Are you not free? What keeps you engaged?

continuation of the previous post...

However much furious and in urgency we toil, we are lagging way behind so with no other ways and means we burdened ourselves with hefty homework. We hardly had a time to eat and sleep not to mention about chit chatting with friends and other leisure activities. Likewise we burnt the mid night fuel for almost two weeks. Nevertheless, it was worth enduring the turmoil. 

At the education fair selling the university to the prospective students

The three day exhibition turn out to be a huge success, thousands visited our booth, not less than four hundred signed for admission and few hundreds applied for scholarships. Probably that is what we have expected and at the end of the day we could proudly say we did it. Far above and beyond we are proud that we could do something for our university though in small capacities in presenting our university to the public in the most effective and efficient way. Having waved goodbye to the frantic event, I could feel the tranquility and peace in myself. Without any patience I jumped into my bed, which is one of my favorite relaxations. 

Gradually the dawn overcome the night and the sliver rays of the sun pierce through the window panes. I couldn’t wait to the see the morning glory, the blue ponds surrounding the campus remained so calm and cool, the chirping birds rose higher and higher pouring the sweet melody over the earth. “These birds are delivering the message from the god” I recall my mom’s dialogue during my early childhood days. 

Eyeing upon the inspiring tale of Robin S. Sharma, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, I took a walk towards the academic building. No sooner I stepped inside, somebody was ringing me. As expected it was my friend talking about the trip on the next day. Excited and anxious I was heading towards the library. Opps… I forgot to take my student ID card, the door have digital locking system and no one can enter without their Key Card (ID). So I had to wait for somebody else who comes with key card, and I waited though I was certain that it might take some time for its summer vacation, so not many are in the campus. Surely I wasn’t bored for I was reading Robin Sharma, I ended almost a chapter yet no body turned up. I knocked the door nobody responded from inside too. Despairingly I placed my hand over the switch box and amazing the door opened. I looked at my hand, apparently I wasn’t holding anything. With a broad smile on my face I entered and queried the Liberians. They said they will look into the matter and fix it soon, so I walked away from them. 

Before I could grab a sit on the couch, another lecturer of mine greets me from behind the bookshelf. We exchanged several words and subsequently he grabbed a sit beside me. We talked over a coffee and notwithstanding my excuses he recruited me immediately. Ahh.. I don’t feel comfortable working for several reasons, moreover summer vacation is a time of relaxation where most students go back home, spent their time with parents and re-energize themselves for the next session but at the same time I couldn’t say no to my lecturer. Furthermore, working would be an ideal opportunity for me to learn from experienced workers, acquire knowledge outside the classroom and to use my educational background and experience. Perhaps, it is simply the perfect time to put into practice what I have learned. I find myself even more passionate when I get to work with people of diverse backgrounds. For such experiences would be a catalyst to my career choice. I believe I have enough credentials and would be a great asset to his operation, while it would help me to expand my skills enormously. Though in times I feared he might ask me to do something that is beyond my knowledge and on the other hand I was afraid my friends might disrespect me for not keeping my words, for we have numerous other plans in hand. But by no means, I had to offer repeated apologies to my friends and reluctantly hold the chair with my lecturer. Thus robbed all my freedom (leisure time) and kept me engaged all the time. I am burdened yet is in a way I want to be, I believe I am blessed hence. 

Blessings…

Are you not free? What keeps you engaged?

While exams has ended, I thought I will have plenty of time to take tours, chit chat with friends, surf net and do other leisure activities. So with bundle of plans inscribed in my dairy, a number of dates marked on my calendar and many more thoughts rushing to be penned I preferred to stay back in the University for my summer vacation. 

However, as somebody has precisely said ‘end of something is beginning of something’ the very moment I get out of the exam hall, I received a call from one of my lecturer asking for my hand in folding the newly designed brochures for the PR event. Wholeheartedly, I accepted and assured to show up the next day with a number of helping hands. Astoundingly, upon arrival at the site the task doesn’t seem to be an easy one. 

