Visiting Linda...

My previous entry about Paro Airport’s security, prompted Linda Wangmo, a regular contributor, to cry out for help about a situation at our hospital. Listen to her!

Security security…….. Lucky our OL and other big shots do not have to spend a night in our hospital… The ward reminds me of a prison in one of the movies.. The G4s armies. They dont even let me share a simple meal with my ailing mom….

Airport security...

Screaming for attention

About six weeks ago, I rejoiced that a leading international travel magazine had rated our only international airport the world’s second best airport to fly into. The landscape, approach, fresh air, architecture, service, all would have contributed to the distinction of Paro International Airport.

There is one eyesore though. And, that’s the security fencing around the airport. Razor wire coils fixed on barbed wire fence, several meters high, surround the entire airport. The fence looks ugly. It disfigures the airport’s otherwise peaceful setting. And, it is reminiscent of concentration camps.

But the offensive fence may be necessary, for security purposes.

So today, when I saw that a part of the fence that was damaged during the May 26^th floods had still not been repaired, I was simply astonished. If the fence serves an important security purpose, it should be well maintained, and the damaged part, measuring about 50 meters, repaired immediately.

It’s been almost seven months since flash floods breached the security fence. Repair it – now! – before a serious security breach.

Demand for equity...

Consider this: in rural Bhutan, our people are undernourished, stunting and wasting.

Now consider this: in urban Bhutan, our people are overweight and obese.

Time to get serious about the equity in the DPT’s Equity and Justice.

Saving Thimphu...

Clear signs

The International Institute for Environment and Development, in their book Climate Change and the Urban Poor, have identified Thimphu as on of the world’s 15 most vulnerable cities to the effects of climate change. The IIED warns that climate change could cause floods, landslides and fire in our capital.

This, obviously, is cause for concern. We must take the dangerous levels of our exposure to climate change seriously. And, we must do our best to work with the world to reduce global warming.

But, Thimphu is vulnerable not just because of climate change. We, the residents of Thimphu, are equally responsible for making our city vulnerable to disasters. We generate far too much garbage, and we don’t manage our waste properly. We drive too many vehicles and burn too much timber, making the pollution that hangs over Thimphu clearly visible in the winter. Added to that, Thimphu’s population is growing too fast.

So, while we demand the world to take concrete measures to fight global warming, we must also remember to do our part to protect Thimphu from ourselves.

Active Thimphu...

I'm loving it

Gyamtsho and I went biking today. We started from our home in Taba and rode through Dechenchholing, Samteling, Zilukha and the Royal Boulevard to the Clocktower Square where we had lunch at the Musk. From there, we cycled uphill: to the Memorial Chorten, then, via the Ring Road (above the hospital), to the Buddha Statue in Kuenselphodrang. We then rode back home: downhill towards the Memorial Chorten, along the Royal Boulevard, below the golf course, and on Dechen Lam to Taba.

I’m happy that I got some exercise. And, that I got to spend some time with my son who has already outgrown me. But, I’m also happy because, while biking, I noticed a lot of people playing and exercising today.

I saw children cycling and skating, students returning from karate classes, an all girls cricket team, and people playing basketball, volleyball, khuru, golf, dego, and archery. And along the road to Kuenselphodrang, I saw people walking and jogging, some obviously returning from day treks. I even saw one group flying big, beautiful homemade kites – they promised that they would start a kite-flying club!

Perhaps it’s because today is a Sunday. Maybe, it’s because our students are on holiday. But, there were a lot of people enjoying the outdoors. And, that came as good news, especially since non-communicable diseases are on the rise in urban Bhutan.

Hijacking democracy...

BBS reports that the Prime Minister, in his National Day address in Mongar, cautioned the people about threats to our democracy.

On democracy, the Prime Minister said the threats to democracy are mainly from within, reminding the people to be aware of divisive politics for personal gain. He said in many countries in the world, democracy has been hijacked by people who seek power and privilege.

I agree with our Prime Minister. I agree with him one hundred percent. We must never allow our democracy to be hijacked by people who seek power and privilege!

Changemaker Chencho...

Ashoka Changemakers have announced their winners – the three most innovative solutions that radically rethink mental health to achieve individual and community well being. And Dr Chencho Dorji’s project, Promoting Mental Health in Traditional Bhutanese Society, is among them.

Dr Chencho’s project has won. Dr Chencho is an Ashoka Changemaker! Well done!

To protect and to serve...

Tashi delek!

Yesterday, during the National Day ceebrations, His Majesty the King conferred red scarves to Dasho Sangay Khandu, Dasho Bharat Tamang, Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, and Dasho Dr. Tandin Dorji for their dedicated services to the tsa wa sum.

Congratulations!

While conferring the important award, His Majesty commanded that their scarves, which represent the Buddha’s garment, must constantly remind them to serve the people with humility and compassion. And, that their swords must remind them to always defend the security of the people and sovereignty of the nation.

This is a powerful reminder to all of us – but, especially to politicians – who enjoy the power, prestige and privilege of the patang and kabney.

Celebrating teachers and workers...

Very important people

Teachers and blue-collared workers throughout our country must be celebrating. Good. They have reason to rejoice.

Yesterday, during the National Day celebrations in Changlimithang Stadium, His Majesty the King paid special tribute to our teachers and blue-collared workers. And, in recognition of their important services to the tsa wa sum, His Majesty awarded the National Order of Merit to 16 educationists and blue-collared workers. One craftsman, Jinzop Karma, Bhutan’s foremost traditional sculptor, was bestowed the Druk Thugsay.

My heartiest congratulations to them.

And, to the countless teachers and blue-collared workers all across our Kingdom, I say: thank you.

Photo credit: BBS

Making the right connections...

Here’s why many of us suffered slow internet connections yesterday: Vandals had severed Reliance’s fiber optic cables somewhere between Siliguri and Jaigon. The damaged cables are being replaced, and Reliance has assured Bhutan Telecom that their connections will be restored within an hour.

Bhutan Telecom’s total bandwith is currently 110 Mbps. Of this 90 Mpbs is provided by Reliance – 45Mpbs from Reliance London; and, as backup, 45 Mbps from Reliance Hongkong. However, all 90 Mpbs come in through Jaigon along the same route, even if on separate cables. This compromises the Bhutan Telecom’s bandwith backup aspirations.

The remaining 20 Mbps is provided via satellite – 10 Mbps by British Telecom; 10 Mbps by Telesat. That’s what has been keeping us connected – barely connected – to the rest of the world right now!

But there’s good news. Bhutan Telecom is already negotiating with Airtel to provide a 155 Mpbs link to London. This is expected to provide stronger backup connectivity in addition to increased bandwith. And, Bhutan Telecom expects this to happen before the end of the year. The Reliance link to London will then be discontinued, and the Reliance link to Hongkong upgraded to 155 Mpbs.

That would take Bhutan Telecom’s total bandwith to 155 Mbps + 155 Mbps + 20 Mbps. And that is good news.