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December 27, 2023 Uncategorized Post a Comment

Gelephu Landmark Water Project inaugurate

Press release

His Majesty The King and His Holiness the Je Khenpo inaugurated the Gelephu Landmark Water Project on December 23.

The Gelephu Landmark Water Project, which started in April 2022, is the most ambitious of the over 40 nationwide water projects by DeSuups as part of DeSuung National Service.

The Landmark project in Gelephu, which serves the whole of Gelephu Thromde as well as some other nearby gewogs, was jointly implemented together with the Gelephu Thromde and Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport. The exemplary management of the project resulted in it being completed on time within 19 months, and at a cost of Nu 375 million, significantly under the initial budget of Nu 477 million.

Additionally, while all Desuung National Service water projects made use of cutting edge technology and construction standards, the Gelephu Project stood out even among these. The infrastructure includes extensive water mainlines connecting a robust intake structure at the source to sedimentation tanks and a cutting edge water treatment plant, and over 9.7 kms of distribution lines to reach the community. International experts on filtration technology and plumbing from South Korea and Thailand participated in the project.

Over 230 Desuups contributed their services to the project, which not only establishes a reliable and clean water supply for residents, but also equips participating Desuups with the skills and knowhow to build and manage such systems.

The DeSuung National Service Projects were initiated upon Royal Command in the midst of the pandemic, as a platform for Desuups to contribute to projects of national importance, as well as gain the knowledge and ability to develop quality infrastructure and facilities for Bhutan

November 21, 2023 Uncategorized Post a Comment

The Lotus Lake (Tsho Pema)

My dream of visiting Tsho Pema, or Lotus Lake, in Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh, India, finally came true after five attempts. The first try in 1997, during my journalism studies at the Indian Institute of Mass Communications, JNU Campus, New Delhi, was thwarted when an international peer redirected our pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

Despite subsequent visits to New Delhi, the plan to reach Tsho Pema remained unrealized until recently. Like many Bhutanese, it was my lifelong aspiration to explore the sacred sites graced by Guru Rinpoche, and thanks to my guide Memey Chenga, I learned of the lake’s historical significance in Buddhist practice, especially in Bhutan.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who introduced tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century, transformed a funeral pyre into the Lotus Lake. This miraculous event occurred when the Zahor Gyalp, attempting to burn Guru Rinpoche and Princess Mandarava alive, witnessed the pyre becoming the serene lake. Seated on a lotus blossom, Guru Rinpoche emerged unharmed, prompting the remorseful Zahor King to offer his entire kingdom in homage.

Guru Rinpoche later took Princess Mandarava as his consort, and they journeyed to Maratika Cave in Nepal, dedicating three months to the Sadhana of longevity. Legend has it that Amitayus Buddha of Limitless Life appeared, granting them longevity and blessing them inseparably from him.

Renowned as a tantric Buddhist Vajra Master, Guru Rinpoche is also known as Guru Padmasambhava, born from a lotus. The Lotus Lake remains a testament to this profound legend, drawing pilgrims seeking the spiritual resonance of this transformative tale.

For more details about Tsho Pema, please visit the following links:

http://en.namlingrigzod.com/2016/11/rewalsar-lake-tso-pema/

Rewalsar Lake – Known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake