Friday, December 30, 2011
New Year
With the year coming to an end it time for a new beginning.
Its time to look back at the mistakes we made
time to look back and rejoice the achievements
time for some reflection
It calls for a celebration for being alive and being able to enter into a new year once again.
HAppy New Year
Friday, October 28, 2011
Gender
“Gender” was not a new word for me, but I had missed out on the meaning of the word which was used every time we had to fill up forms, applications and documents.
I have assumed gender just meant an identity of a girl and a boy but meaning was so much deeper than that. It was a social definition of a girl and a boy.
When I say social definition, we do not feel anything is wrong in Bhutan because girls and boys are given the same opportunity. Even the first baseline study on gender conducted by UN agency in 2001 revealed that Bhutan enjoyed a generally high level of gender equality. The study said that only “some subtle and indirect forms of gender bias exist,” but I feel there is much more than what has been mentioned in this report.
In Bhutan, there is gender inequality in religion, customs and tradition, jobs, public spaces, domestic homes, things, objects, clothes, appearance, marriage, paintings, talking and the list can go on.
A girl cannot come home late while it is acceptable for a boy. She cannot go to genkhangs while visiting monasteries while he can. There are huge paintings of penis on almost every house but a girl’s private part which is not even exposed is impure. He can play with guns but she has to play with dolls because guns are “for” boys.
In a way it is something to do with the society and our upbringing. There is a lot of gendering at our homes starting from childhood.
When a girl is born, the mothers dress them in bright colours but if it is a boy, they will go for darker colours.
Girls are taught how to cook while their brother can go and play, girls are given dolls while brothers play with cars and guns, girls are told not to offer water at the alter during mensuration because I we are impure. Girls are told not to play boy’s games or climb trees because it is for boys. Similarly when my boys do not like playing football their fathers pressurise them because he is a boy. If his voice was small and not clears he is tagged as a girl. If boys like getting dressed like a girl and wearing ornaments they are told not to and I don’t think any mother in Bhutan wants her son to grow up like a girl. It worries mother if their sons do not act like, the so called societal behaviours of, sons but why do we do this?
Why do we gender girl and boy? Why can’t a boy dress like a girl if he wants to and vice versa?
The government has given women equal opportunity to do anything but at the back of our mind-sets women will always remain a house maker. She can go out and work but when she gets home she still has to carry the responsibility of being a women by cooking for her family or cleaning the house. While a working men is not expected to do house hold chores.
Gender is embedded in our society and will be difficult to remove
I have assumed gender just meant an identity of a girl and a boy but meaning was so much deeper than that. It was a social definition of a girl and a boy.
When I say social definition, we do not feel anything is wrong in Bhutan because girls and boys are given the same opportunity. Even the first baseline study on gender conducted by UN agency in 2001 revealed that Bhutan enjoyed a generally high level of gender equality. The study said that only “some subtle and indirect forms of gender bias exist,” but I feel there is much more than what has been mentioned in this report.
In Bhutan, there is gender inequality in religion, customs and tradition, jobs, public spaces, domestic homes, things, objects, clothes, appearance, marriage, paintings, talking and the list can go on.
A girl cannot come home late while it is acceptable for a boy. She cannot go to genkhangs while visiting monasteries while he can. There are huge paintings of penis on almost every house but a girl’s private part which is not even exposed is impure. He can play with guns but she has to play with dolls because guns are “for” boys.
In a way it is something to do with the society and our upbringing. There is a lot of gendering at our homes starting from childhood.
When a girl is born, the mothers dress them in bright colours but if it is a boy, they will go for darker colours.
Girls are taught how to cook while their brother can go and play, girls are given dolls while brothers play with cars and guns, girls are told not to offer water at the alter during mensuration because I we are impure. Girls are told not to play boy’s games or climb trees because it is for boys. Similarly when my boys do not like playing football their fathers pressurise them because he is a boy. If his voice was small and not clears he is tagged as a girl. If boys like getting dressed like a girl and wearing ornaments they are told not to and I don’t think any mother in Bhutan wants her son to grow up like a girl. It worries mother if their sons do not act like, the so called societal behaviours of, sons but why do we do this?
Why do we gender girl and boy? Why can’t a boy dress like a girl if he wants to and vice versa?
The government has given women equal opportunity to do anything but at the back of our mind-sets women will always remain a house maker. She can go out and work but when she gets home she still has to carry the responsibility of being a women by cooking for her family or cleaning the house. While a working men is not expected to do house hold chores.
Gender is embedded in our society and will be difficult to remove
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
School rankings for 2010
Based on academic, enabling practice scorecard and gross national happiness scorecard Baging Community Primary School in Mongar, Gedu Higher Secondary School and Chukha Higher Secondary School in Chukha were declared among the 10 highest performing schools in 2010.
The school performance ranking was released on May 25 by the Department of Education, Ministry of Education.
The Performance Management System (PMS) was introduced in 2010 as a part of Performance Compact signed by the Ministry of Education with the Government to improve performance of schools in student learning outcomes, reducing repetition rates, promoting GNH education across all schools and enhancing teacher satisfaction.
According to a press release from the education ministry, PMS has been designed to help achieve Bhutan’s goals of universal access and providing quality education.
The PMS consists of three scorecards, academic learning, enabling practices in teaching and learning and achievements on GNH practices in the schools.
The press release states that with this ranking, it is possible to know precisely the performance of each level of schools across the country.
The practice of ranking schools was started in 2010 base on academic performance in 2009. The Ministry of Education intends to make this regular intervention till such time as the monitoring and performance review become a normal feature of the schools and their overall performance reaches a respectable level of integrity.
The top 10 schools of 2009 were Yarangla Community Primary Schools in Mongar, Dagor Community Primary School in Pemagtashel, Nobgang Community Primary School and Khuruthang Middle Secondary School in Punakha, Sunshine, Early Learning Centre, Phuensum Primary and Druk Schools in Thimphu, Nimshong Community Primary School in Trongsa, and Namchala Lower Secondary School in Dagana.
In the middle secondary standard, Kanglung Middle Secondary School (MSS), Trashigang Middle Secondary School, Rangjung and Jigme Sherubling Higher Secondary Schools (HSS) in Trashigang and Ugyen Academy in Punakha, Monggar HSS, Bayling HSS in Trashiyangtse, Yangchenphu in Thimphu, Nangkor HSS in Pemagatshel and Khangkhu MSS in Paro the top 10 schools.
