Independence Day

Posted inInternational
Earlier today, I celebrated India’s Independence Day at the India House. H.E Ambassador Varma hosted a reception at his residence, and treated us to an unforgettable evening of Kathak, one of the main forms of Indian classical dance. Their Royal Highnesses Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck and Dasho Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck were the guests of honour at the festivities. To all my Indian friends – living in Bhutan, in India and many other countries – I offer warm greetings and a hearty tashi delek! during your 63rd Independence Day.

Guests

Posted inPeople
Several people have suggested that I invite writers to contribute articles for this site. I’ve debated this suggestion. On the one hand, featuring guests could risk inadvertently transforming a unique web log into a common social site. But on the other hand, guests would bring a wealth of new ideas and perspectives to “life and politics in democratic Bhutan”. And they would most probably contribute articles that make much better reading than what I offer. So, I’ve decided to welcome guest writers. I will not invite any one in particular. But, I will welcome every one of you who…

Coping with disaster

Posted inGovernment, Nature
On 27 July 1996, six boys from Begana went on a picnic to Tango. They lost their way in the thick forests, and despite the best efforts of the rescue teams – soldiers had literally combed the jungles – the students could not be found. 12 harrowing days later, police stumbled upon four of the boys in the forests above Punakha. The mountains had, by then, claimed the lives of two boys. That shocking incident led Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, who was the education secretary at that time, to formalize, improve and expand scouting in Bhutan. He believed that the…

Right tatoo

Posted inMiscellaneous
The last big picture was easy. Too easy. Almost all of you seem to know the answer. Frankly, I'm amazed. And I feel silly. So I'm declaring the results before I feel any more sillier. Yes, it's a tattoo. Yes, it'sa tattoo of a dragon. And yes, it's a tattoo of a dragon on Jurmi Chhowing's left arm. Jurmi, who's also known as Taliman (not Taliban, dear Pompom), got this "lifetime marking for a temporary insanity", as Ugyen put it, at Naktsi Tattoo Parlour. The parlour is located in Lhaki Lam in lower Motithang. It is owned and run…

Real money

Posted inEconomy
Recently, on the 9th of August, Kuensel published a story about the Rs. 5 billion that our central bank had borrowed in 2008 to meet the rupee requirements in the country. On that overdraft, our central bank is pays more than Rs. 500,000 every day on interest alone. That same story also informed us that the government total rupee debt with India stands at Rs. 22 billion, Rs 17 billion of which is for hydropower projects. The next day, on the 10th of August, Kuensel ran an editorial telling us that we need to expand our economy – to…

Rejected

Posted inLegislature
The third session of the Parliament did not pass two bills: the Local Government Bill and the Civil Service Bill. Both the bills are important. So, many people are concerned. And, more than a few people have asked me how the discussions will be continued. One concerned reader, a Samdrups, was particularly worried about what I wrote in “Parliament rejects civil service bill” and commented: “You are talking as if you are in favour of referendum or making the bill dead!!! I am sure it will be very costly to have referendum and costlier to make these bills dead.…

Going forward

Posted inLegislature
The third session of the Parliament rejected the proposal to lift the ban on the slaughter of animals and sale of meat during the first and fourth months of our calendar. Some, like Freewill who wrote “…I think it is a stupid move”, are confounded by the Parliament’s decision. But others are happy. Ifyouwilliwill (no prize for guessing the intent behind this nickname) wrote, “I feeeeeeeeeel great. Good decision by the MP’s.” Both comments were posted in “Parliament rejects LG Bill”. The proposal to amend the Livestock Act, which would have lifted the meat ban, was debated in both…

Friendship

Posted inGeneral, Miscellaneous
This morning, while going through some pictures, I came across a photograph that had friendship written all over it. I’m featuring it in the banner to celebrate international friendship day, almost a week after it’s over.

The Musk

Posted inCulture7 Comments
About a hundred years ago, a Haap left Bhutan for Kalimpong. He didn’t return home, choosing, instead, to settle down, with other Bhutanese, in Dolopchen, a small hamlet near Pedong. Several generations later, his great granddaughter, Deki Lhamu, is back in Bhutan. And, together with her husband, Jigme Norbu, she owns and runs Musk, a restaurant in the clock tower square. Musk (formed by reversing the last four letters of CHOKSUM, their daughter’s name) specializes in Kalimpong food – a delightful blend of Bhutanese, Sikkimese, Tibetan and Nepali cuisines. I enjoy their menu. So, I go there often. If…

Politicians

Posted inPeople
My friend, an Australian, sent me this joke. It’s about how politicians are inherently different from other citizens. I hope our politicians are still different. Different from the stereotype, that is. One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.'  The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at…

Leki

Posted inMiscellaneous
In Big Picture – 3, many of you guessed that the sound was that of a bird, a cuckoo. Many others, however, chose to focus on the landscape and guessed, correctly, that the trees – the willows and pine – were in Taba, below my parents’ house. And one reader, a philosopher, saw the tranquility of weeping willows and pine trees coexisting peacefully, and suggested subtly that our political landscape needed more harmony. We do have a winner. It’s “ps” who wrote: “I think its some kid pretending be a cuckoo!” To claim your prize, please email me your…

The Big Picture – 3

Posted inMiscellaneous
Okay, let’s make Big Picture a bit more interesting. Here’s an audio-visual clip. The first one to correctly identify what the Big Picture is wins a commemorative Nu 100 coin celebrating His Majesty’s the King’s coronation last year. It’s the Big Picture – 2 prize that was not claimed. Enjoy

Thanking our king

Posted inLegislature
What follows is my statement of thanks for the Royal Address at the concluding ceremony of the third session of the Parliament on 30th July. On behalf of all members of the Parliament and, in particular, the opposition party, I offer thanks to Your Majesty for gracing the concluding ceremony of the third session of the First Parliament of Bhutan. Your Majesty’s personal presence in this august hall, and Royal Command to us, clearly indicates the exceptional level of support and guidance that Your Majesty continues to provide the Parliament in particular, and to democracy in general. The Parliament’s…

Royal address

Posted inDemocracy, Monarchy
ROYAL ADDRESS AT THE CONCLUDING CEREMONY OF THE 3rd SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENT, 30 JULY 2007 On the occasion of the concluding ceremony of the 3rd session of Parliament, I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system while bearing great responsibilities you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum. The Opposition, though comprised of only two members, has through diligence and commitment, fulfilled the important duties…