Fortress on fire

At 6 PM, Mr. Rudraman, a teacher, came running and yelling "Wandue Dzong is on fire," which startled all of us. He then attempted to confirm the news by fixing the BSS cable, but before it could be connected, an SMS arrived from my old friend Sangay Tshering from Zhemgang, which read "Let us pray to Guru Rinpoche not to let such tragedy happen in the future again. Wangduephodrang Dzong is on fire." Since I didn't have balance on my cell phone, I gave him a missed call, and he returned the call to confirm that the Dzong was completely burnt down to the ground level.

 

On Sunday, 24th June 2012 at 4 PM, a fire started radiating flames from the main gate door in Wangduephodrang. Nobody exactly knew the real cause of the fire, as stated by BBS correspondence from Wangduephodrang. According to the people at that vicinity, they suspect that the fire started from an electric short circuit.

 

According to the history of Bhutan, the Wangduephodrang Dzong was built in the 17th century by Lam Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel Rinpoche in 1638. It is the third oldest dzong in the country built by Zhabdrung among the five. As for how it came to be, there is a story behind it that was gathered by the media people gathered information as follow:

“When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was at Chimi lhakhang in Punakha he met a bedraggled old man, who described the ridge in present day Wangduephodrang as a ‘sleeping elephant’. He told Zhabdrung that his aspiration to unify the country would be realized if he built a dzong on the neck of the ridge. Divining the old man to be Yeshey Goenpo, one of the supreme guardian deities of the country, Zhabdrung took his suggestion seriously, and deputed a noble to scout the area.

As the emissary drew close to the place, he saw four ravens circling the air above the ridge. When he reached there, the birds flew away in the four directions, north, south, east and west. On returning to Chimi lhakhang, he related what he had seen. Taking this as a good omen, Zhabdrung immediately set forth to construct a dzong on the spur, overlooking the confluence of the Dangchu and the Punatshangchu rivers. The people of Wang and Shar Da Gye were believed to have been involved in the construction, along with the people of Rinchengang, who were skilled masons.

There is another legend on the building of Wangduephodrang dzong. It says that when Zhabdrung arrived at the confluence, he saw a little boy building a sandcastle. The boy’s name was Wangdue, and therefore he decided to name the dzong Wangduephodrang or Wangdue palace” ( kuensel, 26th June 2012) The natural fire calamity razed out all valuable things inside the dzong except for the few safe boxes containing the sacred relics that were dropped from the roof into the nearby cacti undergrowth. Nothing could be saved from fire that burnt away 374 years of history within five hours completely. Fortunately there wasn’t any life casualty and serious injury except few minor injuries while trying to save the sacred things"

The lack of rainfall in Wangduephodrang during the time of the disaster, while other places experienced heavy rainfall, was a peculiar sight that captured people's attention and caused them to reflect on Zhabdrung's superior power. The belief that Zhabdrung had the ability to control the elements and natural forces was reinforced by this event, as it seemed as though even the rain and sun could be stopped if he is displeased.

During the fire, despite the drizzle, the flames continued to spread and release thick black smoke and sparks, giving the impression that the sleeping elephant carrying the fortress had awakened and was shaking off the dzong that it had carried for centuries. This powerful imagery serves to underscore the devastating nature of the fire and the impact it had on the community.

Despite the destruction caused by the fire, the people's faith in Zhabdrung and their commitment to preserving the cultural and historical significance of the dzong remained strong. The rebuilding and restoration of the dzong is a testament to their resilience and determination to honor their past and preserve their heritage for future generations.

The tragic fire at Wangduephodrang dzong resulted in a significant loss for both the country and the people of Sha Dagay. The community was deeply affected by the tragedy, with many feeling disheartened and dismayed by the destruction of such an important cultural and historical site.

The impact of the fire was felt particularly strongly by those in Sha Dagay, as the dzong held great significance for the local community. The loss of the dzong was a heavy blow, and many people struggled to eat and sleep in the aftermath of the disaster.

Furthermore, the fire occurred during a period of renovation, with only about 40 percent of the work completed at the time of the disaster. This meant that the efforts of both the people and the government to preserve and restore the dzong were lost in an instant.

The tragedy underscores the importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites, as they serve as a connection to the past and are an essential part of a community's identity and history. Despite the hardship caused by the fire, the government and the people of Sha Dagay have shown a commitment to rebuilding and restoring the dzong, ensuring that it will continue to be a symbol of their cultural heritage for generations to come.

