The Legendary Dzongda Tshering Wangda of Haa

For us, the people of Haa, Dasho Tshering Wangda will always be fondly remembered as the Dzongda who transformed our lives with his extraordinary compassion and dedication.

As a child, I didn’t fully understand the depth of his leadership, but I witnessed glimpses of it. I remember Sunday markets vividly, where my mother would meticulously prepare cheese balls, ensuring they were clean and perfectly wrapped in leaves. “Dzongda Tshering Wangda might come,” she’d say with a mix of pride and respect. And he would—walking among the farmers, inspecting their produce with care, encouraging them, and ensuring they felt valued. He didn’t just stop there. If any vegetables were left unsold, he would load them into his pickup truck and drive 80 kilometers to Chunzom to find buyers, ensuring nothing went to waste.

In a few short years, Dasho transformed Haa. His leadership brought tangible changes to our valley, and in the era where Dashos were feared, he was loved. His connection to us remained strong long after he left.

Some years ago, when my mother visited Gelephu on a farmers' tour, Dasho heard about their visit. Without hesitation, he invited the group to his farm and welcomed them with open arms, calling them, “My Haaps.” It wasn’t just a gesture—it was proof of the bond he nurtured with us.

Listening to stories of him over the years, I realized that Dzongda Tshering Wangda wasn’t just a leader; he was a guardian, a friend, and an unwavering source of inspiration. His legacy is not only the changes he brought to Haa but the countless lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and love for his people.

Dear Dasho, your absence leaves a void that words cannot fill, but your legacy will live on in our hearts and stories. You were not just a Dzongda; you were a family member to us, and we shall forever cherish your memory.

Dasho, you will be dearly missed.

The Window – A Review

In a world where entertainment has been swallowed by quick-fix reels and TikTok trends, The Window dares to open a door to something deeper—a piece of theatre that breathes the air of our fading past and touches the threads of what it means to be Bhutanese. This one-and-a-half-hour musical comedy, directed by Charmi Cheda, doesn't just entertain; it pulls its audience back to a time when art was real, unedited, and alive.

For many, theatre is a distant memory, but Charmi captures perfectly why it’s still essential: "Theatre is a live experience, it works on energy. The power of collective silence." This is something a screen can never replicate. When the lights dimmed and the first scene unfolded, I was captivated, sharing this silence with a room full of friends and strangers, all drawn into the same flow of laughter, melancholy, and nostalgia. There’s magic in this unity, in the collective gasp and the held breath that only theatre can invoke.

The play stirs up conversations on the forgotten, often controversial practice of "Night Hunting," a theme that takes courage to handle. But The Window balances the cultural critique with humor and warmth, bringing Ap Jatshola, played by actor and musician Kunga Tenzin Dorji (Supe), and Aum Wangmo, played by the famed Tandin Bidha, to life as a couple whose quirks and tussles hit close to home for many of us. Jatshola’s cheeky “I am hungry, Wangmo,” delivered with a naughty glint, had me smothering laughter, and the next moment I was hiding my tears as little Lemo showed her father her mother’s diary—a heartbreaking reveal of dreams left behind. I was suddenly laughing and tearing up, thankful for the darkness around me that let me be honest with my emotions.

The play, staged as an initiative by the Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property (DoMCIIP), is as much a tribute to the art form as it is a statement of hope. Mr. Sonam Penjor, the director of DoMCIIP, spoke passionately about how theatre could be a source of employment, a new platform for expression, and even a unique experience for tourists. It’s a bold aspiration, one that reminds us of the creative industry’s potential in Bhutan—a way to preserve our heritage while creating new spaces for livelihood and community.

For me, beyond the storyline, what stole the show was the production's attention to detail. The stage set was a visual homage to Bhutanese architecture, a well-loved Bhutanese home where every corner seemed familiar. The actors didn’t just play their roles; they embodied their characters in a way that was raw and genuine. Kunga Tenzin’s effortless rural accent and Tandin Bidha’s subtle, layered portrayal of Aum Wangmo revealed sides of these actors we rarely see in films. The younger cast members, too, brought a freshness that reminded me of the youthful innocence and aspirations, distinctly portraying the confusion of the different worlds they come from, their unique dreams, and how these converge.

The Window may be a small window, but it’s a bright one, casting light on the potential of live performance to make us pause, reflect, and—if only for a short while—connect in the most human way. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of a renaissance for Bhutanese theatre.

