Bhutantoday

Bhutan - Copyright registry established

2012-01-28T23:44:00.002+07:00

For the first time, people can register their work with the copyright registry established under the Intellectual Property Division (IPD). It is a voluntary deposit and registration system where the right holders of the copyright and related rights works get to establish prima facie proof of authorship or ownership of their work. Those who want to register can apply to the IPD beginning next month.

The Director of IPD, Sonam Wangchuk, said that people can still enjoy the copyright even without registering or depositing the work with the IPD. “The purpose of this is, firstly, to provide the owners of the copyright with the prima facie evidence to show that they are the owners of the work. Secondly, to have a kind of repository of works with the division so that public can search and look into what are the literary and artistic works that is being created”.

The IPD will publish the notification in its website about the work to be registered. If there is no objection within one month, the copyright holder will be issued a certificate of registration. But it doesn’t guarantee against infringement. And this is the problem many copyrights owners are facing these days.

According to the General Secretary of the Motion Picture Association of Bhutan, Sherub Gyeltshen, the biggest violation that is happening is on the films. He added that pirated movies are readily available in the market.

The extent of copyright violation is huge. There are over 200 pirated Bhutanese films seized in the past from Wangduephodrang. The General Secretary said the judiciary, police and the Department of Revenue and Customs are the three enforcement agencies. But, he said, nothing has been achieved even when there is Copyright Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2001.

“We do not again expect special checking purely for pirated films and songs. While you do search tobacco, drugs and other illegal stuff why can’t you even do a small favour by even checking, seizing illegal CDs and DVDs that have been bought,” said the General Secretary.

And it is worse when the songs and movies are shared on computers and mobile phones. The impact is clear. A walk into the market and one will see less or no people buying Bhutanese films and songs.

An award winning music composer, Yeshi, shares the same sentiment. “In the past there were many music albums because it was profitable. But now not many people are producing music albums. And movie makers also do not release albums,” he said.

The Act says any infringement of a right protected under this Act, if committed willfully, or by gross negligence, and for profit-making purposes, shall be punishable by imprisonment for a period of up to one year or by a fine of up to Nu. 10,00,000 or by both.

Bhutan - India’s 63rd Republic Day

2012-01-27T20:07:00.002+07:00

The Indian Community gathered at the Indian embassy in Thimphu to celebrate India’s 63^rd Republic day, today.

The Gyalpoi Zimpoen,Dasho Penjore, and other senior government officials were also present at the celebration. The celebrations began with the hoisting of Indian national flag.

The Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Pavan K Varma read out the President of India’s address to the gathering. In her address, the President said that India should set example before the democratic world of progress and growth.

“We seek to build bridges of co-operation and friendship with all the countries of the world. We constructively engage with international community to find responses to global challenges. The role and stature of India has been growing and our nation has been scaling up to the ladder of the comity of nations,” reads the message.

The Republic Day of India commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force.

Bhutan - What lies beneath…

2012-01-21T21:37:00.004+07:00

The way the Parliament resolved the much debated election amendment bill on January 19 was significant in the sense the speaker, for the first time, used his sole authority to decide how to go about with a bill.

Also for the first time, the joint committee who studied the disputed portions to draw recommendations for the Parliament to vote on could not come up with one.

Deprived of recommendations, the speaker decided to do without voting and announced the original election Act stand, meant the state funding for political parties, proposed in the bill, flopped.

But was the speaker’s decision, many asked, to withhold the voting process and revert to the former Act the only option the Parliament was left with?

When the session took off, assembly’s legislative committee chairperson, Ugyen Wangdi, who introduced the bill in the 6th session, suggested on withdrawing it.

But this option was shot down when the speaker clarified that this could be done only in individual houses of the Parliament and not in a joint session.

Without any recommendation, an alternative the joint committee comprising members from both assembly and council had considered the night before the joint sitting, was to vote on the draft bill.

In it featured the proposal to fund state funding for opposition and ruling parties with government deciding the amount in consultation with election commission.

But this did not happen and rather, the legislative chairperson proposed withdrawing the bill.

While one could only guess what led to the change in course, after clamouring so much for state funding, it is even more intriguing to learn why voting was not opted. It’s not like there wasn’t enough support.

Of the 69 members present that day, 46 “yes” votes was all that was required to pass the bill by a two-third majority.

Excluding the speaker and the foreign minister, there were 43 DPT members who were all ayes for state funding. Of the two opposition members, going by the past deliberations, at least one would have voted in for state funding.

That garnered 44 “yes” votes. Of the 25 council members, at least two had already made known their interest to support state funding. That took the vote to 46, meaning the required majority was achieved.

Even if the gathering was short of a vote to attain the two-third majority, considering both the opposition members voted “no”, the legislative rules of procedure allowed the speaker to cast the deciding vote.

That way, the passage of bill was possible.

Even otherwise, the bill was fated to die. In the course of deliberation, assembly members, including the prime minister, divulged on their position to have state funding for not just the ruling and the opposition parties, but for others as well.

Since the amendment bill assembly members proposed did not have that, the formula to come out with an inclusive bill in future was to let the current bill die. That required assembly members to vote against their own bill.

Declaring a bill “dead” invited much criticism in some countries since it was seen as Parliament’s inability to do its job. But chances of this happening was rare as the bills, unlike in Bhutan, could be tossed between the two houses countless times. What was even more rare was the frequent joint sitting of the houses.

Here, the law mandated the houses to sit together and decide on the bill once it was deliberated in the two houses and differences prevailed.

State funding, for one, saw endless debates in the two houses over more than three years.

The issue drew media’s attention when council members, in the first session, highlighted its unconstitutionality as finance minister presented to the house the 2008-09 budget and appropriation bill.

In the same session, council submitted to the assembly the discrepancies they detected.

Interestingly, in the assembly, following a detailed deliberation, members deemed it unconstitutional and resolved “that the political parties would not be provided with state funding”.

The issue resurfaced in the third session when the prime minister, in his first annual report on the state of the nation, highlighted on political parties “struggling to stay afloat”.

“Our parties need financial support and that is not available from our people who are few in number and short in cash,” the report stated.

In the 6th session, the assembly put up the election Act for amendment and inserted a clause on state funding. After exhaustively deliberating on it, with one member after another speaking in its favour, the bill was endorsed with 36 “yes” and two “no” votes.

In the 7th session, the council rejected the amendments and reached the joint session this year.

Meanwhile, the logic to return with more inclusive bill in future is welcomed by many, especially those with intentions to form new political parties and deem state support important.

A write-up offering options to fund political parties, circulated among Parliament members before the January 6 joint sitting, states: “provision of equal fund to all the registered political parties becomes baseless or unconstitutional when they do not have any representation in the Parliament”.

Alternatives like offering slightly higher amount to the ruling and opposition compared to other political parties was also laid down on the paper.

Considering elements such as these, perhaps the speaker’s decision to neatly wrap up the matter this time was the safest.

It provides a good opportunity for members of both houses to take a step back, re-look the issue and return with fresh perspectives.

By Kesang Dema

Bhutan - One too many?

2012-01-14T21:08:00.002+07:00

Bhutan will soon have 11 newspapers. The latest entrant in the market “The Bhutanese” will be launched on February 21.

The paper’s CEO and owner, Tenzin Lamsang, a journalist by profession, says they are aware of the competition and the market scenario.

“We know the risk we are taking. We know what the returns will be. Yes, we know the market situation. We are aware but we know we can do it successfully by focusing on quality.”

He may well be. There are already 10 newspapers and given the Kingdom’s population size and the limited advertisement money, financial sustainability is a big concern.

The Ministry of Information and Communications says it will go on approving as many applications as long they fulfill the criteria under the Bhutan Information, Communications and Media Act.

The Secretary of the Information and Communications Ministry, Dasho Kinley Dorji, says they cannot stop any good proposal from entering the market.

“The Bhutan Information, Communications and Media Act allows people who meet the criteria to start media (houses). What is happening is, it is bit scrambled, that is why the ministry has come up with guidelines.”

90 percent of the advertisement revenue comes from the government. How that money should be shared is being debated.

Many in the Bhutanese media argue that the money should not be given on rotation among the existing media houses or depending on their business contacts. It should be decided by the reach and the readership.

“The government should have a very good advertisement policy, not divide it among the newspapers on rotation basis,” said Mindu Dorji, an editor with Bhutan Observer.

Others however do not agree. They argue that such a move will result in the demise of some of the newspapers. And that it is not fair to ask new newspapers to compete with older, better established ones.

For now, all the media houses are struggling. Some are venturing out into other businesses to survive.

Bharat Subba, an employee with Bhutan Today, said “it is difficult to sustain ourselves on the add money alone. We are trying to diversify our businesses.”

“Today, there are ten of us and all of us are actually looking for the same advertisement in the market,” said Chencho Tshering, the Managing Director of Kuensel.

Looking at the developments, where and who gets the advertisement needs to be decided and decided fast.

Bhutan - Another stabbing in Thimphu

2012-01-11T21:50:00.002+07:00

A 19-year-old man was stabbed by a group of boys at Olakha in Thimphu last night. The incident took place at the Central Plaza around at around 11:50 pm.

According to the medical report, the knife has pierced an inch into the victim’s ribs, damaging his lung. Doctors say this has caused internal bleeding. Meanwhile, the victim is in the hospital and in a stable condition.

In a statement to the police, the victim’s friends said a group of eight to nine boys came out of a flat and started bothering them.

When the victim and his friends tried escaping from the scene after one of their friends was battered, the suspect came after them, and stabbed the victim with a knife.

Lieutenant Thinley Yoezer Tangbi said the suspects have been identified and the police are looking out for them.

He added, all the suspects are repeated crime offenders.

Bhutan - Buddha’s relic displayed in Thailand

2012-01-09T19:25:00.002+07:00

The tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which was taken from Bhutan,is being displayed to thousands of worshippers comprising of local residents and tourists in the northern province of Chiang Mai, Thailand. A procession was held to receive the relic from the Chiang Mai Airport to the temple.

Officials from the National Office of Buddhism brought the relic by air to Chiang Mai to be put on display at the main hall of Phra Sing Worawihan Temple.

The relic will be on display in Chiang Mai until January 19. After that, it will be taken to the southern province of Songkhla and the northeastern province of Khon Kaen before being taken to Bangkok.

The relic will be returned to Bhutan on February 20.

Reports say that Bhutan has lent Thailand the relic as part of the celebrations of the 84^th birth anniversary of His Majesty the King of Thailand last month. The relic was earlier displayed in Bangkok during the Royal birthday celebrations.

Bhutan - His Majesty the King graced the Opening Ceremony of 8th Session of Parliament today

2012-01-04T21:23:00.004+07:00

4 January 2012, Thimphu: His Majesty the King graced the Opening Ceremony of 8th Session of Parliament today. His Majesty was accompanied by Her Majesty Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.

The members of the parliament took the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, as per the Constitution.

Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley, the Chairperson of the National Council, Namgye Penjore and the Opposition Leader Tshering Tobgay offered gratitude to His Majesty the King for His selfless service to the nation and the people. They also offered felicitations and expressed happiness on the Royal Marriage of His Majesty the King to Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, on behalf of the members of the parliament.

Bhutan - National Council to discuss electric fencing

2012-01-03T22:16:00.000+07:00

The National Council will be debating the use of electric fencing to protect crops from wild animals during the current parliamentary session.

Electric fencing has proven to be an effective deterrent against wild animals but its use is not allowed by the Bhutan Electricity Authority Act.

The National Council says allowing farmers to use electric fencing will help solve the longstanding issue of human-wildlife conflict.

Every year farmers lose a substantial amount of their harvest to wild animals. They spend sleepless nights guarding their crops from marauding wild elephants, wild boars, monkeys and deer.

In some places, farmers are also leaving their fields fallow, unable to fight off the wild animals.

If the Bhutan Electricity Act is amended and the use of electric fence legalised, the national council says human wildlife conflict will be resolved to a large extent.

Bhutan - Made in Bhutan

2012-01-01T21:18:00.002+07:00

You need to make a call urgently but your mobile phone is dead. You don’t have the time to plug in the charger and wait for the battery to be charged. You are a man on the move. You have places to go and work to do. Don’t worry; you can buy a yathra solar bag.

The yathra solar bag is the latest innovation of Vishma Rai, the man behind the award winning pedal powered washing machine.

Fitted with a small solar panel on the cover, the bag can be used to charge your mobile phone, laptop or your iPod while you are going about your business.

The solar panel is connected with a wire to a small lithium battery. The battery stores the energy produced by the solar panel and this is used to charge the electronic gadgets.

Notwithstanding its price tag of Nu.3500, the yathra bag is popular with tourists as well as Bhutanese. Similar bags made from other material are slightly cheaper at Nu.2500.

“The market is good,” said a smiling Vishma Rai.

His company, Green Computing, is struggling to keep up with the growing demand. The main constraint is the material from which the bag is made.

“We can’t get enough yathra. Once, I got an order for around 500 bags from the agriculture ministry and I went to Bumthang to get around 200 rolls of yathra. But we couldn’t get enough yathra.”

The yathra solar bag was launched in the market about three months ago

Bhutan - Dungse Rinpoche passes away

2011-12-28T22:23:00.004+07:00

«Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche
His Holiness Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, a great teacher of the most learned Buddhist lams and a primary holder of the Düdjom Tersar (Nyingma) lineage, passed away peacefully at 10.25 am (BST) yesterday in New York.

Rinpoche, 81, who was reportedly ailing from chronic diabetes, passed away in a hospital in New York, according to a spokesperson from Garab Rinpoche’s office in Thimphu.

An emergency meeting held yesterday afternoon among the followers of His Holiness in Thimphu decided to bring His Holiness’s kudung (body) to Bhutan. “There are many disciples and close followers of His Holiness in Bhutan,” the spokesperson said. “A date has not been confirmed yet.”

His Holiness the Je Khenpo, who is on a religious tour of the eastern dzongkhags, offered 2,000 butter lamps in Lhuentse yesterday afternoon, while the central monk body offered 1,000 butter lamps in Punakha dzong.

Dungse Rinpoche was the chief architect of the Thimphu Memorial chorten, which he built under the guidance of his father, Chabje Dudjom Rinpoche, former head of the Nyingma lineage. It was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-72).

His Holiness Dungse Rinpoche lived in Bhutan since mid-’50s and has many devotees all over Bhutan. He left Bhutan in the mid-’70s in deferment to the directives of his father, the late His Holiness Dudjom Jigdrel Dorji Rinpoche, to teach in the West. Since then, Rinpoche has been residing in upstate New York.

His Holiness last visited Bhutan in October 2009, on the invitation of Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley.

Expressing condolence on behalf of the people and government of Bhutan, Lyonchhoen said that His Holiness was a great teacher and a wonderful human being, who lived a humble life, setting the highest of examples. “A great bodhisattva has departed, leaving all of us with a deep sense of painful loss and grief. We pray for his swift return to continue his mission to liberate all sentient beings,” Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley said.

During his month long visit to Bhutan in 2009, His Holiness performed tshogkhors (feast offerings) and badza guru lungs (oral transmissions of Guru mantra) in Paro, Thimphu and in Rangjung, Trashigang.

Dungse Rinpoche, who is the father of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche and Garab Rinpoche, is considered to be an emanation of Longchen Rabjam (Longchenpa), the 15th century Nyingma scholar, and incarnation of Terton Drimed Odser, who was one of the seven sons of Dudjom Lingpa (1835-1904).

Revered by practitioners of Buddhism all over the world, Dungse rinpoche was a pre-eminent teacher of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and patron of the Vajrayana foundation in California and Hawaii in the US.

