The Trash Problem – Are We Losing Sight of the Fundamentals?

This past Sunday, I took my family for a drive to the base of Cheri Monastery, hoping to escape the monotony of a lazy weekend. But instead of the serene, pristine environment one would expect near a sacred site, I was met with a disheartening sight—trash everywhere.

Plastic bottles, food wrappers, and discarded waste lined the roadsides, piled up near makeshift shops, floated by the riverbanks, and even lay scattered near Chortens. The park leading toward Tango wasn’t spared either. It was a stark reminder of a growing problem that seems to be slipping through the cracks of our national consciousness.

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about this issue on my blog, and I fear it won’t be the last. Bhutan is a country celebrated for its Gross National Happiness (GNH), its commitment in making a happy society, and its proud achievement of remaining carbon negative. Now, there’s even talk of Bhutan becoming a global education hub by 2035. These are all noble aspirations—ones I deeply respect. But in our drive to achieve these grand visions, are we neglecting the most basic responsibility of keeping our surroundings clean?

A while back, an Indian friend of mine visited Bhutan and remarked, "Cleanliness here is at the next level." But his tone wasn’t one of admiration—it was laced with guilt, as he compared it to the littered streets of his native Delhi. His words stuck with me. If a visitor notices this, why don’t we?

Cleanliness isn’t rocket science. It doesn’t require high-level policies or complex solutions. It starts with simple mindfulness—carrying our trash back, using bins, and teaching our children the same. If we can’t keep our sacred spaces, rivers, and roads clean, how can we claim to uphold the values of GNH or sustainability?

Perhaps it’s time for a collective reality check. Before we leap into becoming a global education hub or any other lofty goal, maybe we should first ensure that our own backyard reflects the values we preach. Because a clean Bhutan isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s a fundamental part of who we are.

 

My Central Europe Adventure: From Paro to Trnava, Slovakia

 

IGI Airport Delhi

Traveling has always been a dream of mine, and thanks to the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme, I got the incredible opportunity to explore Central Europe—starting from Delhi, India, all the way to the charming city of Trnava, Slovakia. The journey was filled with excitement, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s how it all unfolded!

 

Layover nap 

Before I could even board a flight, I had to secure my Schengen Visa. The process took 8 days in Delhi, filled with nervous anticipation. Would my application be approved? Finally, the visa arrived, and I was ready to embark on my European adventure! My journey started with a flight from Delhi to Abu Dhabi, followed by a connecting flight to Vienna, Austria. The long-haul flights were tiring, but the excitement kept me going. The dream of boarding the largest commercial air plane paid off. It was a Dreamliner with 11 seats in a row. It was the UAE's national airline, Etihad Airways. 'Etihad' in Arabic means unity. 

Zayeed Int. Airport, Abu Dhabi, The UAE

Rector's team

Ice Cream: Always

Old town square

Old tower, Trnava

Nikoleta and her team 

After landing in Vienna, my next destination was Trnava, Slovakia—just 45 minutes away

Vienna International Airport, Austria

by taxi. As we drove through the scenic Austrian and Slovak countryside, I couldn’t help but admire the lush green landscapes—a stark contrast to Delhi’s bustling streets.

Discovering Trnava: Slovakia’s Hidden Gem

Trnava, often called "Little Rome" for its many churches, is a picturesque city with a rich history. Here’s what made my stay special: Walking through Trnava’s Old Town felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Town Tower, and cobblestone streets exuded an old-world charm I had only seen in movies.

Nikoleta & her team

The Erasmus+ program wasn’t just about travel—it was about learning, networking, and cultural exchange. Thanks to Nikoleta, my new found friend, who is the International Relations Director for the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia.  I met the Rector, Vice Rector and other professors and even picked up a few Slovak phrases ("Ahoj!" for hello, "Ďakujem!" for thank you).

Cheaper than bottled water 

Slovaks are incredibly warm and welcoming. I window-shopped many dishes dishes but fell in love with Kofola (a local soda). Our (there were 2 senior professors with me) causal snack was mostly ice cream followed by daily dose of beers. Here’s the catch, beers are cheaper than bottled water. Haha…no wonder our bellies eked-out an inch. 

From the chaotic streets of Delhi to the serene beauty of Trnava, this journey was nothing short of magical. I returned with memories, friendships, and a newfound love for Central Europe.