Bhutan’s AI Ambassador : Sonam Pelden

Evan Spiegel

Evan Spiegel, the founder of Snap Inc. was one of the speakers at the Bhutan Innovation Forum 2024 at Paro, Pangbisa, Dungkar Dzong. His session delved into how Snap Inc. came to be and during his information sharing, he mentioned, which caught all my senses is, “We have two ears and a mouth, use it in proportion.” And of course he mentioned about this in context of tech entrepreneurship.

Using the two ears and a mouth in proportion is nothing new in the Bhutanese context. I particularly have heard this from parents and every other human being that I know are senior to me have uttered to me this very maxim like advise given the human characteristics that I possess. (Very true with the people who have come to know me recently and those who know me personally). Not exactly in a way Evan put it but with the same essence and the idea.

Ok, putting the ears and the mouth thing into perspective (a personalized one, of course) I then attended the second session for the day, The World of AI and Augmented Reality: Can Bhutan Benefit?

The panelists for the session

This session had famous personalities namely Richard Rothenberg, CEO of Global AI. Nesma Bensalem, Founder and CEO of WeCare Impact, Audrey Low, President of GGIT and our very own Sonam Pelden, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Curioser AI. I am super-proud we have such a woman who is native to Bhutan.

This was the session I really, really put my two ears use. In fact, it was the ears which I really put into use. Perhaps, there is so much that our youngsters and adult alike can learn from this young lady, and no wonder the Bhutan Innovation Forum 2024 has her invited. I was astonished the way she answered the question, let me rephrase it, “What is your perspective on AI with Buddhist values?” Given her intelligence, “the data we feed into, if we do it with Buddhist values in mind, I definitely see a future there.”

With the genius herself 

I told one of my mentors sitting beside me, I am super proud that Sonam Pelden is from Bhutan. Just the thought of a young Bhutanese lady speaking on AI to a large room full of international and national participants is a moment of pride for all of us. I am sure others like me felt the same. I remember two different audience claps in unison for her replies and the ideas she shared. No wonder GMC needs people like her and Mr. Rothenberg reinstated Sonam to be the epitome of AI in Bhutan. My humble opinion about Sonam is, she is our ambassador to AI…Not bad for a country like ours where getting approvals eats up a lot of our time.

More on the Bhutan Innovation Forum 2024 interesting topics next time and for now, I read this on Facebook on my way to the BIF 2024 this morning, the person who wrote this is sometimes funny with his updates and this time he wrote, “Dear travel agents, please dress our Chillips with some decent clothes and not with some shiny ghos and kiras  who look like PP children readying for the school cultural show.”

More next time and thank you for dropping by….Kadrinchey la.

 

 

 

 

 

"Moments, Milestones, and Memories" SOME REFLECTIONS...

"Moments, Milestones, and Memories" by Lyonpo Thakur S. Powdyel is a poignant journey through the life experiences and reflections of the author. Lyonpo Powdyel, known for his insightful writing and deep understanding of human emotions, crafts a collection that resonates with readers on various levels.

The book is divided into sections, each exploring different facets of life, from love and loss to triumph and tribulation. Lyonpo’s prose is lyrical, evoking powerful imagery and emotions that tug at the heartstrings.

Through his words, readers are transported to moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Moments, Milestones, and Memories" is Lyonpo’s ability to capture the universal human experience. Regardless of background or circumstance, readers will find themselves nodding in recognition at the shared emotions and struggles depicted in the book.

Moreover, Lyonpo infuses his writing with wisdom and introspection, offering readers not only a glimpse into his own life but also valuable lessons and insights to apply to their own. Whether contemplating the nature of happiness or the importance of resilience, his words carry a profound weight that lingers long after the book is closed. From among the many sections, a reality called miracle remains my favourite.

Overall, "Moments, Milestones, and Memories" is a beautiful ode to life itself. Through its pages, Lyonpo reminds us of the significance of each moment, milestone, and memory, urging readers to cherish the journey and embrace all that it entails. It's a book that speaks to the soul, offering solace, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of being alive.