And in the Higher Secondary Schools, the top 10 schools were Tashitse HSS in Trashigang, Yangchenphu and Motithang HSS in Thimphu , Drugyal HSS in Paro, Bayling HSS in Tashiyangtse, Bajo HSS in Wangdue, Phuentsholing HSS, Nangkor HSS in Pemagatshel, Monggar HSS and Gelephu HSS.
The following were the higher performing schools in the year 2010.
The school performance ranking was released on May 25 by the Department of Education, Ministry of Education.
The Performance Management System (PMS) was introduced in 2010 as a part of Performance Compact signed by the Ministry of Education with the Government to improve performance of schools in student learning outcomes, reducing repetition rates, promoting GNH education across all schools and enhancing teacher satisfaction.
According to a press release from the education ministry, PMS has been designed to help achieve Bhutan’s goals of universal access and providing quality education.
The PMS consists of three scorecards, academic learning, enabling practices in teaching and learning and achievements on GNH practices in the schools.
The press release states that with this ranking, it is possible to know precisely the performance of each level of schools across the country.
The practice of ranking schools was started in 2010 base on academic performance in 2009. The Ministry of Education intends to make this regular intervention till such time as the monitoring and performance review become a normal feature of the schools and their overall performance reaches a respectable level of integrity.
The top 10 schools of 2009 were Yarangla Community Primary Schools in Mongar, Dagor Community Primary School in Pemagtashel, Nobgang Community Primary School and Khuruthang Middle Secondary School in Punakha, Sunshine, Early Learning Centre, Phuensum Primary and Druk Schools in Thimphu, Nimshong Community Primary School in Trongsa, and Namchala Lower Secondary School in Dagana.
In the middle secondary standard, Kanglung Middle Secondary School (MSS), Trashigang Middle Secondary School, Rangjung and Jigme Sherubling Higher Secondary Schools (HSS) in Trashigang and Ugyen Academy in Punakha, Monggar HSS, Bayling HSS in Trashiyangtse, Yangchenphu in Thimphu, Nangkor HSS in Pemagatshel and Khangkhu MSS in Paro the top 10 schools.
And in the Higher Secondary Schools, the top 10 schools were Tashitse HSS in Trashigang, Yangchenphu and Motithang HSS in Thimphu , Drugyal HSS in Paro, Bayling HSS in Tashiyangtse, Bajo HSS in Wangdue, Phuentsholing HSS, Nangkor HSS in Pemagatshel, Monggar HSS and Gelephu HSS.
The following were the higher performing schools in the year 2010.
Tackling terrorism collectively
All anti-terrorism activities should be carried out with full respect for human rights and it is completely unacceptable to use torture.
This was one of the primary discussion points during the fourth regional workshop for police, prosecutors, and judges in South Asia.
The three-day workshop on effectively countering terrorism ended yesterday with significant outcomes, according to Mike Smith, the Executive Director of Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate.
Police officials, prosecutors, and judges from eight countries attended the workshop hosted by Bhutan in association with the United Nations Counter Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (UNCTED). Resource persons included representatives of the member states and representatives of several United Nations and international organizations including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Criminal Police Organization, and the Commonwealth. The SAARC Secretariat and the European Union also participated as observers.
Mike Smith said that terrorism is a phenomenon which very often has a regional character so it is important for the regions to come together.
In his opening address, the home minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Minjur Dorji, said that the post 9/11 world terrorism is arguably one of the most serious challenges faced by the global community.
“It is a phenomenon that recognizes no boundaries, and often leaves little or no footprint, and harbours the singular intent of inflicting pain and destruction to as many innocent victims as possible,” said Lyonpo Minjur Dorji.
He added that no country in the world can today claim immunity from the scourge of terrorism and nearly all governments have been vociferous in their collective abhorrence of terrorism and terrorist acts.
The home minister said that regional and international cooperation and proactive law enforcement are important in combating terrorism in all its manifestations.
Asked what Bhutan should do to counter terrorism, Mike Smith said that Bhutan can first raise awareness on the issue and adopt appropriate legislation. The country should also ensure that the legalisation can successfully prosecute terrorists. He said Bhutan should also strengthen the border control.
Some of the issues discussed in the meeting included protection of eyewitnesses, charging people before the crime were committed, and having evidence from the intelligence and interviewing subjects.
According to a press statement from the foreign ministry, the purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness of the latest available legal regimes and investigation techniques among senior police officers, prosecutors, and judges in South Asia for countering terrorism and to enhance their capacities for combating terrorism.
The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate carries out the policy decisions of the Counter Terrorism Committee of the United Nations Security Council which works to bolster the ability of the United Nations Member States to prevent terrorist acts both within their borders and across regions. The Directorate was established in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the Centre on Global Counter Terrorism with the support of the governments of Australia and Denmark.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Silent but not dead
Thimphu: Lately there have been talks about gangs regrouping in Thimphu. Sights of boys roaming in the streets dressed similarly in groups are not new. But some of the residents say they have also seen group of boys indulged in fights even during broad daylight.
The recent arrest of 10 boys in Thimphu from a school, for involving in a gang fight during school hours has raised eyebrows.
It was said that the fight was a result of an unsettled fight which had earlier taken place.
“Have the police really been successful in disbanding the gangs or did they celebrate victory too fast?” questioned a concerned Thimphu resident.
“It was during one Sunday, I was walking in town when I suddenly felt tremors. I looked back and saw that a group of boys was chasing a boy. He nearly got hit by a vehicle but he kept on running,” said an eye witness who had seen a gang chase after a boy.
Eight months after the two notorious gangs in Thimphu, MB Boys and Shabji Bazaar Gang, signed a pledge to disband, the Anti Gang Squad said that they have not received any complaints of gangs other than the 10 students involved in a gang fight in school.
However, a resident of Shabji bazaar said that he had heard of a gang fight which occurred in his locality. Although he had not seen it personally he confirmed that it happened. “A group of boys had beaten up a boy in Thimphu, so the boy had asked his friends to back him up to take revenge. The other group had come all the way from Paro for the fight,” he said.
He said that such trend will keep happening until the two groups decide to settle thing mutually. “The ones who get hurt in a fight always keep looking for an opportunity to get back,” he said.