By Rinzin Wangchuk

Bhutan - Bhutan Travel Experience and the Asian Switzerland

2011-12-27T19:31:00.003+07:00

The myth and fascinating reality of Switzerland showcased in a million stories and anecdotes as Europe's paradise on earth has permeated the global consciousness for generations. From Swiss watches to Swiss cheese and from the Swiss Alps to the breath-taking beauty of Swiss lakes, no other country the same size has made its mark on cultures. With one exception though-Bhutan. This is at least true though for those adventure-seeking globe trotters who have experienced Bhutan travel first hand not by watching a stunning National Geographic special on Bhutan treks, Bhutan holidays or Bhutan vacations but by stepping on Bhutanese soil by traveling to Bhutan as a guest of the monarchy since every tourist is a revered guest.

Bhutan travel encompasses at least a Dozen Twists...
Bhutan isn't called "the Land between Heaven and Earth," or "the Fairyland Kingdom," or "Shangri-la" for nothing. The government has sensibly promulgated a long list of rules that govern Bhutan travel. Here are a few for starters all of which have done the job to letter perfection and preserved the pristine cultural and natural heritage of the country:

Planning your Bhutan travel itinerary
You can't simply pick up your bags, board a flight and hop off at the airport in Bhutan, You can visit Bhutan only by participating in a government sponsored travel program in which you pay approximately $250 per day to enjoy the penultimate Bhutan travel experience. The daily fee includes just about everything-your hotel stay, food, personal tour guide, private transportation, entry tickets to monasteries and other places of interest, and once in a while, a meal at an ethnic Bhutanese restaurant. We have both good and bad news for shopoholics. The bad news is that the Bhutan government won't pay you for your personal shopping. The good news, however, is that there is a mind-boggling array of choices to select from most of which are so cheap that you are going to run out of money before you know it!

Visa for Bhutan travel
The visa for your Bhutan travel program is going to be issued by your tour operator and not by any embassy. It will run you no more than $20 per person. We think that's a deal and we know you will agree. This helps the Bhutan government to cautiously control how many tourists are allowed into the country each year much like non-immigrant visas. Bottom line? Plan early because the whole world is gradually beginning to find out what a genuine deal Bhutan travel happens to be and we obviously wouldn't want you to be disappointed!

Bhutan travel means one airport one airline
There is only one airport in the entire country located at Paro and there is only one airline, Druk Air, which flies into the country and that too from no more than about half a dozen countries. It is therefore a great idea to plan your Bhutan holiday at least three or four months in advance so that you are blessed with all the convenient flight connections there are available. Many travelers, who have shared their Bhutan experience first hand through blogs and wikis, have mentioned that the process of landing and take off in Bhutan is an experience on to itself.

What to see when you travel to Bhutan

Now that we have hopefully peaked your curiosity, we want you to conduct some research on Bhutan. Troll the Internet, check out a few travel guides, and most importantly, post an inquiry on your Facebook page to help you find a friend or business associate who has visited Bhutan. You don't need any Wikipedia articles to convince you because everyone who visits Bhutan, tends to rave about it and often wonders aloud why they didn't take the trip a lifetime ago.

Bhutan - His Majesty joins Haaps to celebrate Lomba

2011-12-25T17:46:00.003+07:00

Haaps and Parops will remember this Lomba for years to come. This year, they are celebrating the Lomba with His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen.

Lomba is celebrated as the New Year by the Haaps and Parops.

As the entourage arrived in Haa, Their Majesties were received by the monks of the Haa rabdey at the Lhakhang Karpo where the royal couple stopped briefly to offer prayers.

His Majesty is visiting Haa and Paro to assess the reconstruction of houses damaged by the September 18 earthquake.

His Majesty and Her Majesty then joined the people of Jangkakha village in Bji Geog.

Speaking to the people, His Majesty said he was happy to be in Haa as they celebrate Lomba.

“As you plan your new house, I would like to remind you about the importance of maintaining the traditional architecture. I have always cherished my visits here because of the beautiful houses that reflect our age-old culture and traditions,”

His Majesty also reminded the people that the earthquake in September will make the people and the government more prepared.

The people expressed their gratitude to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen for celebrating Lomba with them.

His Majesty the King also took part in traditional games like Khuru and Soksum.

48 schools compete at the National level

2011-12-23T19:09:00.000+07:00

More than 600 students from 48 schools across the country are taking part in the 8th national School Games at Ugyen Academy and Khuruthang Middle Secondary School in Punakha.

The students are the winners from intra-dzongkhag and seven regional level competitions held during this academic year. They will now compete in the national level.

During the five-day event, students will participate in basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess and other athletic events.

The Education Minister, Thakur Singh Powdyel, during the opening informed the students on the importance of sports and the national youth policies. Lyonpo said the national school games are being organised not only to excel in sports, but also for building friendship, leadership and unity.

The Education Minister urged the students to be a good and productive citizen.

The event aims to promote games and sports by encouraging mass participation and healthy competition in schools, dzongkhags and regional levels. It is also aimed at helping students to grow healthy, be responsible and productive citizens.

In the coming week, the Department of Youth and Sports will be organising the national level School football tournament at Tingtibi and Yebilaptsa in Zhemgang. A traditional archery tournament will also be organised at Gaselo Higher Secondary school in Wangduephodrang.

Bhutan - Royal couple arrive in Thailand

2011-11-22T22:46:00.001+07:00

His Majesty the King, who is on his way back home after a week-long visit to Japan, granted an audience to the Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, yesterday.

Her Majesty the Queen was also present during the audience.

His Majesty expressed condolence for those affected by the unprecedented floods and his solidarity with the people of Thailand.

His Majesty offered his prayers for the well-being of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej and the people of Thailand.

His Majesty had earlier sent a letter of solidarity to His Majesty King of Thailand.

The royal couple arrived in Bangkok day before yesterday en-route to Bhutan from Japan.

Bhutan - Their Majesties receive warm welcome

2011-11-17T19:56:00.003+07:00

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen who are in Japan on a state visit were received with a grand welcome ceremony at the Tokyo Imperial palace yesterday morning.

Their Majesties were received by the Crown Prince Naruhito at the palace entrance.

His Majesty was then presented a guard of honour.

Hundreds of Japanese students greeted Their Majesties waving the national flags of the two nations.

After the ceremony, His Majesty granted an audience to the Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito in the empress palace. Later at the Akasaka palace, His Majesty met with Empress Michiko.

The president of the house of councilors and the speaker of the house of representative co-hosted a lunch for their Majesties the King and the Queen.

Senior members of the Japan Bhutan Parliamentary Friendship Association were also present at the lunch.

Bhutan - Their Majesties to visit Japan

2011-11-14T19:07:00.000+07:00

State visit Their Majesties the King and Queen will be visiting Japan from November 15-19 on the invitation of the Japanese emperor.

During the state visit, the first by a Bhutanese monarch to Japan, His Majesty will reaffirm the goodwill and friendship of the Bhutanese people towards the people of Japan, and express solidarity with the victims of the earthquake of March 11, 2011.

While in Japan, His Majesty will meet the Emperor and the Japanese prime minister. On November 17, His Majesty will address the National Diet, the Parliament of Japan. The Keio University will confer on His Majesty an honorary doctorate in economics, where His Majesty will deliver an acceptance lecture to the students and faculty.

The venerable Dorji Lopon Kinley and two monks of the zhung dratshang (central monk body) will conduct moenlam (special prayers) at a site destroyed by the earthquake in Fukushima, during the royal visit.

Information & communications minister, Nandalal Rai and labour minister, Dorji Wangdi, will accompany Their Majesties on the visit.

Bhutan - HRH launches her book “Raven Tells a Story

2011-11-11T23:31:00.004+07:00

Coinciding with the celebration of the 56th birth anniversary of the fourth Druk Gyalpo and Children’s Day today, November 11, Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck launched her book The Raven Tells a Story at the Folk Heritage Museum in Kawajangsa, Thimphu.

This is Her Royal Highness’s first published work dedicated to the Father of Bhutan’s Constitution, the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

The Raven Tells a Story is set in a small, bucolic village in Bhutan resonating the life found throughout the country. The story follows the protagonist, Singye, on a quest for answers about a ‘curious book’. His journey towards ‘constitutional’ enlightenment is populated with often transient and ethereal interactions with his close-knit family, his friend Wangyal, schoolteachers and classmates, and the mythic Raven, which is much alike (and in deference to) the historical significance of a Raven that guided the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to Bhutan in the early 17th century.

The book articulates that the constitution of Bhutan is a collection of the finest values and ideas to create a system of government that would ensure the best chance for Bhutan’s progress and stability. It is a statement of [our] faith in a great leader’s vision and hopes for Bhutan’s future as a nation.

The 65-page medium richly illustrates the milieu in which is set the fundamental principles and basic tenets of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The ideas of sovereignty, justice, harmony, unity, equality, and good governance are but a few examples of the pillars of a democratic society that are highlighted by this book in a simple yet colourful manner.

The Raven Tells a Story is primarily written for a school-going audience. Nevertheless, both young and old alike will enjoy it for its rich and authentic symbolism and thought-provoking themes of education, participation, empowerment, and public service.

The book serves as a powerful medium, particularly for the Bhutanese youth, for illustrating the broader development realities and challenges that Bhutan faces as a small landlocked nation in an era of rapid globalization. The book also provides, through common incidences of everyday lives in Bhutan, valuable insights into the unique and fundamental values, customs, traditions and the importance of a harmonious balance between the individual, family and community.

The Raven Tells a Story is an extension of Her Royal Highness’s efforts and association with the Bhutan National Legal Institute as its first president. The institute was established in July 2011 to serve as a provider of legal training and education to strengthen the capacity of Bhutan’s judicial personnel and legal professionals; as a forum and resource bank for discourse and research; and, as a key establishment of the Judiciary in conducting legal dissemination and awareness programmes.

Copies of The Raven Tells a Story will be distributed to all schools in Bhutan. The book is published with the financial assistance from the UNICEF.

The Raven Tells a Story is illustrated by Bhutan Observer’s artist, Chimi R Namgyel, and designed by Sonam Phuntsho.

Bhutan - Early next year start for first data centre

2011-11-06T21:16:00.005+07:00

Thimphu Tech Park Bhutan’s first commercial data centre should be operational by the first quarter of next year at the IT Park inaugurated this week.

The data centre, which will be run by a joint venture company between a local IT firm, New Edge Technology and the UK firm, Burland Technology Solutions, is hoping to eventually service clients as far as the US, UK and Europe.

Burland CEO, Richard A Vass, said that the first stage would be to establish the centre, Data Centre Services (DCS), in Bhutan and service local clients. The second stage would be to look to regional businesses, like in India and Bangladesh.

“We’ve such good fibre connectivity in this country, there’s absolutely no reason we can’t go to the US, the UK and European countries to host data centres here,” he said.

Vass explained that a data centre is a “very carefully engineered and controlled environment, where IT services, such as hosting websites or software, can be housed.”

He pointed out that IT services require very stable environments, in terms of power provision, temperature control and physical security.

“When IT services aren’t hosted in stable environments, it can lead to poor reliability in the provision of services,” he said.

He said, at Thimphu Tech Park, this stable environment was assured, by having two main utility power supplies from different sources, ensuring power supply redundancy.

To further assure power supply reliability, UPS or battery power supply is also provided to handle any breaks or dips in the supply. This will be further backed by diesel generators.

“So for as long as the servers are concerned, they’ll never see any difference in their supply,” he said.

To maintain cooling of equipment, Vass said that an “innovative, efficient and low cost cooling system” is being adopted.

Explaining a need for constant supply into the data centre, he said, cooling was required, since the heat generated by computer chips, as they work, could destroy the chip itself.

Vass pointed out that an attractive feature for international IT firms would be Bhutan’s temperate climate. He said that Bhutan’s cooler air could be used for “free cooling” of its equipment, which would lead to even lower cost of operations.

He said low cost and hydro energy, which is considered green energy, would be reasons that could attract international companies to set up data centres in Bhutan.

New Edge Technology CEO, Tashi Tsering, said the idea is to establish a world-class data centre.

He said that DCS is aiming at commencing operations by the first quarter of next year, but admitted it was a “difficult, complicated, and expensive” affair to set up a data centre.

He pointed out that the main challenge is in developing the internal capacity or Bhutanese manpower to run and manage a data centre.

“Right now, we don’t have this capacity, so we have to get people from outside,” he said, adding, a challenge remained in learning from outside, and that technology transfer took place till manpower here was ready.

He said another challenge was that many companies have heard of Bhutan, but were cautious and waiting for other companies to take the first step. “They want to see proof of concept before they come in and get their feet wet,” he said.

Tashi Tsering said he expected DCS to employ about 12 people at full operations. He said that, initially, DCS would have to rely more on its experienced partner for expertise, while its bhutanese staff underwent training in India.

DCS did not reveal how much it has invested, or how much rent it will pay to the park. Tashi Tsering said that a data centre required “quite a bit of investment.”

By Gyalsten K Dorji

Bhutan - Royal Couple in Singapore

2011-11-03T18:39:00.002+07:00

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen are in Singapore on a four-day visit. The Royal Couple arrived in Singapore on Monday.

Yesterday, they met the President of the Republic of Singapore and other ministers.

Bhutan - Bhutan’s bid at the UN Security Council

2011-10-31T21:28:00.001+07:00

The Prime Minister said Bhutan will try everything and explore all avenues to win a berth at the UN Security Council.

A non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council will fall vacant at the end of 2012 when India completes her term under the Asia Group.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of cabinet ministers with the media last week, Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley said the support has been reasonably good so far.

He said though Bhutan faces fierce competition from countries like South Korea and Cambodia, he said the government is doing everything it can to garner international support.

He said campaigning has started in various regional and sub-regional meetings in Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Bhutan voiced its desire to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2013 to 2014 at the 65^th General Assembly session in New York last year.

For that, a country must receive the support of at least 129 members.

The election of non-permanent members is conducted through a secret ballot.

Bhutan - Bhutanese students in Thailand flee the floods

2011-10-28T19:04:00.000+07:00

Most of the Bhutanese students studying at Rangsit University in Bangkok are returning home as the flooding in Thailand worsens.

The last group of students is arriving in Phuentsholing tomorrow, after flying to Kolkata, taking a train from Kolkata to Hashimara and travelling by bus to Phuentsholing.

The Rangsit University is already submerged under water. The university has been closed till November 14.

According to the Bhutanese student’s coordinator in Rangsit University, Pem Tshering, they have been able to flee only because of the financial support from the office of the Gyalpoi Zimpoen and the Rangsit University.

In Kolkata, the Bhutanese consulate helped the students, providing them accommodation.

Only three students studying at Rangsit have remained back, one because he could not get plane tickets to return home. He will be arriving in Kolkata tonight. The other two have been evacuated by the university to a safer place in the north.

“29 students are already here in Kolkata. We flew in yesterday,” said Pem Tshering from Kolkata.

There are also other students studying in other universities.

They are reportedly not at risk from the rising flood waters as Rangsit University.

Rachana Pradhan, a B.Sc. Nursing student at the Naresuan University, said they “contacted the university authority. They said we are safe at the moment and no one has left for Bhutan.”

“Well, there could be problems regarding food, water and medicine if the problem continues. Supplies were already running out, so as a precaution we bought rice, oil, instant noodles, drinking water in stock to be safe.”

The Bhutanese Ambassador to Thailand, Tshering Dorji, said they are in constant touch with the university authorities. He said the embassy has been helping the Bhutanese students studying in Thailand.

He said the embassy is urging Bhutanese students in Thailand to stay in close contact with the embassy. Altogether, there are over 400 Bhutanese students studying in Thailand.

Students from Rangsit University however said the Bhutanese embassy in Bangkok has not been very supportive.

They said the embassy did provide them with accommodation at the embassy premises but apart from that there has not been much by way of help.

The students were running out of money and stock of food items and spent over a week at the embassy premises.

A few have also posted their frustration on facebook, networking site.