Gelephu Mindfulness City for Bhutanese

The world has made remarkable strides in the last few decades, advancing more in the last fifty years than it did in the previous fifty thousand. But this progress has come at a significant cost. We have traded much for it: wars, environmental destruction, cultural erosion, and the loss of core human values. While we recognize these consequences and strive for redemption, we've come so far that turning back seems impossible. No one seems willing to take the lead to reverse the damage and make it all worthwhile. Even those with the heart to do so often lack the freedom or resources. As a result, the world's best efforts to heal the planet—through climate funds, green economies, carbon credits, and similar initiatives—fall short of making a meaningful impact.

In times like these, when a monarch from a sovereign nation proposes to build an entire city spanning over a thousand square kilometers centered around mindful living, it’s no wonder the world is taking notice. The sheer audacity of such a dream, impossible elsewhere, makes it all the more captivating. Here, it’s possible because His Majesty the King is a visionary and entrepreneurially driven, selfless and compassionate, revered by his people, respected by his government, and admired by world leaders. He possesses all the qualities needed to dare such a dream, which is why the world is pausing to listen to our King.

While I don’t claim to fully grasp how Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) will influence the world, though it’s clear that the world needs a model for mindful living, and GMC offers that potential. Over time, a wealth of knowledge will emerge about its global significance. For now, I want to focus on how GMC will transform Bhutan and touch the lives of every Bhutanese. Let me break down the grand royal vision into smaller, more relatable opportunities that are being prepared for us by our King.

Employment Opportunities

A carpenter friend from my village recently asked me how he could find a job in the construction of GMC. From the construction phase onward, GMC will create employment opportunities on an unprecedented scale. Tens of thousands of skilled and unskilled workers will be needed to build the city. Bhutanese workers will have a clear advantage because the city will largely be wood-based, with Bhutanese architecture at its core, making our carpenters highly sought after. The international nature of the project, offering wages far higher than what we’re used to, will make it an attractive alternative to working abroad. With its proximity and other benefits, GMC will become a competitive option, one that can transform lives here and bring back many of those who have left for jobs overseas.

Once the city is operational, I imagine the airport alone will employ thousands. With hundreds of flights landing and taking off, it will be one of the busiest airports we’ve ever known, creating limitless economic opportunities. Reflecting on my observations of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, it’s possible that one person from every Bhutanese family could find employment there.

It’s said that thousands of Bhutanese are currently working in Australia. If ordinary cities with ordinary populations can create such appealing jobs for our people, imagine what GMC—home to the world’s wealthiest, seeking peace and happiness—could offer. Working for these elites will be so desirable that those whom Bhutanese work for in Australia may consider coming here. With a projected population of a million high-end residents, the opportunities will be abundant. Numerous businesses within GMC will need thousands of employees. However, bear in mind that GMC will require skilled, certified, and professional workers. We have time to prepare ourselves—either become professionals or watch professionals from elsewhere fill those positions.

Education

Back in the early 2000s, thousands of Bhutanese students pursued degrees in Bangalore, India. More recently, affluent Bhutanese families have sent their children to premium schools in Sikkim, Thailand, or even the US and Europe. Government scholarships have also facilitated foreign education. The floodgates truly opened when studying in Australia became popular, with the added advantage of earning while learning.

When GMC establishes world-class colleges and schools in Gelephu, we can expect the world to desire education here. Gelephu could become the “Oxford of Asia,” attracting top students from across the globe. That’s when the tide will turn for us. Bhutanese will benefit—whether through scholarships or by earning in the city and studying there. Australia might then wonder why Bhutanese are no longer applying for visas.

Agriculture

Bhutan has long been recognized as an agricultural country. But when we entered the global market, we realized the limitations of our traditional practices. We were constrained by many factors, accustomed to subsistence farming. Growing only for our own families, the food market caught us off guard. Gradually, we learned to grow more for income, but Indian imports outcompeted us on our own soil. Despite improvements in seeds and methods, we struggled with scale—unable to produce enough to meet significant demand. Even the entire country couldn't supply a single hotel chain. When farmers grew the same crops in large quantities, the market price would drop, leaving us confused and discouraged.

With GMC, Bhutan can finally embrace agriculture as a viable way of life. The city’s demand for high-value, organic, and ethically grown food will make price less of an issue. With such demand, the risks of growing crops will be worth taking. Furthermore, we can scale our farming, knowing that demand will only increase as long as we maintain high standards.