A former gang member said that some gangs did not disband and are still operating. He said that a few new gangs have also come into existence.
A group calling themselves F4D, fight for defence, is becoming powerful and creating problems according to sources. An officer from the Anti Gang Squad said that this is not a new gang.
There are talks about MB Boys being revitalized by the younger gang members but Kencho Chophel , the ex- leader of the gang said he was not aware of it. “They must be other boys using the name,” he said. He added that ever since the gang was disbanded he has not been in contact with most of his friends.
A new gang “Warriors,” is taking shape in Paro according to sources.
“The gangs have just been silent for a while, but they were never dead,” said another Thimphu resident.
Meanwhile, some of the prominent ex-members of the disbanded gangs are either employed, undergoing trainings or studying.
The recent arrest of 10 boys in Thimphu from a school, for involving in a gang fight during school hours has raised eyebrows.
It was said that the fight was a result of an unsettled fight which had earlier taken place.
“Have the police really been successful in disbanding the gangs or did they celebrate victory too fast?” questioned a concerned Thimphu resident.
“It was during one Sunday, I was walking in town when I suddenly felt tremors. I looked back and saw that a group of boys was chasing a boy. He nearly got hit by a vehicle but he kept on running,” said an eye witness who had seen a gang chase after a boy.
Eight months after the two notorious gangs in Thimphu, MB Boys and Shabji Bazaar Gang, signed a pledge to disband, the Anti Gang Squad said that they have not received any complaints of gangs other than the 10 students involved in a gang fight in school.
However, a resident of Shabji bazaar said that he had heard of a gang fight which occurred in his locality. Although he had not seen it personally he confirmed that it happened. “A group of boys had beaten up a boy in Thimphu, so the boy had asked his friends to back him up to take revenge. The other group had come all the way from Paro for the fight,” he said.
He said that such trend will keep happening until the two groups decide to settle thing mutually. “The ones who get hurt in a fight always keep looking for an opportunity to get back,” he said.
A former gang member said that some gangs did not disband and are still operating. He said that a few new gangs have also come into existence.
A group calling themselves F4D, fight for defence, is becoming powerful and creating problems according to sources. An officer from the Anti Gang Squad said that this is not a new gang.
There are talks about MB Boys being revitalized by the younger gang members but Kencho Chophel , the ex- leader of the gang said he was not aware of it. “They must be other boys using the name,” he said. He added that ever since the gang was disbanded he has not been in contact with most of his friends.
A new gang “Warriors,” is taking shape in Paro according to sources.
“The gangs have just been silent for a while, but they were never dead,” said another Thimphu resident.
Meanwhile, some of the prominent ex-members of the disbanded gangs are either employed, undergoing trainings or studying.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
A Hero
Taxi drivers have always been affiliated to eve teasing, over speeding, and breaking traffic rules by the people but the good deeds they do always go unnoticed.
A taxi driver once returned a bag belonging to one of the passengers, he was thanked and the deed was forgotten.I agree that all the apples on a tree will not be tasty similarly I feel it is wrong for us to generalize and conclude that all taxi drivers are not disciplined.
Earlier this week, a young woman met with an accident on the express way for no fault of hers. She was going towards Babisa on the expressway, which is one way, and a truck came from the opposite direction on the one way. It was dark so she first thought that the truck was on the other lane. When she noticed that the truck was coming on the wrong lane she honked but the truck did not stop. The truck hit her car and left without even checking if she was all right.
She was left there on the road with her head cut open but no one stopped to help. There are usually many vehicles plying on the express way but none stopped to help except a taxi driver. He stopped and helped her. She was in a critical conduction and could only give a phone number of one of her relative. When she woke up she was at the hospital with her head stitched.
Had the taxi driver not stopped to help god knows what would have happened. The doctor said she was brought just in time.
Kudos to the driver who ever he was.
A taxi driver once returned a bag belonging to one of the passengers, he was thanked and the deed was forgotten.I agree that all the apples on a tree will not be tasty similarly I feel it is wrong for us to generalize and conclude that all taxi drivers are not disciplined.
Earlier this week, a young woman met with an accident on the express way for no fault of hers. She was going towards Babisa on the expressway, which is one way, and a truck came from the opposite direction on the one way. It was dark so she first thought that the truck was on the other lane. When she noticed that the truck was coming on the wrong lane she honked but the truck did not stop. The truck hit her car and left without even checking if she was all right.
She was left there on the road with her head cut open but no one stopped to help. There are usually many vehicles plying on the express way but none stopped to help except a taxi driver. He stopped and helped her. She was in a critical conduction and could only give a phone number of one of her relative. When she woke up she was at the hospital with her head stitched.
Had the taxi driver not stopped to help god knows what would have happened. The doctor said she was brought just in time.
Kudos to the driver who ever he was.
A loving wife
Is listening to you husband, doing what he tell you, going out with him, wearing what he likes and supporting him in times of trouble being a loving wife?
Now a days many wifes cannot do all such this and resort to divorce if things get a little overburden.
I know a woman who has not only been a loving and caring wife but the best wife a man could ever have. I am sure had there been prizes for being a best wife she would win all. However, her husband does not see it that way.
Her husband fell sick when her only child was born. She had two people to look after. She had to feed them both, change them and bath them. 22 years have passed her son has grown into a fine young man but the condition of her husband has remained the same if not deteriorated. She has to choose every thing for her husband and at times choses things which her husband does not like, so he does not think she is a loving wife.
Her son has given up on his father and tells her often to live her life and get married to someone. She never listens to what he says because she cannot move on when her husband is unwell.
There is no hope for him to get better but death does not come easy either. Every day she prays for his well being and hopes to see him alive the next day.
Now a days many wifes cannot do all such this and resort to divorce if things get a little overburden.
I know a woman who has not only been a loving and caring wife but the best wife a man could ever have. I am sure had there been prizes for being a best wife she would win all. However, her husband does not see it that way.
Her husband fell sick when her only child was born. She had two people to look after. She had to feed them both, change them and bath them. 22 years have passed her son has grown into a fine young man but the condition of her husband has remained the same if not deteriorated. She has to choose every thing for her husband and at times choses things which her husband does not like, so he does not think she is a loving wife.
Her son has given up on his father and tells her often to live her life and get married to someone. She never listens to what he says because she cannot move on when her husband is unwell.
