Malai Kaabi Huna Moncha
Ra Aafno Dhun Sunna Moncha
Ani Timro Mon Chuna Moncha!
Malai Kaabi Huna Moncha
Kunai Din Timi Sanga Runa Moncha
Ani Timro Aaatma Lai Bestaroi Chuna Moncha!
Malai Kaabi Huna Moncha
Tara Banna Chaina Malai Teo Kaabi
Jaslay Tulana Ra Hingsa Ma Betaucha Jindagi!
Malai Kaabi Huna Moncha
Tara Aafnoi Kaabi Shuddha Chitta Ko
Jahan Brahmanda Nai Garirako Parikramaa
Meroi Hereck Dhukduki Ra Saas Ko Dorimaa!
Your Blessings are incredible beloved sisters
I was young and much happy then as a brother
Your prayers with marrygold elegant garland
Was the symbol of protection against all evil.
I owe you my life for blessing me with this long life
It's almost two decades now yet your grace is alive
The day use to be so special just being a brother king
The happiness was spontaneous gift in the sibling.
The floors you cleaned with cow-dung smelled fresher
Than the chemical cleanser we use today as better
The walls you white washed with clay and talc was much brighter
Than the we do now with lime and various paints and primer.
The doors and windows you decorated with garlands
Was more beautiful than the one with artificial flowers
The verandas and corridors you lit up with lamps
Was much brighter than the ones with fire crackers.
Everything were all less those days yet so much more
You didn't complain me if I gave you no penny
The smile on your face and love in your heart was many
For you knew the reason of celebration innocently truely.
I know you keep all these qualities for me close in your heart
I knew you have been waiting all those years in depart
I kept my self busy making my own life you made for me
I am sorry to make you look forward my way each year as it flee.
This time too forgive me for not being there
I know your past blessings will keep me healthy another year
I will keep this in mind not to disappoint you any more
And I hope everything goes well next year for sure.
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Jhukaunu Sakau Bhanay Kokroko Nani Lai
Saparna Sakchau Banay Timro Lagay Ko Bani Lai
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Timra Sapna Birsana Sakchau Banay
Timro Bipana Sapna Jhai Lagdaina Bhanay
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Sukay Ka Pasina Sakchau Bhanay Bagauna Pheri
Din Rath Katauna Sakchau Bhanay Akha Chimma Nagari
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Timro Paut Ra Samman Lai Sametnu Sakchau Bhanay
Kailay Kahi Eklai Akha Rasaunu Sakchau Bhanay
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Aaisakay Pachi Pastaudainau Bhanay
Mero Kamai Ta Shikhchiya Shulka Mai Shakdo Raicha Bhani
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Pheri Teo Naya Sapna Dekhna
Nasakinna Pani Sakcha Naya Bhagya Lekhna
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Chodi Mann Aafno Gharma
Aaisakay Pachi Nabannu Dodharma
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Timro Desh Ra Parivesh Birsinnau Bhanay
Ani Prem Ra Maya Pani Dorauna Sakchau Bhanay
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Matra Bidesh Herna Lai
Sansar Ta Affnoi Gau Ghar Cha Banki Dekhna Lai
Timi Aaunu Yaha
Samjhai Aafno Pabitra Aatma
Yaha Hednu Parcha Eklo Hajaro Bhidrko Sathma 2
Timi Aaunu Yaha
I ran after the cattle as a cowboy free in the wild,
I ran into the wild when cattle graze in the field,
I ran into the wild to collect grass for the cattle,
I ran in to the wild to launch my nature call battle.
I ran into the wild to cut and collect the fire woods,
I ran into the wild to look for the fresh wild fruits,
I ran into the wild for water, swimming & fishing,
I ran into the wild for playing, roaming & hunting.
I ran into the wild when I was both happy & sad,
I ran into the wild when things at home were bad,
I ran into the wild to grab the subject in better way,
I ran into the wild to share and feel the love of joy.
I ran into the wild to hide my tears and express sorrow,
I ran into the wild seeking joy & happiness for tomorrow,
I ran into the wild for my daily bread and butter to live,
I ran into the wild for a gemstone and is hard to believe.
I ran into the wild so wild now I knew the reason to keep
I would keep running into the wild many miles before I sleep!
The soporific night welcomes the dawn,
The dews gently take the eternal leave from the lawn,
My slothful eye wakes me up from the sleepless night,
The indolent body of mine creeps out to see the stunning sight!
The Eastern horizon ablaze in azure red,
My heart beholds that beauty which shall never fade,
The feet are dragging my body too slow for my splendor now,
Let’s walk to that hilltop my love to embrace deeper as our vow!
The sun is crawling up behind that majestic mountain,
It’s rays stealing the kisses to the Himalayas akin love fountain,
The moon gallops down the Western horizon with the smile,
And the stars above twinkling say we can walk for thousand miles!
