Life In Between

Being a teacher in Bhutan,especially in Ugyen Academy,you can't remain just as a teacher.as a parent.or you can never remain as an ordinary human being.The' emotional bundles ' stuffed in uniforms are ready to toss you in the air,fry you even without fire and you will be vanished by the smoke...........unless you are an extra ordinary.

You can survive only if you are ready to flow with them,letting them to know they have to swim against with you sometimes.

Teaching in 12 Arts D is an ever wondering and enriching experience.And let me say it is a good exercise for your nerves,throat,stomach,head and a refreshing experience to your mind too.

In my class,there are neither best,nor worst-.all are simply good and different.

My class room is governed by a certain 'code of ethics'-a code of 'decodes'!

Each glorious morning unfolds many secrets of its own,through the glittering eyes and you can't resist because you are in 12 arts D.

Sonam Choden,the corner beauty of our class shouts from the class, soon after the prayers,"Mam,you know our Kinley is sad today.......hes rejected for the second time".

Its Dorji now from the back seat...."Mam,check Dolma's arm,she has nine cuts there...you know why,because her love with Games Captain broke.

"Mam,please have a look in Dawa's drawer,he still keeps condoms there even after you "tolded"

him not to",Pem Zam said with a wide laugh.

You really need patience to understand each and everyone in the class.They are ready to unfold a wast world ......a world of their own in front of you if you don't compel them to be in "frames'.

While watching and listening to their expressions,I have to search for Jigme Dorji,who sufferes from the withdrawal symptoms of drug abuse.Only himself and I know its his 6th day,without his 'regular pills'.

And Tshering Dema,I have no other choice but listen to her when she talks about her three year old brother,for whom she plays role of a mother after the divorce of her parents.

Dorji Dhendup sitting next to Tshering is ever ready to crack jokes.Ask him for some,you will roll on the floor.He is too smart to make fun of your 'figure and looks'.

Nima Dorji is a scholar.He attracts girls with his high academic performances and shearing his wallet with an ever tempting smile.

KuenzangGyaltshen is well versed with the National Language and a pauper in English,treats everybody as his youngsters (Even the class teacher is not an exception!)

Sonam Yangzom is our class captain is expert to hide her cell phone from the prying eyes of the Matron even though our school campus is a mobile free zone.(students say its a free mobile zone)

Tashi Norbu always sits with a bare chest not knowing how to wear his 'gho',known as the 'tattoo boy' of our school.He likes tattooing and acting because he says,"its much real than the life".

Karma Choden what to say about her ! she simply recharges and rejuvenates you when you are about to lose yourself.

Kinley Wangdi, always restless once came to me and left a chit on my table and left."Mam,my girl friend is pregnent,I want to take her to hospital for check up....I know you will understand me,please do not mention it in the class log book." Before I could raise my eyes from the paper he would disappear.

While lecturing and dictating notes,you are asked to be at their pause or else Tashi Phuntsho will raise his voice....Oui,where are you running like this? I cant follow you up,are you going to catch a train to Kerala?''

Binod Tamang is best not only in playing foot ball but also measuring your body structure inch by inch...".Mam today you look damn attractive...can I propose you"? You can hear a loud 'Yalamaaaa' followed by his question.

Tenzin is our mess captian and known as 'malik',who just wants to earn a decent living and make his mother proud.

This is my class,There are many more whom I can't pictured of. They are the real inspiration for the rest.They are sweet,just as unheard melodies......

I still remember,the day our Principal asked me to take charge of 12 Arts D,my friends looked at me the most pitiful way with tension and a kind of insecure feeling in their eyes.....because those students were the most notorious group of students in our campus.

It was of course a challenge for me.But I know the more I understand them,the more was their co-operation.And my students know well that they are learning not only to pass their exams,but also to face their own life.

And let me say,neither they nor I changed - we all transformed together.....not from the worst to the best,but from death to eternity!

I simply love them all....and that makes the difference!