
6)Money is the most universal and most efficient system of mutual trust ever devised.
Once people get used to a certain luxury, they take it for granted. Then they begin to count on it. Finally they reach a point where they can’t live without it
7)The more things these hands could do, the more successful their owners were
Consumerism has worked very hard, with the help of popular psychology (‘Just do it!’) to convince people that indulgence is good for you, whereas frugality is self-oppression.
8)There can actually be richness in the sadness. If you experience joy without craving that the joy linger and intensify, you continue to feel joy without losing your peace of mind.
9)We study history not to know the future but to widen our horizons, to understand that our present situation is neither natural nor inevitable, and that we consequently have many more possibilities before us than we imagine.
10)The human collective knows far more today than did the ancient bands. But at the individual level, ancient foragers were the most knowledgeable and skillful people in history.
As Bhutanese celebrated the birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Hongtsho Primary School (HPS) marked it with a learning fair to build partnerships for children’s education yesterday.
The fair was conducted to commemorate Children’s Day and the Constitution.
School Education Director General Karma Galay said that the involvement of parents in such an event was an example of making learning a mixed medium. “The children will be able to learn with practical experience on what is being taught at the school.”
Director General with the parents
Hongtsho PS Principal Jamyang said that the fair is aimed at making the students aware of the traditional Bhutanese society. “Today is a special day for our students, and we want to impart modern education with knowledge of traditional Bhutan.”
The fair was divided into four different categories: traditional houses of Bhutan; carpentry tools; modes of transportation; and traditional agricultural tools.
Tshering, a housewife, won the competition in the housing category. She said that it took almost two weeks for her to make the model. “I’m extremely happy that I won. I made Dakcha Zhikom (wattle plaster house), and I wanted to make sure my child learns well through my work. I researched the raw materials used to ensure that the model is correct.”
"The school has taken this initiative which is important for our children to learn the architectural values of the country,” she said.
Tshering’s daughter, Jigme Pema Lhazeen, 10, studies in fourth grade in Hongtsho PS. “We are not yet taught regarding the models that are presented today. However, I am excited to learn with these models when I reached sixth grade,” she said.
She said that she lived in a building and was curious to know about the model when her mother made it.
One of the parents, Rab Dorji Lepcha said, “My model took 26 days to complete, and has come out the way I wanted to present it.” The opportunity has provided him with leisure time to work on his carpentry skills apart from his regular work at the livestock centre.
According to Sangay Namgyel, a social studies teacher at HPS, the fair would henceforth provide students with hands-on experience with the chapters that will be taught.
“The initiative has come from the principal to engage the parents to allow students to connect theoretical sessions to the real world,” he said.
A total of 43 models were made and presented to guests and students as a part of the competition by parents. The school plans to allocate a museum and keep these models so that the students can learn practically when a lesson on a particular topic is taught.
A forester at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research (UWICER) received the Jigme Singye Wangchuck Outstanding Environmental Stewardship Award (JSW-OESA) 2022 on November 8.
The Patron of the Bhutan Ecological Society and the chief guest for the event Her Royal Highness Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck presented the award at a ceremony in Thimphu.
The Special Advisor to the National Environment Commission and the first recipient of the award from Bhutan, Dasho Paljor J Dorji said,“It is a dream come true that many young researchers in Bhutan can work on it and make a name for themselves.”
An official from the Bhutan Ecological Society, Pema Eden said, “It particularly merits people who have gone beyond the normal call-of-duty in their service towards environmental protection.”
“The significance of the award is to honour people from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to ensuring the security and sustainability of Bhutan’s environment,” she said.
The award consists of a certificate signed by the Patron and a cash prize of Nu 150,000. He was chosen from 24 nominees.
Karma Wangdi, the award recipient said that it was a surprise. “I am extremely grateful for this award which directly comes from the vision of His Majesty the Fourth King of conserving our environment.”
He wants to continue his hobby of butterflies and moths taxonomy to contribute towards discovering species in Bhutan. “I would like to encourage everyone to continue one’s passion as we have diverse scopes in the field of research and discovery,” said Karma Wangdi.