I couldn’t find other words and expression to describe and review this book but nevertheless I am quoting Lyonpo himself, “Moments, Milestones and Memories is a testament to gratitude, faith and fulfillment. I submit it to you such as it is, such as it might have been, with prayers, forever.”

Kadrinchey la and happy reading everyone!

Thank you Lyonpo for your guidance and wisdom that have shaped me into the amateur writer I am today. (I consider myself an amateur). Your godlike mastery of words has been a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for me to follow. I am forever grateful for your mentorship and the invaluable lessons you have imparted to me.

The soul of modernity in-rhythm to capitalism

Armed with a curious spirit, I set out to delve into the soul of this enchanting destination, ready to embrace the unknown. (Not so unknown though, I underwent my studies here). Every corner revealed a new facet of the city's rich tapestry, from the vibrant marketplaces bursting with colors and aromas to the serene sanctuaries tucked away in quiet courtyards.

Wandering through the bustling streets, I found myself drawn to the rhythm of daily life, where locals and visitors mingled effortlessly, exchanging smiles and stories in a universal language of humanity. In the warmth of a bustling café, I savored the flavors of traditional cuisine, each dish a celebration of culinary heritage passed down through generations.

Venturing into the bustle of the world famous Walking Street, I was greeted by old farangs (Thai for foreigners) holding hands of girls half their age, their verdant beauty a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the farang and their partners.

For in the heart of Bangkok, I found a piece of myself, forever woven into the fabric of its timeless tapestry.  From the jovial papaya salad (Som Tam) to the solemn rituals of foot massage, the good one of course, each ceremony offered a glimpse into the soul of modern lifestyle shaped by the rhythms of capitalism.

In its no so winding streets and the people filled Soi's (Thai for side streets)  I discovered the true meaning of connection – not just to a destination, but to the people who call it home and the stories that bind us all together. Nothing has changed in the familiar streets, smell of the street foods since I last visited 3 years ago. It was more than just a place on a map; it was a living, breathing entity with a story to tell and lessons to impart. 

And so, as I bid farewell I carried with me not only memories of a remarkable journey but also a newfound appreciation for the beauty of modernity and the power of human connection.  For in the heart of Bangkok, I found a piece of myself, forever woven into the fabric of its timeless tapestry. I felt I knew this place.

Khab Koon Khrub (Thank You) Bangkok, until next time! Leaw phob kein mei....(See you soon in Thai)

 

 

The World in 2050: How to Think About the Future…some reflections!

 

A bold and vital vision of our planet, The World in 2050 is an essential guide for anyone worried about what the future holds. For if we understand how our world is changing, we will be in a better position to secure our future in the decades to come.

Hamish McRae, the author of this book, has built and maintained an estimably high reputation n as an economic and financial commentator over an impressively lengthy period of time. His regular journalism is unfailingly insightful and, therefore, always well worth reading. McRae does, moreover, have past form as a purveyor of longer-term “futurological” thinking insofar as almost thirty years ago he published the ground-breaking “The World in 2020”. This I recall as proving enormously useful in enhancing my thinking about how the global economy and financial system might evolve over the turn of the century and beyond.  Importantly, I feel exactly the same way about McRae’s new magnum opus.

Importantly, this is a book which – like its predecessor – is wholly global in its scope. Far from being focused exclusively upon the outlook for the US or Europe, for instance, it covers each and every region that comprises the jigsaw which collectively comprises the global economy.

McRae’s discussion of these multiple “forces for change” is wide-ranging and fascinating. He then moves on to a wide-ranging deliberation about “how the world will look in 2050”. Throughout, however, he emphasises the critical role of choice. Everything could go well, thereby vindicating faith in sustained human progress. Conversely, much could go wrong, with the world failing to fulfil its potential and dashing the future prospects of so many of the world’s expanding population (the United Nations’ World Population Prospects, which McRae employs, envisages our total population rising from just over 8 billion at present to 10 billion in thirty years’ time). McRae’s concluding chapter – The Big Themes That Will Shape the World Ahead” – focuses constructively upon what might go wrong (ten key issues) and, subsequently, what is likely to go right.

