When we talk of our Kings we often tend to equate them on the same plane forgetting that His Majesty The King has the unique distinction of being King in an era of Democratic Constitutional Monarchy with competing political parties, elected governments and democratic institutions. Despite this unique position His …
Read More »Leading us through a new era
A much-respected PM of India, I. K. Gujral compared His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck to a man who has attributes of Plato’s philosopher King. The long and cherished reign of the His Majesty The Fourth King, infused with charismatic leadership, set the bar very high for any leader. The political …
Read More »Promoting the National Language
First of all there are some fundamentals for Dzongkha which cannot be compromised with. It is the national language and as such must not only be promoted, but it must also be strengthened and celebrated. Dzongkha is also a part of Bhutan’s own national cultural identity and it is the …
Read More »Can we build energy-efficient houses?
Before we know it, it is winter again! Almost! And like all winters this winter will be unforgivingly cold. Of course, some people think winter cold is far less severe than the extreme summer heat the likes of which you experience in Phuentsholing or Gelephu. The reason they give is …
Read More »Land acquisition and management
If there is a survey of people who have lost the most land to public projects then the residents of Hejo would surely top the list. While the older generation saw land going to the Golf course, Indian Embassy and the National Assembly, the current generation is seeing additional land …
Read More »Vegetable vendors and sustainability of agriculture
Agriculture is important for the socio-economic development of the country. More than 65% of the population is engaged in the sector and it contributes more than 20% of the country’s GDP. Sustainable development of agriculture is the key to food security and alleviation of poverty in Bhutan. Today, the sector …
Read More »Modi’s Audacious Gamble on Black Money
A scheme to capture large rupee notes raises questions about New Delhi’s economic literacy. Even for a risk-taker, Narendra Modi’s abrupt announcement last week that his government was voiding India’s two highest value currency bills is an audacious gamble. Between them, the demonetized 1,000 rupee ($14.80) and 500 rupee ($7.40) bills …
Read More »BBIN reality check
The BBIN is a sub-regional initiative of India, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal after Pakistan pulled out of a SAARC Motor vehicle agreement. Though Bhutan had nothing much to gain or do with the agreement, the government played along to be a part of India’s sub-regional diplomatic effort. However, the …
Read More »Trump’s election and the Paris Agreement fall out on Bhutan
One of the very real consequences of a President Donald Trump will soon be felt in the upcoming winter session of our Parliament when the government introduces ‘The Paris Agreement’ on climate change for ratification. The Paris Agreement is a global climate agreement to restrict increase in global temperature well …
Read More »Hydro relations
Bhutan, over the decades has taken great care to nurture and strengthen its relationship with India mainly due to India’s economic assistance to Bhutan. The assistance started as aid in the early 1960’s that supported our five year plans. However, starting with Chukha and Tala India started playing an equally …
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The Bhutanese Leading the way.