Karma’s most significant achievement has been his re-discovery of the Ludlowi Bhutan Swallowtail (Bhutanitis Ludlow) in 2009 at Tobrang in Trashiyangtse. It has been designated as Bhutan’s national butterfly and was also gifted by His Majesty the King to the Butterfly Society of Japan.
Karma Wangdi has discovered a total of 60 moth species, of which 34 are new to Bhutan, and 26 are new to science. He has worked on 21 research and journal publications in collaboration with international researchers.
With over 25 years of service, Karma has contributed to the promotion, understanding, and conservation of Bhutan’s natural heritage.
The winners were nominated by the public and selected by a high-level award committee. The award is coordinated and hosted by the Bhutan Ecological Society.
The Jigme Singye Wangchuck Outstanding Environmental Stewardship Award was initiated to recognise and honour exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental conservation in Bhutan. The award is given every two years.
The award was instituted at the launch of the Bhutan Ecological Society on June 5, 2010, coinciding with World Environment Day.
UNICEF and the Snowman Race secretariat call on world leaders to ensure children and young people have a livable planet.
Bhutan hosted one of the world’s most challenging ultra-marathons called the Snowman Race last month. An initiative of His Majesty The King, the Snowman Race aspires to bring the world’s attention to climate change.
I am a tree and today, I shall tell you a story...
"Nature, as you can see, hear, feel and enjoy, was different from how it was several years, several decades and several centuries ago.
Air, water, land, sunlight, minerals, plants, and animals are just a few of the many blessings that we provide to life on earth. Our earth is a desirable place to live because of all these blessings from nature. All of these are necessary for existence on Earth. At this time, the Earth has a wealth of these natural resources. Regrettably, the rise in the human population has resulted in a significant increase in the necessity of the majority of these over the years.
The preservation of nature entails safeguarding its resources, including its minerals, fuels, fuel-producing plants, water bodies, and natural gases. Furthermore, to guarantee that there will always be a plentiful supply of all of these. The existence of life on Earth is thus made worthwhile by all these natural resources. Without the earth's natural resources, such as air, water, and sunlight, life is not even conceivable.
In order to maintain the importance of the ecosystem, it is crucial to conserve these resources.
How to Conserve Nature and Its Resources?
- Reduce Water Consumption
- Reduce Usage of Electricity
- Use Newer Agricultural Methods
- Spread Awareness
over the years, the natural environment is degrading making it a serious concern. Global warming is not a myth_it's real. "Let us not lead our generation to mass extinction."
Yesterday, Gangtey, Bhutan welcomed four Black Necked Cranes back to the valley!
These majestic winter visitors have flown all the way from the Tibetan Plateau to spend about four months in Bhutan before returning to their summer breeding ground.
It is said that when they arrive, they circle Gangtey Monastery three times before landing and repeat the ritual again before they depart.
The farmers of the valley believe that the presence of these beautiful birds bring blessings to their crops and to the local community the birds signify longevity, peace and prosperity.
…based on what was explained during the 8th
Parliament opening ceremony and what historians have said.
His Majesty The King (Facebook: His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck)
In a common term marchang refers to chang or
alcohol with mar or butter. In tantric Buddhism marching is
a type of serkem offered to the deities.
In the Bhutanese culture, the marchang offering is
made to launch an auspicious event, mark an important occasion or receive an
honoured guest.
Alcohol is put with fermented grains in a container, often a decorated
traditional vessel called trho, with a strainer and a
traditional serving ladle. The container is ornamented with three butter
decorations or their substitutes and the offering is made with chanting and
very refined code of conduct.
The most common liturgy used in Bhutan for marchang offering,
especially at formal occasion, is the one composed by Drukpa Kagyü master Pema
Karpo.
The chant basically starts with the transformation of the ordinary
alcohol into transcendental nectar by chanting the three powerful syllables
of oṃ, aḥ, huṃ.
The ordinary substance is first dissolved in the expanse of emptiness.