Bhutan - India’s president hosts banquet in honour of His Majesty

2011-10-25T22:49:00.001+07:00

The President of India Pratibha Patil hosted a banquet in honour of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen at the Rashtrapati Bavan last night.

Welcoming His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to India, President Pratibha Patil said it was an honour and a privilege that His Majesty’s first visit abroad after his wedding is in India.

His Majesty said they were humbled by the manner in which they were received.

“Deciding to visit India, a week after our marriage, it came naturally. After all, India has always been a home away from home.”

“Your Excellency, your invitation is an unprecedented gesture of warmth and solidarity towards me and towards Bhutan, a gesture that Jetsun and I accept with great humility and deep gratitude and one that we will over the course of our lives always try to live up to as your closest friend.”

Prior to the banquet, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen met with President Pratibha Patil.

Yesterday afternoon, His Majesty granted an audience to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and National Security Adviser Shiv Shankhar Menon.

Bhutan - His Majesty arrives in Delhi

2011-10-23T23:27:00.000+07:00

Sunday, October 23, 2011

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen left on a state visit to India this morning.

This is the first visit abroad after the royal wedding on October 13.

Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the royal couple was received by Union Minister for State Deora Milind Murli, Chief of Protocol Ruchira Kamboj and the officials from the Royal Bhutanese Embassy.

They were also greeted by a large number of Indian journalists representing almost every media organisation.

While in India, His Majesty will meet the Indian leaders and discuss matters of mutual interest and cooperation.

The royal couple is accompanied by the Home and Cultural Affairs Minister Minjur Dorji, the Minister-in-Charge of Foreign Affairs Khandu Wangchuk and the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army Major General Batoo Tshering.

This morning, His Majesty King and Her Majesty the Queen were seen off by Their Royal Highness the Princes and Princesses and the Paro dzongkhag officials.

Bhutan - Thousands celebrate in Paro

2011-10-20T21:48:00.002+07:00

Thousands of people in Paro celebrated the royal wedding yesterday.

The celebrations in Paro were organized specially for the working committee headed by the Prime Minister which organised the royal wedding celebrations.

His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, and members of the royal family also graced the celebrations.

The Ugen Pelri Palace ground where the celebrations were held was packed with people by 8am in the morning. Many of the spectators had come as early as 4am.

As the celebrations continued, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen interacted with the public shaking hands, holding children and hugging the elderly.

People offered tashi khadar and students received autographs from the royal couple.

Bhutan - Royal Couple undergoes Hindu marriage

2011-10-17T18:50:00.002+07:00

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen yesterday visited the Durga Mandhir, located near the Thai Pavilion in Thimphu. The royal couple offered prayers and exchanged garlands as a part of a Hindu marriage.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen were greeted by the members of the Hindu Sambodhaya of Bhutan, its chairman Dasho Meg Raj Gurung and the members. The royal couple then entered the temple in a procession called Naumati Baja which is performed during Hindu marriage. A long queue of excited people greeted the royal couple outside the temple.

Once inside the temple, His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen lit butter lamps and offered prayers. The royal couple then exchanged flower garlands known as Soyambar mala as part of the Hindu marriage ceremony.

The Hindu Sambodhaya of Bhutan offered a Ramayana book and the statue of Vishnu and Laxmi to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. Hindus believe kings and queens to be the incarnations of Vishnu and Laxmi.

In return, His Majesty donated money for the construction of the new Hindu temple below Kuenselphodrang and for the development of the Hindu Sambodhaya of Bhutan.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen then met with the people who had gathered at the temple to meet them.

The Chairman of the Hindu Sambodhaya in Bhutan said the royal visit to the temple was of great significance for the Hindu Sambodhaya of Bhutan and the temple.

“We are deeply touched by His Majesty’s visit to the temple on the happy occasion of royal wedding”

The pundits and hundreds of people who gathered at the temple also offered Tashi Khadhar to the royal couple.

Bhutan - Thousands celebrate in Changlimithang

2011-10-16T02:08:00.004+07:00

Tens of thousands of people packed the Changlimithang stadium as the nation celebrated the royal wedding of His Majesty the King to Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck today.

Many had come as early as 2 am in the morning to make sure that they will be not left out and miss the opportunity of catching a glimpse of their King and Queen.

Long before the royal couple, the dignitaries and the guests arrived and the celebrations began, the stadium was literally overflowing. After sometime, police had to deny entry for the safety and comfort of the spectators who were already inside the stadium. Many returned home to watch the celebrations live on BBS TV.

The only noticeable outside guest at the celebrations was India’s Congress General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi, a longtime friend of the Bhutanese royal family.

The celebrations began with His Majesty unveiling a Guru Thongdroel, roughly the size of a 12 storied building, by far the biggest Thongdroel to be made in history, and Their Majesties the King and the Queen lighting butter lamps and offering prayers to the Guru Thongdroel.

Midway through the celebrations, His Majesty made a brief, impromptu speech, to thank the people and the organisers for the seamless celebrations. His Majesty began by talking about how happy he was for being able to celebrate his wedding with his people.

His Majesty thanked His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo for the socio-economic progress Bhutan has made and the continued peace and prosperity it enjoys, the Royal Grand Mother and Their Majesties the Queen Mothers for their support and tireless service to the nation and concluded the brief, informal speech by pledging to serve the nation tirelessly with Her Majesty the Queen.

Before His Majesty began his speech, he surprised the nation by planting a kiss, first on the cheek and after a moment’s hesitation on the lips of Her Majesty the Queen in full public view which was received by thunderous clapping and cheering by the crowd.

The celebrations were majestic with one entertaining cultural programme after another. The highlight of the celebrations was the presentation of the Wangzhey performed by His Majesty the King leading a team comprising of the Prime Minister, the opposition leader, cabinet ministers, and members of the parliament which they performed with grace and panache.

The Wangzhey was first performed by the people of Wang Tshochen Gay at Pangrizampa for the reception of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen spent a good part of the day walking hand in hand among the people, stopping every now and then to talk to them, asking them whether they are enjoying themselves, to hold their hands, or lift a child a child to plant a kiss on its cheek.

The celebrations ended with Tashi Lay-bay.

Bhutan - The Royal Matrimony, The Queen is Crowned

2011-10-13T20:06:00.002+07:00

The Royal Wedding ceremony of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck took place in the Puna Dewachen Phodrang in Punakha. Jetsun Pema was sanctified as the Queen of Kingdom of Bhutan by His Majesty the King.

The ceremony began at 4 am with the initiation of soong-chhoe prayers at the Marchen Lhakhang and Kuenra of the Punakha Dzong. His Majesty the King, escorted by the sacred retinue, arrived at the Dzong from the Royal Lingkha and lit a golden lamp and offered prayers before the Thongdroel of Zhabdrung in the first courtyard of the Dzong.

The Royal Bride was led in chhipdrel procession into the Dzong, where she lit a golden lamp before the Thongdroel, and exchanged Tashi Jel-Dhar with His Majesty the King.

The Raven Crown and the crown for the Queen of Bhutan were brought out from the Most Holy Macchen Lhakhang, along with a Golden Bumpa and the sacred five coloured dhar.

The Fourth Druk Gyalpo bestowed the sacred dhar upon the Royal Bride, sanctifying the Royal Wedding.

In the Kuenrey, The Royal Bride offered the ambrosia of eternal life, signifying her devotion to the glorious continuity of the Wangchuck Dynasty, from the Golden Bumpa, to His Majesty the King.

His Majesty then bestowed the crown of the Druk Gyal-tsuen to the Royal Bride, and Ashi Jetsun Pema, now as Druk Gyaltshuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, ascended to the throne of the Queen of Bhutan, to the left of His Majesty the King.

The ceremony at the Kunrey ended with the offering of Tashi Nga Soel, symbolic offerings to their Majesties the Queen and King of Bhutan. His Holiness the Je Khenpo, The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and members of the Royal Family and guests offered tashi khadar to the royal couple.

Their Majesties the King and Queen then joined the people of Punakha and guests in a public celebration outside the dzong.

His Majesty granted tokha to the people gathered at the celebration ground.

Royal Wedding - LIVE on BBS

2011-10-12T23:46:00.002+07:00

The Proceedings of the Royal Wedding at the Puna Dewa Chhen-poi Phodrang, Punakha will be broadcast LIVE on BBS TV from 7am

Bhutan - Banknotes and Coins to Commemorate Royal Wedding

2011-10-12T18:22:00.002+07:00

The Royal Monetary Authority has printed commemorative banknotes and minted silver coins to commemorate the Royal Wedding.

The notes and the coins will be available in Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan Development Bank Limited and in the BOB counter at the Paro Airport from October 13^th till 4^th of November.

The note will cost Nu. 500 and the silver coin will be Nu. 5,000.

Bhutan - Royal Wedding stamps launched

2011-10-09T20:27:00.003+07:00

To celebrate the World Postal Day, Bhutan Post launched eight different stamps portraying His Majesty the King and the royal bride today.

It was launched by the venerable Dorji Lopen of the central monastic body.

The Deputy Managing Director of Bhutan Post said the office will remain open during the holidays coinciding with the royal wedding to provide free postal service.

Bhutan - Buddha’s tooth relic arrives in Bhutan

2011-10-04T19:25:00.002+07:00

His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, and Their Royal Highnesses the Princes and Princesses offered prayers and received blessings from the sacred tooth relics of Lord Buddha and his two chief disciples.

The relics of Lord Buddha, Sangay Shacha Thupa, and his two chief disciples, Sharibu and Mougelgibu will be displayed at the Tendrey Thang from tomorrow till Wednesday.

The relics will be kept in the country for a month. They will also be displayed in Punakha, Tsirang, Trongsa, Monggar, Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar.

The relics arrived in the Kingdom today with the Prime Minister who was returning home after attending the 66^th UN general assembly in New York.

They belong to the Maha Bodhi Society which has its headquarters in Kolkata, India. The Prime Minister is the president of the Maha Bodhi Society.

Arriving at the Paro Airport, the sacred relics were received in a chipdrel procession by the Tsugla Lopen of central monastic body, cabinet ministers, and senior government officials, monks of the Paro rabdey, dzongkhag officials and local leaders.

They were brought to Bhutan on the request of the Prime Minister. They will remain in Bhutan for one month.

This is the first time that the relics were brought to Bhutan.

On his way back home from the UN general assembly in New York, the Prime Minister attended the Maha Bodhi Society’s 114^th Annual General Meeting in Kolkata, India.

Lyonchen Jigmi Yoeser Thinley made offerings and prayers for the wellbeing of all sentient beings and protection from natural calamities. He also offered prayers for the victims of the recent earthquake in India.

Bhutan - His Majesty assures help

2011-09-30T21:54:00.000+07:00

Doteng & Tsento, Paro 30 September, 2011 - His Majesty the King visited the gewogs of Tsento and Doteng in Paro yesterday, to examine the extent of damage caused by 18 September earthquake.

His Majesty spoke to residents of Tsento and Doteng, and also listened to their concerns and needs, and urged residents to share their personal experiences during the earthquake. Paro dzongkhag has reported more than 2,100 houses affected by the earthquake, the highest number of any dzongkhag.

“I can’t tell you not to worry,” His Majesty said. “However, I assure you that we, the government, people and king, will work together to restore your lives.”

His Majesty said that he was aware that lack of labour caused by rural to urban migration, and the upcoming harvest season will conflict with repair efforts. His Majesty assured those affected and requiring assistance that the army will be dispatched to aid and reconstruct homes and be provided necessary finances.

Once repair and reconstruction works commence, His Majesty said that he would return periodically to inspect the effort.

During the visit to the two gewogs, His Majesty also entered to inspect some houses that had been deemed too risky for inhabitation.

The head of one household, Kipchu, 54, said the happiness and gratefulness he felt would pass on to his next life by the royal visit. Kipchu, and his family of seven, live in a makeshift structure roofed with tarpaulin, next to their severely damaged house. Kipchu said His Majesty had told him and his family that they would have a home again.

During the interaction with the people of the two gewogs, His Majesty also pointed out that earthquakes are unpredictable and could happen at any time, ranging anywhere from years to days. His Majesty said that the best preparation is to have well constructed and sturdy houses built.

His Majesty the King also pointed that a positive aspect of these tragedies is that “we are all learning from these experiences, and getting more prepared and better skilled to deal with these disasters.”

While saddened by the damage caused His Majesty said, “It warms my heart to see the whole nation, the government and the people working together.” His Majesty added, “We rejoice together, we grieve together.”

By Gyalsten K Dorji

Bhutan - More than 3,400 houses damaged

2011-09-21T19:51:00.003+07:00

UPDATE: The number of injured from the earthquake on Sunday has risen to nine. The quake damaged more than 3,400 houses, 12 dzongs, 220 other historical monuments and 63 education centres.

The earthquake also damaged 20 Gups offices, 15 RNR centres and a hospital and 11 Basic Health Units.

Of more than 3,400 houses damaged as of today, 1,491 were reported in Paro.

The Ta Dzong or the National Muesuem in Paro suffered minor damages. 52 lhakhangs and 19 chortens were also damaged in the dzongkhag.

In the capital Thimphu, the 6.9 magnitute earthquake caused numerous cracks to the Tashichhoedzong. The Utse of Lingshi Dzong and the Dungkhag office were completely damaged while half of the Lam’s residence collapsed. Three lhakhangs in Thimphu have also been damaged.

In Punakha 544 houses were damaged. The Puna Dewai Chenpoi Phodrang and the Talo Dzongs suffered numerous cracks. Besides, 30 lhakhangs, 11 chortens, nine educational centres, three Gup’s office, a basic Health Unit and a RNR centre have been damaged.

478 houses were damaged in Wangduephodrang. The Dzong and the Nyzergang Lhakhang developed numerous cracks.

31 lhakhangs, seven chortens, 25 educational centres, six Gup’s offices, five RNR offices and two Basic Health Units suffered damages.

Haa reported the maximum number of injuries. Of the eight injured in Sunday’s quake, four of them are undergoing treatment at the National referral Hospital. In terms of structural damages, several houses have been damaged.

Chhukha reported one casualty leaving another one injured. 130 houses were damaged. These include houses in Phuentsholing and Tshimalakha.

The Chhukha dzong, nine lhakhangs, 7 chortens, 4 educational centres, the Chhukha hospital, three Basic health Units and RNR Centres and a Gup’s office were also damaged.

In Samtse 73 houses, 3 lhakhangs, 4 education centres, 3 gups offices and a RNR centre was damaged. An injury case was also reported.

In Gasa, 115 houses, the dzong, two lhakhangs, three chortens, an educational centre, a Gup’s office, a Basic Health Unit and a RNR Center were also damaged.

117 houses were damaged in Dagana, along with the dzong, two lhakhangs, five chortens, five Gup’s offices, three educational centres, two RNR Centres and a Basic Health Unit.

Over in Trashigang, 214 houses, six lhakhangs, an educational centre and a Basic Health Unit was damaged.

Trashiyangtse reported of 111 houses that were damaged. The dzong, three lhakhangs and five educational centres also suffered damages.

In the other dzongkhags of Trongsa, Bumthang Zhemgang, Sarpang, Samdrupjongkhar Tsirang and Pema gatshel, a total of 137 houses were damaged. This does not include the Trongsa and Zhemgang dzongs.

A total of 22 lhakhangs, six chortens, 11 educational centres, two basic Health Units and a Gup’s Office were also damaged in these Dzongkhags.

This is only the preliminary report and the Department of Disaster Management is still in the process of compiling detailed reports.

Bhutan - Yet to be vetted for domestic air service

2011-09-12T21:27:00.000+07:00

11 September, 2011 - The department of civil aviation (DCA) has not yet approved the national airline’s ATR aircraft from performing test flights at Yonphula airstrip in Trashigang.

