The glimpses of zhemgang tshechu

Zhemgang in lens

Zhemgang and ‘remote’ has become synonyms for many Bhutanese. As soon as people think about Zhemgang, a scene of forested area and isolated place themes their mind. In fact, it is one of the promising places where a lot can retreat and enjoy the tranquility of the breath taking scenes, which ultimately will peace your mind.

Unlike many other places in Bhutan, Zhemgang is well furnished with all the basic necessities. Actually, it is even more advanced than some regions. For education, school serves as a temple for knowledge. Basic health services, telecommunication, motor roads, agriculture center and other sectors stands as an indication of modernization. Most places are electrified and connected with farm roads. Urban trends like night clubbing and snookers are also accessible.

Zhemgang earlier and now has the change of sky and earth. Earlier, people paddled for transportation and communication. As of now, the place has witnessed unprecedented development and life has become much comfortable.

The climatic condition has attracted many people and is best suited for work. It neither is cold nor hot. The fertility of the land has made every one self-sustainable.  Owing to its favorable weather and richness of soil, various kinds of crops are cultivated. Villagers domesticates animal for dairy and poultry products, which also generate income for them. In addition, they also sell hand made goods which circuitously help us preserve our indigenous culture and tradition.

Furthermore, the central location of the place has aided travelers and benefitted voluminous of businessman.  The exports and the imports of commodities have become easier, but it is bit far from the border towns. Yet, the progress of development is expanding and with the flow in time, Zhemgang will be no different from other grown towns.

The place is moderately populated with linear and scattered settlements. Initially, the indigenous architect dominated the design of the houses. However, with the advent of buildings, houses suspended and dyed with exotic phallus, are losing its place and are gradually substituted by cemented buildings. Since the place is adequately peopled, not much of pollution and social disturbances are produced. It looks neat and tidy with lush green environment.  

 Moreover, the alluring snow clad mountains frame the place leaving behind majestic looks. The distant prayer flag waves unceasingly disseminating wisdom ubiquitously. Her unwavering beauty will assure every nature lover, a sense of spellbound pleasure. It certainly would be a feast for any shutterbug to capture its splendor.  And towards the evening as the sun retires from its destination, the twilight unfolds its saga enlightening every moment of the day. Secretly, the exquisitely multi- colored flowers shyly buds off, heralding the coming of spring season.

Now “Zhemgang is remote” is a clichéd sentence and over used phrase by most of us. It’s high time that we root out the timeworn hackneyed phrase and tame our tongue to say, Zhemgang is developing. Sometimes the most beautiful places on earth are unseen and unfelt by our eyes and heart. Yet, the joys are bountiful which will linger forever.

Time heals everything

“Time will heal……..” it reminded me of something and I agree with it blindly.

As a school goer, I was enthralled and caught in lurking web of love. I have been jilted badly and bad mouthed several times. I was even thrashed at times. Despite repeated failures, I kept trying and few earned me successful stories. It was a puppy love characterized by blushing at the sight of seeing; stealing a glimpse of looks and sending well festooned letters via postman. Initially, with secret soft corner in heart, love intensifies often disturbing the sound state of mind. May be it is the symptom of what many people call “love sick”. This is the charm of amateur lovers.

As it ripens, more of caring and trust blooms, bandaging the bond strongly. Sometimes out of closeness, problems ignite out which results in temporary break ups. By compromise and consoling through friends, a usual tie up follows its way like nothing has befallen. Asking for a walk and date needed herculean guts because of the fear of getting negated. I vividly remember going out with my girlfriend on one of the rainy days. It was like we were competing for walk race. Forget about holding hands, we even could not utter a word and I felt so embarrassed for the first time.

The attachment ascends with each passing day. An absence would mean a lot and cause mental trauma. The day wasn't  cherished without pilfering a sight of each other. Moreover, i sounded better on phone. I could confess everything. Frequent lovers tiff was part of our rapport and it perpetuated till we permanently broke up. It fills me up with laughter when I resuscitate those moments. I found myself well versed in writing love letters by the end of high school.

The delicious part of Love happens in college. Love at this level is entirely different. We mature biologically and instinctively. By then, some would have already planned for cohabiting and are husband and wife in the making. The big question is what if the relationship collapses before the promises are fulfilled. It will scar only those who have truly loved from deep within. I admit that it takes tough time to forgo the nightmare and nurse the unseen wound. It is hard to endure the pain in love. Someone rightly said that it takes only few hours to love somebody and lifetime to forget them.

However, with every new days unfolding, life has in store different tales for every one of us. Every morning, rays of hope are ushered to move on with new beginning. Subsequently, the wound slowly recuperates, scar vanishes and memories faint away with wind of time only to be recalled someday. Life is beautiful, yet one can never be satisfied. It’s always wise to be optimistic rather than to blame for others shortcoming. Everything happens for good cause. Don’t repent over past, for it is gone with yesterdays. Dwell in present and time will heal everything.

Tribute to agay

Agay Dophu was an industrious man with stoical attitude. Bought up in Spartan life of mountains, agay was well versed in tending cattle’s and other domestic chores. He lost parents while he was young. Overcame with grievances, young dophu was left helpless. With no one to guide and support, agay shouldered responsibilities alone. Unable to take care of the possessions, he sold everything and decided to live a life of nomads. These cold and bitter experiences eventually changed his mental disposition and turned him into robust man. He worked for others and at other times, tended cattle’s for his living.

It wasn't until his late teens that he slipped into alcoholism. But during those days, it was too scanty to find alcohol sellers. Even if one did, the quality of it was strong enough to collapse the drinker. Instead of quitting, the young man risked his life by compensating for it. At one instant, agay even drank affixing his initial stating that the risk was on his own. When drunk, agay picked up fighting’s and troubled people around him. He squandered sweat earned money on alcohol. However, he was altruistic when sober. Realizing the hardship, agay made up his mind to remain celibate as there was nobody for him. One night, he planned for an escape. Agay descended down the hills and landed in the valleys of west.

Angay was then sweet sixteen when she first met with him. She sheltered him at her place. Young dophu worked hard for Angay and himself too. As time passed, he grew fond of her generosity and asked for marriage. Since Angay was alone, she thought it was better to get married. They worked in their fields and grew crops which fed them well. Everybody in the village dreaded agay for his strength. He worked all day and in night he drank like horse. Many rumors that nobody dared to talk when he was drunk.

Agay’s drinking habit worried Angay. She pleaded him so much. At times berated harshly but he never retaliated a word back. Her words were like pouring water on stone. Fed up with the scene, agay was left carefree and unattended.

Fall summer, Angay delegated work for him. He was to fence the garden and tether the cattle’s. She was unwell that afternoon. Later in the evening, when inquired about the work, agay responded worriedly. “I didn’t do work and went for fishing. I brought some for you”. Angay threw the fish right away on his face and stroke ladle on his forehead. At once, he disappeared and never showed up for a week. After round of peace talk, both agreed to split up mutually. Angay was aware of his secret concubine. Surprisingly, it was her elder sister.

Agay wrote his obituary some three years ago. He always advised us to be good human being. The last time I saw agay was in his bed saying his last words to his sons. I always knew that he was brave and firm in action.