Many of McRae’s conclusions may seem provocative. He is sanguine, for instance, that the US will eventually successfully weather its current political and social discontent. He’s also notably upbeat about the prospects for the UK and Ireland. He’s optimistic that globalisation has yet reached the end of the road, while sceptical that we can avoid another financial crisis (Charles Kindleberger’s “hardy perennial”) and unpersuaded the Euro will survive. Furthermore, he’s strikingly upbeat about the future growth potential of India and Africa.

 

Chogyam Trungpa Rimpoche's Crazy Wisdom: Some Reflections...

Chögyam Trungpa Rimpoche (1939-1987) was a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, scholar, and founder of the Shambhala tradition in the West. He was known for his unconventional and provocative teaching style, which included the notion of "crazy wisdom." 

https://www.elephantjournal.com/

"Crazy Wisdom" refers to a teaching approach that challenges conventional wisdom and societal norms. Trungpa believed that enlightenment could not be attained through traditional, predictable, and comfortable means but rather through direct, unfiltered experience and a willingness to step beyond one's comfort zone. He encouraged his students to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, including the messy and chaotic aspects of life.

Trungpa's teachings emphasize the importance of embracing the entirety of our human experience, both the light and the dark, in our journey towards enlightenment. He believes that true wisdom often emerges from the chaos and unpredictability of life, rather than from following a predetermined path. This perspective can be both liberating and unsettling, as it requires us to confront our own limitations and fears.

"Crazy Wisdom" is the idea that we should not shy away from discomfort or the unknown. Trungpa's teachings encourage us to engage with life fully, without clinging to rigid ideologies or seeking refuge in familiar routines. This approach challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, confront our own prejudices, and embrace the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. It's essential to note that Chögyam Trungpa's teachings are not without controversy.

Lastly, not the least by any means, "Crazy Wisdom" is a thought-provoking concept associated with Chögyam Trungpa that challenges us to re-evaluate our understanding of spirituality and personal growth. The idea of "Crazy Wisdom" continues to inspire individuals to approach life with openness, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace the unconventional aspects of human existence. 

Readers interested in exploring this concept further can delve into Chögyam Trungpa's works and the writings of those who have been influenced by his teachings.

 

The Quintessential Samtse

Have you ever felt the irresistible pull of wanderlust, that undeniable urge to explore the uncharted territories? I certainly have, and recently, I had the privilege of setting foot in a place I had never been before – Samtse. Upon the kind invitation of the President of Samtse College, I had the opportunity to visit Samtse. 

Stepping off the car onto unfamiliar soil was an exhilarating moment. The air carried a      different scent, and the sights and sounds were entirely foreign to me. As I navigated my way through the winding roads towards Samtse, a sense of excitement mingled with curiosity and a dash of apprehension. What would this new place have in store for me?

The first few hours in Samtse were a whirlwind of sensory overload. The southern architecture was a fascinating blend of old and new buildings, creating a unique skyline that beckoned me to explore. The not so bustling streets, awash with a kaleidoscope of colors and noises is the usual way greeting northerners like me.

As I entered the college gate, I took a picture and made a story update. This was seen by my childhood friend Selden and my college mate Pem Deki. This was how a dinner with these beautiful ladies ensued.

I have a friend named Purna, now undergoing his Masters studies in Samtse, let me borrow his bran new slippers for four days as I had forgotten to pack mine due to the wanderlust excitement.

My stay in the college took me back to my university after seeing the speck and immaculate Library of Samtse College. How I wished to do some research using the actual crackle of the pages in the library instead of the internet and how I wished to reflect and soul-search in the meditation room.

The laughter with new friends, the unexpected adventures, learning on Aussie[i] cultures– these are the moments that stay etched in my heart. Travel memories have a unique power; they have the ability to transport you back in time and evoke emotions like no other.

Each new place you visit adds a layer to your identity, making you more open-minded, adaptable, and empathetic. This is what I have learned from this trip to Samtse.

Thank you, Dr. Rinchen, Dr. Sonam, Professor Vicky, Sangay, Pema and finally Acho Zangla for being with me in my short but fulfilling tryst with Samtse. 