Although the brochures were uniquely designed in such a way that four faces and eight sides have to be folded and glued together in order to present the information and that can be best displayed upon several twist and turns, fold and unfolds. That was amazing but the time and effort that needs to put in in-order to reach that final display was very hectic and opposing. 

What so ever, without any further delay we prompt with the pleasure of folding and gluing. Locked in a room positioned on the wheel chairs, piles of unfolded brochures and glues on tables, everyone appears so serious with their eyes fixed on work and they hardly speak a word. Ahhhm…. I cleaned my throat and sipped the ice water. Perhaps I might have cracked the silence of the room. To further encourage and show the thankfulness for our service, we are treated meals at standard restaurants and in times taken to Cineplex in the evening. So do we, undergo for several days yet we are far behind the target, sadly the labors (students) keeps decreasing day by day while the dateline approaches closer and closer. 

To be continued further….

Songkran Festival in Thailand

Songkran is celebrated as a traditional new year in Thailand. If true people say the date for this particular festival is originally set by astrological calculations however now the dates are fixed and people in Thailand celebrate it  from 13 – 15th April every year. If in any case these dates falls on weekends than they declare a national holiday on the following weekdays. Probably this would be true for we are getting holiday even on Monday although Songkran ends by 15th Sunday. 

Songkran is celebrated in many different ways, for some people it is a time to visit temples and monasteries offering prayers to Buddha, offering food, clothing and other stuff to monks while some of them cleanse the statues of Buddha by gently pouring water mixed with Thai fragrance. Many have believed that by doing so, they will be blessed with peace and prosperity to the New Year and bring good luck.

What so ever the most fun and obvious celebration of Songkran is splashing of water. Some people load containers of water in their cars holding water guns in their hand and roam the street, while some people post themselves at the road side and drench the people who travel by two wheeler  and Tuk Tuk, of course not to mention the pedestrians. In some cases they even stop the cars and do not let it go until and unless the passengers are fully soaked.

The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by accumulating the water after it had been poured over the Buddha statues and images for cleansing and then using this "blessed" water to give good fortune to elders and family by gently pouring it on the shoulder. Upon asking some of the water fighters on the street they say with laughter “April month is very very hot, so we try to keep the people cool by throwing water at them”. By saying so they burst out into laughter and drenched me. “It was amusingly pleasuring especially while wetting the hot chicks” says one of my comrades. 

This however was not always the main activity, for some people it is a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends, neighbors, and monks. The Youngers lean at their knees and vow to the elders while the elder gives advices and wishes for success and glory. This in particular was really impressive and appreciable for me.

Some people make New Year resolutions - to refrain from bad behavior, or to do good things. Songkran is a time for cleaning and renewal. Besides washing household Buddha images, many Thais also take this opportunity to give their home a thorough cleaning. The water is meant as a symbol of washing all of the bad away and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs when celebrated in the traditional manner.

Bye bye Songkran 2012....   

WHO I AM

I am Dorji Penjor, born to a family of eight, hailing from the beautiful valley of Wangdi Phodrang the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. I am my own person; a person who makes mistakes, laughs, cries, hurts, smiles and loves. I am who I am through my joys, sorrows, heartbreaks, happiness and my losses. Each step in my life and each moment that goes by make me up as an individual person. Every experience in my life good or bad, happy or sad makes me stronger. Each passing moment is a new life experience for me and makes me grow into the person I want to be. Day by day, hour by hour I take a new step in my life, a step towards another, into a world full of knowledge. Knowledge is all around me, waiting for me to learn new things and process new information that will teach me through life. I am a student throughout life, not just in the classroom. I am a person who makes many mistakes, but have the courtesy to learn from them and not make them twice. I am a person who laughs so hard that I have tears running down my cheeks. 