Then, out of emptiness one visualises many transcendental offerings including
the five nectars of tantric Buddhism. These five nectars are extraordinary
substances, which trigger spiritual experience by overcoming ordinary prejudices,
perceptions and discriminations such as mundane sense of impurity, likes and
dislikes.
According to the standard enumeration, they are urine, faeces, blood,
semen and marrow. They are known as pañca amrita or five
spiritual nectars because, in tantric Buddhist context, their consumption helps
people to overcome their ordinary biases and propensities and achieve the
deathless state of enlightenment.
During marchang, one offers these five spiritual nectars
firstly to the root and lineage gurus or teachers.
Then one makes offerings of these five nectars to all the deities of four
tantric systems: kriya, charya, yoga and anuttarayoga.
This is followed by offerings to the powerful male and female spiritual
partners who help us on our spiritual path, and to the dharma protectors and
guardian deities led by Mahākāla.
Finally, one makes the offering to all the sentient beings including
those who reside in the particular house or area. These groups of beings are
the recipients of the offering of spiritual nectars, which are represented by
the marchang alcohol.
In the villages, the men often cry out loud in jubilation
when the chanting ends. After making offering to these recipients, the marchang is
offered to the human guest of honour and the chief guest receives the drop of
alcohol as a token and consumes it. Alcohol is then served to other guests.
What should one think during marchang?
When one offers the marchang, one
should visualisefive spiritual nectars and myriads of offering arising from the
state of emptiness and being offered to the various recipients.
If one cannot do that, one should at least think
that one is making a heartfelt offering of spiritual nectar and alcohol. One should
think that having received the offering, all enlightened and ordinary
recipients are filled with happiness and bliss.
One should think that the marchang offering
has pleased and satisfied the deities and spirits so that they commit to give
one continued support and protection to live a happy life, do good and make
progress on the path to enlightenment.
The marchang ceremony is today
a hallmark of Drukpa ritual of inauguration and celebration.
Hundreds of young people gathered to #FlipTheScript on climate, justice and peace during the Global Week to #Act4SDGs from September 16–30 2022, altering the course of history for future generations. The G17 Bhutan University Ambassadors participated in the activities, helping to raise awareness at the SDG Booth. Having undergone an intensive one-year program to cultivate knowledge on the SDGs, the ambassadors took part in the worldwide movement to create a sustainable future, disseminating information on the SDGs at the booth.
The activity's main aim was to take action on goals number 13 and 7, which deal with climate action and affordable and clean energy respectively. The ambassadors provided an outline of the 17 SDGs that must be achieved by 2030, as the earth is becoming a dangerous place to live in as a result of unchecked development in the world. The ambassadors also spoke to students about the SDGs and exhorted them to take action to address these global problems and make the world a better place to live in. They were ecstatic to have this opportunity to express their concerns about climate change and take action for the sake of themselves and society.
It is our responsibility to conserve, preserve, and advance the earth for future generations. If you don't act immediately to combat climate change and its effects, it will already be too late when you realize that you could have made a difference. Instead of regretting it afterwards, let's "face the difficulties" right now.
During the week of the UN General Assembly in September, the Global Week to #Act4SDGs inspired millions of people to take both individual and group action on the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN SDG Action Campaign’s convening partner, The Road to Rights, organized events from September 16th 2022 to September 30th 2022 in an effort to #FlipTheScript and reimagine the story surrounding the themes of climate change, justice, and peace. A tree-planting event was held on September 25th in Thimphu, Bhutan, adjacent to Tandin Nye and above the Early Learning High school in Samazingkha.
The “One Million Trees Project” of the Bhutan Ecological Society provided funding for the initiative, which was run in collaboration with Royal Thimphu College Rover Scout. Moreover, the organizers also handled the transportation arrangements. From nine in the morning to one in the afternoon, the tree planting activity was held. 25 students from the Royal Thimphu College and three members of the Bhutan Ecological Society helped and supervised the tree-planting process. Over the course of five hours, 140 seedlings were planted in total, and the Royal Thimphu College student government generously supplied refreshments to the volunteers.
