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Out of the 11 therapies offered by the Traditional hospital in Thimphu, ‘Sergi khap’ (gold needle) or acupuncture therapy is the most popular one. In Bhutan, joint problems and migraines are the two conditions for which this therapy is most frequently employed to promote general wellness. Acupuncture points are precise spots along the channel where needles may be inserted to change the channel's energy balance and, in turn, control the operation of the corresponding organ. This therapy regulates blood circulation and is reported to help alleviate stiffness and paralysis. Picture of Gold needle acupuncture. Picture source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Bhutanese-golden-needle-therapy-A-Golden-needle-80-90-pure-gold-B-Application-of_fig2_274370593 The gold needle measures around 1.5 mm in diameter and 2.5 inches in length (on average). It is made of pure gold and has a couple of coils at one end that is directed at the other. The determining aspect is both the needle and the well-defined application zones. According to the philosophy of the Bhutanese Traditional Medicine System, there are three humors, seven bodily components, and three excretions that control the human body. Any disparity between them causes various ailments to be afflicted, which are always travelling along the hide spots. Thus, applying a needle to the affected area helps restore balance. There are four methods for applying. The burning procedure stands out among them. Its non-invasive nature is established by the application's superficiality and the fact that it is not introduced deeply into the dermis. Before application, it must be heated for two to three minutes, or until it turns red hot. The doctor chooses the corresponding points (the hide points are grouped into two categories). The first one includes relevant and related points regarding the disorder, and the second one is the area that has been painful or achy for a long time, depending on the patient's motivation. Before applying, the physician takes refuge in Bhaisajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha (the Medicine Buddha), invoking spiritual influence to ensure that patients recover quickly and pray for salvation. However, pregnant women are not encouraged to take traditional golden needle procedures. Moreover, people with conditions caused by bile, blood, or jaundice, or those that are heated in nature, are strictly prohibited. The doctors also do not perform the therapy near the patient's orifice or immediately after they have eaten food. History and re-discovery of Sergi Khap In Bhutan, it is believed that a treasure discoverer named Dorji Lingpa rediscovered the doctrine of the gold needle. He considered himself a reincarnation of Vairochana, a Tibetan adept who hid both Buddhist and Bon riches and was a key character in both traditions' Dzogchen lineages. A drawing of Toerten Dorji Lingpa. Picture source: https://treasuryoflives.org/zh/biographies/view/Dorje-Lingpa/8750 He is said to have visited Paro to find certain writings that had been kept secret in Tagtshang (Tiger’s nest) caves. The "Gold Needle" is the manuscript collection's primary work. It has a very creative explanation of the Dzogchen doctrine, which the author argues is in line with the Bon tradition. Golden needle therapy in modern Bhutan Data from the National Traditional Medicine's therapy division show that 10 of the disorders treated had a cure rate of more than 60%. The therapy was delivered informally up until 2017. Since it became official in 2018, the traditional hospital saw a rise of more than 4,000 patients, going from receiving 9,950 patients in 2018 to receiving 13,981 patients in 2019. As of October 2020, 13,660 patients had been admitted. As of today, only Thimphu (two Dungtsho; "Dungtsho" refers to traditional medicine doctors ) and Paro (one Dungtsho) offer acupuncture therapy, so people from all around the nation must go there to obtain the treatment.