There is no hope for him to get better but death does not come easy either. Every day she prays for his well being and hopes to see him alive the next day.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Five taken for a ride (to Italy)
It isn’t a new story anymore, of Bhutanese wanting to mint dollars working in another country.
This time it was to be in Italy, and it never happened. Instead the 32-year-old woman who had promised a visa to Italy and instant employment once there just about disappeared.
The four prospective travellers had paid the con woman Nu 50,000 each and an additional Nu 97,000 each was to be paid. One had paid a little less as she happened to be the woman’s cousin. That was almost a year back.
When things didn’t happen, the group of five became suspicious. They sought the woman out and asked for refund, andafter a relentless game of hide and seek she paid back the three of them.
“Only after we threatened her with police action did she refund us,” said one of them.
The con woman’s cousin had introduced the other four to the idea of work and life in Italy saying she had worked there earlier. They were promised employment for a Khenpo (Buddhist master) living in Italy.
“She said working in Italy was easy,” said Karma, one of the duped individuals. “And she continuously gave false hopes saying things are shaping up good.”
They often recharged her cell phone because she said she had to call Italy constantly to check their visas.She also showed them some documents but none of them knew how to read.
A year went by waiting for the good news, and themood soured. The three of them decided to forget Italy and ask their money back. At first the con woman refused to refundsaying she had already sent the money for processing the visas.
However, after a series of pleas she asked them to come to Thimphu and paid their money back.
“I had given her additional money and I do not know if I will get it back,” said Dechen, who is yet to get her money back.
When Observer called on the Italy dream weaver, she denied everything. “I do not even know these people,” she said.
But the group of five insistedthey did not want to report to the police because some got their money back and others still have hope.
People say this is just one of many such scamsthat go unreported because the deals are illegal and both parties could be penalised.
“One of my relatives spent more than Nu 150,000 for a visa that never materialised. In the end, he did not even get back his money,” said a Thimphu resident.
People who take money from others on the pretext of obtainingoverseas visas for them shall be charged for deceptive practice, according to the Penal Code of Bhutan.
This time it was to be in Italy, and it never happened. Instead the 32-year-old woman who had promised a visa to Italy and instant employment once there just about disappeared.
The four prospective travellers had paid the con woman Nu 50,000 each and an additional Nu 97,000 each was to be paid. One had paid a little less as she happened to be the woman’s cousin. That was almost a year back.
When things didn’t happen, the group of five became suspicious. They sought the woman out and asked for refund, andafter a relentless game of hide and seek she paid back the three of them.
“Only after we threatened her with police action did she refund us,” said one of them.
The con woman’s cousin had introduced the other four to the idea of work and life in Italy saying she had worked there earlier. They were promised employment for a Khenpo (Buddhist master) living in Italy.
“She said working in Italy was easy,” said Karma, one of the duped individuals. “And she continuously gave false hopes saying things are shaping up good.”
They often recharged her cell phone because she said she had to call Italy constantly to check their visas.She also showed them some documents but none of them knew how to read.
A year went by waiting for the good news, and themood soured. The three of them decided to forget Italy and ask their money back. At first the con woman refused to refundsaying she had already sent the money for processing the visas.
However, after a series of pleas she asked them to come to Thimphu and paid their money back.
“I had given her additional money and I do not know if I will get it back,” said Dechen, who is yet to get her money back.
When Observer called on the Italy dream weaver, she denied everything. “I do not even know these people,” she said.
But the group of five insistedthey did not want to report to the police because some got their money back and others still have hope.
People say this is just one of many such scamsthat go unreported because the deals are illegal and both parties could be penalised.
“One of my relatives spent more than Nu 150,000 for a visa that never materialised. In the end, he did not even get back his money,” said a Thimphu resident.
People who take money from others on the pretext of obtainingoverseas visas for them shall be charged for deceptive practice, according to the Penal Code of Bhutan.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Compromises
A close friend of mine asked me why I was making compromises on my boy friend. Firstly this came as a shock to me and secondly I did not know how to answer her.
It took me a few seconds to think about it and truthfully speaking, I still could not figure out how to answer her. "May be because I love him?" I finally said. But my answer was not convincing enough for her. I could't even convince myself let alone her.
However, I kept stressing on the "Love." Was I making compromises I though, unable to answer myself I turned to my friend and asked her instead. "What makes you think, I am making compromises?
She confidently said she know. Just because he is divorced and a father of a son, my friends think I am compromising in life.
Well, my thoughts do not match with theirs then. He keeps me happy and I don't think that I am compromising because the ultimate thing that matters is happiness. It is no use being with someone with less baggage but who does not keep you happy is it?
It took me a few seconds to think about it and truthfully speaking, I still could not figure out how to answer her. "May be because I love him?" I finally said. But my answer was not convincing enough for her. I could't even convince myself let alone her.
However, I kept stressing on the "Love." Was I making compromises I though, unable to answer myself I turned to my friend and asked her instead. "What makes you think, I am making compromises?
She confidently said she know. Just because he is divorced and a father of a son, my friends think I am compromising in life.
Well, my thoughts do not match with theirs then. He keeps me happy and I don't think that I am compromising because the ultimate thing that matters is happiness. It is no use being with someone with less baggage but who does not keep you happy is it?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Old age homes, not a solution but a need
Phuba at the patients guest house
With the opening of Bhutan’s first old age home in Radhi, Trashigang, recently, Bhutan’s old moral dilemma resurfaced – whether old age homes sit comfortably on the GNH country’s conscience.
Answering the media’s question on this subject at the 11th Meet the Press yesterday, Lyonchhen Jigme Y Thinley said old age homes are not the solution, but a need. “That is not what we should promote, but it is needed right now. It is a temporary arrangement,” he said.
Lyonchhen said initiatives are being taken by various parties to cater to the needs of the aged people who are abandoned by their families in the GNH country because of rural-urban migration.
Old people in the country, Lyonchhen said, are abandoned ‘not in a very big way, but the trend is beginning to emerge, the number is enough for us to worry.’
Lyonchhen added that the solution must be one whereby the aged will continue as in the past to be the object of reverence and respect within the family. He said the government will it worthwhile, not only socially and emotionally, even financially for families to look after their aged folks.