The tragedy that occurred on June 24th, 2012, was not the first disaster to affect Wangduephodrang dzong. Records show that the dzong had previously experienced a similar tragedy in 1837, which led to its eventual rebuilding. In addition, the dzong had also been damaged by a severe earthquake in 1897, and again in the September 2011 earthquake.

Despite these previous disasters, the fire that occurred on June 24th, 2012, was the most horrifying and devastating of them all. The loss of such an important cultural and historical site was felt deeply by the community, and on June 25th, all government offices, institutions, and schools remained closed as a sign of mourning and respect for the dzong and its significance.

During this period of mourning, the community came together to pray for Zhabdrung Rinpoche's guidance and protection, to ensure that such a tragedy would not happen again in the future. The importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites such as Wangduephodrang dzong was highlighted by the tragedy, and the commitment to rebuilding and restoring the dzong serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the community to honor their past and preserve their cultural heritage.

So Far Yet So Near

Even as I cross towering mountains, 

and swing beyond the rolling hills, 

while sailing across vast oceans, 

I still sense your presence near me.

 

Miles and miles of distance 

between us may stand tall,

 but in my heart I feel you near, 

even when I feel so small.

Days and nights may come and go, 

I may not see you in my dreams, 

but our conversations bring me joy, 

and your presence feels like a stream. 

 

Weeks, months, and years may pass, 

without a single word from you, 

but I still feel your love so strong, 

as if you're here, so close and true.

 

Amidst the deep and dreaded jungles, 

and the rushing rivers' sound, 

even on the windy mountain tops, 

your essence is all around.

Whether I'm flying in a plane, 

or sailing on the vast blue sea, 

even when I'm traveling by train, 

you're always here with me.

Though you're away from sight and sound, 

far from my touch, so it seems, 

I sense your lovely face and voice, 

whenever you're near in my dreams.

My closed eyes perceive 

The beautiful face of you, 

And hear the soothing words, 

Every time when I feel you near.     

Struggle

A biology teacher was teaching his students how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. He told the students that in the next couple of hours, the butterfly would struggle to come out of the cocoon, but no one should help the butterfly. Then he left.

The students were waiting and it happened.  The butterfly struggled to get out of the cocoon, and one of the students took pity on it and decided to help the butterfly out of the cocoon against the advice of his teacher. He broke the cocoon to help the butterfly so it didn’t have to struggle anymore. But shortly afterwards the butterfly died.

When the teacher return, he was told what happened. He explained to his student that by helping the butterfly, he had actually killed it because it is a law of nature that the struggle to come out of the cocoon actually helps to develop and strengthen its wings. The boy who had deprived the butterfly of its struggle and the butterfly died.

Apply this same principle to our lives. Nothing worthwhile in life comes without a struggle. As parents we tend to hurt the ones we love most because we don’t allow them to struggle to gain strength.

                                        Source:  You Can Win; Shiv Khera

                                                        Indian Great Writer.

Zephyr

Blow, chilly wind, blow                                                                                       

Over mountains far and wide 

Across the vast oceans 

Where my dear parents reside

 

Deliver my message to them 

That I'm doing just fine 

And ask how they are doing 

With health and spirits in line

                                                                                                                                    

Let them know how much I miss 

Their warmth, love, and care 

Their guidance and advice 

And how I long to be there

 

Go, breezy winds, go 

Over hills and valleys deep 

Where my sweetheart resides 

My heart's treasure to keep.

 

Tell her how much I miss                                                                                                

Her kisses and her touch 

Her warm embrace that lingers 

And the love that means so much

 

Tell her that my love is true 

And it will always be 

That it cuts me deep inside 

When she's not here with me

 

Dance, frosty clouds, dance 

Above us, lovely pair 

Embraced within your chilly arms 

Let others not despair.

 

Dance, entwine us together                                                                                           

And let the world fade away 

As we twirl under your embrace 

Beneath your cold, icy spray.

 

Fly, icy clouds, fly 

Up high, towards the sky 

Carry my prayers with you 

And let them reach up high.

Let God hear my humble plea 

 

And bless our love, pure and true 

And let our hearts be united 

As we hold each other anew.

Hysterical Life

I stand still and gaze                                                                                          

At the lonely sky above 

With great hope of 

His soon return.

 

Painful ache in my heart 

Hides in daylight and 

Buries in moonlight 

But God knows the truth.

 

Since a tender age I've suffered ailments                                                                      

Chronic heart disease and 

Recurrent tonsillitis.

 

The doctor recommended 

An operation, but fearing death 

I refused oral medicines 

Yet found no relief.