Being an avid K-pop song listener and ARMY myself, it has always been very exciting to talk about BTS and the positive impact these people along with other idols, have brought on to the lives of youth in Bhutan. Picture source: https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS1JY1IzSU5QOmaJou7GAar6NqlHv7LWAFFvkKki9OK-pyh25jG BTS is a 7 member boy group based in South Korea. Although they began as young rappers and hip-hop artists they now explore different genres of music including but not limited to orchestral strings and EDM, Neo soul, gospel and moombahton, Future bass, Latin pop and jazz hip hop, Emo rap, rap rock, afro pop, nu-disco, trap, pop rock and pop rap. Moreover, their work also makes lyrical themes and parallels to literary, philosophical, and psychological ideas and has an alternate universe plot. Apart from being musicians, BTS advocates the importance of self love and good mental health. According to reports on mental health from UNICEF, a global initiative called the “Love myself campaign” which was initiated to help prevent violence and neglect and boost self-esteem around the world generated about 5 million tweets and more than 50 million conversations. Picture source: Twitter @bts_bighit During that period, BTS addressed world leaders and heads of state at the annual United Nations General Assembly gathering in New York, donated US$3.6 million to UNICEF's efforts to prevent violence, and created an exclusive music video in support of UNICEF's initiative to promote compassion and love. There are many more donations and public service programs that the group conducted as a means to thank the people of the world for all the love and support they got for their music. Seeing such initiatives, fans all over the world including in Bhutan were greatly inspired to follow the steps of these idols, not only in terms of contributing to society but also to work hard and try their best to achieve their dreams. BTS Bhutan Out of the many Bhutanese BTS fan accounts, a page called @_btsbhutan has been posting updates and creating several welfare campaigns and projects where young fans from different parts of Bhutan living both inside and outside the country enthusiastically participate and promote the wellbeing of people Some of their donation campaign and projects are as follows : 1. The first project was inspired by BTS’s “Team work, makes the dream work” to fight against the pandemic. The page collected about nu.11000 and donated it to Bhutan’s Covid 19 fund. 2. On BTS’s 8th debut anniversary, Bhutanese fans/ARMY's collected Nu. 8,500 to donate to Jangsa Animal Saving Trust. As a registered NGO, Jangsa is actively involved in all aspects of animal welfare, including the spiritual practice of Tsethar—"saving of animals lives"—by saving sick and injured animals, offering care and medical attention, and maintaining animals in shelters, sanctuaries, and pasturelands in Bhutan and India. With this, we can definitely say that the values of compassion and the art of giving are further encouraged when like minded people come together to work as a team. 3. To celebrate the 9th anniversary of BTS on June 13, 2022, the administrators of BTS Bhutan collected Nu.9,000 to feed the stray dog. The act of helping stray dogs also aligns with His Majesty’s concern for homeless dogs. The reason for mentioning this is that there are people who think foreign influencers have had a bad impact on the minds of young Bhutanese when in reality it has rather inspired many youths to find ways to embrace their roots and remember their values as they try to love themselves and do good in the world or their own local community. The page has also conducted activities where young talented youth express themselves using dance and songs. You can check out those covers on their YouTube channel.

History of the fortress Photogrpahy of old Wangdi Phodrang Dzong. The Wangduephodrang Dzong, constructed in 1638, was one of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel's early Dzongs. It was one of the numerous fortress monasteries built to control the nation and unite the people. Tenzin Rabgye, the fourth Desi ("Desi" translates to "chieftain of a region"), enlarged Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. He added a second, two-story building to the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel's four-story building. Then, Dzongpon (Governor) Geduen Chophel oversaw the building project. Later, Sonam Lhendup, the seventh Dzongpon of Wangduephodrang, erected a statue of Lord Buddha and added another new building to the Dzong. Statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was eventually extended toward the current town by Kawang Sangye, a strong local lord. Acho Boep, a subsequent Wangzop (ruler of Wangdue), gave the order to continue building, transforming the Dzong into its current configuration. The catastrophes The Wangduephodrang Dzong was often destroyed but always rebuilt. The Dzong was destroyed by a large fire in 1837 and afterwards restored. The Dzong was severely destroyed by an earthquake under the reign of Lama Neten Pelden Singye and rebuilt. The renovation also included Dzongpon Damchung; however, it's unclear when. The dzong was updated under Dronyer Pema Wangdi's direction during the reign of the late monarch, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong has been and is used as the provincial capital of the Shar district since it was built. The historic cantilever bridge that originally crossed the Punatsangchu has a fascinating history that connects it to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Under the supervision of a renowned mason from Rinchengang Village by the name of Drakpa, the bridge was built after the dzong. A mandala honouring Mithugpa (Aksobya) was erected at the base of the bridge's foundation as a defence against flash floods. A significant flood during the reign of the 20th Wangzop Domchung destroyed the bridge, but the base where the mandala was set was still standing. Yet again, the place was destroyed by a large fire on June 24, 2012. The Dzong was undergoing renovations when the razing fire occurred, and the majority of the precious artefacts that were moved had been rescued. Picture courtesy : Kunsel Firefighters were unable to approach the Dzong because of the intense heat from the flames, which raged for hours without ceasing. Additionally, firefighters had a difficult time due to the Dzong's building, which follows the contour of a ridge above Punatshangchu. The fire on the wooden stronghold was thought to have been started by a wiring fault. Recent re-construction of Wangduephodrang Dzong The Wangduephodrang Dzong was once again able to decorate the mythical hill that resembled the trunk of a sleeping elephant after ten years. On the 67th birth anniversary of the 4th King of Bhutan (November 11, 2022), the historic Wangduephodrang Dzong was dedicated after being restored to its former splendour under the direction of the Royal Family. His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck commanded the dzong to be restored to its former grandeur with cutting-edge technology for disaster resilience and provided $200,000 million to start construction. The reconstruction work based on the new design was initiated in 2014. Local craftsmen used conventional materials and methods to construct the new building on the foundation of the old. The workers utilized galvanized steel latches to attach floors to walls, more durable building materials, and bearings in the fortress's foundation for innovative modern and traditional design and technology integration. To facilitate maintenance and serve as a secure exit during emergencies, a service tunnel is placed in the centre spine of the dzong.