Meanwhile, there are plans to establish another old age home in Bidung in Trashigang. Speaker Jigme Tshultrim said the new home will take in old people from all parts of Bhutan. He said, “This has become a necessity in view of GNH.”
One of the mandates of the recently registered civil society organisation called Royal Society for Senior Citizens (RSSC) is opening old age homes. Pema Tenzin, the vice president of the organisation, said old age homes are necessary for people without siblings and family members.
Opposition Leader Tshering Tobgay said that, if old age homes give the senior citizens a sense of dignity and security in their final years, he fully supports the idea. But he asked why old age homes are needed in the first place. He asked, “Why don't our senior citizens have homes? Are our communities failing? Are we abandoning our parents? If so, why? Is it urbanization? Or are our values declining?”
Sangay Khandu, a National Council member from Gasa, said old age homes would generally benefit the Bhutanese society. “As a compassionate society, and a small one at that, we have always taken care of our own,” he said, adding that the subject of old age home is a ‘very emotional one to each one of us’.
Eighty-year-old Phurba from Dagana, who has been living in the patients’ guest house at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, said there is a genuine need of old age homes in Bhutan. Phurba is the father of six children, all of whom died young. His wife also died young. He has no siblings.
With the opening of Bhutan’s first old age home in Radhi, Trashigang, recently, Bhutan’s old moral dilemma resurfaced – whether old age homes sit comfortably on the GNH country’s conscience.
Answering the media’s question on this subject at the 11th Meet the Press yesterday, Lyonchhen Jigme Y Thinley said old age homes are not the solution, but a need. “That is not what we should promote, but it is needed right now. It is a temporary arrangement,” he said.
Lyonchhen said initiatives are being taken by various parties to cater to the needs of the aged people who are abandoned by their families in the GNH country because of rural-urban migration.
Old people in the country, Lyonchhen said, are abandoned ‘not in a very big way, but the trend is beginning to emerge, the number is enough for us to worry.’
Lyonchhen added that the solution must be one whereby the aged will continue as in the past to be the object of reverence and respect within the family. He said the government will it worthwhile, not only socially and emotionally, even financially for families to look after their aged folks.
Meanwhile, there are plans to establish another old age home in Bidung in Trashigang. Speaker Jigme Tshultrim said the new home will take in old people from all parts of Bhutan. He said, “This has become a necessity in view of GNH.”
One of the mandates of the recently registered civil society organisation called Royal Society for Senior Citizens (RSSC) is opening old age homes. Pema Tenzin, the vice president of the organisation, said old age homes are necessary for people without siblings and family members.
Opposition Leader Tshering Tobgay said that, if old age homes give the senior citizens a sense of dignity and security in their final years, he fully supports the idea. But he asked why old age homes are needed in the first place. He asked, “Why don't our senior citizens have homes? Are our communities failing? Are we abandoning our parents? If so, why? Is it urbanization? Or are our values declining?”
Sangay Khandu, a National Council member from Gasa, said old age homes would generally benefit the Bhutanese society. “As a compassionate society, and a small one at that, we have always taken care of our own,” he said, adding that the subject of old age home is a ‘very emotional one to each one of us’.
Eighty-year-old Phurba from Dagana, who has been living in the patients’ guest house at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, said there is a genuine need of old age homes in Bhutan. Phurba is the father of six children, all of whom died young. His wife also died young. He has no siblings.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Freedom of speech
People normally do not exercise their right to speak at the right time. Freedom of speech is practiced only when one has something good to say about the government or any cases.The moment you ask someone about something controversial no one wants to speak.
Recently I was following a story and the story could be told by many sides but no one even wanted to speak because the case was sensitive. There were two people involved in a fight in Paro and one of them reported the other to the police and he was therefore detained for one night. The police then asked them to compromise but the man who was detained refused and said he will meet at the court. The complainant's father is an influential person.
I called up the man who was detained but he said that since his case is in the court he will not be able to give me any comments. I called the complainant and he said he will get back to me and took my number, he never called. When i called him again he never answered my calls. I called the court officials and they said the case has not yet reached there. I called the police SP and he said he was not even aware of the case.
where is the freedom of speech gone?
Recently I was following a story and the story could be told by many sides but no one even wanted to speak because the case was sensitive. There were two people involved in a fight in Paro and one of them reported the other to the police and he was therefore detained for one night. The police then asked them to compromise but the man who was detained refused and said he will meet at the court. The complainant's father is an influential person.
I called up the man who was detained but he said that since his case is in the court he will not be able to give me any comments. I called the complainant and he said he will get back to me and took my number, he never called. When i called him again he never answered my calls. I called the court officials and they said the case has not yet reached there. I called the police SP and he said he was not even aware of the case.
where is the freedom of speech gone?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Smoking in Bhutan
Smoking in Bhutan is not banned, smoking without a import receipt issued by the Department of Revenue and Customs is banned. Selling cigarettes in Bhutan is illegal so one must import by paying 100 to 200 percent of taxes.
A lot of debate on cigarettes and smoke has been going on and I personally think that the Tobacco Control Act should be amended. Not because smoking is a free right but because the punishment is a little too harsh. Going to jail three months for smoking is not reasonable at all. But on the second thought I think there should be a strict law if you want to implement things.
The Tenancy Act of Bhutan has still been left as a paper tiger because they do not have harsh penalties. Take a house owner to jail for three years for raising the house rent so high and I confirm that housing problem in Thimphu will be automatically addressed.
Coming back to smoking, the Act states that smoking in public places is prohibited but does not state if chewing tobacco is.
Those of you who chew tobacco are luckier than the smokers. One can easily detect people smoking but once cannot detect people chewing tobacco unless you get into their mouth.
However, a save way to smoke is to smoke in a moving car. Even if the police men see you smoking in a moving car they do not say anything.
A lot of debate on cigarettes and smoke has been going on and I personally think that the Tobacco Control Act should be amended. Not because smoking is a free right but because the punishment is a little too harsh. Going to jail three months for smoking is not reasonable at all. But on the second thought I think there should be a strict law if you want to implement things.
The Tenancy Act of Bhutan has still been left as a paper tiger because they do not have harsh penalties. Take a house owner to jail for three years for raising the house rent so high and I confirm that housing problem in Thimphu will be automatically addressed.
Coming back to smoking, the Act states that smoking in public places is prohibited but does not state if chewing tobacco is.