DCA director general, Phala Dorji said outside experts have been called in to study whether the ATR 42-500 can safely be operated to Yonphula, and Batpalathang airstrip in Bumthang.

The study will focus on the runway lengths of the two airstrips, and the take off and landing lengths required by the ATR aircraft. The runway length for Batpalathang and Yonphula are 1,200m and 1,300m respectively.

Calculating take off and landing lengths requires a number of factors to be taken into consideration, such as altitude, weight of aircraft, temperature, wind speed and direction, among others.

According to information on the ATR manufacturer’s website, the aircraft with a full load of 48 passengers, each weighing 95kg, will require 990m to take off at sea level. This required length increases as airport altitude increases. For instance, at 3,000ft and take off under same weight increases to 1,163m, according to the manufacturer. The same concept applies to landing length required.

With both Batpalathang and Yonphula situated at around 8,500ft, the ATR will have to operate by carrying less than full capacity to safely operate within the two airstrip’s runway lengths. This means flying with less passengers.

This practice, referred to as weight penalty in aviation terms, is also used at Paro airport for any kind of aircraft.

DCA will base its approval on the results of the study conducted by foreign expertise. Phala Dorji said the agency would have to be thoroughly “convinced” prior to approving any test flights.

Drukair CEO Tandin Jamso said the airline is confident of the ATR’s ability to handle the country’s domestic airstrips. He pointed out that ATR officials, who will perform the first test flights, were also confident that the aircraft would safely operate on both airstrips. He added that, if there were risk, the manufacturer itself would not conduct such an activity, as it would hurt their reputation.

He added that no airline would invest in equipment if it would not be able to perform at airports or airstrips it would eventually be using.

Meanwhile, DCA has also instructed Drukair to store spare parts to prevent lengthy groundings of its ATR. The length of the groundings was primarily due to transportation of spare parts from abroad. The aircraft was grounded almost the entire month in August.

According to DCA, the three consecutive technical problems were not major safety issues. DCA reiterated that the 9-year-old ATR aircraft had passed audit inspections prior to purchase by Drukair and is in good condition.

By Gyalsten K Dorji

Bhutan - Yonphula passes test flight

2011-09-05T23:24:00.000+07:00

5 September, 2011 - With a test flight successfully landing and taking off from Yonphula, Trashigang, yesterday, Bhutan’s first domestic airstrip is now open for scheduled flight operations, says the department of civil aviation (DCA).

Using a 10-seater propeller aircraft, DCA and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) officials conducted the first ever fixed-winged air operation into the Yonphula airstrip yesterday morning. Only Indian Air Force helicopter landings have taken place at the airstrip prior.

The flight was conducted by DCA and Aerothai to test communications gear set up at Yonphula, as well as Batpalathang airstrip in Bumthang.

While the test flight did not land at the Batpalathang airstrip, communications procedure for aircraft flying within the three airstrips in Bhutan have now been established, according to DCA. Batpalathang airstrip, although scheduled to be completed this month contractually, may likely only be ready in October.

DCA director general, Phala Dorji, who was a member of the test flight, said it was conducted also to address public doubt about the safety of Yonphula airstrip. Public concerns regarding the foggy and windy environment, presence of hillocks at one end of the airstrip have occasionally surfaced.

“There’s no problem when it comes to safety,” said Phala Dorji.

On the fog and wind factor, he said that flights would be allowed to operate only when these conditions are absent, such as early morning. With a flight time of 30 minutes from Paro, and 15 minutes from Bumthang, he said that airlines can operate 3-4 flights in the morning to Yonphula. He also said that, if fog or wind conditions arose during a flight into Yonphula, it would be simply be diverted by Yonphula air traffic control. He pointed out that such weather conditions were only present during summer, and not winter, months.

Phala Dorji said that the hillocks are not an issue. While the hillocks have been partially demolished, he said, they would be completely removed at a later date. He attributed lack of funds for not completely demolishing the two hillocks.

While DCA used a smaller aircraft to demonstrate safety of Yonphula, national airline Drukair will be using a much larger 48-seater ATR 42-500. The national airline is still awaiting DCA’s approval to use this larger aircraft. DCA said that Drukair must submit all technical data from its own test flights to demonstrate that the aircraft is feasible for Yonphula and Batpalathang.

Tashi Air, which expects its aircraft only in October, will be operating a much smaller aircraft, similar to the one used yesterday.

Based on information available, launching of scheduled domestic air services may take place only in October.

Bhutan - Fifth grounding in three months

2011-08-29T22:27:00.000+07:00

29 August, 2011 - For at least the fifth time, in less than three months, a technical problem has grounded Drukair’s ATR aircraft yet again.

A leak in the ATR 42-500’s hydraulic system is the latest technical problem to plague the twin turbo propeller aircraft. “As per engineering department, ATR is having hydraulic break system leak,” said Drukair CEO, Tandin Jamso. He acknowledged that the problem was serious enough to ground the 48-seater aircraft. The hydraulic system is required, among others, to utilise the aircraft’s wheel brakes.

The aircraft is expected to be grounded until Wednesday, according to the CEO. Spare parts from the USA are scheduled to arrive on that day.

The last grounding, which lasted for five days and ended only a week ago, was also because of a technical problem. The ATR’s de-icing boot on one of its wings required replacing after it was found ruptured. The de-icing boot is a rubber device on the front surface edge of aircraft wings that allow for mechanical de-icing. The front surface edge of an aircraft is an area, where ice is likely to form and disrupt airflow, which can lead to loss of control.

A damaged wheel bearing in its nose landing gear grounded the ATR for about two weeks, earlier this month. The entire nose landing gear had to be shipped to Singapore for repair.

Prior to this, the ATR required two more groundings to prevent the airline’s only two pilots qualified to fly the aircraft, from exceeding permitted flying hours.

The ATR was inducted into the Drukair fleet in mid-June after another two-week delay, for painting purposes, according to the airline.

On whether the national airline is concerned with the recent spate of technical problems, Tandin Jamso, pointed out that the airline considers the ATR still in “good condition” and “fairly new”. He said that the aircraft, despite its age of nine years, had flown a little more than 3,300 hours. Drukair’s airbus jets fly that amount in one year, he added.

The ATR, which previously was used by the French Polynesian government of Tahiti as a VIP aircraft, had been parked most of the time, said Tandin Jamso, adding that as a result, such “unforeseen” technical issues were bound to arise. He compared it to a car parked in the garage for a long time.

Prior to purchasing the aircraft, a technical examination by foreign experts had been carried out, said Tandin Jamso. He added that all technical checks as required by regulations had been conducted. Similarly, the French Polynesian government, in a previous email interview with Kuensel, said that an independent team had conducted a technical check of the aircraft prior to sale.

Tandin Jamso said that Drukair engineers also carry out daily checks and maintenance of Drukair aircraft. The low hydraulics fluid level was discovered during such a check, he said, leading to the discovery of a damaged pipe.

The CEO said that the series of recent technical problems are simply coincidences and bad luck.

One of Drukair’s airbus jets was also grounded for a number of days this month after an unusual bird strike. Following the incidents, the airline performed a three-day rimdro or prayer ceremony for its aircraft, employees, and other related matters. This is the ATR’s second grounding since the rimdro.

Tandin Jamso said that passengers do not have to expect scheduled flight disruptions, as both airbus jets are on hand.

The department of civil aviation did not comment on the grounding, given that the issue had not yet been filed with the authority, as it took place during the weekend.

By Gyalsten K Dorji

Bhutan - Royal wedding keeps boot makers busy

2011-08-23T23:49:00.004+07:00

The royal wedding is around the corner. There is so much excitement. There is so much expectation. And this excitement and expectation is nowhere more apparent than at a small tailor shop in Chubachu, dealing in Tsholham.

Made from brocade and decorated with elaborate embroidery, the Tsholhams are traditional boots, worn at formal events and ceremonies.

The shop has been flooded with orders from high ranking officials, the monk body, civil servants and businessmen. Its employees are working round the clock to meet the deadline.

Jangchukla who owns the shop said “for the chipdrel (ceremonial) procession alone, we have received orders for hundred pairs of boots. We have also received orders from schools and dzongkhags. So we are busy at the moment.”

A pair of the ordinary traditional boots cost Nu.1,800. The price can go up to Nu.6,000 depending on the quality of the brocade used in making the boots and the complexity of the embroidery.

To cash in on the occasion, the shop is selling the ordinary boots at Nu.1,500 a pair.

So far they have received orders for more than 200 pairs.

Nawang Dendup, a teacher had come all the way from Lhuentse to have his feet measured and place the order. He is also buying for his friends.

“We cannot come to Thimphu to celebrate the wedding but we will be celebrating in our school. I bought 15 pairs. I think I will need more than that. I have placed orders for 20 more, which I will come to collect later.”

Meeting the ever growing demand is not going to be easy. The shop has nine employees. Working non-stop, they can make a pair of boots each in a day.

Bhutan - Can DCA do it?

2011-08-17T21:55:00.003+07:00

Air Traffic Control 17 August, 2011 - The department of civil aviation (DCA) says that it is fully capable of taking over air traffic control (ATC) at Paro airport.

The department’s statement comes in the wake of a media report saying that sources from within the Indian air force (IAF), currently in charge of the air traffic controlling, and national airline, Drukair, are sceptical of DCA’s capacity to take over.

ATC is a service provided from the ground to aircraft flying in a tower’s designated airspace, or while on the ground. Information, such as approvals for landing or taking off, weather situation, and distance to other aircraft, among others, are provided.

Asked whether DCA is concerned by the scepticism, the agency’s director general, Phala Dorji said any scepticism is probably untrue. “Drukair and the IAF would never say such things.”

But he still added, “If at all this truly comes from them, then I’d have to express shock, knowing that we’ve trained and qualified air traffic controllers by ICAO standards.” The international civil aviation organisation (ICAO) is a UN agency that sets safety standards in international air transport.

The IAF has been in charge of civilian ATC at Paro airport ever since scheduled flight operations began in 1983. Currently, DCA has four trained air traffic controllers, but play an observer role in the control tower.

DCA has proposed to the communications ministry that it take over ATC duties at Paro airport. Dialogue is currently underway with GoI, according to DCA. A decision on the issue is expected shortly.

Phala Dorji explained the rationale behind the proposal. He said that as Paro airport is a civilian airport, the department is working towards transitioning service providers to civilian agencies.

“Given the small amount of traffic at Paro airport, it won’t be a difficult task for DCA controllers,” he pointed out.

He attributed Paro airport’s safety record to the IAF controllers, and said DCA was appreciative of their service.

The issue of Paro ATC was also highlighted during the communication ministry’s midterm review, last year.

Drukair CEO, Tandin Jamso, said he had no comment, as Drukair was not even aware of the ATC issue. He said Drukair had also not commented on the issue prior.

IAF also did not comment.

By Gyaltsen K Dorji

RUB to introduce programme in collaboration with Columbia

2011-08-12T22:26:00.000+07:00

Friday, August 12, 2011

The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), will collaborate with Earth Institute at the Columbia University in the US to introduce a Master’s Programme in Development Practices in the country. The programme will provide Bhutanese graduates the opportunity to pursue a two year degree course in sustainable development like poverty, health, resource optimisation, climate change and rural development.

They will also have the opportunity to exchange ideas on sustainable development with students from member countries of the consortium.

RUB is the 24^th member under the Earth Institute’s consortium of 23 universities.

A working group will be organised with representatives from RUB and the Earth Institute to review the curriculum and complete the process.

Paro International Airport - The First Choice Among Bhutan Tour Operators

2011-08-08T22:07:00.002+07:00

Located at a whopping 7300 feet above sea level, Paro International Airport is perhaps one of the most elevated airports in the world. It is the first as well as the only aviation landing choice for Bhutan tour operators and visitors alike planning a Bhutan travel experience. Why you ask? Because Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only Airport. Surprised? We were too, but not for too long. After all, Bhutan is a really tiny kingdom and isn't known as the Land of Happiness for nothing.

Paro Airport and the Ultimate Bhutan Travel Experience

Your Bhutan travel experience, which provides you an unprecedented opportunity in cultural immersion not to mention an environment that is virtually pollution-free, commences even before you land at the Paro International Airport. On a bright sunny day, you will be serenaded by breath-taking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan mountain range of which Mt. Everest is an intrinsic part. The Bhutan tour operator with whom you have signed up to experience the real Bhutan in all its majestic and magnificent glory, will provide you precise aireal landmarks and tell you what to look for from your airplane window. The views may seem a tad intimidating but not to worry. Your flight crew has thousands of hours of flight experience and only the most competent pilots are assigned the critical responsibility of piloting aircrafts into Bhutan as we will illustrate in a moment.

A Blessing for all Bhutan tour Operators

Situated in a deep valley on the banks of the Paro river only six km from the city of Paro, which makes it very easy for all the Bhutan tour operators to meet and greet you punctually, the Airport is very sate-of-the-art with a runway that is 6445 feet long and paved with asphalt. The latest navigational gismos, radar technologies and CAT-3 systems not withstanding, the Bhutan government doesn't believe in taking any chances when it comes time to safeguard your safety. Flights are allowed to land only during the day when visibility is excellent. Flights are diverted to neighboring Airports in India at a moment's notice if weather conditions change rapidly and suddenly. After all, the peaks that surround the Paro International Airport at 18,000 feet high! As of October 2009, there were only eight pilots certified to land at Paro International Airport according to a report published in Travel &Leisure Magazine by American Express. To date, the flight safety record of Druc Air, which flies into the airport daily, has been stellar.

The Welcome Mat from Bhutan tour Operators

Regardless of the time of the day or year you fly into Paro International Airport, your Bhutan tour operator will be there to welcome you. It is a small Airport with only one terminal and four gates so you will be easy to spot and aren't going to get lost. Paro International Airport isn't simply your gateway to Mt. Everest but also a meaningful connection, a launching pad for your wonderful Bhutan trip.

Bhutan - His Majesty and Queen-to-be visit Lungtenzampa

2011-08-05T22:56:00.002+07:00

His Majesty the King and Queen-to-be Jetsun Pema visited Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School yesterday. They watched a variety show especially dedicated to them. His Majesty the King and Queen-to-be Jetsun Pema are both alumni of Lungtenzampa.

As they walked hand in hand along the school campus, they were greeted by messages written by the students. They also gave autographs to the staff and students of Lungtenzampa.

At the end of the programme, students sang a song of commitment to His Majesty the King, the country and the people.

His Majesty then interacted with the students after the programme. He told the students to always dream and to work hard towards achieving their dreams.

His Majesty the King studied in Lungtenzampa from 1989 to 1993.

Queen-to-be Jetsun Pema studied in Lungtenzampa from 2001 till 2005.

Bhutan - Big cat’s presence in Park bodes well

2011-07-31T23:25:00.000+07:00

International Tiger Day 30 July, 2011 - That there are about 25-35 tigers roaming the jungles of the Royal Manas National Park alone showed the outcome of Bhutan’s conservation efforts.

This estimation was revealed yesterday as Bhutan joined the 13 tiger range countries to observe the International Tiger Day and raise awareness on the plight of the big cats in the wild.

Eighteen individual tigers were captured by the 176 camera traps that were set up in 88 camera stations for 5,280 nights. It covered the three ranges, Gomphu, Manas and Umling under the Manas Park.

The survey involved 60 forest personnel from the Royal Manas National Park, Wildlife Conservation Division and the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute of Conservation and Environment.

With an area of 1,057 km square, the park runs through Zhemgang, Sarpang and Pema Gyatshel including 34km square of Tingtibe area.

Conservation officials said all areas under forest cover in Bhutan are a potential tiger habitat, and that Bhutan has recorded the Royal Bengal Tiger ( Panthera tigris tigris) freely roaming the rugged mountain as high as 4200m.

Estimating the tiger population at the park, they said, sets the bench marks for future tiger conservation besides revealing the park’s conservation outcomes.