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[i] There were 10 Aussies on student exchange programme

Off into the Cold and Clouds

This year the NC Elections took nineteen of us to different places (Polling Stations) under Thimphu Dzongkhag. I got to go a place I have heard before but never been to. So, Naro Gewog Centre it was.

Took the refresher’s course and divided the amounting provisions amongst ourselves and here we were ready and set. On 19^th, I and my team were the first ones to board two (Bolero) vehicles and off we went into the unknown.

As precarious as it may seem

Driving towards Tango and Dordena, all smooth sailing until the paved gave way to the unpaved. The unpaved road was the most precarious in its literal sense and every bump sent a bone-chilling fear down my spine. An arduous three hour ride on the bumpiest road that I have ever ridden, came into view the ruins of a magnificent structure. Upon hearsay, I got to know it as the ruins of the Bar Dzong. Now, why ‘Bar’, the Bhutanese language loosely translates it as ‘Middle’. Now, whose middle and ‘Bar’ of which places, please read the following. The name Bar was inscribed on the information board and everyone calls this place, Barshong.

Panoramic View of Barshong

The Bar Dzong

The following anecdote is from a young monk I bumped into while taking the not so professional picture of the Dzong.

The name of the palce is Barshong and the Dzong is named Bar Dzong because it falls right in the middle (bar) of Lingzhi Dzong and Thimphu Dzong. In its glory days, the Dzong was used as a structure to fight off enemies and never mentioned who the enemies were. He also mentioned, the dzong was built simultaneously during the constructions of Drugyal Dzong and Lingzhi Dzong.

The importance of this historical landmark is bolstered by the national flag fluttering beside it.

Come next day, no voters turned out to cast their votes in the morning and one voter in an hour was the count. After the closure of polls, we counted only forty-five. Imagine the wait of my team in the picture. 

The waiting officials

The next day, hopped into the same vehicles, thoroughly enjoyed the bumpy ride once again and Home, at last. All seven of us experienced what was supposed to be in my opinion not the best but an adventure off into the cold and clouds.

Thanks for dropping by! 

 

 

Let us be the best of ourselves…be a leader!

It is a common knowledge that Bhutan is usually associated with a monarchial form of government. In fact, monarchy serves as a symbol of aristocracy, stability, preservation of ancient traditions as well as respect to the historical events and occasions.

The monarchy witnesses about the rich history and high social and political culture of nation. Thus, it evokes positive images and associations, connected with the political awareness and appreciation of the historical heritage and customs. Nevertheless, the other point of view, nations claim about the incompatibility between the monarchy and democracy.  To those, we say look at us. The Bhutan that we call our country-the land of the thunder dragon and we are not the first, certainly will not be the last that we are a fine example of the constitutional democratic monarchy.

We are Bhutanese and must contribute to the nation building and it doesn’t matter if you are a farmer, teacher, doctor, engineer, bureaucrats, a corporate employee, a banker or a soldier, a minister or a decorated dasho. My only humble opinion is doing the best of farming if you are a farmer, be an inspiring teacher, an honest bureaucrat, a compassionate dasho etc. When we work together in a team, or in a broader sense as a society, the leader takes on the most important role. It is the leader that helps prioritize activities and direct people’s thought process in the right direction. They are the ones who have the ability to bring the group together as a whole. Because of this, not anyone can be a leader. And in my country, we have our dynamic kings who can do that.  Our kings unite the Bhutanese nation around a common historical past, cultural inheritance as well as ancient customs and traditions.

Due to the very fact that live in a unique country makes me unique and I am more than grateful for my unique kings, unique ways of life and I know the Bhutanese in general will remain unique for all times to come.

Long Live Bhutan and Long Live my Kings and Long live all leaders of my country. Let us be the best of ourselves…Let us all be a leader! My former Lopen Jose KC mentioned to me some 16 years ago, "A sweeper is an asset if he sweeps as Michelangelo painted." Do you spot the leader there?

The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence. —General Montgomery

Until then.....let us all be leaders...