Those of you who chew tobacco are luckier than the smokers. One can easily detect people smoking but once cannot detect people chewing tobacco unless you get into their mouth.
However, a save way to smoke is to smoke in a moving car. Even if the police men see you smoking in a moving car they do not say anything.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Sharchokpa Zamin (my review)
The latest film in town Sharchokpa Zamin is attracting a good crowd, a very good one I must say. I watched it on the second day after it was released at the Luger theater in Thimphu. It was a nigh show which started at 8:30 and I had to go because my little cousins wanted to watch the film. Children love Bhutanese films don't they?
As many other films, I though there would not be much of a crowd because its usually cold during the night but I did not want to take a risk. So I went to get the tickets way earlier and I got it. The tickets were almost over but I managed to get six.
At 8:30 pm, I reached the theater along with my cousins, mother and a friend but people were still waiting outside. The evening film was not over so people had to wait. We waited for more than 30 minutes outside in the cold but it was an interesting sight to watch. I had never seen such a big crowd in front of the Luger Theater to watch a Bhutanese film, I did see such crowds when I was a little girl and the theater screened Bollywood films.
Finally when it was past 9 pm, we could go inside. Imagine the rush at the gate that a little girl lost her shoe. After we got into the hall the tickets did not have seat numbers and we were told that we could sit anywhere we wanted. Anywhere, but where?
We were lucky that we got all the six seats together but there were few others who could not sit together. The theater authorities should have at least given the seat numbers.
After much havoc, things started settling down and the film started.
I was excited being a Sharchokpa myself. At the same time I was expecting a lot from this film because it was directed by Tshering wangyel and the actors were also very good.Every time Tshering Wangyel has a new release, I always expect a lot and at times my expectations are fulfilled.
I liked how the film started and Tshokey Tshomo's acting but I did not like the story line. Small realities had been left out here, which of course will not be a big deal for many but it is for me.
The film is about a simple Sharchokpa girl living in Thimphu going to RTC living a life of a typical villager in Thimphu and dressing that way. In a span of three years she becomes a voluptuous top actor of Bhutan and the sharchokpa zamin is lost.
She speaks dzongkha with sharchokpa influence and makes a joke out of herself. I found that funny but a little over the limit. Come on man, she has been living in Thimphu with that accent?
Now, who would live a life like hers in Thimphu? I mean she goes to RTC college dressed typically like a villager. The setting would have been better if she came to RTC from a remote village, that would have made sense. But she has her family in Thimphu which states that she has been living here for many years.
Her best friend Khor Khor la also goes to RTC with here and he becomes a doctor, an eye specialist within three years. Now wouldn't we all like to become eye specialist three years after graduating if that possible?
The male protagonist becomes blind and turns to rags from riches. Poor him, we don't even know where his best friends are right after he becomes blind but the canteen owner of RTC, who had earlier seen him when he was studying, takes care of him.
The actors have done a good job and the songs of the film are worth listening. One of my favorite songs Gawai Jigme, sung by Tshering Dorji is also used in the film.
People enjoyed the film but I personally was not satisfied. I expected more that this.
As many other films, I though there would not be much of a crowd because its usually cold during the night but I did not want to take a risk. So I went to get the tickets way earlier and I got it. The tickets were almost over but I managed to get six.
At 8:30 pm, I reached the theater along with my cousins, mother and a friend but people were still waiting outside. The evening film was not over so people had to wait. We waited for more than 30 minutes outside in the cold but it was an interesting sight to watch. I had never seen such a big crowd in front of the Luger Theater to watch a Bhutanese film, I did see such crowds when I was a little girl and the theater screened Bollywood films.
Finally when it was past 9 pm, we could go inside. Imagine the rush at the gate that a little girl lost her shoe. After we got into the hall the tickets did not have seat numbers and we were told that we could sit anywhere we wanted. Anywhere, but where?
We were lucky that we got all the six seats together but there were few others who could not sit together. The theater authorities should have at least given the seat numbers.
After much havoc, things started settling down and the film started.
I was excited being a Sharchokpa myself. At the same time I was expecting a lot from this film because it was directed by Tshering wangyel and the actors were also very good.Every time Tshering Wangyel has a new release, I always expect a lot and at times my expectations are fulfilled.
I liked how the film started and Tshokey Tshomo's acting but I did not like the story line. Small realities had been left out here, which of course will not be a big deal for many but it is for me.
The film is about a simple Sharchokpa girl living in Thimphu going to RTC living a life of a typical villager in Thimphu and dressing that way. In a span of three years she becomes a voluptuous top actor of Bhutan and the sharchokpa zamin is lost.
She speaks dzongkha with sharchokpa influence and makes a joke out of herself. I found that funny but a little over the limit. Come on man, she has been living in Thimphu with that accent?
Now, who would live a life like hers in Thimphu? I mean she goes to RTC college dressed typically like a villager. The setting would have been better if she came to RTC from a remote village, that would have made sense. But she has her family in Thimphu which states that she has been living here for many years.
Her best friend Khor Khor la also goes to RTC with here and he becomes a doctor, an eye specialist within three years. Now wouldn't we all like to become eye specialist three years after graduating if that possible?
The male protagonist becomes blind and turns to rags from riches. Poor him, we don't even know where his best friends are right after he becomes blind but the canteen owner of RTC, who had earlier seen him when he was studying, takes care of him.
The actors have done a good job and the songs of the film are worth listening. One of my favorite songs Gawai Jigme, sung by Tshering Dorji is also used in the film.
People enjoyed the film but I personally was not satisfied. I expected more that this.
Convincing you
I know not how to convince you of my love. I have tried yet failed every time I though I had convinced you.
It hurts to know that you still have to be convinced of my love for you.
I try my best and shall try forever till you are convinced.
I try and try again not because I just want to convince you but because I truly love you.
I can't climb a hill top, nor swim in a swimming pool but I can love you in my own simple ways. Isn't that enough?
At times, I break down and I never show you my tears because I do not want you to think I am unhappy being with you.I break down because I can't even keep you happy...
Our bond is different but I always hope for the best ultimately. Wish you could understand my love for you.
Someday you shall realize my love for you and when you do I will still be loving you.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A song from Sacho Gami Ga
Choe thongtshe nge sem ba macha
Nge sem ge nazu choe mena?
Choe gawai gazum de daa cha
Nge sem de kuu mena bum choe ge?