The views down the hill to the plain is breathtaking,
You can listen to the melodious songs of the birds they are singing,
Feel your hair and rosy cheeks the fresh morning breeze caressing,
Close your eyes to merge your soul in this serenity and keep witnessing!
The white blossoms of the grasses so enticing to dance,
Let’s play hide and seek around for I don’t want to miss this chance,
I shall keep looking for you until my eyes meet your captivating look,
For I want to keep this romantic walk in the memory of my love book!
I wish I was Back,
For the Final Time Altogether,
With All The Dollars In A Sack,
I Told after Checking-In To My Brother !
My Friends and Family,
Back In Canberra Were Jealous,
And Wished Me Safe Journey Sadly,
Coming Home From Abroad is Fabulous!
The Long Hours Flight,
All Alone In Crowd of New Faces,
Lost In Mixed Thoughts Was No Delight,
The accompanied Lone Travellers in Races!
Dragging Trolley Through Gates,
Standing In Queues For Ones Identity,
What an Irony of Human Security in Fate?
The Boarding Gate Opens With Hospitality!
The Tiny Steel Bird,
Unlike Huge Ones In The West,
Looks Much Closer To The Heart,
For The Home Coming Is Only The Best!
Flying Through The Clouds,
And The Giant Himalayas Range,
Was The Heaven Feelings of No Doubts,
That The Roar of The Dragon Wasn’t Strange!
I am Home Finally,
Our Angels Ran To My Arms,
They Hugged Me Tight Tearfully,
My Missing Pieces of Heart Felt So Warm!
I Could Once More,
Smell The Homely Earth,
The Longing Heart Never Before,
Felt My Soul Has Taken A New Rebirth!
It Was Akin A Dream,
A Brief Visit To My Homeland,
My Heart Again Broke In Silent Scream,
And My Dream Is To Come Back Soon Again!
Mining is often regarded as threat to environment and living entities. In general, people see its negative impact more than its positive ones. Any human activity today has its both advantages and disadvantages. The modern technology offers us the most comfortable lifestyle at its worst negative impacts to the history of mankind. Only handful of people today live the life that is of the purpose. Similarly, mining has been the human tool for civilization and modern development. The contribution of mining in modern era is unmatched to any advanced global industries. Not to forget that even the basic necessities like water, food, shelter and infrastructures are the results of mining and yet the polemic stand of the people for mining still exists.
The negative impacts of the mining to the environment, human and the wildlife are inevitable yet controllable and mitigable. There is no direct or immediate threat to lives unlike the fishes we are losing in the dams to light our home which we call the Hydropower a Green Energy. A friend of mine who is a teacher always reminds me of Green Mining in future and is not far from the truth that it is covered in our only development philosophy of Gross National Happiness. However, this dream must be the dreams of all Bhutanese not only of my friend and me. Dreaming is not enough unless it is executed.
The concept of the same is already in mining industries across the globe in scientific and ecofriendly mining methods but with less results. The plans are best laid down but with minimal execution in the fields. The failures and the negative impression of mining is earned either by the unfaithful industries or the geography itself.
The mining cycle of exploration in the virgin forest and mountain, development and extraction of minerals and final reclamation of the mined-out areas is of decades activities. While in the process of mineral exploration and active operations, the habitats of the birds and the animals are affected although with no direct threat to lives as it moves to nearby areas. However, the birds mostly adapt with mining activities and thrive in the atmosphere over the periods.
The coexistence of birds in mining area is best observed compared to other animals. As such, most of the birds’ species inhabit near human settlements and activities for food and shelters against the predators. They still trust some human can protect them. Interestingly, mining attracts different birds’ species for feeding ground and habitats for many. The Paddy field Pipit, Olive-backed Pipit, Wagtails, Thrush, Stonechats, Bushchats, etc love open and dry grounds in the Mines.
The beautiful and shy Wall Creeper visits the Mine in winter season in southern areas and forage the spiders and insects in the open mining benches. After escaping the cold winters in the higher altitudes, it again beats the summer heat by migrating to higher altitudes in late spring. The Red-wattled Lapwing often feed and dwell in the abandoned mining benches. The common Krestrel and other Raptors or Birds of Prey often hover over the mining areas to hunt for its prey.
Figure 1: Wall Creeper at Pugli River , 23rd February, 2023.