The first time that I ever saw cordyceps (Yartsa Goenbub in Dzongkha) was probably when I was in primary school. We had a bottle of local wine at home (ara) and a single piece of bug-like fungus inside the same bottle. When I asked my dad what it was, he told me it was "a bug but almost a plant." It confused and scared me. I often wondered why my parents occasionally drank that wine and made me drink the water in which the bug was dipped or soaked. I used to hesitate to drink it because, back then, it didn’t make sense to me, but now that I’m older, it totally makes sense. Picture source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cordyceps-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2 Cordyceps are parasitic fungi that feed on insects and caterpillars. Long extensions of stem sprout from the body when these fungi attack the host and replace its tissue. It also frequently alters the behaviour of the host insect, causing it to travel to an area where the release of fungal spores is favourable. They belong to species from the Clavicipitaceae fungi family, which has over 700 varieties. It is found in the Tibetan Plateaus and locations around it that are higher than 3,000 meters, such as the Chinese provinces of Tibet, as well as in other places like Bhutan, India, and Nepal on the southern flank of the Himalayas. These winter worms have a long history of being used as an effective kidney and adrenal tonic. According to studies, cordyceps may improve aerobic capacity, strength, stamina, and physical performance, as well as speed up recovery times, support the lungs, lower cholesterol, increase libido, and improve fertility. Moreover, it also reduces inflammation and fights free radicals as a strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory agent. The Wild Cordyceps Sinensis from Bhutan is a highly desired medicinal fungus that expands 5000 meters within the Himalayan range of elevation region. The cost of Cordyceps Sinensis is significantly higher due to its numerous advantages and constrained supply. As a result, the Royal Government of Bhutan has given a lot of attention to the collection of this natural fungus. Bhutan's highlands are home to adaptable and changing livelihoods. While raising yaks and sheep was originally the main source of income for highlanders, cordyceps is now their main source of income. The practice of collecting condoms was legalized in 2004. The authorization for the collection was only provided to Highlanders. The Department of Forest and Park Services keeps a close eye on the situation, and if anyone is caught unlawfully collecting cordyceps, they will face stiff penalties. The most expensive cordyceps were auctioned off for Nu 2.8 million (for one kilogram) at Sephu, Wangdue, this year, whereas the lowest was sold for Nu 0.29 million. The Bhutan Wild Cordyceps now have a tea bag product that is available in Bhutanese stores and is also sold on online shopping platforms. Bhutan Cordyceps Tea is believed to provide a whole new level of physical and psychological strength. The immune system in our body is also nourished by tea which helps to slow down ageing. Additionally, it functions as an antioxidant and an anti-carcinogen, replenishing our body's kidneys and digestive systems. The primary ingredients for the tea are organic wild Himalayan Cordyceps, Darjeeling green tea, and Tulsi. Picture courtesy: Instagram: @bhutancordyceps The preparation of the tea includes the following steps: • To get the finest flavour and infusion, we need to pour boiling water over a tea bag that has been placed in a cup and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. • To maximize the advantages, we need to avoid adding milk and sugar. • A little spoonful of honey or two fresh mint leaves can be added to the cordyceps tea to enhance its flavour. •We can also keep our spent tea bag in the fridge to use as an eye pack or a face cleanser instead of throwing it away.