My personality and character are two important features that make me who I am. Although I may have weaknesses in my character, I am basically the upbeat type. Everyone cannot please each other but if everyone pleases themselves and are cheerful most of the time, I feel that it is a better start to put you in life. Being down or depressed comes with everyone’s character at some point. When I come across this point in life, it is one of my weak situations. Depending on what the situation, the cause of my anger and hurt stays on my mind for a long period. I let me emotions out by writing down all my bad feelings and frustrations. 

Besides I am a passionate writer who keeps writing twaddle’s. I pen down my feelings and perceptions no matter good or bad, sad or happy, fun or boring. My habit of writing has always shown me the brighter dawn and yes, I feel that’s an excellent way to improve my language skills though at times I fear written words may not be able to reveal my true insights. To think outside the boxes and surmount the ceaseless sky of learning beyond the classroom lessons I choose to keep myself updated with news, inspirational quotes and so on. I had so far thought of cultivating a hobby reading books in diving myself into the realms of the English literature. I read numerous novels mostly authored by Elizabethan, Robin S. Sharma and other Victorian novelists to mentions few. I had no choice but appreciate their way of writing so much so that I had to use the dictionary simultaneously and copy down beautiful pieces of prose thinking that they might one day be of use.

  

For as long as I can remember I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science has always been a passion of mine and mathematics in particular has interested me for long time. Dedicating my life to improving the lives of others is very appealing to me. Throughout primary and high schools thus far I have taken a rigorous curriculum and maintained good records. To become a inspiring, innovative and competent Architect is my ambition. I not only enjoy becoming an architect, but I find myself even more passionate when I get to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

In short I am a man with a goal in my mind and whatever I do is in the pursuit of achieving my goal. I look back to my life not to regret or complain the past but to learn through mistakes and take lessons through failures.

A VISIT TO ZOO ON THE WAY TO PATTAYA

Khao Kheow Zoo on the way to Pattaya

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Debate at SIU

International Students Club at Shinawatra International University has officially launched on Thursday 15^th March, 2012. Coinciding with the launch we have organized a Debate on “SIU is the best”. Perhaps the topic must have been very sensitive and controversial, so I as the founder of the club and organizer of the event who carried out all the paper works, had a tough time getting approval from the higher authority. To get the budget sanctioned was the toughest part, for it has to pass through serious of channels. Sometimes the proposal remained on the table of some officials and returned back without the notice of the preferred authority. When questioned, they have nothing to say than some mere excuses. I believe I am matured enough to differentiate between an excuse and a reason. Consequently, I had to react very tough with some officials for numerous reasons, however, due to several lapses the event scheduled on 8^th March has to be postponed on Thursday 15.

Thinking that it is for the benefit of the whole university, I have whole heartedly put in efforts to the best of my capacity besides numerous obstacles and barriers. Nevertheless, the very responsible people within the Club have disappointed me. Those black sheep’s have sometimes acted as spy besides the huge position they hold in the club. Before the grant of the budget these people try to topple down the club perhaps the club activities didn't meet their individual interest for it has to rely on the interest of the whole international students at SIU. What so ever their obstruction couldn't hinder the Club. Somehow reluctantly when the budget was granted, without bearing in mind the toil and turmoil I had in order to get the budget those people lavishly spent and misused the budget. It was a crazy shopping, a shame on them. I have seen them talking about authentication but it is beyond doubt that these words are just on their lips. Dealing with Club budget is one such area where everything has to be transparent, accountable and yes of course every bills and checks has to be authenticated. A big shame, they done even have a single money receipt or bills for the shopping.

The budget was granted a day before the event while I was shedding the rush hours of deadlines and burning midnight fuel for the final exams. Performing at the mini concert, submission of the final project and organizing the debate all fall on the same date. It was a very hectic timing. So I couldn't make it for shopping and perhaps that was my biggest mistake after all my efforts. I wonder when people are not being accountable for such a small activity, where will they lead ISC. How the future events would take place under their leadership? What would the higher authority think about this Club?