Nge sem de rawa meb jodo
Den desa tsala baa macha
Lo labi tshe lu ya denda mendu
Nge sem de chew mena len lab na may
Tasha bu cho bum nga laa
Rew cha sem la ke mengo
Tam hembai loo ju she mengo
Choe gawa wai gazum ten mengo
Choe nga lug ga rang ga wa chin
Bum nge ge sem khar baap tshu ga?
Thiku tshu nga ge tsha zha me tshu
Thong che che zom thiku lasha ra
Choe thong tsay nge sem ba macha
Nge sem ge nazhu choe mena
Choe ga wa gazhum de na cha
Sem choe ge kue mena lab na ma X 2
Note: a song from the film Sacho gami ga.. didnot watch the film but loved this song
Nge sem ge nazu choe mena?
Choe gawai gazum de daa cha
Nge sem de kuu mena bum choe ge?
Nge sem de rawa meb jodo
Den desa tsala baa macha
Lo labi tshe lu ya denda mendu
Nge sem de chew mena len lab na may
Tasha bu cho bum nga laa
Rew cha sem la ke mengo
Tam hembai loo ju she mengo
Choe gawa wai gazum ten mengo
Choe nga lug ga rang ga wa chin
Bum nge ge sem khar baap tshu ga?
Thiku tshu nga ge tsha zha me tshu
Thong che che zom thiku lasha ra
Choe thong tsay nge sem ba macha
Nge sem ge nazhu choe mena
Choe ga wa gazhum de na cha
Sem choe ge kue mena lab na ma X 2
Note: a song from the film Sacho gami ga.. didnot watch the film but loved this song
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The innocent ones
The world is cruel at times, we are made to pay for the mistakes committed by our forefathers even when we are innocent.
My friend was not even born when his grandfather decided to leave Bhutan.His father did not go because he disagreed with the decision made by the grandfather. Thus, my friend was born in Bhutan but is not not considered Bhutanese officially because of the mistakes made by his grandfather.
Recently a couple was arrested by the police in connection with embezzlement of fund from the bank. I pity them both because I know them well but what I sympathies more is that they have two children. Both the children are too young even to understand what money or embezzlement is. For the mistakes committed by the parents the children are having to suffer.
I wish there was some kind of a place where such children could be taken care of till they parents are free. Yes, relatives of the parents take the children but for how long would they keep them? I cannot even imagine the trauma the children would go through just because of their parents.
I know children will not hate the parents because every children idolizes their parents and look up to them as a good example.
There are many such cases where because of someone the innocent ones have to suffer equally and sometimes I feel is not fair.
What did the unborn child do to deserve abortion? What did the wife of the murderer do to come to rags from riches? What did the old parents of a drug seller do to deserve such pain at this age?
My friend was not even born when his grandfather decided to leave Bhutan.His father did not go because he disagreed with the decision made by the grandfather. Thus, my friend was born in Bhutan but is not not considered Bhutanese officially because of the mistakes made by his grandfather.
Recently a couple was arrested by the police in connection with embezzlement of fund from the bank. I pity them both because I know them well but what I sympathies more is that they have two children. Both the children are too young even to understand what money or embezzlement is. For the mistakes committed by the parents the children are having to suffer.
I wish there was some kind of a place where such children could be taken care of till they parents are free. Yes, relatives of the parents take the children but for how long would they keep them? I cannot even imagine the trauma the children would go through just because of their parents.
I know children will not hate the parents because every children idolizes their parents and look up to them as a good example.
There are many such cases where because of someone the innocent ones have to suffer equally and sometimes I feel is not fair.
What did the unborn child do to deserve abortion? What did the wife of the murderer do to come to rags from riches? What did the old parents of a drug seller do to deserve such pain at this age?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A love letter
I miss reading love letters, especially from loved ones. I have been telling my boyfriend that he should write me a love letter. He agreed but he never wrote.
Every time I remind him he says it will be a surprise. May be I surely will be surprised because I am sure he does not remember having to write to me anymore because it has been more than two months since I first asked him.
I want to treasure his first letter to me forever.
It is sad, why people do not write letters to their loved onces anymore. Of course there are alternative things like writing a mail or sending an sms but nothing can match the specialness a letter brings to me.
I can always feel the feelings of the other person when I read a letter. The emotions and the feelings are different when you read a hand written letter than an email.
Every time I remind him he says it will be a surprise. May be I surely will be surprised because I am sure he does not remember having to write to me anymore because it has been more than two months since I first asked him.
I want to treasure his first letter to me forever.
It is sad, why people do not write letters to their loved onces anymore. Of course there are alternative things like writing a mail or sending an sms but nothing can match the specialness a letter brings to me.
I can always feel the feelings of the other person when I read a letter. The emotions and the feelings are different when you read a hand written letter than an email.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Getting a Medical Certificate
With the launch of the Special Consultation Services (SCS) at the JDWNR Hospital, getting a medical certificate has become expensive, at least for me.
The SCS starts at four and the number of people coming for medical certificates are always huge. Even when you have to pay, you still have to stay in a queue. After waiting for sometimes you get a prescription and a medical certificate for Nu 100. Then you go to the doctors chamber. There is a rush too.
I finally get to meet the doctor. The doctor asks me
Doc: Do you have any diseases?
Me: No (how am I suppose to know he should be the once checking me)
Doc: Sure?
Me: I think so
Doc: very sure?
Me: I hope
Doc: Okey then
for the Nu 100 I pay which goes to the government's exchequer he just asks me a few question and signs. Now isn't that expensive?
The SCS starts at four and the number of people coming for medical certificates are always huge. Even when you have to pay, you still have to stay in a queue. After waiting for sometimes you get a prescription and a medical certificate for Nu 100. Then you go to the doctors chamber. There is a rush too.
I finally get to meet the doctor. The doctor asks me
Doc: Do you have any diseases?
Me: No (how am I suppose to know he should be the once checking me)
Doc: Sure?
Me: I think so
Doc: very sure?
