The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Two recent examples not only show how difficult it is for entrepreneurs in Bhutan, but how the system can turn vindictive when they raise their voices.
The National Post Harvest Center (NPHC) and the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC) had come under some criticism a few months ago over the story of the frozen fries entrepreneur Jangchub Dorji as they did not extend the help that could have been extended.
The Department and the NPHC recently came out with a report to show that making frozen fries in Bhutan is financially not feasible and even calling into question the quality.
Jangchub contested the report, its figures, its findings and the context.
If the two agencies had made half as much effort to help Jangchub then perhaps he would be in a different place.
It is ironical that two agencies set up to help promote Bhutan’s agricultural products and value adding are coming out with a report to find flaws with them and in doing so dimming the hopes of future entrepreneurs.
The other example is of Chandrika Tamang of CDK who as per well documented evidence first came up with the name, idea, concept and content of Bhutan Fashion Week, including in a written proposal and online presentation. When she saw her idea and project being stolen, she tried to negotiate and ask for joint credit, but that was refused by the Royal Textile Academy who was doing the BFW jointly with DoMCIIP.
In desperation she approached this newspaper who highlighted her case. What came instead was a late night Sunday press release from DoMCIIP, the very guardian of Intellectual Property in Bhutan, justifying the theft.
If this was not enough, famous actors and influencers receiving ESP funds from DoMCIIP shared the release widely.
Chandrika had a show scheduled in Syndey but she was cancell ed by a person there connected to Bhutan who did not appreciate her fighting for her rights. She has also been asked to refund all expenses to BFW after withdrawing from the show and was essentially insulted in a cheeky email.
The above are all proof that nothing electrifies our officials more than seeking revenge for hurt ego.
Human beings lose their logic in their vindictiveness – Elizabeth Cady Station