ISC was formally intended to form as International Students Association, but to form an association we require an approval from the Ministry of Universities in Thailand says the university officials. To do so I might have to put in extra effort on the paper works and be abide by the guidelines of the Ministry, that might consume a lion’s share of my time. So due to acute shortage of time and as recommended by the university I renamed it as International Students Club, formed with the intention of fostering social interaction among international students. 

happy blogging...

Why is it so?

Clock ticks away and so do time is flying. Before I really realize, the semester has come to an end. It is the time to shed the rush hours and burn the midnight fuels. I have committed enough mistakes through which I could eventually learn and done several wrongs through which I could earn lessons. I already had enough regrets and now I don’t want to complain for the past nor would I worry for future but I want to concentrate on the present. Building such intuition in my mind I shoved my books in the bag and headed towards the study room.

image from google

OH… good lord..  what’s wrong, all study rooms were locked. I was wondering why people are locking those study rooms. In the first place what study rooms are meant for? During the week days students have classes and they won’t be there to make use of those rooms. Obviously study rooms should be used during the weekends when students don’t have classes and when they are on their own. Of course we do have our own rooms but it hard to concentrate on studies especially with your laptop on, sitting right near the cozy bed. Definitely you would fall to sleep easily. So I personally find the study rooms to be the best place for studying while you can also call your friends and discuss together. But unfortunately now we can’t avail such facilities and no matter good or bad we have to be in our rooms hardly doing anything. For me seriously, my room is one such place where I prefer not to be all the time, for no apparent reasons, so I can’t think of studying in the room.   

image from google

Very recently they (university) have even started locking the entrance gate linking Dorm and Academic building. Why? They don’t want the students to make use of the academic building? Some of the wireless Internets across the campus were disabled and those accessible were very slow that it takes ages to just log on into our own university website. In fact, we are the closest neighbor to the Thaicom Telecom, a giant network distributor in Thailand. When the university to the nearest approach from a network distributor, suffers from downfall of network I can’t imagine of those at distant. I am wondering. More over I don't know why  but the air-conditions at SIU are more or less useless. We use a chill water cooling system and now as time gives birth to summer season water ponds surrounding the university are getting automatically hotter and air-cons changed their role from cooling to heating.  Its more or less like room heaters and i doubt is somebody taking into account all this changes. If not Why is it so? Who is responsible?

(re-post) An adventure to Bangkok

PS. i was going through my older posts and found this humorous, so i post it again. 

The mundane schedule passes by; chuckles, rage and grin persist in us almost every day. No matter good or bad, everyone toil for the entire day. After all that’s the way of life. As usual the busy weekdays finally give rise to weekends. Quite anxious, for this weekend, I and my friend will be going to Bangkok city for shopping. Bangkok is such an enormous city, we are just one month old in Thailand; moreover it was first time for my companion to be in a foreign soil. Definitely, we need someone to guide us. We asked some of our Thai mates to direct us to the city.  So willingly and cheerfully they accompanied us to the city. Bangkok is widely known for its amazing shopping centers, it was a fantastic city.

We slept for so long that we almost missed the van, we hurried with the splash of water on our face, arrived in the city without a glass of water forget about breakfast. Ha ha…. my stomach grumbles time and again, I was fasting, desperate to eat something. I asked my guides to step in a fast-food restaurant. We preferred for chicken and rice, so they lead us to KFC, a widely known restaurant for chicken dishes. The dishes are too yummy that it attracts everyone and we had difficulty in finding a table to dine. Having placed the order, all of sudden our guides refused to eat from KFC. Leaving two of us behind, they went in search of dishes of their choices. And astonishingly they never turned back. We called in their mobile phone several times, expected for their pick-up but they are reluctant. Despite the customary activities, the city was more crowded and hectic due to the general election, the next day.  It was a strong punch on us. Now, how shall we retrace back to University?

image from google

Ah.. With the help of the tour map it wasn't that complicated but the difficulty is we can’t speak Thai and people out there don’t understand English, how are we going to trade? The very purpose of our visit to shop there may not get fulfilled. I was frustrated, oh what a game? We are far apart from our university and no one is known for us. But somehow we could cope up and calmly tripped round the SIAM shopping mall. The mall has so many splendid and admirable possessions but unfortunately we could hardly effort to buy one. It was so expensive that it cost 30,000 Baht for a jeans pant. So, the only preferential was to do window shopping.