The fallow lands we see in many villages today will soon become valuable assets as GMC seeks its food supply from Bhutan's fields. Our pristine environment and proximity will give us a distinct advantage, leading to a major transformation in agriculture.

Tourism

When Gelephu becomes home to investors from around the world, they will occasionally want to explore Bhutan. This will inject millions into our local economy. Many investors will also invest in Bhutan through the new FDI policy, creating even more opportunities. Tour companies, hotels, guides, drivers, handicraft shops—everyone in the tourism sector will see a surge in business.

Those coming to GMC for education, medical treatment, business, or wellness won’t just head home once they’re done. They’ll be encouraged to explore Bhutan for a few days.

Don’t worry about whether there will be enough tourists or how to capitalize on this influx—just start preparing. Learn Chinese, Japanese, French, or another major language. Sharpen your hospitality skills. Consider what unique products or services you can offer.

Healthcare Services

The healthcare sector will also experience a sea change. Like education, Bhutanese have historically sought better medical care abroad. Even with free healthcare in Bhutan, those who could afford it often sought treatment in India, Thailand, or the US. The government, too, has spent millions referring patients for treatments unavailable locally.

GMC will become a hub for world-class medical services. Renowned hospitals from across the globe will establish branches there, drawn by the ease of doing business, access to the market, pristine environment, and mindfulness culture, which is the foundation of healing. Just as Silicon Valley became the epicenter of the tech world, GMC will attract the healthcare industry like a queen bee.

This will position GMC as a destination for medical tourism, boosting the overall tourism industry but, more importantly, revolutionizing healthcare in Bhutan. We’ll have access to world-class medical care within our own country, and if we need specialized treatments, GMC will be just a few hours away. Those who can afford private care will pay for it, while the rest will benefit from the referral system we’ve always relied on.

A country that has long lost hard currency to medical referrals abroad will finally see those wounds healed, transforming scars into stories of resilience for future generations to share.

*This article is first published in The Bhutanese on 19th Oct 2024

Official Announcement: Name Change to Chablop Passu

 I am thrilled to share a milestone moment in my life with all of you. Back in 2016, His Majesty the King graciously bestowed upon me the name Chablop Passu—a name that carries immense meaning, where "Chablop" signifies "the Toilet Teacher." Back then, I had just started Bhutan Toilet Org and had yet to do anything significant to deserve such an honor, but I knew it was His Majesty’s blessing to show me the direction and keep me inspired through this journey. The magic really worked; each time someone called me Chablop, I was reminded of my purpose in life.

But for the past 8 years, I have held on, unsure if I could truly carry the responsibility that comes with such an honor. It was a period of reflection and growth. I wanted to ensure that I lived up to the expectations and truly earned the name I was given.

Now, after years of dedicated work and having achieved much in this field, I feel confident and ready. Today, I am happy to announce that I have officially applied for and successfully changed my name in the census from Passang Tshering to Chablop Passu.

This change is not just about a name but symbolizes a renewed commitment to continue serving our communities with even greater dedication. I am grateful to everyone who has supported and walked with me on this journey, which is anything but easy.

Here’s to new beginnings and continuing our mission together under the name Chablop Passu.

Billionaire Cinderella

Sara Blakely is the founder of SPANX, who was named the world's youngest, self-made female billionaire by Forbes Magazine and one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in 2012.

In a few weeks, Sara is going to launch her new product, that shoe she is wearing: Sneakers with Heels.

She is in our country with Sir Richard Branson.

Quinoa Recipes for Bhutanese

 Certainly! Here are five delicious and nutritious quinoa recipes:

1. **Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Mediterranean Vegetables:**

   - Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, olives, fresh parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

   - Instructions: Toss cooked quinoa with chickpeas and a variety of chopped vegetables. Add crumbled feta cheese, olives, and a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley.

2. **Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans:**

   - Ingredients: Bell peppers, cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cheese (optional), cilantro, salt, and pepper.

   - Instructions: Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove seeds. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and optional cheese. Stuff the mixture into the peppers and bake until peppers are tender.

3. **Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa:**

   - Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.

   - Instructions: Sauté shrimp in olive oil and minced garlic until cooked. Toss with cooked quinoa, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

4. **Vegetable and Chickpea Curry with Quinoa:**

   - Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, chickpeas, mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, cauliflower), coconut milk, curry paste, garlic, ginger, onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

   - Instructions: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in a pot. Add mixed vegetables, chickpeas, coconut milk, and curry paste. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Serve over cooked quinoa and garnish with lime juice and cilantro.

