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Ya-lama is my favourite expression. It means “hail to my teacher” and here begins my story. Sometime in the early 70s, my kind arrived at Motithang Zoo. Through destiny I happen to be the oldest Takin, born and raised inside this enclosure. My pastime is documenting Takin stories. There was a time when Himalayan Black bears shared this enclosure with my grandparents. It must have been scary, prey and predator together! Now Muntjac and Sambar deer... (more...)

“Thank you very much for inviting me in your Autograph book…”, was a favourite entry line. This Autograph was not the sensational signature sought by fans of celebrity world. It was just a handmade book where we ask near and dear ones to dedicate something. Some were elaborately decorated with self made sketches or magazine pictures. The mostly sought after magazine available then was Cineblitz featuring Bollywood stars who are mostly grandparents... (more...)

Elderly folks love to tell tales. These tales are not just stories but carry seeds of wisdom. They wish for more ears to listen but the younger generation hardly has any time. We know the value of those words but still modern day activities keep us at bay. Yet, time is ripe for us to document elders’ wisdom. We could research and inculcate them in our modern day activities. My father served the three kings. He is one of those old timers still alive!... (more...)

Can our farmhouses compete with FDI luxury resorts? No, if we are talking about expertise and budget. Yes, if our government directs them with policies befitting GNH canons. Looking at the advertisement circulated by TCB, some time ago, we can trust that government support is forthcoming. I wonder if any interested groups signed up yet with the Tourism Council. Farmhouses are great tourism resources. Careful monitoring can reap good economic benefits.... (more...)

The plastic or other inorganic culture is irresistibly strong. It has captured the world and multiplied problems. Our rural life has not been spared too. For example, the tradition of using organic ropes has become rare. We made ropes from grass and stronger bulls were tied with ones made of canes. Leather ropes were good accessory to saddles. Some stronger ropes were made from nettle fibres and yak-hairs. Now organic ropes are losing their battle... (more...)

What is the Bhutanese trademark when it comes to serving a meal? Certainly it is Phorb-the cup and Tohra -the cloth piece tradition. Hark! It also rings for some the image of unwashed tohras thus deflecting the majesty of the tradition. But then, the subject of filthiness differs from one individual to another. Thus attaching the image of dirty tohras to the tradition is unfair. Another trademark that we all know is the meal served on a tray. Religious... (more...)

Bhutan’s altitudinal distribution from sub-tropics to glacial peaks is a natural wonder and a great gift. With such variation we have so many leafy materials as food supplement and also packaging. Traditionally we have used leaves for packaging and what we need now is relighting it in our modern day lives. Banana leaf tops as the multipurpose utility item when we talk about natural wrappers. Cheese and butter find comfort in banana leaves. Farmers... (more...)