Jai Hind!

January 26, 2012Posted inInternational3 Comments
I spent a couple of enjoyable hours watching India’s Republic Day parade broadcast live from New Delhi on Doordarshan TV. The spectacular procession, along the Rajpath and past India Gate, showcases India’s military might, cultural diversity and national integrity. The annual event is also a celebration of the Indian freedom movement and the successful rise of India in all spheres of the global arena since its independence 65 years ago. The chief guest at the Republic Day parade is typically a foreign head of state or government chosen carefully to reflect the important strategic, economic and political relationship between…

Food for thought

October 31, 2011Posted inInternational16 Comments
Khaw Boon Wan, a Singaporean minister, recently declared that “Bhutan is not the Shangri-la on earth”, and that the Bhutanese are an “unhappy people” for who “Singapore could well be the Shangri-la!” Mr Khaw’s remarks, which were made in Singapore’s parliament, have upset a lot of people in our country. That is natural. He has attacked our image. He has challenged GNH. And he has insulted our people. So, many of us are angry. Even so, we should listen to him. And if what he has said carries even a grain of truth, we should listen carefully. We should,…

Bhutan prays

March 18, 2011Posted inInternational1 Comment
It’s almost exactly a week since the 9.0 earthquake hit Japan triggering the worst disaster in that country since WW II. The catastrophe, which has already taken thousands of lives, and left countless more homeless and destitute, has galvanized governments and peoples around the world in support of Japan’s mighty relief efforts. In Bhutan too, people throughout the country are offering prayers for the victims of the disaster in Japan. His Majesty the King has lit butter lamps and offered prayers with the Japanese community in Bhutan. Similarly, the prime minister and government also offered butter lamps and prayers.…

Prayers for Japan

March 14, 2011Posted inInternational10 Comments
Japan is reeling from extreme devastation. Friday’s massive earthquake, the biggest in Japan’s recorded history, and the powerful tsunami that it triggered has caused unprecedented destruction to many parts of the country. The death toll has already crossed 2,800. And it is expected to get much higher – in Miyagi prefecture alone the number of deaths is expected to exceed 10,000. To make matters worse, three nuclear reactors at Fukushima have failed threatening a full-blown nuclear meltdown. Japan has faced major disasters before. The Kanto earthquake of 1923 killed more than 100,000 people. And the Kobe earthquake in 1995…

UN Security Council

November 28, 2010Posted inGovernment, International
"In the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member," US President Obama recently announced in India’s Parliament. And just like that, after years of demanding a permanent seat in the Security Council, India’s bid received a powerful boost. India is the world’s second most populous country. Its economy, already among the biggest in the world, is one of the fastest growing. And it is playing an increasingly important role in global affairs. So the US president’s pledge is timely. His assurances are good for India, and indeed,…

Bhutan’s address

September 29, 2009Posted inInternational
Foreign Secretary Daw Penjor delivered Bhutan’s statement to the 64th session of the UN General Assembly yesterday. He called on the UN members to collectively fight poverty, climate change and terrorism, and supported the ongoing discussions to reform the United Nations. He also spoke about Bhutan’s successful transition to a democratic constitutional monarchy, and about the recent natural calamities. The General Debates conclude today.

Independence Day

August 15, 2009Posted inInternational
Earlier today, I celebrated India’s Independence Day at the India House. H.E Ambassador Varma hosted a reception at his residence, and treated us to an unforgettable evening of Kathak, one of the main forms of Indian classical dance. Their Royal Highnesses Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck and Dasho Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck were the guests of honour at the festivities. To all my Indian friends – living in Bhutan, in India and many other countries – I offer warm greetings and a hearty tashi delek! during your 63rd Independence Day.

