CHANGING TIMES; CHANGING BHUTAN.

Bhutan, sandwiched between two giant countries (China to the North & India to the South) has been an independent country isolated from outside world until she opened her eyes to the global communities in late 1960s. Under leadership of visionary kings, Bhutanese have been enjoying unprecedented peace, prosperity and harmony. Though small in terms of size and population, Bhutan maintained and preserved its unique identity i.e. her culture and tradition.

However, western lifestyles have started creeping into Bhutanese soil since Bhutan entered into an era of modernization in 1960s. Historical records show that the first modernization started with clearing of highway from Phuentsholing to capital city, Thimphu. Similarly, modern education geared up with the establishment of Haa Ugyen Dorji School apart from traditional monastic education in Bhutan. Today, Bhutanese people enjoy a good road networks, communication, electricity, reliable infrastructures, clean drinking water, free medical facilities and more importantly, a harmonious community.

Within past four to five decades, Bhutan has changed a lot. As truly said by someone, “Education is a true tool for human civilization”, Bhutan has achieved a good literacy rate. Today, the international community eyes on the progresses made by Bhutan. This credit is solely dedicated to our successive kings who have worked ceaselessly for the welfare of Bhutanese people.

Unique Bhutanese cultures and traditions preserved and maintained over generations by Bhutanese have been a strong tool in maintaining its independence. Today, Bhutan Tourism attracts thousands of tourists annually mainly to witness Bhutanese culture and tradition. From the way Bhutanese speak to the dresses they wear is very unique in nature manifesting its uniqueness. Having understood its significance, Bhutan now has many museums, programs and institutions dedicated to promote and disseminate cultures and traditions of Bhutan.

Guided by unique development policy of “Gross National Happiness”, Bhutan is striving to become economically vibrant through tapping clean renewable source of energy. Hydropower sector is a main focus to generate income understanding the fact that Bhutan has many torrential rivers across the country. Recently, United Nations also adopted “Happiness’ as a development paradigm which clearly underlines that world appreciates Bhutanese policies of sustainable development.

In 2008, a historic event was printed in Bhutanese history as Bhutan witnessed a transition from Monarchy to Constitutional Democratic Monarchy form of government where fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk devolved powers to citizens to elect and form government. The first Constitution of Bhutan was enacted and endorsed by first parliament of Bhutan. Unlike in other countries, Bhutan did not encounter any violence and communal disharmony during a historic transition. Far sighted visionary King has peacefully instituted democratic form of government in Bhutan.

In 2008, two political parties contested election for first parliament of Bhutan. Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) was elected as ruling party and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as opposition party. Under democratic governance, Bhutan witnessed galloping developments in all spheres of Bhutanese sectors. However, some notable controversies sprung up which confused many Bhutanese. I personally feel those controversies have culminated and reflected in 2013 parliamentary election results. This shows that Bhutanese voters are aware of polity. People’s Democratic Party came into power as ruling government in 2013 and Bhutanese people eye on them to fulfill their pledges and promises. Four aspiring political parties contested for second parliamentary election of Bhutan.

Bhutan will come across many new events and challenges. Bhutan is unique and should continue to remain unique in terms of policy, culture, tradition and association so that world knows the impact Bhutan makes in the international community. While domestic politics may seem meager for some countries, I think Bhutan seriously considers both domestic and international equally important.

Therefore, it is a collective responsibility of each and every citizen of Bhutan to remain united and work for the betterment of future generations.