Source: Karma Lekzin Dolma Cottage and Small Industry (CSI) was a flagship program of the Department of Cottage and Small Industry (DCSI); which is now under the Department of Industry. CSI is a retail store of Druksell, the first and largest e-commerce store in Bhutan. It markets and sells authentic Bhutanese products made and grown in Bhutan. For example teas, textiles, foods, drinks, books, souvenirs, and accessories. CSI was launched by the Economic Minister, His Excellency Loknath Sharma on 18th December 2020 and is run privately through close collaboration with the Government. The Government of Bhutan has given a grant in the form of funds and furniture, during its initial establishment. The Government also conducts training to enhance product quality and services. Source: Karma Lekzin Dolma Initially, CSI had to do sourcing of the products from Bhutanese suppliers, when it commenced as a start-up business. At present, it does not have to look for suppliers, as the products are introduced by the suppliers themselves. It even started a training program for the Bhutan Ability Society (BAS) by seeking grants from the UN. The trainees were given training in the fields of Product Development and Food Safety. The purpose was mainly to give opportunities to vulnerable groups. But later, the program could not be continued due to some inconsistencies. Source: Karma Lekzin Dolma CSI even worked with corporates, such as Sabah, Tarayana, and Renew, but the collaboration could not be continued. This is because, as a startup business, it was difficult to convince them. Currently, CSI is initiating to export products overseas, and will soon launch a store in Perth, Australia on the 17th of December 2022, under the name Druksell. In the near future, it is also going to launch a store in New York, America. According to their record online, the best-selling product is the Herbal Teas, which are grown, made, and packed authentically. The next CSI Market in Bhutan will be launched at Paro and Phuntsholing. The main suppliers are Home base and startup entrepreneurs. Currently, there are more than 200 suppliers on the list, although some had discontinued the supply. Source: Karma Lekzin Dolma It also gives training to the suppliers on how to improve the packaging to make it presentable and safe to use It also gives advice to the suppliers for any changes to meet the standards. For the safety of all living beings and to preserve nature's gift for ecological balance, it is vital to promote authentic and indigenous products, which will bring social vitality and enhance the country’s economy. Mission: To elevate Bhutanese local products. Brand Bhutan, only the certified products are sold.

The bushes have turned into trees, the stone slabs have fallen, and the scattered settlement has turned into a small clustered home for new generations, but the ruins of Zhongar have seen it all. The ruins of ZhongarDzong stand today on a mountain called Golanbrak, overlooking Ghalikhar valley and Thridangbi in Mongar. The ramshackle main tower of the Dzong can be seen from the Mongar-Bumthang highway between Lingmethang town and Thridangbi valley. According to the local people, the name of the Dzong is derived from the shape of Golanbrak, which looks like a bowl filled with milk. People also say that architect Bala, who was assigned to construct ZhongarDzong, found a white bowl, after which he decided to name the Dzong Zhongar literally meaning "the fortress of white bowl." There are many orally transmitted stories revolving around the Dzong, like the bushes growing over the fallen rocks of the Dzong. SaidPiece has had the privileged opportunity to listen to one of these stories from the oldest man in the village, Tshewang Dorji. We were sitting on the porch of his house while he pointed to the ruins of the Dzong and said, "ZhongarDzong is now the home of the large angry serpent and many other dhues. The nepo is very strong, and once it catches your soul, it will not let it go easily." While he said that to me, my feelings of curiosity grew, and I imagined nepo as a big snake-like anaconda from the Hollywood movie Anaconda, directed by Luis Llosa, slithering around the ruins of Zhongar. Then he continued. According to him, Zhongar Dzongpoen named Karpodung, who was very powerful during his time, invited a very clever and talented architect named Bala from Paro. Few other people in the village shared that the Dzongpoen was nicknamed Dzongpo Namela, literally meaning "Dzongpoen without a nose" in the local dialect, since the nose of the Dzongpoen had fallen due to severe sinusitis. Reaching the valley of Jangdung, Bala started to venture out to look for a site. In the forest, where the Dzong now stands, it is said that he found a glimmering white bowl filled with milk, which he took as a good omen to construct a Dzong. Later, in seven days, Bala constructed the model of the Dzong with the Artemisia plant. Dzongpoen was overjoyed when one of the most beautiful Dzongs was completed, and word of the wonders and glories of Dzong began to spread. Bala was asked by Dzongpoen if he could build a more significant Dzong than Zhongar Dzong, to which he answered yes. With his answer, the Dzongpoen was deeply struck that Bala might construct Dzongs grander than Zhongar, the Dzongpoen cut off Bala’s right hand and threw it into the river below, which is known as