 

The pursuit of more and more of the less and less we have…

Doing nothing on the Sunday evening, scrolling YouTube and watching the subscriptions that I have, I stumbled upon the following and watching it made me realize, how emerging are we in our thoughts about our country. In the name of progress, we are being forced by forces unseen to dam the mighty Drangme Chu. All the other major river systems are dammed or beginning to be dammed. I am neither a hydro power specialist nor a development economist but my little brain and logic tells me, it is wrong to dam the Drangme chu and a bad idea to listen to others about damming it.

Image Courtesy: Google

The pursuit of gaining more and more from the little that we have is capitalism on steroids. The unending greed of yearly policies that is being push forward is shrinking the little environment and ecosystems that we boast of. We cannot proudly declare 70 percent of the land under forest cover is mandated by the constitution and forget about the river systems that are interlinked and symbiotic in their existence. Without one the other cannot survive.  

You and I witnessed how troublesome were the years due to the Covid-19 pandemic which was an imported issue. People panicked, many lost their jobs, the economic hub of country came to an eerie standstill and many more, you name it. If the government go ahead with damming the mighty river of the east, the temporary relief may come in the form of revenues for some years. We have been told time and again, glaciers are melting ‘sey’. If they are, what will our lakes and glaciers hold during our children’s time.

Imagine the sustainability of such project when climate change sells like hot cakes in every international conferences at the UN. The power hungry neighbor of ours will only facilitate such projects if they benefit from the export of our electricity at the rate decided by them.

Ten years into the future from now, I would like to tell my kids that, the Golden Mahseer, the chocolate mahseer and the Snow trout are native to the Drangme Chu instead, before the dam came up, all these were there. I don’t know who coined the term climate change or what will it do to our lives and whether or not if climate change is a hoax, but what I know is we have to live through climate whether changing or not. The damming of the Drangme Chu will be a move towards our own haste towards climate change in Bhutan.

I am neither trying to make any political influence of any sort nor trying to petition against the damming of the only free flowing river of our country, I am just trying to put through a humble opinion about the issues concerning every nation in the Himalayas...

You are advised to draw your own conclusion after watching the following video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjw0zfDAvSE

And thank you for dropping by…! 

A visit down memory lane…

My official chore took me to Phuentsholing after 4 years. I spent a part of my childhood in Phuentsholing and reminiscing the good old days only made me miss the fun and the excitement back then. One commendable thing that has really happened is the cleanliness that the small city has maintained. It is clean indeed.

In other ways, the oldest city in our country has lost its charm due to the entry and exit formalities. The IC (Indian Currency) hiccups. The famous Gol Buidling is now the Pedestrian Terminal. During weekends, I saw long snaking lines of people trying to enter Jaigaon. The Indian vehicles no longer
clog our roads although people from across the border still come to refuel their cars. There used to be a different kind of fun and excitement when the two peoples mix in the southern heat, but mind you it's not even warm these days-fog, smog, pollution...you name it!

The orange depot area where oranges used to be put in huge-sheds for exports are no longer visible, instead huge containers (I don’t know of what) align the roads connecting the famous Toorsa picnic spot. The roads there have maintained its infamous reputation-still super dusty and dry.

The famous cinema halls of Norgay and Mig have dwarfed and Norgay is nowhere to be seen. This was the cinema hall where I watched the block buster ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ paying Nu:15/- in the year 1999.

I remember a building where we used to play cricket and I am not sure if she was the owner or a tenant in the Pelkhil House, a plumpy Indian lady used to chase us away with a long hard broom. I strolled around Pelkhil House as well, faintly smiling as I remembered the shouts of the lady, ages ago.

The good old Ashok Hotel is still there, Blue Dragon, Peljorling the famous Deki Line, the nearby Rum Gaddi, and yes the lower market area which has undergone a complete metamorphosis and some Indian vendors are still with grocery stores. The oldest tailor in town I know, a muslim uncle near the famous Tobden Gully isn’t there, my childhood friend Chunku has put up a grocery store in the same alley.

The official chore hasn’t given me time to visit the place across the border and when I do that, there will be another update on it and for some reasons if there is no update on it, you can assume that I didn’t get the time to visit. Until then, thanks for dropping by.

Kadrinchey la and happy new year!