In Preparation - the 16th SAARC Summit

It was a hot sunny day, but they came marching like a swarm of bees. And they understood the reason why they were lined up - to answer the call of the city. When Phuentsholing Higher Secondary School students lined up in groups to pick up papers and plastics in and around Phuentsholing city, it was a notable noble cause. And their mission was to prepare the town for the upcoming SAARC Summit. Amidst the extreme heat the city wore a cleaner look at least for that day – April 22, 2010.

Onlookers appreciated the combined efforts of the teachers and the students. If only such initiatives are our everyday affairs.

First it was the coronation of our beloved king in 2008, which brought Bhutanese together for a common cause, ever dedicated, and the noble duty to our king, country and the people – tsa-wa-sum.

And now it is the 16^th SAARC Summit fever everywhere since Bhutan will be hosting a summit for the first time. People talk about it over a cup of coffee at a small restaurant to the football field to the government offices and agencies to corporate houses to monasteries to the villages.

So much can be achieved if we work at this rate. Then we would be breathing fresher air, drinking cleaner water and our eyes would be looking at a hygienic environment. And it just shows, given the level of commitment, it is possible and within our reach.

So much hope is pined on this summit and hopefully it benefits us, the people in the region, more than one ways. And finally here is wishing all the countries a happy SAARC Summit 2010.

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