Menchugang. Bala, the disheartened architect, cursed in agony that Dzong's glory days were over. The fire will burn it for seven days, and the earthquake will tumble it down for seven days. Bala also prayed that he would be reborn as a dhue, in the form of a giant serpent looking after the Dzong. As a result of the curse, the Dzong trembled during an earthquake and burned down for seven days, leaving us with only a glimpse of the glorious Zhongar Dzong. In the end, he said that was why I told you it was the home of an angry serpent. Such myths and legends are now the only reason to back up the story behind the ruins of Zhongar Dzong. Not only do these stories give an account of the ruin of Zhongar, but they also exhibit the strong and rich Bhutanese oral traditions that are passed down from generation to generation and from old men like Tshewang Dorji, finally reaching you. The bushes shall grow into trees, the stone slabs shall fall, and the settlement will grow bigger and bigger, but these stories and histories shall remain for generations to come. Have you ever felt a strange feeling of happiness and surety while visiting places about which you have heard stories? Well, then, in my next blog, SaidPiece will take you into the forest where the ruins of Zhongar stand. So, stay tuned.

The prohibition on the entry of foreign workers resulted in a significant manpower shortage after COVID-19 influenced several sectors of the nation's economy, particularly the construction sector in 2020. In the nation's construction industry, there was a considerable demand for foreign labourers. Both skilled and unskilled immigrant labourers were in short supply in the nation. On the other hand, the pandemic's effects on the economy led to the displacement of a sizeable section of the domestic workforce. Courtesy Businessbhutan. With a budget expenditure of Nu 1.04 billion, the Build Bhutan Project was then introduced on July 1st, 2020, along with the Economic Contingency Plan document. The project aimed to employ roughly 1,000 jobless, laid-off, and expatriate workers in the construction industry. The project served as one of the main pillars of the economic contingency plan, which was created to address unemployment and layoffs by bridging the gap left by the coronavirus pandemic in the construction industry. To encourage Bhutanese to engage in the construction industry for the project, the government introduced a provident fund and a competitive wage package. Courtesy BBS A person ready to work in the construction industry was offered a minimum monthly salary of $13,200 as part of what is considered an acceptable compensation package. Under the Build Bhutan Project's incentive program, 15% PF and 15% monthly wage top-ups were also included in the offer. The labour ministry wanted to use the project to organize, develop, and manage a pool of competent workers and advertise the construction industry as a desirable source of employment in the nation. Three of the 18 specialized enterprises and groups that BBP focused on were from the six occupational categories: steel fabrication, plumbing, carpentry, electrical-house wiring, masonry, and building painting. They assisted specialist groups in forming and growing until they were well-established and competitive in the building sector. The project officially ended in July this year and was able to employ only 4000 youths, although their target was to employ about 7000 people. The Ministry of Labor and Human Resources still offers construction-related skill-building programs through its village- and ministry-wide skill-development initiatives. The Desuung skilling program Who are the desuups? In Bhutan, dessuup is the highest level of voluntary action. In the event of calamities, during philanthropic endeavours, and to assist in crowd control during festivals and festivities, volunteers will be immediately identifiable by their orange uniforms. The word "De" (bde) gets its first syllable from the word "Dekyid," which means tranquillity or peace. "De" is typically thought of as the abbreviation for Dekyid. Guarding or protecting is a popular term for the second syllable of "Suung" (Srung). Consequently, "De-Suung" translates to "Guardians of Peace”. Volunteers from various spheres of life make up Desuups. The orange uniform unites all Bhutanese, from college graduates to top government officials, and fosters a strong sense of community. Numerous young Desuups joined the de-suung initiative to volunteer for crucial tasks including crowd management, service delivery, and border patrols during a trying moment for the country. So, His Majesty the King of Bhutan directed that, in return for the extraordinary services that the de-suups provided, the state should give the youth chances to improve their skills and capacities so they can take an active part in the process of creating the nation. Courtesy Kunsel. The De-Suung Skilling Programme (DSP) is a collection of numerous short-term, accelerated training sessions led by local and international specialists that are tailored for Bhutanese youth and place a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on skilling. The purpose of implementing such a program was to help the youth enhance their talents so that they would not only be employable but also contribute to addressing the nation's unemployment problem by becoming employers themselves.