Wildlife Conservation Division’s chief forest officer Sonam Wangchuk said similar surveys would now be done in other parks to get a nationwide figure by 2013.

“The day is observed to create awareness about this gigantic animal, especially among the younger generation,” Sonam Wangchuk said.

An environmentalist since the ‘60s, Dasho Paljor J Dorji, who also gave a talk yesterday, said Bhutan has been looking after tigers since the ‘80s but was not publicly publicised.

“There wasn’t much money for tiger conservation but, of late, there’s more attention given to tigers,” he said. “But we shouldn’t allow foreigners to come and conduct studies.”

Although revered in Bhutan ever since Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism by riding on the back of a flying tigress, the importance to tiger conservation began with legal support in 1995, when the Forests and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan labelled the tiger as “totally protected.”

Since 2003, records with the conservation division showed that 543 livestocks were reported to be preyed on by the tiger to date.

For this, the division has to pay a compensation of Nu 2,352,250. So far Nu 2,293,000 has been paid off.

The day, which will be an annual event, was also marked with the launch of car stickers, a book on the White Belliied Heron by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, prize distribution to winners of the painting competition on tiger conservation and talks by youth and student representatives.

“Tiger is the most important species in the ecosystem and, if they’re conserved, the rest in the ecosystem are taken care of,” an official from the conservation division said.

By Sonam Pelden

Bhutan Tour: A Miraculous and Pleasurable Journey

2011-07-28T21:27:00.000+07:00

Bhutan "The land of Thunder Dragon" is a astonishing country in South Asia. Its ancient and rich culture grabs the attention of the visitors. The Himalayas makes nation more beautiful. Its amazing loveliness will make you speechless. Spiritual people of a country have simple and beautiful life and they always use to welcome their tourist with a welcome smile on their face. It is known for its marvelous landscape beauty, wonderful mountain peaks, beautiful art and architecture, striking wildlife, historical relics, etc. Travelers will enjoy a lot in between the breezy atmosphere of the place. On this journey you will feel like that you are in your own world.

The astounding attractions of Bhutan will make your trip more pleasurable. Thimpu and Paro valley are the two prime tourist's attractions of a nation. The miraculous and scenic beauty of these valleys will win the heart of visitors. Some other remarkable attractions which will you visit on your tour are: Ta Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum, Wangdiphodrang, Tongsa, Bumthang Valley, Mongar, National Museum of Bhutan, Lhuntse, Taktsang Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, Druguel Dzong, National Textile Museum, Chendebji Chorten, National Memorial Chorten, Bhutan Palaces and temples, etc. The tremendous monasteries will remind you about Buddhist time and their culture. One will also enjoy the different popular festivals like Crane Festival, Jambe Festival, and the Autumn Festivals.

Apart from all above sightseeing, you will also explore the exotic wildlife on your Bhutan Trips. The well-known wildlife destinations are: Jigme Dorji National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Singye Wanchuck National Park, Thrumshingla National Park, Torsa Strict Nature Reserve, Khaling Neoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. tourists will also engage themselves for shopping. Shopping with hot and delicious food is must for a healthier and pleasant journey. The famous things which you will buy from the popular markets are: hand made textile, wooden products, carpets, metal jewelry, shawls, scarves, old coins, etc. You may also try different and unique traditional dress of a country made up of cotton.

Bhutan tours also offer you superb opportunity to experience the breathtaking adventurous sports. The nation is located on the mountains and valley of Himalayas range that's why it is the preeminent option for adventure lovers. Some popular exciting sports are: trekking, kayaking, rafting, day hikes, bicycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, etc.

After this miraculous journey you will love the place from the bottom of your heart. So come and spend your lovely vacations in between the green valleys, cool atmosphere, natural attractiveness and different culture of Bhutan.

Bhutan - UN unanimously adopts happiness as the Ninth MDG

2011-07-21T00:36:00.001+07:00

The United Nations has adopted Bhutan’s proposal to include happiness as the Ninth Millennium Development Goal (MDG).

The proposal was adopted unanimously by the 193 member countries at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday.

Speaking to the media today, the Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y. Thinley said this is a significant achievement for Bhutan.

Bhutan’s proposal to include “Happiness: towards a holistic approach to development” was made by the Prime Minister at the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last year.

The adoption of the proposal means happiness has been officially placed on the agenda of the United Nations. It is a fitting tribute to Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

It will provide an opportunity for the international community to explore alternative measures for addressing well-being and social progress in their national policies and programmes.

The reasoning is that since happiness is the ultimate desire of every individual, it must also be the purpose of development to create the enabling conditions for happiness.

The Prime Minister said Bhutan will continue to provide leadership in the development of the concept, implementation, and promotion and translate happiness in terms of public policy among the members of the UN family.

At the regional level, Bhutan was successful in incorporating the GNH philosophy as part of the Ulaanbaatar Declaration in April this year. The declaration was further considered and adopted by the 67th session of the UNESCAP in May this year.

Bhutan will host an international conference on GNH in August where participants from diverse backgrounds will share their interpretations of happiness.

Cr : bbs.com.bt

Bhutan - His Majesty graces graduate convocation

2011-07-16T00:48:00.001+07:00

His Majesty the King advised graduates from colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan who are attending their convocation to aim high, use time wisely and work with wisdom and courage.

This is the first joint convocation to be held for graduates from various colleges under the university. In the past, the convocations were held separately with the graduates travelling to their respective colleges to attend the ceremony.

His Majesty the King, who is also the Chancellor of the Royal University of Bhutan, was accompanied by the would-be Queen Jetsun Pema.

His Majesty asked the graduates to serve the country with dedication saying they can do much to ensure a better future for both themselves and the country.

One thousand and eighty eight university graduates of 2008, 2009 and 2010 attended the convocation.

The convocation ended with Tashi Moenlam from the Tsula Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang, the graduates and the faculty members of the member colleges.

cr: bbs.bt.com

Bhutan - His Majesty grants dhar and kabney to the Gups

2011-07-14T23:14:00.002+07:00

His Majesty the King granted dhar and kabney to 190 Gups at the Tashichhodzong today. They are the first democratically elected Gups. A Press release from the Royal Office of Media says that the award of kabney to Gups by His Majesty is unprecedented and symbolises the importance and apolitical nature of the local government in the new governance era.

Speaking to the Gups, His Majesty said in the few years since 2008, we have conducted the general elections, adopted the constitution and formed the houses of parliament, constitutional bodies and the Supreme Court. His Majesty said today we have accomplished yet another milestone in establishing the first local governments under democracy. He said all the founding pillars of democracy in Bhutan have been laid so early in his reign as he fulfills the vision of his father of a vibrant democracy.

His Majesty said as a symbol of the independence and importance of local government, he is awarding them kabneys from the throne. “Local government is not the lowest level of government,” His Majesty said. He said it is the nearest and closest level of government for the people. For rural Bhutanese, local governments are indispensable avenues for participation in democracy and development. In the long run, the success of democracy in Bhutan His Majesty said will be determined by the success of local governments.

His Majesty added that the Gups might think that His Majesty have detailed their duties and responsibilities and the importance of local government but have said few words of felicitation and praise for their success in the elections. He said their work is yet to begin and praise will not solve any of the problems facing the people.

His Majesty said he will be the first to commend and praise their achievements, if, after five years he finds that the Gups have served their constituencies well, that they have worked hard and without prejudice and above all without hurting the sentiments of the people.

The Gups led by the Venerable Yangbi lopen of the central monastic body offered tashi moenlam prayers to His Majesty the King. The Gups said they felt privileged to have received such recognition from His Majesty the King. They will now serve for a term of five years. According to the Gyalpoi Zimpoen Dasho Penjore, Gup’s kabney like any other position-tied decorations can only be worn for the duration of the tenure.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Bhutan Treks - The Brokpa People and Their Legends

2011-07-06T19:06:00.003+07:00

Eastern Bhutan is arguably one of the world's most beautiful regions - and it is home to the culturally unique Brokpa people, who live in Merak and Sakten. For almost two decades, Bhutan treks in that part of the country were not permitted by the government for undisclosed reasons - rumours alleged the desire to protect the Yeti - but the regions of Merak and Sakten are now open again. Bhutan treks there offer the truly memorable opportunity to meet these wonderful people.

Ethnically Unique

The Brokpas speak Sharchop, a different language to that spoken elsewhere in Bhutan - more noticeable to visitors on Bhutan treks, they dress uniquely. Brokpa people are easily recognised by their woven red jackets, often detailed with stitched animals, and curious black yak hats. These hats have five spidery legs, designed to channel rainwater away from the wearer's head and body. As befitting the name Brokpa, which can be translated to mean 'nomad' or 'herder', the people remain semi-nomadic yak herders, relying on the animal for clothing, food and transport. For anyone with an interest in minority ethnic groups and the preservation of traditional ways of living in an increasingly modern, homogenous world, Bhutan treks in Merak and Sakten are a must.

Aum Jono and the King's Demand

Like many Himalayan peoples, the Brokpa have a story of their origin. They moved to Bhutan many hundreds of years ago - according to them, this is because they once lived in Tibet, until a conflict with a ruler. This king demanded that his people remove the top of a mountain because it blocked the sun, covering his palace in shadow. One woman, Aum Jono, who did not think this ridiculous order should be obeyed, told her people that it was far easier to remove a head than a mountain-top. The Brokpas agreed. After killing the king, Aum Jono led them to safety and prosperity in eastern Bhutan. She is now revered as a protecting deity, with a festival held in her honour.

Brokpas and the Yeti

Anyone planning to go on Bhutan treks will surely have heard of the Yeti. To the Brokpas this creature is called Megay, and yak herders to this day report encountering Megay in high, thickly forested altitudes, typically when they have pursued a straying yak. According to their remarkable tales, the Megay consumes bamboo shrubs, is white or light red in colour, and smells of garlic. The Megay is not a curiosity, as it is to Westerners, but a guardian deity of remote mountainous regions - and the Brokpas accordingly treat it with respect.

Bhutan - Search continues for two missing workers

2011-07-04T19:45:00.001+07:00

Samdingkha Bridge Collapse 4 July, 2011 - Four days after the Samdingkha bridge in Punakha collapsed, police, army personnel and construction workers continue their search for the two workers who went missing after they fell into the river.

An 18-year-old JCB backhoe loader operator’s assistant and a 22-year-old road roller operator went missing since July 1 after the JCB backhoe they were in, to launch the bridge’s metal sheet, fell into the Samdingkhachu and Punatsangchu.

Six workers were inside the JCB backhoe loader at the time of the incident.

While two workers, a 22-year-old excavator operator and 26-year-old site in-charge escaped with minor injuries, the body of a 21-year-old site supervisor was fished out a few hours after the bridge collapsed.

The body of the 19-year-old tractor driver was found at a shallow riverbank, 2km away from the accident site on the morning of July 2.

Police in Punakha said the swollen river must have washed away the bodies of the two missing workers.

“We have already informed police in Wangduephodrang check post and Punatsangchu officials to look for the bodies,” an official said.

The construction of the 60m double-decked reinforced bailey bridge began seven months ago.

It gave way when the backhoe loader, laying metal sheets on the bridge, reached midway.

By Tashi Dema

Bhutan - Bhutan Packages for the Wild Life Adventurer

2011-07-01T23:13:00.003+07:00

When you begin planning your leisure travel to destinations far and beyond your borders, you are often faced with a bewildering array of choices not simply about the country or region you can visit but also the type of tour package you can consider. traveling to Bhutan doesn't make it on everyone's travel wish list under normal circumstances. However, if we tell you about a few types of Bhutan packages and focus on one of them, may be we will change your mind.

Bhutan packages for just about everyone

First a gentle introduction. bhutan is a small kingdom in Asia just north of India nestled quietly in the foothills of the Himalayan range of mountains seriously far away from the madding crowd as Thomas Hardy would have put it. The mountain kingdom, as it is often referred to, didn't let too many visitors into the country until recently. Why you ask? The royal family wanted to keep the country "as it is" without compromising the incredible beauty and magnificence of the nation's topography and landscape that is so often corroded by millions of tourists. Even today, every Bhutan travel agency offering a Bhutan package is required to register and seek permission from the government through a tightly monitored visa process before a tour group or individual tourist is permitted to enter the country. Except for a beach vacation experience, the country offers literally every type of organized travel including:

• Hiking and trekking packages
• Relaxing and slow-paced sightseeing packages
• Honeymoon packages
• Photography packages
• Spiritual and religious packages
• Outdoor adventure packages such as packages which include river rafting and kayaking

And the most popular which we have kept for the last, wildlife adventure packages.

Bhutan Packages Featuring Himalayan Wildlife

Some years ago, an internationally acclaimed wildlife expert named Dr. Alan Rabinowitz decided to visit Bhutan to find out if the high altitudes for which the country is so popular could actually support wildlife in the real sense of the term. He turned to technology combined with his keen instinct for an answer. With assistance from an experienced photography veteran named Gordon Buchanan who was employed with BBC at that time, he set up several cameras with built-in infra red motion sensors covering a wide expanse of the Himalayan range. The cameras were monitored remotely for performance and when the team returned three months later, they were amazed by the results. They found that wildlife in Bhutan was alive and kicking for sure. Leopards, red foxes, Jungle cats, Himalayan black bears, monkeys and even tigers were all co-existing in pure and pristine harmony in the lap of nature. What is more, wildlife enthusiasts and researchers were amazed to learn that the cameras had captured the images of two wild tigers, a male and a female. The footage clearly revealed that the male tiger was busy scent-marking which indicated that he was well ensconced in the habitat of his choice. The female tiger was seen lactating which was grounds to conclude that there were many more tigers in the area than was evident in the footage. Like everyone else, tigers didn't seem to have a problem with the altitude.

It goes without saying that for an avid wildlife adventurer, Bhutan packages that showcase the country's magnificent fauna would be a dream come true. Many Bhutan travel agencies offer opportunities for organized Bhutan travel which include five star hotel accommodation, four meals, hotel and airport transfers, English-speaking tour guides and transportation for less than $300 a day all inclusive. So the next time you are all set to plan a vacation, why not come to the fairy kingdom of Bhutan and check out what you have been missing.

Bhutan - Gelephu hospital overwhelmed by labourers

2011-07-01T01:16:00.001+07:00

Hundreds of Indian labourers are rushing to the Gelephu hospital to check their health and obtain a fitness certificate so that they can work for the many hydropower projects in Bhutan.

The exodus has been continuing for four days stretching the already limited human resource at the hospital. The doctors are struggling to cope with the rush.

The labour agents in Gelephu said the demand for labourers from the various hydropower projects has increased in the last few months.

Karma Dema, a labour agent, said “it is extremely difficult to get the labourers checked and process the certificate.”

Tashi Choedup, another labour agent, said they “would be grateful if there were separate doctors to conduct the tests.”

The labourers were brought from as far as Kolkata.

The Medical Superintendent in Gelephu said they “have to attend to serious patients first. Due to shortage of doctors, we cannot even treat all our patients. We talked with the labour agents and informed the ministry to find ways to solve the problem.

Every day, more than 200 labourers visit the hospital but doctors can check and issue certificates to only about 60 labourers.

There are nine labour agents in Gelephu.

Bhutan - Cheaper eggs

2011-06-26T23:13:00.002+07:00

Increase in domestic egg supply, price hiked after Bhutan stopped import of poultry and its products following an outbreak of bird flu in India, dragged down the price.

The precautionary measure also encouraged poultry farm in the country. There are almost 150 poultry farm in Tsirang, which lead to an increase in the supply of eggs and decrease in price. Price of eggs has reduced by 50 percent. Prevailing price of an egg is Nu. 4.

There is an apprehension among small farmers, low price and rising cost of poultry feed, could force them out of business.