Me: I hope
Doc: Okey then
for the Nu 100 I pay which goes to the government's exchequer he just asks me a few question and signs. Now isn't that expensive?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Snowfall in 2011
The snow has been playful this year. With little flakes falling now and then until it decided that Thimphu needs to be pure on Jan 19. Right from the evening it started snowing but with the morning sun everything was gone. The only snow left were at higher altitude places like Dochula.Jan 20 was declared a government holiday for civil servants but for poor private employees like us, we had to come and work in the cold
The others
Sonam's mom has always been rude to me. She never offered me anything to eat, and never even bothored to talk to me. I never saw her smile at me when ever I visited Sonam, that made me felt bad but like my mother said not everyone is same so I let that go unnoticed.
I visit Sonam whenever I have time and he is usually home because he is too young for school and I am usually free because I dont go to school. Sonam and I am neighbours and we became friends a few months ago. They are new in town and the house next door has been empty for a long time. I always hoped a family with many children came and lived there but for a long time the house remain empty. My mother told me not to visit the house because it could be haunted but I always like challanges and I visited the house many a times alone (but I never told mother).
Then one fine day Sonam and his family shifted to that house. I wanted to go and help them with their things but mom said i would be more of a burden than help because I am just 10 and cant carry heavy things. I watched the new family move their things but I was looking out to see if there was a kid with whom i could befriend.
I never had any friends.It was always my mother, brother and father. My father and brother left for some place far away so I do not have any friends to play with these days. I did not excatly know where my father and brother went but mom always says we will meet them soon, it has been long but havent met them.so you understand my happiness to see Sonam right?
I saw Sonam playing alone in the lawn and I went and approached him. I think he is five bcause I heard his mother say he will be going to school next year.He smiled the moment he saw me and we started playing together ever since. Sonam always invites me to come to his house but I feel awkard because he is family does not even aknowledge my presence.
Winter went by and it was soon spring. All the trees were in full blossom and plants were ready to flower everything was green and full of flower except the trees and plants near our house. The garden was a mess when I asked mom about it she said she was not well to tend the garden and I was too young for that.
Sonam's parents were young and both of them worked. When both of them went to work they took Soanm and left him at his cousins house. So right after they came home, I went visited them and Sundays and Saturdays I was there most of the time.
We look at books with pictures together and play with his toya all day. Sometime i tell him fairy tales and he enjoyes them a lot. One day as usual I was with him the whole day and by the time I realised it was late. I quickly ran home and saw that mom was not there. She never went anywhere where would she have gone now? I ate dinner and then went to sleep. The next morning I quickly woke up and saw that she was still not home. Two days and she was not home, it left me worried and I didnot have anyone to share my problem with. I told Sonam about it and he said I could sleep with him till my mom returned.
I started sleeping with Sonam everynight. During the day I went home once but my mom never came home.I noticed that Sonam's parents were bothered about something but I never had the courage to ask.Days passed by and one day I woke up to some loud noise. I did not know what it was but it was distrubing me a lot. I looked around and Sonam was not there, I tried to run away from the sound but some strong feelings dragged me towards it. I forced myself to the sound and saw that a few people dressed in red robs were sitting along with Sonam and his parents. They were the one making the noise. I requested them to stop the noise but one of the person dressed in red with a yellow hat asked me to sit next to them. Sonam's parents looked worried and Sonam looked weak. I had never noticed that.
The man said I must go home and I didnot know they were talking about. I told them my mother was not home and they told me that my mother was waiting for me and that I should follow a path through the clouds. The conservasation took a long time and then finally when i realised I was not walking on the ground anymore but I was still moving towards some white glowing light. I waved good bye to Sonam and then I was I saw my parents and my brother waiting for me.
Her Story
It has not even been a year and my husband has moved on with his life. Yes, we got divorced and the only think that keeps us attatched is our son now.
Sometimes I dont even want to see his face but he is the father of my son and I cant deny him his rights. It makes me feel bad that he has moved on and I am still stuck at the point where we sepreated.
I want to move forward too but with my son, I always give it a second thought. I do not want to get him a step father. The word step has always been taken in a negative connotation so I fear if that will be good for my son. But at the same time I do not want my son to grow up without a father so I ask my ex- husband to come visit us whenever possible. I do not want him to marry to although I do not want to go back to him. I know it is wrong on my side to expect him to be single for the rest of his life but I didnt expect that he would move on so fast.
Every time I look at my son, I am reminded of him and I feel like I will never be able to move on.
Sometimes I dont even want to see his face but he is the father of my son and I cant deny him his rights. It makes me feel bad that he has moved on and I am still stuck at the point where we sepreated.
I want to move forward too but with my son, I always give it a second thought. I do not want to get him a step father. The word step has always been taken in a negative connotation so I fear if that will be good for my son. But at the same time I do not want my son to grow up without a father so I ask my ex- husband to come visit us whenever possible. I do not want him to marry to although I do not want to go back to him. I know it is wrong on my side to expect him to be single for the rest of his life but I didnt expect that he would move on so fast.
Every time I look at my son, I am reminded of him and I feel like I will never be able to move on.
Death the ultimate thing
I am sure that there are accidental and unnatural deaths everyday but these deaths either go unnoticed because it happens outside the country, or in a remote place or because a single person dies.
It is only when a group of people die that they get the nation’s attention but there is nothing much that can be done except mourn.
Firstly the death of the six boys which was avoidable then the death of 13 people in an earthquake which was unavoidable and lately the death of 18 in the Nepal crash followed by nine deaths in a bus accident.
All the news about deaths makes me think if that is the ultimate truth of life. Once a human, turns into a handful of dust within no time. I wonder if the world will change after my death or if I will ever be missed. Life will just go on for others and people will talk about me only for a while and I will be forgotten with time.
We Buddhist believe in rebirths and sometimes I wonder what I will be reborn as. It will be an entirely new life with new surroundings and new relatives but what if we are born to the same family? The thought excites me.
It is only when a group of people die that they get the nation’s attention but there is nothing much that can be done except mourn.
Firstly the death of the six boys which was avoidable then the death of 13 people in an earthquake which was unavoidable and lately the death of 18 in the Nepal crash followed by nine deaths in a bus accident.
All the news about deaths makes me think if that is the ultimate truth of life. Once a human, turns into a handful of dust within no time. I wonder if the world will change after my death or if I will ever be missed. Life will just go on for others and people will talk about me only for a while and I will be forgotten with time.
We Buddhist believe in rebirths and sometimes I wonder what I will be reborn as. It will be an entirely new life with new surroundings and new relatives but what if we are born to the same family? The thought excites me.
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