Source: Kinley Penjor The Mega Night musical festival held in Phuentsholing from the 25th to 29th of November 2022 is the first of its kind. It was organized to entertain the local residents of Phuentsholing after the pandemic (Phuentsholing was hit the hardest and was under lockdown for around 2 years). It also aims to convert Phuentsholing into an entertainment spot, where people can come together and relish after the day's hard work. Youth will spend time meaningfully, which will be good for their physical and mental health. Source: Tshering Yangdon The festival also helped the locals resume their businesses, as thousands of people gathered for the festival. Some people travelled to Phuentsholing just to attend the festival, which shows the enthusiasm of the people. The entry fee is fixed at Nu.300 each. The Thromde permitted the festival to start at 9 PM and end at 3 AM. During the festival people from all age groups were seen enjoying the crowd dancing with their families and friends. There are 48 stalls serving varieties of snacks and beverages. One of the aims of the festival is to attract regional tourists from across the border (Jaigaon, India). However, only a few attended as they had to pay SDF of Nu.1200 excluding the lodgings. Source: Kinley Penjor There are a total of 30 local performers, which includes some famous bands and artists, i.e. The Lama Cousins, Misty Terrace, O’Stranger, Ugyen Pandey, JD & amp crew, and many more. There are exciting varieties of giveaways like Round trip Air Ticket from Paro to Bangkok, Gift Hampers, and many more. Such an initiative of the Government is viable and appropriate at this period of time, especially after an extended stay at home due to Covid-19. It will also bring social vitality and enhance the business opportunity of the local people.

Courtesy: Y-PEER Bhutan YOUTH PEER EDUCATION (Y-PEER) NETWORK, an initiative introduced by UNFPA globally in 2000. It aims to empower youths at various levels through a peer-to-peer approach, connecting thousands of youth across different regions. The vision and mission of Y-PEER are, Vision: To promote youth participation and youth development. Mission: To promote a healthy lifestyle through peer to peer approach and empower the young people to make responsible decisions. Y-PEER Bhutan started in the year of 2011 and currently has 19 networks in colleges and institutes consisting of more than 1500 registered members. It consists of national coordinator, national communication coordinator, network focal person (one in every college/ institute) and members. There are also a Y-PEER advisor and moderator in every college and institute. Some of the achievements of Y-PEER Bhutan are : Bhutan is recognized as top three best international Networks for International campaign “Y-PEER for inclusive Education “ in 2019, “Best Youth Group” in Bhutan during National Youth Festival in 2018 and “Best Y-PEER Network” in Asia-Pacific Region in 2013. Courtesy: Y-PEER Bhutan Y-PEER members are able to access opportunities such as online courses, sensitization programs, National meets, TOT(Training of trainers) , NTOT(National Training of Trainers) , and ATOT( Advanced Training of Trainers ). To date, it conducted the 6th National Y-PEER meet and the 17th National Training of Trainers. It provides the right information and knowledge on SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights), GVB (Gender-Based violence), and IPV (Intimate partner violence) to help out youths to subsist with issues affecting their lives. It creates awareness of the problems of young people as well as provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills and values. Moreover, it enhances social skills, provides exposure and built self-confidence oneself.