Poultry farm owner said,” the price went down drastically in the last three weeks,” Dorji Drukpa added, “low price is barely enough to maintain the farm.” The price for a cartoon of eggs was Nu. 1,600 in the past and now farmer fetch around Nu 1,200.

The eggs are mostly market in Thimphu.

Bhutan - IT Park vandalised

2011-06-23T21:42:00.000+07:00

The properties of under-construction Thimphu IT Park in Serbithang was vandalised by a group of boys referred to as Babesa gang. The incident happened in the early morning of June 20.

A gang of 15-20 boys slashed around 300 cement bags, cut off electric wires, broke window panes, burnt documents, destroyed fire pumps and drilled holes in two synthetic plastic tanks.

Based on the circumstantial evidences, the police has detained second year student of Royal Thimphu College.

The police have connected the case to an incident that happened few days back. An unemployed youth was caught stealing iron rods from the site by security guards. The boy was handed over to the police.

The college student had visited the construction site in the following morning inquiring about the boy caught in act of stealing. He had warned the security guards of possible revenge by “Babesa gang”.

The very night, around 2:00 am, two groups of boys entered the site from different directions. One group distracted the security guards and other damaged the properties.

The police found canvas shoes that appeared like the shoe print left at the crime scene in the house of detainee. The forensic experts are yet to confirm this claim.

Currently, the forensic experts are on elections duty. The claim will be verified after their return.

The act of vandalism is expected to delay the completion of IT Park on time. The Project Director, Gautam Nandy is wary about the fact.

“More than the monetary losses, it is a huge loss of time.”

The boys had also threatened the guards and workers to discontinue working on the site at the time of attack. The project director fear that workers might leave following the threat.

The project has not estimated the cost of the damage.

Bhutan - The significance of Parinirvana

2011-06-15T23:47:00.002+07:00

Perspective 15 June, 2011 - Every fifteenth day of the fourth month in the Bhutanese calendar is observed as Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana, formally known as Duechen Ngazom. Among many great deeds of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni recorded, there are twelve most important deeds, most famous among which five are included in the Parinirvana.

A summarisation from the first deeds
When the Buddha was teaching in the paradise of Tushita, which is a realm where the devas (gods) reside and also a sambhogakaya realm, the sound of his previous motivation reminded him that it was necessary to take birth in our world and teach the dharma.

He then considered five things: the land where he ought to be born (which was Kapila in Nepal), the caste he should be born into (which was a royal caste), the family in which he should be born (which was the Shakya clan), who his mother was to be (she was Mayadevi), and the time that was right for him to be born (which happened to be when the five degenerations were on the increase, the present time).

After having made these determinations, he decided to take birth in our world. This particular deed of leaving Tushita was intended to teach us that somebody, who has achieved enlightenment, is no longer a slave of his own karma, and has control over anything he or she does.

The Buddha was conceived into the womb of his mother, Mayadevi (by taking the form of a White Elephant descending from Tushita and entering the womb immaculately). One may wonder why he was conceived and then took birth. If he had complete control over everything, then why wasn’t he born miraculously from a lotus flower as was Padmasambhava?

The Buddha had a special reason for being born the normal way. He was thinking in the long term of his future disciples, who would be inspired because the Buddha, who practised and achieved enlightenment, started out like anyone else. He did this to instill conviction and confidence in his future disciples.

Third Deed: Birth in the garden of Lumbini, in present day Nepal
Although the Buddha took an ordinary human birth, there was still something special in his birth. The Buddha came out of the body of his mother through her right side. Some people might wonder how this was possible. They might think, “Well, what exactly happened? Did the rib cage crack?” One doesn’t need to think in terms of anatomical problems, because the Buddha was a miraculous being and he just took birth through his mother’s right side without any pain or obstacle.

At the time of the Buddha’s birth, there were many very special things happening where he was born. All of a sudden, crops started growing. Trees appeared all over the area of Lumbini and rare flowers, such as the Udumvara flower, that had never grown in this area, started blooming everywhere. Due to these events, he was given the name Siddhartha in Sanskrit, or Dhon Drup in Tibetan, which means, “the one that makes everything possible”.

As a result of interdependent origination, the presence of a highly accomplished individual produces changes in the environment, such as the blossoming of flowers.

Ninth Deed: Victory over of the leader of Maras, Papiyan
When the Buddha was sitting under the bodhi tree Papiyan, the leader of Maras, used forms related to the three disturbing emotions (sometimes called kleshas) of ignorance, desire, and aggression to try and lure the Buddha away from his pursuit of enlightenment. The first deception, representing ignorance, was that the Buddha was asked to abandon his meditation and return immediately to the kingdom, because his father King Shuddhodana had died and the evil Devadatta had taken over the kingdom.

Then Papiyan tried to create an obstacle using desire; his beautiful daughters tried to deceive and seduce the Buddha. When this did not disturb the Buddha’s meditation, Mara then used hatred by coming towards the Buddha surrounded by millions of horribly frightening warriors, who were throwing weapons at the Buddha’s body. But the Buddha wasn’t distracted or fooled by these three poisons. He remained immersed in compassion and loving-kindness and therefore triumphed over this display of the three poisons and was able to eventually achieve enlightenment. (This deed of the Buddha is represented by the image of the Buddha “taking the earth as witness,” gently touching the ground with his right hand and holding a begging bowl in his left hand.

Tenth Deed: Attaining enlightenment under the bodhi tree
Since the Buddha developed all the qualities of meditation to the utmost stages, he was able to reach enlightenment. He did this to demonstrate that we also can reach enlightenment. As a matter of fact, one of the main points of the whole Buddhist philosophy is to show us that Buddhahood is not something to be found outside of us, but something we can achieve by looking inside ourselves. And the qualities that we attain with enlightenment will be no different from the ones the Buddha attained. Also, the Buddha managed to eliminate all the negative emotions, the same ones we presently experience.

Twelfth Deed: Passing away at the age of 83 in the town of Kushingara
The Buddha and his monks came to a grove of sal trees in Kushinagar. The Buddha asked Ananda to prepare a couch between two trees, with its head to the north. I am weary and want to lie down, he said. When the couch was ready, the Buddha lay down on his right side, one foot upon the other, with his head supported by his right hand. Then the sal trees bloomed, although it was not their season, pale yellow petals rained down on the Buddha. The Buddha spoke for a time to his monks. At one point, Ananda left the grove to lean against a door post and weep. The Buddha sent a monk to find Ananda and bring him back. Then the Blessed One said to Ananda, Enough, Ananda! Do not grieve! Have I not taught from the very beginning that with all that is dear and beloved there must be change and separation? All that is born, comes into being, is compounded, and is subject to decay. How can one say: “May it not come to dissolution”? This cannot be.

Ananda, you have served the Tathagata with loving-kindness in deed, word, and thought; graciously, pleasantly, wholeheartedly. Now you should strive to liberate yourself.

The Blessed One then praised Ananda in front of the other assembled monks.

The Buddha spoke further, advising the monks to keep the rules of the order of monks. Then he asked three times if any among them had any questions. Do not be given to remorse later on with the thought: “The Master was with us face to face, yet face to face we failed to ask him.” But no one spoke. The Buddha assured all of the monks they would realise enlightenment.

Then he said, All compounded things are subject to decay. Strive with diligence. Then, serenely, he passed into Parinirvana.

Contributed by Choten Dorji
Lecturer in Buddhist Studies (English) Lekjung Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies Punakha

Bhutan - 25 promoted as colonels

2011-06-12T20:46:00.003+07:00

His Majesty the King today promoted 25 lieutenant colonels of the armed forces to the rank of colonels. This includes 14 Lt. Colonels from the Royal Bhutan Army, seven from the Royal Body Guards and four from the Royal Bhutan Police.

The officers received Tashi Khadhar from His Majesty the King at the throne room of the Tashichhodzong.

Following that, His Majesty granted an audience to the officers and their family members at the courtyard of the dzong.

Bhutan - Poland-Bhutan friendship association formed

2011-06-07T23:18:00.001+07:00

A friendship association has been formed in Poland.

The Poland-Bhutan Friendship Society was launched in Warsaw, Poland on May 25 under the auspices of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

While in Poland, Her Majesty launched the Polish version of her book, “Treasures of the Thunder Dragon”.

The event was attended by prominent personalities from a cross section of the Polish society, government officials. The launch of the Poland-Bhutan friendship Association and was covered by all the major TV and print media.

Her Majesty expressed confidence that the Poland-Bhutan friendship Association would play an important role in creating greater awareness about Bhutan and lead to better and closer relations between Bhutan and Poland.

Bhutan - Keeping Thimphu clean, a gargantuan task

2011-05-29T01:52:00.001+07:00

Keeping Thimphu clean and beautiful seems like a distant dream, at least for now. Despite several cleanup campaigns and measures put in place by the Thimphu City Corporation, Thimphu city is not getting any cleaner.

The sidewalks and roads are strewn with papers and plastic wrappers, the drains are clogged with plastic bottles, and the walls of shops and buildings are smeared with doma spit and lime.

Phub Dorji, a Thimphu resident, said “most of the goods are wrapped in plastic of paper. People throw away the wrappings carelessly.”

The Thimphu City Corporation has deployed 16 workers to clean the streets. They work the whole daylong, seven days a week to keep the streets clean.

Budhiman Tamang, one of the cleaners, said “I have been cleaning the streets for 25 years now; the garbage only seems to grow. We clean today and tomorrow, there will be even more garbage.”

Chandra Bahadur Darjee has been cleaning the streets for 21 years. “We start work at 6am and continue till 4 pm. The waste doesn’t seem to become less.”

Ten garbage collecting trucks move around the city collecting waste. Gyeltshen Dukpa, the city corporation’s chief environmental officer, believes that the city will remain the same despite their efforts unless the residents assume responsibility and develop civic sense.

Thimphu is the capital. Most of the residents are educated. It is home to the country’s elite but it seems asking them to do their bit is asking too much.

Bhutan - Bhutan Nepal trade talks

2011-05-25T21:12:00.001+07:00

Bhutan and Nepal began talks in the capital Thimphu today to draft a trade agreement between the two neighbouring countries.

Trade between Bhutan and Nepal has been growing steadily though there is no formal trade agreement.

In 2008, the volume of trade between the two countries is estimated at Nu.324 million. The next year it grew to Nu. 455 million and to Nu.625 million in 2010.

The two day meeting will draft the trade agreement, the protocol to the agreement, rules of origin, and the list of exportable items of the respective countries.

The Director of Department of Trade Sonam P Wangdi is leading the Bhutanese delegation. The Nepalese delegation is led by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies Toya Narayan Gyawali.

Bhutan - ~The Royal Couple~

2011-05-22T01:58:00.005+07:00

Our Druk Gyalpo with Jetsun Pema, the future Queen of Bhutan.

Cr : Facebook ~His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ~

Bhutan - His Majesty’s address to the 7th session of parliament today

2011-05-20T21:53:00.003+07:00

It is now almost three years and three months since the start of democracy. Our nation has so much to be proud of. The first years of democracy have been a great success, made possible by the blessings of the Dharma and our Guardian Deities and the foundations laid through the selfless efforts of our forefathers and Kings and the good fortune and karma of the People of Bhutan.

Our generation embarked on a profound process of democratization, with little experience but armed with the strength of our unity of vision and aspirations. Our people, government, religious institutions and bodies, private sector, media, legislature, constitutional bodies, judiciary and the armed forces have all served the country well under this new system, and have worked to slowly shape a strong and effective democracy. Through your hard work, it has been possible in the midst of such a dramatic transition to oversee the vast socio-economic development plans and projects we had in the 10th 5-year plan.

The government has worked tirelessly in all sectors such as hydropower, tourism, agriculture and industries. Remote villages are being connected with roads and electricity is being made accessible to villages while education and health facilities are being broadened or improved. Our traditions and cultural values continue to be strengthened and rural lhakangs are being renovated. The government has moved with intensified efforts to renew foreign relations according to the changing times. I am happy that our relations with India are as strong as ever. The people of Bhutan must appreciate all these efforts being made by the government.

In spite of all our achievements and the peace and prosperity we have experienced for so long – in fact because of this success – we must remember to never be complacent. If even a small fraction of the problems that plague other nations appear in Bhutan, our small society will be forever afflicted and we may never regain our jewel of a nation.

As we move forward, we must be guided by the most sacred and unchanging national goals – the security and sovereignty of our Nation and the peace, unity and harmony of our People. Today, as I have said before, our immediate and foremost duty is the success of democracy. That is our foundation for the future success of Bhutan. But democracy can only flourish if all Bhutanese uphold the rule of law; if there is good governance; if corruption is eradicated and if the delivery of public services is fair and effective.

As a small landlocked nation, the only way for us to fulfill these is to carry out our duties through cooperation, sharing and consultation. I know that each ministry, government institution, parliamentary body or public agencies has its own mandate. Still, you must work together, not in competition. Henceforth, I ask all of you to establish the practice of meeting regularly, sitting face to face every now and then, so that you will always be in collaboration as you carry out your separate responsibilities. And all problems may be resolved without being allowed to fester and grow.

Such shared effort will be in the true spirit of Gross National Happiness.

Today, at this auspicious gathering, I would like to make a short announcement to all the people of the 20 Dzongkhags.

As King, it is now time for me to marry. After much thought I have decided that the wedding shall be later this year.

Now, many will have their own idea of what a Queen should be like – that she should be uniquely beautiful, intelligent and graceful. I think with experience and time, one can grow into a dynamic person in any walk of life with the right effort. For the Queen, what is most important is that at all times, as an individual she must be a good human being, and as Queen, she must be unwavering in her commitment to serve the People and Country.

As my queen, I have found such a person and her name is Jetsun Pema. While she is young, she is warm and kind in heart and character. These qualities together with the wisdom that will come with age and experience will make her a great servant to the nation.

This union does not mean that I am starting my own family. From the very day I received the Dhar Ngay-Nga from the sacred Machhen, the people of the 20 Dzongkhags became my family. Such is the duty and privilege of all Kings of Bhutan. It is through this union, that I shall have a Queen who will support, and work with me, as I serve the People and Country.

The wedding will be in accordance with age-old tradition, to seek the blessings of our Guardian Deities. I ask the government not to make any plans for a grand celebration. The happiness of my beloved father and the blessings of our People will give me the greatest joy and happiness.

Bhutan - Bhutan and Maldives sign Air Services Agreement

2011-05-13T01:23:00.001+07:00

Bhutan and the Maldives have signed an Air Services Agreement, paving the way for the two high-end tourist destinations to be connected by direct flights or flights transiting through other countries in the region.

The flight details and routes will be worked out between the airlines of the two countries, one a tourist hot spot on the roof of the world and the other an ultimate destination for those interested in sunbathing and deep sea diving.

The Maldives Minister for Transport and Communication, Mohamed Adil Saleem, and the Secretary for Information and Communications in Bhutan, Dasho Kinley Dorji, signed the agreement on May 8, 2011. They emphasised the fact that air connectivity was vital for tourism and broader economic development. High-end tourists could find the connection a very attractive possibility with the tourism industry viewing both countries as niche markets.

Bhutan, which saw about 40,000 tourists last year, is currently building three new domestic airports. The Maldives, which is constructing its third international airport, has achieved an escalation of tourist numbers to about 800,000 tourists a year and is still expanding.

With Bhutan holding the chairmanship of SAARC, the agreement is also a step forward in one of SAARC’s goals, to connect all the capitals of the region.

Bhutan - His Majesty issues Kasho on Local Goverment Elections

2011-05-06T01:03:00.001+07:00

During the audience granted to those who had appealed against their disqualification, His Majesty the King said that their appeal and the submissions made by the Prime Minister on behalf of the National Assembly, National Council and the two political parties, was with regard to the failure of the respective political parties to abide by the laws on procedures for de-registration in particular and on the interpretation of the laws on de-registration in general. Thus, the appeal would merit full consideration from the relevant agencies, if the individuals had themselves acted in accordance with the laws.