Everlasting smile

June 18, 2009Posted inInternational
Yesterday, at the Clock Tower Square, HRH Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck launched Grand Mutual Smiles, a project to exchange smiles – digitally, using smile detection cameras, computers and cyberspace – between the peoples of Thimphu and Linz, Austria. Thimphu’s Smiles project will be on for a week. And it was selected to introduce what’s being called “80+1: A Journey around the World”, an eighty day event featuring projects in at least 20 locations around the world. The projects showcase themes that are critically important for the future ranging from food and markets to exploration to co-existence. Thimphu’s theme is…

Impersonating OL

June 6, 2009Posted inInternational
A friend of mine asked me to look at a certain Govinda Rizal's blog. I did. And I was shocked. Mr Rizal claims that we had been in touch. And that I had written to him. I did no such thing. So someone has impersonated me. I don't see why anyone would want to pretend to be me. But I'm concerned that this may be an attempt to bring discredit to the opposition. And to defame me.

INC, UPA: Congratulations

May 19, 2009Posted inInternational
Her Excellency, Shrimati Sonia Gandhi President, Indian National Congress, and Chairperson, United Progressive Alliance Your Excellency: I have the great honour and pleasure to convey my humble congratulations to you on the success of the Congress Party and of the UPA during the recently held parliamentary elections. The People of India have indeed chosen wisely. I would also like to submit that the praise conferred upon you and Shri Rahul Gandhi for the astute leadership with which you have guided the Congress Party and UPA to victory in the elections is fully deserved. I take this opportunity to wish…

Student on ice

February 27, 2009Posted inInternational, Youth
Nishtha Sinha is Bhutan’s first student to visit Antarctica.Nishtha, an Indian, studies in Lungtenzampa MSS. So she represented two countries – Bhutan and India – when she participated in the 15-day Antarctic University Expedition 2009.The expedition, which ended yesterday, was organized by Students on Ice, a unique program that takes students, teachers and scientists to Antarctica and the Arctic to learn about and to develop respect for the world’s ecosystem.Nishtha, along with other student researchers from high schools and universities from a dozen countries, blogged from their “school” onboard the research ship, MV Ushuaia. Her second blog can be…

Celebrating India

January 26, 2009Posted inInternational
India became an independent country on 15 August 1947. But the British monarch, King George VI, continued as India’s head of state till the country was declared a republic. That historic declaration came into effect on 26 January 1950 when India adopted its constitution and became the world’s largest democracy.As India celebrates its 60th Republic Day, I offer my tashi delek to all the people of India, especially those residing in Bhutan, and thank them for their warm friendship and unwavering support to our king, our country and our people.I join President Pratibha Patil in wishing Indians everywhere: “Itney…

Celebrating volunteers

December 20, 2008Posted inInternational
I almost didn’t make it. I was so preoccupied writing about Galek’s taekwondo – and watching her practice – that I almost missed this morning’s event to honour two decades of JOCV service in Bhutan.HRH Ashi Sonam Dechen Wangchuck was the guest of honour, and JOCV and JICA had arranged quite a show – from lively dancing, classical music and health checks to photo exhibitions, tea ceremony and bamboo toys, our Japanese volunteer friends had organized a lot of activities in the Clock Tower square. It was fun.I would have felt terrible if I’d missed the event. Not because…

Mumbai blasts

November 27, 2008Posted inInternational
I strongly condemn the indiscriminate attacks by terrorists in Mumbai, and offer my condolences, solidarity and support to the victims and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with the government and people of India.

Denmark for Bhutan

November 21, 2008Posted inInternational
Yesterday, I attended the event “Denmark for Bhutan” featuring the Danish film “Italian for Beginners” directed by Lone Scherfig. The film, a light hearted romantic comedy, was made in the dogme style using hand held video cameras, natural lighting and a small budget.The event was organized outdoors – in the clear, crisp Thimphu evening at the CICCC Ground. Well done. And very enjoyable.Many thanks to the Citizens’ Initiative for Coronation and Centenary Celebrations, and the Liaison Office of Denmark for last evening’s celebrations.To our film makers: would dogme work in Bhutan? It's cheap and simple. But without the bright…