5. **Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers:**

   - Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, black beans, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and your choice of toppings (e.g., lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, etc.).

   - Instructions: Mash black beans and mix with cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into patties and cook on a stovetop or grill. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings.

Remember, you can always customize these recipes to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy your quinoa dishes!

Top 10 Brand Bhutan Promotors Beyond Borders

The year 2022 has been a tremendous year of transformation and risk-taking for Bhutan. We have finally done many things that we have only thought about or didn't even think about to this day. It's too early to get any sense of where it would take us but what matters is that we have done it. I am optimistic that it will be worth it. 

Of the many things that we braved to change, even though they seemed to be working fine (because just fine isn't enough anymore), is the transformation in the tourism sector. The sudden rise in the SDF from $65 to $200 shocked the sector, but that's where the idea of an exclusive destination gets real. We just have to wait and see if this was a masterstroke. I have reasons to believe it is. But we have to put in some effort to promote Brand Bhutan as an exclusive destination across the world and not just on paper. We must make the world curious as much as we have to make ourselves ready. 

I made a list of the top ten Bhutanese citizens who have managed to create curiosity in parts of the world and made people ask, "Where is Bhutan?"

Department of Tourism could use these people as ambassadors in the regions they are popular or at least recognize them in some form because if we are to put a cost on their contributions to the promotion of the brand Bhutan- it's going to be priceless.  

 

1. (Druk Thuksey) Pawo Choyning Dorji: We all know about the Oscars nomination of Pawo's Lunana, a Yak in the Classroom, but we will never know the extent to which his film has promoted Bhutan globally. There is no way we can ever organically reach so many countries, cultures and languages as Lunana did. Therefore, I put him at the top of the list. 

Pawo Choyning Dorji, Filmmaker 

2. Dasho Tshering Tobgay: Dasho's TED Talk captured the attention of millions of people across the globe on our country's extraordinary leadership, environment and culture. That talk alone must have created billions of dollars worth of goodwill, network and climate action.  

Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Motivational Speaker

3. Sangay Tsheltrim: A bodybuilding champion turned actor with a military background fascinated the Bollywood audience, as he played against Bollywood superstars like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. He has introduced Bhutan to parts of India where we are hardly known.   

Sangay Tsheltrim, Bodybuilder, Actor

4. Kelly Dorji: Kelly was the only Bhutanese we had in the international film industry for decades. He has shared the silver screen with the biggest names in Indian cinema, and to this day, we see him on TV every few days. His roles in south Indian cinema are particularly glamorous even though they are negative roles.    

Kelly Dorji, Actor

5. Pinda Panda is a celebrated gamer and streamer living in Malaysia. She is living a life that most young people dream of. She has a huge fan following; for them, she is their introduction to Bhutan. She should appear in kira sometimes to fascinate her fan on the big gaming platforms. 

Pinda, Gamer

6. Chencho Gyeltshen: He took Bhutanese football to a whole new level by breaking the glass ceiling and starring in clubs in India. He made the whole country watch Indian premier leagues on TV. He made the commentators shout "Chencho from Bhutan" a hundred times in a match. 

Chencho Gyeltshen, Football Player

7. Phub Zam: Chechey Phub Zam, who emerged from a singing show, found her calling as a different breed of a singer who could touch people's hearts with a special voice for spiritual songs. She tours Buddhist countries across the Himalayan region, singing spiritual songs and spreading happiness. 

Phub Zam, Singer

8. Ryhaan Giri: This young man introduced himself to us from the Voice of Nepal stage. His captivating voice, combined with his sweet nature and good looks, is capturing the imagination of the Nepali population. He is creating an image of Bhutan in Nepal that they haven't known.

Ryhaan Giri, Singer

9. Ugyen Choden: When Ugyen appeared on some foreign TV shows giving interviews, she amused us with her candid remarks. We didn't know she was building a career in Nepali Cinema back then. Now, she is much loved in Nepal with back-to-back projects. If Ryhaan makes the Nepali girls scream out his name, Ugyen will do that for the boy. 