His Majesty said that the Election Commission of Bhutan was simply abiding by the Constitutional requirement that Local Governments must be apolitical. His Majesty said, “I have always encouraged political participation and the growth of political parties. Having heeded my request to all citizens to participate in the political process in the past, you may now, as prospective candidates for Local Government offices, be surprised that your participation in political parties have hindered your chances to run for office in Local Government. The Constitution requires apolitical Local Governments for very important reasons. Local Government responsibilities are very different from those of political parties or any other institution. Local Governments are the foundation for grassroots democracy. They must have intimate knowledge of the daily lives of the people in their constituencies; work in constant and close interaction with their people and nurture cooperation, consensus and close-knit communities. In a largely rural country Local Governments are even more important not just in carrying out vital duties towards achieving development objectives of their people, but also in bringing about a harmonious society.”

His Majesty said, “As individuals, having a preference for a political party is not bad. The majority of people will always hold certain preferences. However, in carrying out one’s duties as part of an apolitical institution, we must keep our political affiliations aside. It is as simple as carrying out one’s official duties without being biased by preference for family and friends at the cost of the larger community.”

His Majesty said that he always encouraged institutions to resolve issues on their own, through consultation. He said, “Once the Throne is involved, the Throne will protect the Constitution and the laws in place – it has no other path before it.”

His Majesty said that, “the sacred Constitutional duty of the King is to protect and uphold this Constitution in the best interest and for the welfare of the people of Bhutan. As I do so, I shall seek if necessary, the Supreme Court’s opinion, for the Supreme Court is the guardian of this Constitution and the final authority of its interpretation.”

Bhutan - Hope for Radhi farmers

2011-05-01T22:51:00.003+07:00

Irrigation project 1 May, 2011 - Radhi farmers could live up to their name- rice bowl of eastern Bhutan, once the major irrigation revival program in the gewog is completed, by the end of this year.

After the irrigation canal built in the early 1980s, measuring over three kilometers in length and dug out by excavators was damaged by landslides at several places, farmers became totally dependent on the monsoon.

“We had hopes that it would solve the problem forever but landslides took away the intake source of the canal and we’re left wanting for water,” a farmer from Jonla village, Ngawang Tshering said. It was funded by international fund for agriculture development (IFAD).

The revival plan is to use huge polythene pipes in places where the original canal was washed away. The survey is complete and Trashigang dzongkhag engineers are working on the designs. The canal has a new in take source and would use over three and a half kilometer of pipes mostly in places prone to slides.

“It requires drilling in to rocks and even using rods at the source of the canal to strengthen it,” dzongkhag engineer Chador Phuntsho said.

Radhi Gup Samdrup said most of his gewog’s paddy fields rely on irrigation canals drawn from monsoon fed streams. “Despite the fact that most of our land is paddy fields, there has always been irrigation water shortage,” he said.

The project would be funded from funds allocated for activities in the gewog that were dropped from the 10th Plan. As an additional fund, Speaker of the National Assembly and member of parliament from Radhi, Tshogpon Jigme Tshultim had approved his constitutional development grant for the project.

He said the new canal would bring great relief to farmers. Of the 775 households in the gewog, it is expected to benefit over 450 spread over 12 chiwogs.

“It would also allow farmers to do winter cropping,” he said.

Farmers said that they had suffered severely, over the past decades; from dry spells as monsoon showers were either delayed or poor. To make things worse, their irrigation canals broke down repeatedly because of loose soil.

Radhi gewog’s rice yield decreased by over 30 percent in 2009 mainly because of lack of rain. Ngawang Tshering said as his fields were located at the bottom of the village, he received little water, as he is the last to receive among 20 households. “I have to depend mostly on the monsoon for transplantation,” the farmer from Jonla village said. As water shortage grew acute farmers started to convert their paddy fields in to dry land to grow maize. The project would solve his problems.

However, the gup said that the canal would not reach one village in the gewog, Tongling, as it on the other side of the hill. Farmers said that some villagers in Tongling have left their fields fallow because of the shortage of water.

By Tshering Palden

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Bhutan - His Majesty grants audience to the Indian Minister of State for Defence

2011-04-26T20:33:00.005+07:00

His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Indian Minister of State for Defence Dr. Mangapati Pallam Raju yesterday.

He arrived in the Kingdom on Sunday for a two day visit.

He is in the Kingdom to attend DANTAK’s golden jubilee celebration.

Dr Raju also called on the Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y. Thinley at the Gyalyong tshokhang yesterday.

He will be leaving the Kingdom today.

Tag : bhutan,his majesty,indian

Bhutan - Traveling to Bhutan, the Mystical Land of the Thunder Dragon

2011-04-23T00:50:00.003+07:00

If you have the cash saved up, a little time and planning can get you to this land locked Himalayan Kingdom and open up a wonder world of picturesque landscapes, enchanting villages, snow capped mountains, ageless forests, erotic sculptures, dark musty monasteries and a culture so rich and steeped in time you will think you have indeed been transported back a few hundred years.

Firstly you have to get to Paro. The government imposed rule is that you must fly at least one way with the National Carrier, Druk Air. As Druk is actually the only carrier that flies into Paro, Bhutan's airport, then the choice is easy. Druk flies a couple of times a week from Kathmandu, Bangkok and Dehli.

Booking your trip is no easy task with so many online tour operators all offering package tours to Bhutan. The Government of Bhutan has set a daily tariff fee for foreigners visiting the country. Many people confuse this with the visa fee and think that is what costs so much. In fact the visa to visit Bhutan is only US$25. Tours are expensive due to the imposed daily tariff.

Many companies offer what look like value for money Bhutan Tours, but inspect the itineraries closer, especially for tours that commence in places like Kathmandu, Bangkok or Delhi, they may include your flight to Paro, but check out how many days you will actually be spending inside Bhutan as that is where the money should be spent. Some tour agents fluff out tours by selling a ten day trip, where only five days may actually be in Bhutan and the rest doing sightseeing around the joining point country.

Look for a tour that you can meet in Paro, making your own way there will ensure that you get 100% value for money inside Bhutan. If you book a tour with an agent they will most likely be able to help you with arranging your flights.

The best time to visit Bhutan is of course the main festival seasons where the culture and colour is at its best. During these times, normally March, April, September and October, it can be very hard to book a flight. So make sure you book well ahead and get your agent to arrange and confirm flights for you (most airlines can be booked up to 10 months in advance only). Also double check that if you are booking your tour to coincide with a festival, that you will get the chance to see one. During these festival times the tariff rate will be at a premium. If festivals are not your thing, then try going outside of season and you should be able to get as much as a 30% discount on your tour.

As a trip to Bhutan is such a 'once in a lifetime experience' a true travel investment you should choose your tour operator wisely. As all tours to Bhutan are pre arranged, it's all too easy for a travel company to tack Bhutan tours onto their list of tours without having properly made contacts with agents inside Bhutan. As Bhutan tours are 100% operated by Bhutanese tour companies, you should be looking for a company that either represents a Bhutan Agent or is a certified tour operator for Bhutan. I could not think of anything worse than spending a lot of money and not getting to see half the things mentioned on the itinerary or having a poorly arranged holiday.

When planning your trip, obviously your budget will factor the amount of days you are able to spend in Bhutan. Here are a few places that you must see, so make sure that your itinerary and time frame covers them.

Kichu Lhakhang- This Monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demoness that lay across the Himalayan region.

Taktsang Monastery- The Tigers Nest. This is one of the most famous sights in Bhutan. The monastery is perched on a cliff in the midst of a lush green jungle. It is reached by a short walk and offers stunning views. This is one of the most memorable sights to visit in Bhutan and the main reason why a lot of visitors come here. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave in the 1684 by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.

The Tango Monastery- The trail Tango is a climb of 280 meters and it takes an hour to reach the monastery. Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa founded the monastery in 12th century. The building was re-built in 15th century by the "Divine Madman". This is one of the best places for meditation in Bhutan.
Chimi Lhakhang- Built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. (This monk is popularly known as the Devine Madman for his philosophy, "Salvation through sex"). He subdued the demons with his "Magical Thunder bolt". The Temple is also known as "The Temple of Fertility". Sterile women from far and wide come to this Temple to get blessed.

Wangdiphodrang Dzong- Built in 1638. Legend has it as the people were searching for the site of this Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass.

Chendebji Monastery- This Monastery is patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this spot.
Trongsa Dzong- I think that this is the most impressive fort in Bhutan. The present form was built in 1644 and was built in aim to unify Eastern Bhutan. The Dzong, which means fort in Bhutanese is the present home of the Royal Family and the first two hereditary kings who rule the country from this place.

Gangtey Gompa - This is famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government. These cranes fly to Phobjikha valley which is their winter habitat. The Cranes circle three times in a clock-wise direction around the Gangtey Gompa as a reverence to the Monastery before landing in the valley. They repeat the same practice before flying back to Tibet in early spring.

Tag : Bhutan,Mystical Land,Thunder Dragon

Bhutan - A King’s Gun

2011-04-17T22:25:00.006+07:00

17 April, 2011 - A Holland & Holland gun is considered as among the finest of modern times. It is known for its brilliant craftsmanship and today is one of the world’s most expensive handcrafted sports gun.

There is one such gun in Bhutan. It is a .458 double barrel. With engravings of the big game animals of Bhutan, it is the only of its kind and now worth more than £ 80,000.

The fourth king received it as his coronation gift in 1974. The managing director of the gun company, Malcolm Lyell, travelled from London to personally offer it. Lyell’s handwritten notes says, “The official day for present giving was Tuesday, June 4th but the King couldn’t wait! We were summoned the day before and presented it to him in the Royal Cottage.”

The third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, had ordered the gun two years earlier in 1972, before he passed away. The third king first met Lyell in 1949, in London at the Westley Richards’s gun showroom where, as Crown Prince, he had gone to buy hunting rifles. Ever since, the two gun enthusiasts maintained their friendship.

The doyen of the London gun trade visited Bhutan as the guest of the king. He first came in 1970 and was one of the earliest to trek extensively in our northern mountains. Using hand-drawn maps of botanist Frank Ludlow, Lyell and his family made four such expeditions into the then largely unknown northern mountains. Lyell was a game enthusiast and keen on wild animals and, during his treks, saw and recorded many of these wild animals namely, the blue sheep, blue bear, wild yaks, takins, and snow leopards.

The Gun
In 1972, after returning from one such trip, Lyell had the gun of our king engraved with the large game animals that he saw during his treks in Bhutan.

For example, the right lock plate has an engraving of a group of takins - the national animal. The fore feet and body of the lynx are also just visible on the “fence” (standing breach at the left hand end of the barrel).

The left lock has an engraving of the Indian rhinoceros, which are found in the foothills of Manas. The tail and back of the snow leopard are scarcely visible on the “fence”. A Tibetan antelope, found along the Chumbi valley border, is engraved on the trigger guard, and the grip cap has an engraving of a blue sheep or bhurel.

History
Crafting a Holland & Holland gun took a long time and this became a setback as the soaring inflation of the 1970s cut into the company’s profit.

To sustain the business, Lyell started to craft presentation guns. These guns were fully functional but, because of the intricate artwork, enhanced its costs, and hence inflation did not affect its value.

Inspired by the gun makers of the 18th century, Lyell came up with the rococo gun, with deep engravings in gold and silver of classical motifs, such as Diana the huntress.

In 1966, the Shooting Times described it as the finest gun of modern times and, from then, Lyell produced a series entitled “Products of Excellence”. These included such guns as the Set of Five; beautifully matched shotguns in every gauge from 12 bore to .410; the African hunters series of big game rifles; and finally the Saurian four bore, decorated with scenes of prehistoric life.

Almost two decades later, after the launch of the “product of excellence”, in 1972, our late king ordered the .458 double barrel gun, which he never saw. In the memory of the late king, Lyell had it engraved with the big game animals of Bhutan and presented it to our fourth king during his coronation. Malcolm Lyell died early this year.

Contributed by Tshering Tashi

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Tag : bhutan,king,gun

Bhutan - Two men caught with Black Panther bones and skin

2011-04-05T23:31:00.002+07:00

Police have apprehended two men for smuggling Black Panther bones and skin. They are from Tsamang in Monggar.

The two men were arrested last night in Thimphu while they were trying to deliver the smuggled goods to their counterparts in Thimphu. Black Panther is a highly endangered big cat.

They are found in warmer places in Bhutan. The Black Panther bones and the skin have been handed over to the department of forest for further investigation.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=4494

Bhutan - Weaving a new way of life

2011-03-30T20:50:00.000+07:00

Weavers from Kheng Gongdu and Silambi Geogs in Monggar are learning how to use Mechi loom. The Mechis are a tribal people in Assam, India. Like our weavers from Kheng Gongdu and Silambi, they are known for the nimbleness of their fingers and the dexterity in weaving. The textile designs are also similar. There is only one difference. Their looms are much larger and reportedly easier to handle.

Weavers from Kheng Gongdu and Silambi use the traditional back-strap looms which is also used by weavers all over Bhutan.

Forty five-year-old Sangay Dema from Silambi is one of the 20 weavers who are attending the month long training. She said “it is easier and faster than our back strap loom. We don’t get back ache.” She now plans to use the Mechi loom and also teach other weavers in her village.

Twenty one-year-old Leki Chozom is from Khen Gondu. She is learning how to weave for the first time. “I learnt tailoring first and then weaving. One month is not enough for me to learn everything. I am lagging behind my friends. We started together.”

The training is being conducted by Monhini Sageer-ri. She is happy with the progress though the training has to be conducted in sign language.

“They can’t speak Hindi or Nepali and I don’t speak their language so we communicate through sign language.”

The experienced weavers are learning faster than the new ones. She also believes that one month may not be enough for new learners.

“Maybe in two months, they can learn everything there is to learn. The older weavers pick up faster than the younger ones”

Organised by the weaving center at Turlling in Monggar, rural women attend the training in the morning and NFE learners in the evening.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=4469

Bhutan - His Majesty arrives in Bangladesh

2011-03-27T22:56:00.001+07:00

His Majesty the King has arrived in Bangladesh on a four day state visit.

His Majesty is visiting Bangladesh as the Guest of Honour at the 40th Anniversary of Independence and the National Day of Bangladesh.

His Majesty was received by President Zillur Rahman at the Shahjalal International Airport and presented a 31 gun salute followed by a guard of honour.

His Majesty the King is accompanied by the Works and Human Settlement Minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba and Major General Dhendup Tshering.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=4411

Bhutan - Bhutan chips in

2011-03-21T00:08:00.001+07:00

Japan Earthquake 19 March, 2011 - Bhutan has contributed USD one million to Japan as an assistance to the relief efforts, following the recent earthquake and tsunami in the country that killed thousands and rendered many homeless.

A three-day Dolma Jigpa Gyedchob ceremony also started in shedras, drubdeys, lhakhangs and goendeys across the country yesterday for the deceased and affected families.

Yangpai lopen Chimmi said the ritual will benefit and promote deliverance of the departed souls. Dolma (Tara) meant one who protects, and Jigpa stood for fearsome calamities and sufferings. Gyedchob referred to someone, who protects from eight forms of disaster and sufferings.

Home Minister Minjur Dorji said the prayers were conducted in hope that they would help those, who left the world and those, who are still suffering.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Japan,” he said. “We are as bereaved.”

On March 13, His Majesty, members of the royal family, cabinet ministers and senior government officials joined in a special prayer session and the lighting of 1,000 butter lamps at Tashichhodzong.

By Tashi Tenzin

Bhutan - His Majesty graces Paro Tshechu

2011-03-17T22:55:00.003+07:00

Thursday, March 17, 2011

His Majesty the King today joined thousands of people from Paro and the neighbouring districts and camera totting tourists at the Paro Tshechu.

