21/04/2017
Sharing information, this article is posted in the Facebook by the victim family of Indian
Tourist, who met with an accident at Thinleygang la, with respect, Thimphu dko
BHUTAN - Unexpected visit
The himalayan country people generally don't know about. it's like an obscure place, away from the world memory. Maybe that's why it retains such human values which are rare. The real character of a person is revealed in a crisis, maybe that’s true for a country’s character too- how the country's people handle a crisis situation.
My mom and aunt went on a vacation to this country, which took a tragic twist, when, on the second day of their trip , the taxi that they were travelling in, went off the road, tumbling 400feet down the valley. My aunt couldn't survive. The rescue team apparently, did a great job in recovering the travellers and bringing them to the national hospital in Thimphu. We got information from Bhutan’s district welfare office within 2-3 hours , and were advised to reach Thimphu ASAP.
There are only two airlines which fly to Bhutan, Bhutan Royal Airlines - Druk(govt owned) and Bhutan Airlines (owned by industrialist Tashi) - and since most of the times the occupancy is low, there has been no increase in connectivity. However in peak tourist season this becomes a huge constraint. There is no online booking, and one needs to visit the airline office for tickets. The office closes by 5pm.Somehow, between the two effected families, we were 5 who needed to travel, we managed to find seats, though all in business class. The flights to the mountaneuos regions leave early, as there can be no return flights after 2pm, since the weather diteorates. Our flight was at 4.30 am, which meant, no sleep for us before we could prepare and leave.
Reaching the Paro airport at 7.45 am, the temp was 6 degree. We were received by welfare office and smoothly escorted through immigration. Toyota Hiace could accommodate us easily and very soon were en route to Thimphu. In the car, We contacted the number provided to us for coordination- the Govt official had all things in place. We were to reach the hospital directly, check on mom in emergency ward and then to the mortuary, where the govt had already done the embalming for a proper handover. Death certificate, indian embassy co-ordination and police station procedures were in place. Also In process was the coffin making and the return ticket processing procedures.
The roads ( built by BRO) were very broad and in good shape. The traffic was very disciplined. The buildings were more traditional. There was no litter anywhere. Other than these points, it was very much like a Indian hill station scene.
We covered 56 kilometres in about 70 minutes. The hospital, which is the biggest in Bhutan is no great shakes as per Indian standard, but the care which is provided can be a good standard for us to follow.
Mom had black eyes, 5 broken ribs, right hemerous fracture, broken nose bone and laceration in spine L1. She was in emergency ward and was soon shifted to private room called cabins. While I stayed with mom, my other cousins went about formalities for the transfer of the mortal remains of my aunt.
Meanwhile, By 7 pm, all formalities were completed and the three of them with the coffin were set to travel the next day back to delhi. The next day, the govt offices and hospital were in great coordination for ensuring smooth passage from Thimphu, to Paro, through immigration and on to Delhi. I stayed back with my Sister-in-law, Chand.
I have heard of how such incidents are handled in India, and I shudder to think what a horrific experience it is for people who are effected due to tragedy and then made to go through truly apathetic and corrupt and mis managed processes of Indian babudom
How has this small country managed to be so different? During the next 5 days, I met a score of people. I only have words of praise for each one of them. Gentle, Humble and Respectful. Every one was really proud of their country and happy with the government. Apparently, the Gross Happiness Index as an indicator of growth of Bhutan is truly a metrics that works.
There are only 7.9 lacs Bhutanese citizens in the entire country. Thats like 7% of Delhi!. I didn’t see any litter anywhere. There are hardly any two wheelers. The drivers are unhurried. No one over speeds. Didn’t hear a honking car. They stop for pedestrians on the zebra crossings. Pedestrians don’t cross other than Zebra crossings . All cars are parked in slots.
People generally understand Hindi, and a smattering of English. Buddhism dominates, and the colourful flags are omnipresent. I hardly saw any person smoking! But they are fond of "Doma" paan and to***co (and stains are seen at corners sometimes). Indian army presence is in evidence.
The weather was wonderful 3 degree -20 degree. When it rained, there was snow on nearby peaks- which looked awesome- and which would melt away later.
After 5 days of staying in a strange land, I was touched by the concern shown for us by every one. Once people came to know of the accident, they would say- we are sorry that this happened in our country. This I heard so often- and was the last sentence I heard from the very concerned and care-taking air hostess, as I got down escorting my mom's stretcher from the plane.
We were helped by the government departments- The welfare department- Mr Penjor and his assistant Gyem- all through Saturday & Sunday -& often late into nights- Always a smile on their face - The kings Deputy secretary-the chamberlain- Dasho-Mr Tenzim( the higher officials are titled Dasho) - No working hour limits for him too! The hospital Asst Director Dr Dorji- They were often in the room enquiring after the progress. Somehow- They Managed to get us 11 seats ( 9 for the stretcher and 2 for us ). Then, they were there at the airport, again escorting us through the immigration and bidding us good bye
The circumstances of the visit were unfortunate, but such things are not in our control. What we can control is our behaviour, and for learning that, you don't have to travel far. Go to Bhutan.
