Let's Wake Up!

My first impression of the home, after studying abroad, was overwhelming with many high and large buildings that were under construction (or constructed), roads widened (or widening) with various branded cars plying everyday, varying sophisticated electronic devices displayed on the windows and the walls of electronic shops, kids and parents communicating in fluent English, improvised dance moves depicting the creativity of youths by merging of Western (hip-hop/break dance) and Bhutanese culture that were telecasted via local TV cable operator channels, and many other stimulating things that really caught my attention by surprise. But then, upon a close scrutiny there was one thing that did not seem to receive much attention - the TIME! Everyone was/is relaxed and still clinging onto so called 'Bhutan Stretchable Time'. If an appointment was agreed at 9 A.M. then it's understood (and implied) that meeting half an hour late is not going to cause any harm or loss to either party. Lots of things are planned and executed in the very last panicking minutes. This was an utter dismay for it should have received the most attention of all. Unlike developed nations, time is 'no money' here. Time seem to flicker at the whim and finger tips of Bhutanese. 

Soon, in about a month's time from today, schools would be reopening for new academic session. We, the new teacher graduates with Post Graduate Diploma in Education'13 from College of Education (Samtse and Paro), have no clue about our teaching whereabouts (placement) for we are still anxiously waiting to hear from Ministry of Education (MoE). On the contrary, the MoE does not seem to feel the pinch and remain silent. 

At this juncture, I feel it's about crucial time MoE, at the least, explains why the delay and announces the availability of Dzongkhags (Districts). This would render ample time for us -- the new teachers -- to think, discuss, and finalize with the Dzongkhags of our preferences from what's available. Although  the official choice would be merely based on our academic ranking, at least there would be a plan in hand to compromise and adjust amongst ourselves. But the process doesn't cease here. It then has to route via District Education Officer (DEO) for the final deployment of new teachers into schools under their respective Dzongkhags. Rumors have it that final deployment is seldom transparent and biased. However, I choose not to make further remark on such hearsay.

We, the Bhutanese, are known for doing best at the last minute. But are we going to continue clinging onto this 'unwise' habit? Is it always assured that the best outcome would be garnered? To catch up and try walking at par with the fast changing world, I feel it is of dire importance that last minute rush habit be discarded and early planning and information be embraced. Then, only then, the so called 'good governance' will prevail and seen by all individuals.

Well, this is a concerned citizen and 'anxious' new teacher crying from the wounds of neglected time value. Let's plan and avoid last minute havoc. It's about time we stand tall on our toes. It's about time we blow off those old and worn out habits from our shoulders. It's about time we open our eyes and wake up!