The Paro Tshechu, an annual event, is one of the most popular festivals in the country and attracts thousands of people every year. It also draws thousands of tourists from all over the world who time their visit to coincide with the tshechu.

Today’s highlights were the Wochupai Zhey, Durdag, Tungam, Pholay Molay and Shaw Shachi mask dances.

His Majesty also visited the Goenkhang of Paro Rinpung Dzong and offered prayers and met with the geog leaders of the dzongkhag. The tshechu will end on Saturday with the unfurling of Guru Thongdrol.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=4330

Tag : bhutan,paro tshechu,tshechu,King of Bhutan

Bhutan - His Majesty sends condolence for Japan

2011-03-14T22:49:00.001+07:00

Sunday, March 13, 2011

His Majesty the King offered his condolence to the Government and the people of Japan following the disastrous earthquake.

The 8.9 magnitude quake day before yesterday killed hundreds, injured many others and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

Inside the Kuenray of the Tashichhodzong, His Majesty the King offered prayers and a thousand butter lamps.

The JICA Resident Representative and 60 volunteers were also present. Monks of the Zhung Dratshang also performed prayers.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=4262

Bhutan - Butter lamps lit for victims in Japan

2011-03-13T01:03:00.003+07:00

12 March, 2011 - His Majesty the King and the Japanese community in Bhutan offer Karmi Tongchey (a thousand Butter lamps) and prayers at the Tashichhodzong this evening for the victims of the March 11 earthquake and Tsunami that hit north Japan on Friday.

http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/

Bhutan - Bhutan telecom disowns message

2011-03-11T22:32:00.000+07:00

SMS Scam 10 March, 2011 - Whether it was a prank or a dig at the Bhutan Telecom, the prankster, who started a message on the B-mobile service requesting to forward the message has done more good than harm to B-mobile.

By last afternoon, the message, which claims to be from a third year student of Sherubtse college, Sonam Diki, requesting people to forward the message, as she would get a 10ch cut from every message forwarded, has circulated to hundreds of subscribers. The message says that the money would be used to transplant an eye, which she lost in an accident and would cost her about Nu 0.8M.

Yesterday, B-Mobile officials rubbished the claims of the college girl and said it could be the work of a prankster. “It’s fake and we’ve never entered into any kind of agreement,” said a B Mobile official in charge of SMS services.

Director of Sherubtse college, Singye Namgyel, confirmed that no college girl had met with any accident or lost an eye, although the college had a girl with the same name. A faculty member received the message yesterday and the college authority quickly carried out an investigation. “There is a girl by the same name, but she didn’t start the message nor did she meet with an accident,” said the director.

B-Mobile tried to trace the origin of the main source of person but failed. “Many people have already started forwarding, so it was difficult to find from where the message originated,” said the official. They said it was started by an individual subscriber, which was impossible to trace. “We tried to call, but the subscriber switched off after we questioned,” the official said.

Officials of Tashi Cell said the number referred in the SMS didn’t exist. A TashiCell said they don’t support such an initiative but said they would definitely try to find out the source if asked. B-Mobile immediately sent an alert message to its customers yesterday not to respond to the request. “This is the only way we can help customers from being fooled,” official said.

Each short message cost 0.45 and the B-Mobile official explained that if anyone proposes them for such help, they would first investigate the matter, review it and finally draw an agreement based on cost sharing. But they didn’t have any record of such a proposal neither initiated one.

Without a proper tool to record the numbers of message exchanged, the numbers of SMS forwarded was not available. Each SMS costs Nu. 0.40.

Meanwhile, general manager of B Mobile said it was difficult to define this as a crime at the moment. “Although such practice is not allowed but the individuals have right to send any message they like. Even if we catch the person we don’t know what penalty to impose.”

Official from the regulating authority, BICMA said the authority cannot hold anyone accountable, but if a person is found, then the service provider should discuss the matter together. “The penalty can be a misdemeanour or violation,” official said. “They could be charged under the specific provision of the Act.”

By Yangchen C Rinzi

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Bhutan - His Majesty meets scholarship students

2011-03-09T23:47:00.002+07:00

His Majesty the King with students selected for professional scholarships in various countries at the Lingkana palace yesterday

8 March, 2011 - “You’re not expected to know the answers to all the questions. What’s more important is your willingness to learn,” His Majesty the King said to students, selected for professional course scholarships, at the Lingkana palace grounds in Thimphu yesterday.

The 161 class XII completed students will soon be leaving for various professional courses in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand and USA.

His Majesty congratulated the students for doing well in their studies. “You’re going to good universities. Take upon yourselves the challenge of competing with the best minds. Represent your country well,” His Majesty said.

In an informal interaction that lasted several hours His Majesty reminded the students to always be themselves. “It’s who you are and not what you appear to be that is important,” His Majesty advised the students.

His Majesty also expressed his concern over their safety, and advised them not to put themselves in a situation that would jeopardise their future. “Look after yourself,” His Majesty said.

By Yangchen C Rinzi

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Bhutan - Monk sentenced for smuggling tobacco worth Nu.120

2011-03-05T01:14:00.000+07:00

The Thimphu district court yesterday sentenced a 23-year-old monk to three years in prison for smuggling tobacco. He is the first man to be convicted and sentenced under the controversial tobacco act.

Sonam Tshering was caught at the Chunzom checkpoint carrying 48 packets of Baba or chewing tobacco worth Nu.120. He confessed that he bought the chewing tobacco from a shop in the border town of Jaigaon for his own personal consumption.

As per the Tobacco Control Act, a person found smuggling tobacco or tobacco products shall be punishable with a minimum of three years and maximum of five years and below.

Consumers may bring an approved quantity of tobacco products for personal consumption but only after paying the customs duties and taxes.

Sonam Tshering who studied only up to class IV and was a monk at the Semtokha Shedra did not know about the act and did not bring the contraband products after paying the taxes.

His arrest on January 24 generated a lot of public debate with some people calling the act draconian.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=4092

Bhutan - His Majesty arrives back from Kuwait

2011-03-03T00:30:00.000+07:00

2 March, 2011- His Majesty the King arrived back in Capital today after a successful trip to the State of Kuwait.

His Majesty the King was on a special visit to Kuwait invited by the Amir of Kuwait to grace the celebrations of the country's 50th Anniversary of Independence and 20th Anniversary of Liberation.

While in Kuwait, His Majesty met with numerous world leaders and visited prominent landmarks and places of cultural interest.

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Bhutan - Third time lucky?

2011-02-27T23:47:00.001+07:00

Bhutan Lucky Gift 27 February, 2011 - After much controversy and public criticism on the postponement of lottery draw dates, Bhutan Lucky Gift says they will draw, for sure, on March 27 this year.

With A-star and copyright of Bhutanese feature film Lay Namkoe as first prize, Alto car as second prize and numerous other attractive prizes and a low ticket cost of Nu 25, those buying the tickets were excited.

But the organiser didn’t draw the raffle on December 17 as indicated in the ticket. Announcements were made that it would be drawn on February 23, but no results were declared again.

Those, who’d bought the tickets, were getting restless by the day.

According to organiser Cewang Dorji, the failure to draw the raffle was because the committee couldn’t collect the tickets on time, especially those, which were sent to remote areas.

“Moreover, many tickets were given to school students and, since they were on vacation, they couldn’t be contacted,” he said. “I tried collecting the tickets, but time was limited and strikes in northern India made it difficult.”

Despite the low price the sales were slow. “I couldn’t even sell a whole booklet,” said Cewang Dorji. Only 25 percent of the 8,000 booklets with 50 tickets were sold.

“If we’d drawn the lottery then and, if the winning numbers appeared on the unsold part of the booklets, it would have been unfair to the buyers,” he said. “The prizes are all ready, including five televisions.”

The organiser also said bureaucratic process involved in getting approval to sell lottery also affected the draw date. Cewang Dorji said he got approval from home ministry to sell lottery on June 17.

Later he found out he had to seek approval from finance and not home ministry. The home ministry asked him to suspend sale of lottery. He sought approval from the finance ministry, but was refused, and home ministry granted him the approval again on August 13.

“Finance ministry refused saying that home ministry had already approved it” Cewang Dorji said.

Keeping in mind the Bhutan raffle rules, 2004, Cewang Dorji said, the committee decided to draw on February 23. “If it was approved on June 17, I could have drawn on December 17, but my sale was stopped,” he said, adding he started selling again only after August. “And since I could resume only from August, the February 23 draw date would actually be the real draw date.”

According to officials from the directorate of lottery in Phuentsholing, lottery organisers can postpone only once, and for a duration of six months, and only after approval from the finance ministry. “The organiser postponed without asking anyone,” an official said.

“Home ministry’s involvement in approval of lottery sale given to Bhutan Lucky Gift should be looked at,” said another official. “The sale of such raffle was also banned in Bhutan, but still it was approved.”

By Yangchen C Rinzin

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Bhutan - His Majesty leaves for Kuwait

2011-02-25T00:21:00.000+07:00

Thursday, February 24, 2011

His Majesty the King left for Kuwait today to attend the 50^th Anniversary of Kuwait’s Independence on February 26.

His Majesty is making the visit on the personal invitation of the Amir Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Accompanying His Majesty the King are the Education Minister Lyonpo Thakur Singh Powdyel and the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army Gongloen Wogma Batoo Tshering.

His Majesty was seen off from the Paro International Airport by their Royal Highnesses the Princess and Princesses, Paro Dzongkhag officials, Gups, armed force personnel and officials from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Bhutan.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=4025

Bhutan - His Majesty’s birthday celebrations in pictures

2011-02-23T00:42:00.002+07:00

Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck inaugurates a science exhibition organised by Thimphu schools to commemorate the day. Her Majesty also launched ‘Young Bhutan’ – a web universe for the youth, a documentary production entitled ‘Educating the Nation – A Journey Through Time’ and three levels of Darzhung and pocket-sized dictionary. Monks of Dechenphodrang monastic school in Thimphu erect hand written lungta prayer flags. Trashiyangtse dzongkhag and the chorten kora mani dungdrup committee offer Namgay Tongchoe and a thousand butter lamps

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Bhutan - New Dzongkha weekly hits stands

2011-02-21T22:39:00.001+07:00

Druk Yoezer 21 February, 2011- “Druk Yoezer”, a Dzongkha weekly, hit the stands on February 19, making it the country’s eighth newspaper and the second weekly in the national language.

The newspaper, which at the moment has only two reporters, aims to gradually cover all 20 dzongkhags by travelling across the nation and working the phones.

Executive editor of the paper, Lobzang Dorji, said that, although coverage of news would be more or less the same like other papers, their main objective is to focus more on developing Dzongkha journalism, and make it as active as the English language editions.

“Most of the news in existing Dzongkha papers are translations of the news stories in English,” he said. “We’ll be collecting news purely in Dzongkha.”

He also said that sometimes there was no consistency in the translation of news from English to Dzongkha.

“Nobody pays much attention to Dzongkha grammar, spellings and sentence structure,” said Lobzang.

Meanwhile one of the editors of the other Dzongkha newspapers said that Druk Yoezer’s maiden issue had more feature stories and their focus appeared to be on business news.

A regular reader of other Dzongkha newspapers, Nima said that, while the layout and design were satisfactory, content could be improved. “The headline on the front page itself is like a greeting on a wishing card,” he added.

The editor of Druk Neytshul, the first private Dzongkha paper, Chimi Dorji, said that it was quite difficult taking care of everything from content to marketing.

“Since their main aim is for Dzongkha development, I hope they’ll get good readers,” he said.

The 16-page Druk Yoezer printed 2,500 copies this week which was distributed free. It will be regularly available for Nu 10 every Saturday.

By Nirmala Pokhrel

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Bhutan - His Majesty meets De-Suung volunteers

2011-02-18T23:15:00.000+07:00

His Majesty the King today met with the volunteers of the De-Suung training programme in Tencholing, Wangduephodrang. The training programme which is unique and first of its kind is another milestone in the history of Bhutan. It was conceived and created by His Majesty the King.

Upon arrival at the military training centre in Wangduephodrang, His Majesty the King inspected the guard of honour. After that, His Majesty was presented a parade by the Tencholing army. Addressing the 125 volunteers of the De-Suung training programme, His Majesty thanked the volunteers for taking part in the programme. His Majesty said the De-Suung volunteers must espouse certain universal values.

“If you are De-Suup, which means you are a responsible, conscientious and committed citizen of our country. You must have certain universal values, the idea of justice, service, duty and compassion,” said His Majesty the King.

His Majesty said the future of the country will be a mirror image of who we are and what we can achieve. His Majesty reminded the De-Suung volunteers that we have to base our role as citizens on our courage, capabilities, intellect, perseverance and commitment towards ensuring that Bhutan has a bright future. His Majesty said he expects that they have the most wonderful time in their life.

“You have to use this time to develop strong friendships, unshakable, indestructible, eternal friendships, first of all between yourselves, second of all between you and I and then lastly your relation with your own country. Now, based on friendship, duty, based on our intellect, our determination and the tenacity, that we will show, this is the only way that we can build a great nation. So it’s up to you to decide whether you want a good nation, a bright future or very bright future and a great nation that we can all feel proud of,” said His Majesty.

Later in the afternoon, His Majesty the King interacted with the volunteers over a lunch.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=3948

Bhutan - His Majesty grants audience to Director General of Military Operations

2011-02-17T23:49:00.001+07:00

His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Director General of Military Operations of India Lieutenant General AM Verma at the Tashichhodzong today. Lt. General Verma arrived in the Kingdom on a six day visit on Sunday.

He was commissioned into 2 Rajput in 1972. He has held various prestigious instructional command and staff appointments. These include the command of 27 Rajput in operation RAKSHAK in Jammu and Kashmir for which he was awarded the Sena medal for his gallantry service and vishisht seva medal for distinguished service.

Lt. General Verma was also in command of a mountain division in operation RHINO. He was also awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva medal on the occasion of the Republic day in 2010.

Later, he called on the chief operations officer Major General Batoo Tshering. Lt General Verma has a Master’s degree in management studies from Osmania University in India.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=3899

Bhutan - His Majesty spends Losar with needy citizens

2011-02-06T00:22:00.001+07:00

As people across the country celebrated the beginning of the Iron Female Rabbit Year with friends and family members, His Majesty the King spent the new year with a group of citizens in need. His Majesty also offered prayers and butter lamps at the Puna Dewai Chenpoi Phodrang earlier this morning.

His Majesty was escorted to the Puna Dewai Chenpoi Phodrang by the venerable lopens of the Central Monastic Body. At the Machen Lhakhang, His Majesty offered prayers and nyengdhar. His majesty also offered flowers at the Dukhang. His Majesty the King was seen off from Punakha by His Holiness the Je Khenpo and the lopens of the Zhung Dratshang. Enroute, from Punakha to Thimphu, His Majesty met and granted soelra to a nun who has been prostrating in Punakha Dzong for several years.

In the capital Thimphu, the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the National Assembly Speaker, the Chairperson of the National Council and Chiefs of Armed forces offered Tashi Khadhar to His Majesty the King.

Later in the afternoon, His Majesty met with a group of citizens comprising of the elderly, the destitute, students from remote schools, civil servants and taxi drivers.

His Majesty wished them a happy, prosperous Losar and interacted and spoke with them about social and personal matters.

Most told BBS that the year ahead will be filled with happiness for having started their year in an auspicious way. A civil servant who has been working for the last 36 years said that this is his first meeting with His Majesty the King and said that this year will mean a year filled with joy and luck.

A 74-year-old woman from Paro said that she will not have regrets even if she were to die soon. Likewise students and taxi drivers expressed joy for having got this rare opportunity to spend time with His Majesty the King on Losar.

The group went home with Losar soelras from His Majesty the King.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/bbs/?p=3620