 

Fed up with life                                                                                                                      

Longing for heavenly abode 

I pray to God to take me 

To a calm, serene place.

 

But memories of childhood 

Warm my heart 

Fond touches of family 

My happiest moments.

 

My school friends and teachers                                                                                 

Appreciated my efforts 

In studies and participation 

But someone came and shattered it all.

 

He, who is now a criminal 

No longer cares 

Suggested I marry someone else 

Changed his cell number.

 

My heart shattered into pieces                                                                                   

Hopes vanished into thin air 

Promises broken 

Tears the only solace.

 

Though my mind is strong 

Memories flicker and I'm immersed 

In whirling tears, like 

The saying, "One goes, thousand come."

 

I toil in the sun and rain 

Holding the sickle and spade 

Daily labor in the fields 

Until my father opened a grocery shop.

 

Learning is a lifelong process 

With no age or time barriers 

Hoping to continue my studies 

God, I pray for a beautiful life ahead.

 

Courtesy: Karma Lhazin

June 2nd Celebration, 2012.

  The Coronation Day of the 4th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who reigned as king from 1974 until 2006, is celebrated every year on June 2nd in Bhutan. This day is also observed as Social Forestry Day. The reforms introduced by him during his rule are still remembered and celebrated by the people of Bhutan.

This year, we were greatly honored to receive a substantial budget allocation for the celebration of the Coronation Day and Social Forestry Day. Our school was chosen by the Dzongkhag administration to host the event, and we were provided with a sum of twenty-three thousand Ngultrum to organize activities aimed at increasing forest coverage in the Dunglagang Geog.

 

Singye Tshering, who was in charge of the nature club, started preparing for June 2nd two weeks in advance by clearing bushes and digging holes. He worked tirelessly for the entire two weeks to complete the task force and ensured that everything was clean and ready for the plantation.

 

It had been decided that Lama Nyeten from the Dratshang would be the chairperson for the day. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to attend. Patala lama was then asked to take his place, but he also couldn't make it due to heavy rainfall. Finally, after repeated requests, the Dunglagang Geog Administration Officer agreed to chair the day.

 

The chief guest and distinguished guests arrived at around 9:00 AM and were ushered inside the dinning hall. Once the guests were seated, the Principal offered the Marchang Ceremony, followed by a welcome speech. The honorable chief guest then highlighted the importance of the day. The Nature Club Coordinator, Mr. Singye Tshering, read the message sent by the Department of Forest, and the Dunglagang Forest Officer demonstrated the tree plantation procedures. Suja Dretsi was served to all the guests, and then the chief guest, distinguished guests, and students planted tree saplings as a token of love for Mother Earth.

 

After the tree plantation ceremony, the event continued with cultural performances that lasted for a few hours. Afterwards, everyone was invited to have lunch. As the month of Saga Dawa is considered holy, no meat or even dry fish was served. Instead, the students were served potato curry and a boiled egg each.

 

The conclusion of the day left everyone with mixed feelings and emotions, and only the divine can understand why.

Teaching and Learning in 21st Century

Gone are the days of rote learning; now, classrooms are filled with interactive models and games. Students learn by actively engaging their senses - they see, touch, smell, taste, and perform hands-on experiments. Instead of spoon-feeding information, answers and discoveries are based on research and analysis conducted by the students themselves. Teachers now play the role of a facilitator, guiding and supporting their learning journey.

 

In the 20th century, teachers were considered as authorities that students had to follow unquestioningly, even if they were wrong. Any student who tried to correct them would be met with harsh treatment. Students were generally well-disciplined and focused on their studies, and there was little to no chaos or disruption caused by fighting, drug use, or alcohol consumption.

Gone are the days when such old customs prevailed. In this new era, we are witnessing new challenges and issues. We can see students engaging in gang fights, bullying their teachers, getting involved in drug addiction and even teenage pregnancies. One reason for this is that students are not being held accountable for their actions and are not being disciplined when needed. Instead, they are being encouraged to discover and learn from their own mistakes, which may lead to further problems.                       

The modern approach to teaching is to recognize and cater to the different abilities of students, utilizing Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence. Textbooks are no longer viewed as rigid, theoretical bibles, but instead serve as guides to facilitate learning activities.    

 

To avoid scrutiny and criticism, teachers are expected to possess a wide range of skills and abilities. They are no longer just dispensers of knowledge but also must be adept at various forms of technology, communication, and innovation. The demand for teachers to be multi-talented has increased significantly in recent years, as society's expectations of education have changed.

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