Having spent an hour there we took a sky train towards victory monument. Besides the numerous shopping malls over there, we favored Fashion Mall and The Center Point, owing to some of its striking features. They offer wide range of choices for their customers and the prices are reasonable. The people around are generous and ready to lend their hand. It was the most appealing moment we had. Towards the evening we intended our journey back to university but we aren't sure which direction. Nevertheless, we walked down the street footpath pretending as if we are certain of our way. In course of time, we caught a van driver shouting for passengers heading towards Future Park. Oh what a relief, that is what we are looking for. And shortly after a blink of eyes we are back to our university safely. Thank God for all his blessings and for keeping us under his joyful umbrella. It was a bitter experience.

have a nice weekends

The speediest cater

                                                            

Cafeteria is an issue of discussion in most of the schools, college and university I have been so far. No matter good or bad, customers always complain, may be for every individual has their own taste. SIU besides being a small family have a Canteen, Fresh mart and a Mini mart. Fresh mart and Mini mart basically serves breakfast while Canteen serves with lunch and dinner. Fresh Mart have an advantage of selling supplementary items such as cookies, top-ups, soft drinks, fruits and so on with Bangkok Bank ATM Unit installed right next to it.

Perhaps due to the presence of diversity on campus it sounds hard for the all the three to meet the expectations of every customers. In deed the previous owner of the canteen has withdrawn saying that she cannot meet the expectations of the university. Now the Department of Student Affair is running the canteen and if not for some liabilities it is doing well enough.

Students mostly the overseas complain and grumble over the quality and unhygienic food items served there. For me apart from the quality and sanitation what frustrated me is the way they cater. No matter whether I, be it the first, second or last person to place the orders I was always served the last.  Possibly unable to speak Thai language would have pushed my order to the last. Or maybe the cooks and caterers would have pre-programmed to store my orders at the last by default or whether it is the instinct prevailed in me or may-hap my impatience. How so ever, nothing is more annoying than having kept waiting especially when we are fasting or in hurry to catch the class.  

No wonder whether it is luck or co-incidence today I got the speediest cater for I was all alone in the canteen. I was the first and last person to be served. Cheers….

Language barrier

                               

Today the Department of Student Affairs, SIU called upon all the Club Presidents and Advisers for a short meeting. Basically it was to discuss on 2012 budget plan of respective clubs and how the clubs should comply with the University rules and regulations. I took part in the meeting on behalf of Creative Arts and Fine Arts Club in lieu of the President who was out of campus for a trip to one of Design Company in Bangkok and of course on behalf of International Students Club as the founder. Meanwhile in the meeting, apart from the intro I didn't understand anything, neither because of my stupidity or smartness but for it was carried on in Thai language, perhaps I was the only overseas present in the meeting. 

image from google

Although to comprehend what they discuss is on the wane, I extremely appreciate their love and care for their tradition and culture esp. their language in the present context. The focal person addressed the meeting for almost an hour and for me the translator summed up in just one minute at last. It was very much precise. Quite a few of them asked several questions and they burst out into laughter, appears to be something funny/silly. I had no idea of why they laughed but I laughed seeing them laughing. Somehow the meeting has come to an end. I was bit worried, for I have to present the minutes of meeting to my club members. For the first time in my life I have attended a meeting of which my eyes were blind to agenda and my ears deaf to minutes. Nevertheless, it was a great relief when the focal person said “you can come to my office and ask me if you have any doubt”.

I realized how important it is to know Thai language to live in Thailand. I think I should learn Thai language by hook or crook and if so, I would translate all the documents of SIU to English. God bless…….