Ugyen Choden, Actor 

10. Tashi Choden: Tashi was into modelling and acting in the last few years, and it seemed like that was it, but the young girl changed it all for a new beginning by contesting for Miss Bhutan 2022 and winning it. The next phase of her life has just started, and she will undoubtedly represent Bhutan on the world stage in vogue. 

Reviving School Museum in Bajothang

One of the last things I did before leaving Bajothang was starting a school museum club and physically creating a school museum. But that was in 2014, and after I left, my idea almost died. In the first few years, I would call my old friends to inquire about the status of my museum; each time called, I got more disappointed until I stopped calling. 

2014: My Students and I on the trip to Matalungchu

Fast forward to 2022, and out of the blue, I got a call from a teacher in Bajothang, Mr Norbu, who traced me out as the founder of the museum and shared his passion for reviving it. He called to ask me to attend the opening of the museum.  

2014: Look what we found.

The Oven Maker

After he called, I walked down memory lane on my blog to the time my 22 students and I joined forces to start a new club. I remember starting the club to convert the old building into a museum and protect it from being demolished. That old structure has a fascinating history that makes it worth preserving. It's said to be the first structure built on the empty plains of Bajothang during the reign of the Third King. The place was created to serve as the centre of commercial ventures, a new idea of a marketplace back then.  

Mr Norbu posing with the Museum Signage ( It's the same board we made in 2014)

The Old Structure housing the Museum.

I am grateful to Norbu for gathering a bunch of young people around him to revive the project I had started and for reaching out to me to be a part of it. He recognized the importance of that project, which showcases rural artefacts that are alien to urban Bhutan. The importance of the school museum will only grow with time as we distance away from our roots. Even when we were starting the project in 2014, many of us couldn't recognise half the artefacts we collected. Imagine what it will be like now and worse in a few years when Bhutanese children are born in a foreign land. 

My Kids who made this happen. I wonder where they are now. 

Mr Norbu knows more than just reviving the dying project; he made it an important event in Wangdue Dzongkhag but inviting the Lam Neten and Dzongda to inaugurate the School Museum on the 115th National Day. 

Chening Dorji- A Driver to a Published Birder

Chening Dorji is more than a person; he is one of the most inspiring stories you will hear. He was a primary school dropout who had to leave because of financial difficulty. He dropped out to help his parents and lived a life of a villager. After over a decade of cow herding, his desire for education brought him to Thimphu, where he became a driver for RSPN Bhutan.

A villager man coming to Thimphu and becoming a driver is no story to tell. But wait, as a driver, he just didn't drive around people, wash the car and wait for his salary. He did more. He drove around environmentalists, ecologists, conservationists, and all prominent wildlife experts. He didn't just drive them around and wait for them near the car; he joined them in the field.

Among many, while driving Aum Rebecca Pradhan, a renowned ecologist with RSPN, to the field, he showed his interest in learning from her about plants, animals and wildlife. She took notice of his genuine thirst for learning and started grooming him. He was her driver on the road and apprentice in the field, that too a great one.

On the other front, his former executive director at RSPN, Dr Lam Dorji too saw the passionate learner in Chening and sent him for a basic English language course in India. What difference can a basic language course make to an ordinary person? But Chening proved to be more than an ordinary learner, which Dr Lam Dorji recognized. In a few months, Chening returned with impressive literacy skills that opened his gate to unlimited knowledge.

The pleasant man, now equipped with literacy, didn't spare any opportunity to learn while driving wildlife experts around in the field and turned himself into a professional birder and photographer, who is now a resource person for young Bhutanese Birders(YBB). And now, he is a published author of a bird photography book, Wings of the Dragon, Birds from the Kingdom of Bhutan.

The second edition of his books is out. But it's not for sale, sadly. If you wish to grab a copy, contact WWF Bhutan, where he works. The book is published by his office in recognition of his extraordinary talent and story.

Personal Transformation 2022

When I came out of the last lockdown, I could feel my cheeks hanging and my belly visibly swollen. I was beginning to snore while sleeping, which often awakened me. I had backaches and beginning to feel older than my age.

That's when Sangay Tsheltrim reminded me of the offer he gave me a year ago. He said, "you are younger than me but look at you..."

I owe it to you, brother.

That's when I told my lazy self that it was now or never and started going to Thimphu Muscle Factory Champion's Gym.

It wasn't easy. Every morning I wished I didn't have to wake up to go to the gym, but soon things changed. The snoring disappeared. Backaches gone. After the morning gym, the day felt so good. Gradually, the tummy went back in.