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.