The rise was proposed for those support staff in section 14 of the Bill by Gasa MP Dorji Khandu on the house rent allowance. still, his preamble wasn't supported by the other members. Following this, the Chairperson moved the session to other sections of the Bill, thereby ending the discussion. While the house was deliberating on section 16 (Communication Allowance), Gasa MP referred to the house rent allowance again, the speaker stopped him and he was asked to speak only on section 16 and if he has nothing to speak on this section, to take a seat. ultimately, this leads to the speaker removing Gasa MP Dorji Khandu from the ongoing session. Courtesy: Dorji Khando Following the event, Gasa MP Dorji Khandu writes on his Facebook: “Dear Constituents of Gasa and People of Bhutan, I know you must be disappointed to observe what has happened in today’s sitting while deliberating on the Pay Structure Reform Bill of Bhutan 2022. I was asked to leave the Hall from today's session because I spoke to propose the House Rent Allowance (HRA) for the positions S3 and below from Nu. 3500 per month to Nu. 5,500 per month. The incident happened while I was not supporting the Communication Allowance for higher officials as per Section 16 of the Pay Structure Reform Bill of Bhutan 2022, which was proposed to retain in the Bill by the Committee. My most profound apology for the inconvenience this may have caused, and grateful to everyone for your love and continued support, La.” The Code of Conduct for NC MP Chapter 11 of the National Council of Bhutan Act 2008 stipulates the following: Place the loftiest significance to serving the Tsa- Wa- Sum with utmost fidelity and fidelity, and fulfil his/ her liabilities by following the loftiest moral principles. Not indulge in any exertion that negatively affects the National Council, public sovereignty and integrity of Bhutan and is responsible to the Druk Gyalpo and the National Council for his/ her conduct. Not be told in any manner whatsoever by any individual or body of individualities in the discharge of his/ her duties. Always uphold first and foremost the public interest in discharging his/ her duties and functions. Refrain from casting his/ her vote on any issue where he/she has a conflict of interest. General Conduct. A member must insure that his particular conduct is harmonious with the quality, character and integrity of the National Council; A member must at each time conduct himself in a gracious and regardful manner and admire the speaker's authority. In particular, he she mustn't speak or leave the House when the speaker is speaking and speak standing at his/ her place while addressing the speaker and the National Council; A member mustn't conduct himself or herself in a manner that would constitute a felonious offence or disdain of the National Council; A member mustn't display any unruly conduct in the National Council Hall. Foul language, loud horselaugh and clapping aren't permitted in the National Council Hall; A member must address the National Council one by one and avoid using indecorous language in expressing their views during the deliberation; Under compelling circumstances, if a member has to leave the National Council Hall, he or she must lower his/ her kabney/ rachu and bow while leaving and re-entering as a gesture of respect to the House; A member mustn't overly impact the Government officers or Ministers in a case in which he or she is financially or tête-à-tête interested nor evoke information from the Government in an unauthorized manner; A member must not appear before a Minister or a Government functionary in his/ her capacity as a counsel, legal counsel, counsel or a solicitor; A member mustn't recommend any of his/ her relations or other persons with whom he or she has direct or circular interest for employment or business contracts to Government officers; A member who has the bottom under proper procedure shouldn't be intruded on by other members; and A member mustn't put trouble, intimidation or use individual influence to encourage another member to make any reflections in the National Council.

The eviction of the Member of Parliament from Gasa, Dorji Khandu from the National Assembly was the topic of conversation by the time yesterday's National Council session ended. The Pay Structure Reform Bill was on the agenda for discussion. When the member was given the opportunity to speak on Section 16 - Communication allowance. Dorji Khandu began his submission on Section 14 - Housing allowance. The Chairperson intervened, and when he refused to seat as directed, he was asked to leave the Hall. Soon after suspended for two days to maintain decorum in the Upper house. This is the first time an elected member of Parliament has been asked to leave. It's partly because the people witnessing the proceedings weren't used to it. The incident drew in viewers who might not have watched otherwise. It even drew the attention of critics, meme creators and cynics, who were ready with their inventiveness to make light of the situation. Many people had already made up their minds on who was right or wrong, or why and how the Chairperson may halt or remove a member in the middle of a session. As a result, both parties involved have come forward to explain what happened in order to quell the online rage. Courtesy: National Council of Bhutan National Council’s (NC) chairperson, Tashi Dorji said that it’s his responsibility as a chairperson of the upper house to maintain discipline and decorum during the sitting session. Thus he ordered the Gasa NC member, Dorji Khandu to leave the house immediately. The NC Chairperson also said, “I sensed that the Gasa NC member was blaming the rest of the NC members for not supporting his suggestion on increasing housing allowance as he mentioned that he’s surprised at the people’s representative from the twenty Dzongkhag. It could have led to the chaotic situation in the house if I didn’t try to stop him. And I assume that the other NC members remained silent as they are aware that there’s no way to increase the housing allowance as discussed during the internal meetings with the related stakeholders. I’m sure it doesn’t mean that they don’t support the idea.” “People might also misunderstand that the chairperson is restricting the NC members from speaking in the house. I tried to stop Gasa NC because he was pointing fingers at the rest of the members of the house. I was trying to maintain the decorum of the house and set exemplary ethics for the future chairperson where manner and discipline are observed.” “Although I regret what happened yesterday during the deliberation of the pay structure reform bill 2022, I feel that I am not wrong as a chairperson to show the door or suspend the Gasa NC member,” added the chairperson. He also said that it’s important to discuss issues but one member's interest cannot be adopted as a bill without the support of the majority of members in the house.