The most prominent habitat is for the Nightjars which feeds and breeds from post spring to summer till they leave in autumn for some time to come back again in the same dry and abandoned or reclaimed benches. Three Savana Nightjars Juveniles and one Large-tailed Nightjars Juvenile got successfully fledged last year (2022) without being disturbed by the mining activities though some minor disturbance are observed in the nesting period due to noise pollution. Both the Savana and Large-tailed Nightjars inhabits the Penden Limestone Mine at Satergang (Khanigoan)/Nyoenpaling (Pugli), Phuntshopelri, Samtse. It is thus, more advisable to leave some barren or abandoned mining benches for these and other species. The mining reclamation in future must be focused on birds’ habitats creation than just high value economic trees or land development purposes for buildings or structures.
Figure 2: Savana Nightjar with two Juveniles at Penden Limestone Mine, 21st April, 2022.
Thus, mining creates birds’ habitat rather than destroying the
same as most environmentalist or regulators would see. The Black-throated
Thrush also inhabits the abandoned benches. In what it looks so dry and
unsystematic mining benches thrive beautiful birds’ species. Not far from the
mining site at Pugli village, the first sighting of Black-headed Cuckooshrike (Lalage melanoptera) which was
new to Bhutan shows that new species can also inhabit. It was recorded on 19th May, 2021. It visits the same site
annually in same season. Likewise, the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) which was second record
to Samtse after 1960s and the Dark-sided Thrush (Zoothera marginata) from Pendenling (Gomtu) which is also a third
record to Bhutan as per the experts are the significant records of various birds’
species in the vicinity of mining areas. The first record of Indian Paradise
Flycatcher (Blyth) in Phuntshopelri, Samtse from Gomtu in January, 2023 was
another milestone in Phuntshopelri Birds Lists to 223.
Figure 3: Large-tailed Nightjar at Penden Limestone Mine, 21st April, 2022.
Having said this, we can’t be complacent to protect them in sync
with our developmental activities. Birds are important species on earth and
they play vital role in the ecosystem. Development in unity without having to
comprise the lives of Birds and other species are of paramount important. The
mining and any other industries must play active role in protecting and
conserving the birds’ species. For example, the artificial vernal pool created by
Penden Cement Authority Ltd. (PCAL) in one of their Mines in Phuntshopelri,
Samtse is attracting birds and wild animals. The Dusky Thrush which is new
record to Samtse was recorded by the side of this vernal pool. Likewise, we
choose the plant species which attracts birds with its flowers for their
natural habitats. The Ficus religiosa or pipal tree grows in a degraded area
and its fruits are diets for many birds. The other tree species PCAL tried in
Uttare Mines is the Coral tree/ Erythrina a fast-growing species in this region
and its flowers attracts various birds’ species.
The industries and
companies do practice eco-friendly operation but without an active employee or
the leader with nature loving heart, the environmental mandates may be
compromised. Thus, the industries and institutions ought to play proactive
roles in conservation than the conservation organizations in reality. More
industries and developmental activities are in pipelines and we can’t deny the
economic progress of the country. Nevertheless, our efforts to conserve the birds’
species in vicinity areas of the existing and upcoming projects in the future
is must.
Thou Love Fair And Undying,
What Holds Thee Unconditional?
For Thou Young And Old Offspring,
Never Has Anyone Seen Thee Irrational!
Thou Eyes Vigilant And Rich In Care,
Yet Unfortunates Ride Wrong Flight,
The Blessed Cherish Life Without Fear,
For Thou Love Always Shine Bright!
Thou Hunger Ceases For Little And Giant,
Making Them Feed On Hard Labored Food,
For Thou Love Is Here Determined Blind,
Poor Some Still Fail To Understand The Root!
Let Thou Love Bless All A Lot,
May Thee Achieve The Merit Of Good Deed,
For Thee Came In Disguised Soul of God,
To Protect And Shower The Love In Need!
In your arms I took my first breath,
In your arms I cried my voice in gust,
In your arms I suckled on soft breast,
In your arms I shall breathe out my last!
Your audacious voice was so soothing,
To my mother fighting with labor pain,
Your spotless hands were so bolstering,
Your service to the humanity not in vain!
You’re awake in duty when I was asleep,
Sacrificed your precious life to save mine,
Your love and care for patients are deep,
Your act of compassion to embed in shrine!
I keep my hope in you when god fails,
I surrender my body second life to begin,
I listen to your story that tells life to sail,
I close my eyes in poise to animate again!
My body and skin are delicate once again,
I come to your loving arms for final adieu,
I know my form this time would not regain,
For you I owe nothing but immense thankyou!
The people of Bhutan are considered one of the happiest human on earth. The small Himalayan Kingdom sandwiched between the two giants- Chaina in the north and India in the south is sometimes called the last Shangrila. The country is keeping its pace to move on with the everfast changing world under the visionary leadership of our Kings and the dynamic government.
Malai Kaabi Huna Moncha Ra Aafno Dhun Sunna Moncha Ani Timro Mon Chuna Moncha! Malai Kaabi Huna Moncha Kunai Din Timi Sanga Runa Monch...
