26 May, 2008 - There’s one thing in common to all IT managers in the capital; when they have a problem, they run to Mama.

Mama Takuma, 38, is a UN volunteer, specialized in computer software, hardware and programming, presently assigned with Bhutan Post.

It’s his third time in Bhutan. He had come earlier as a JICA volunteer and to work for Athang Itech, a private company in the capital.

When Kuensel went to meet him in his office this week, the jolly man, who has gotten used to ema datshi, sat amidst a heap of computer parts lying on a table around him, cracking jokes with a GNH official.

“I can’t refuse anyone for I’m here to help all who need my assistance,” said Mama.

He had assisted the ministries, schools, and private companies either to set up servers or repair damaged computer parts but mainly to troubleshoot. And the best part is he does not charge anything for his prompt services. “He can fix anything no matter what kind of software or hardware problems we have. He has outstanding knowledge about windows, mackintosh and linux computers,” said an IT officer.

Many IT officers have found themselves in a bind with government and corporate organizations switching from windows to linus for mail, gateway and server facilities. And there came Mama to the rescue.

Recently, when one of the servers in RCSC crashed, Mama fixed it without much delay. The chief information and media officer of RCSC, Monira Tsewang, said, “His service is really fast. I don’t think even those who are paid would respond and work like him.”

Ugyen Wangdi, who heads the IT department in a corporation, said that Mama not only fixed problems but also helped IT managers to upgrade their knowledge. “He makes us fix the problem while he sits beside us and instructs us on how to do it,” said Ugyen Wangdi.

Mama said that Bhutanese IT managers had the book knowledge but most lacked practical skills to set up and maintain the systems. “What they need is alittle practical training,” he said.

Mama did not receive any formal training or education in computers. “I learnt it all on my own,” said the liberal arts graduate from Japan. “It’s my hobby now to break and make computers.”