In the last two decades, modern forms of pop culture such as B-boying, freestyles, and hip-hop music have been enthusiastically embraced by Bhutanese youth all over the country. However, since there was barely any platform for the youth to showcase their talents and passion, many could not pursue their interests. This is when a group of young people came up with GOKAB (a Dzongkha term that translates to an “opportunity” in English). Interestingly, the name also stands for: G-Generation gearing for an amazing present and a brighter Future O-Opportunity to the ones who are willing and have the passion to achieve K-Kindness A-Art, able, acceptance, ambition, aspiration. B-Born Bhutanese. Source: Instagram story highlights: gokab_bhutan_official The group was formed in 2006 with 32 active members with a different names initially but the members altered and separated over time. Yet, because of the active members in the group, young Bhutanese people now enjoy enrolling themselves in the artistic expression of modern dance forms and music through GOKAB Community Center for Learning. They have a dance studio located in Thimphu which is open every day from 9:00 AM TO 9:00 PM. Source: Instagram: gokab_bhutan_official Apart from daily classes for k-pop covers, break dance, Zumba, yoga and dance fitness, the studio also holds summer dance camps for a selective number of children above the age of four. The package often includes beginner's dance lessons and fun choreography to build the self-confidence and esteem of children. Moreover, they also have games and book reading for productive engagement purposes. Source: Instagram: gokab_bhutan_official Every year the team initiates dance competitions for all age groups to perform in different forms of dance categories among which are street and hip-hop dancing is the most popular genre. They also have rap and beatbox competitions during the event. The co-founders such as Tenzin Namgay and Pushpa Ghalley have inspired young enthusiasts to come forward and prove to the world that they are capable of bringing recognition for modern performing arts in the country. Although GOKAB members face difficulties due to a lack of financial support, their influences have grown over time and reached out to people who appreciate their efforts. In fact, the group sought several support from international bodies and got offered scholarships for young learners to pursue their dreams. “B-boying is a growing universal culture and phenomenon, and Bhutanese youth have a lot of scopes if they can explore the avenues” -Tenzin Namgay, Co-founder Pushpa has been urging young girls to believe in their potential since she herself faced a lot of challenges as a young Bhutanese girl dancer and still faces difficulties as a woman at the present. Nonetheless, she continues to dance and work on being a professional dancer. The team often posts their works, dance covers and announcements on their official Instagram page and YouTube channel. They also, produce new choreographies for contemporary Bhutanese music with a global touch and appeal. One such example is their recent dance choreography for “Na DhunG Na” a B-pop song by K3Nbeatz. Source: https://youtu.be/-lIVxIYkfUU In 2020, the centre held a two-week “Dancing for Book” initiative in Thimphu. The program was conducted for youth to learn and explore new creative skills as the team performed in public places and parks and distributed books to the audience. “The initiative provides a platform for youths to showcase their talent, creative thoughts and dance”, “It engages youths because the youth are easily influenced by the way people act, dress and communicate in social settings.” Chado Namgyel, Founding Member of Gokab. There are a lot more areas for Bhutanese youth to explore street performance and pop culture. Given the increasing number of participants, learners and artists in Bhutan, there might come a day when B-pop is recognized by people all over the world. All we can do is look forward to it and support the young enthusiasts.