DOCSLIB.ORG

Pchiru Shelni: a Sexual Practice in Bhutan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Pchiru Shelni: a Sexual Practice in Bhutan University of Wollongong Research Online University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016 University of Wollongong Thesis Collections 2015 Pchiru Shelni: a sexual practice in Bhutan Tshering Yangden University of Wollongong Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses University of Wollongong Copyright Warning You may print or download ONE copy of this document for the purpose of your own research or study. The University does not authorise you to copy, communicate or otherwise make available electronically to any other person any copyright material contained on this site. You are reminded of the following: This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this work may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of the author. Copyright owners are entitled to take legal action against persons who infringe their copyright. A reproduction of material that is protected by copyright may be a copyright infringement. A court may impose penalties and award damages in relation to offences and infringements relating to copyright material. Higher penalties may apply, and higher damages may be awarded, for offences and infringements involving the conversion of material into digital or electronic form. Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong. Recommended Citation Yangden, Tshering, Pchiru Shelni: a sexual practice in Bhutan, Doctor of Philosophy thesis, Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts, University of Wollongong, 2015. https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/4619 Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] Department of Law, Humanities and the Arts Pchiru Shelni: A sexual Practice in Bhutan Tshering Yangden "This thesis is presented as part of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Wollongong" Month and Year February 2015 Rural Bhutanese women at a festival (Photograph: Author) This festival takes place in Shaa valley of Wangdue district. It is held once in every three years and is known as Shaa gi Locho. The festival is a form of religious ritual to protect the village from natural disasters. Each household is required to contribute a man and a woman for this purpose. While the men perform warrior dances, the role of women symbolizes nurturer. The roasted rice in containers and home brewed wine in bottles in front of the women are the offerings made to the leader of the warriors known as Yangpoen, the Pou (spiritual guide) and the Neyljorma (consort). The women stand in line in their finery ready to make the offerings once the dance sequence is complete. This in a way symbolizes the gender roles played out in everyday life where women prepare food while the men come back from work. However, the spectators tend to judge the looks and the quality of finery the women wear and become the subject of discussion around the villages pressuring the women to look as best as possible. i THESIS CERTIFICATION I, Tshering Yangden, declare that this thesis, submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy, in the School of Law, Humanities and the Arts, University of Wollongong, is wholly my own work unless otherwise referenced or acknowledged. The document has not been submitted for qualification at any other academic institution Signature Date ii ABSTRACT Pchiru Shelni is a sexual practice that has been an entrenched cultural and social practice believed to have started in rural Bhutan. The exact time when it began is not known. The process involves men having sexual relations with women by stealth, with or without consent, typically by sneaking into a woman’s bed or breaking into their houses under the cover of darkness. Anecdotal beliefs have shown that this practice occurs in major parts of rural Bhutan but not in the southern region of the country. This practice is popularly known as ‘Night Hunting’ in Bhutanese urban literate circles as well as outside the country. The practice is distinctly rural and is perceived as a traditional innocuous courtship/dating custom between single young men and women. There has not any documented substantive research on the practice except for a small study conducted on the subject within the context of courtship. While a study by one researcher, Penjore (2007) presents Pchiru Shelni as a traditional and harmless courtship practice that is mostly positive social and cultural custom, there has been recent questions raised in the public arena (traditional and social media for example) that point to a conflict of opinions between those wanting to treat it as an entrenched and socially acceptable practice and those who maintain it is a form of sexual coercion and systemic violence against women. This allows for the possibility that the practice may even be a neutral experience for women. Therefore this research starts with this premise. Using social constructionist and feminist theory, this thesis examines the different contexts (coercive and consensual) in which Pchiru Shelni takes place and the relation of Pchiru Shelni to wider social, cultural and political patterns as well as the implications for wider forms of gender inequality. Utilisation of qualitative method design, literature review and semi-structured interviews resulted in the conceptualisation of Pchiru Shelni. Despite the common assumption that these two practices are one and the same, data analysis also show that whilst they overlap in some respects, Pchiru Shelni and Night Hunting differ in some aspects. This research revealed that while sexual coercion is a major component of the Pchiru Shelni practice and has major consequences for women and children, it acknowledges that the practice of Pchiru Shelni serves some social purposes. Thus, this research recommends a ‘reworking’ and ‘reframing’ of Pchiru Shelni in order to 'lay bare' elements of sexual coercion, enable a 'rethinking' of the ways women are conceptualized within this practice and limit the harmful consequences of Pchiru Shelni. Furthermore, whilst the positive aspects of this sexual practice are acknowledged, changes in government policies are needed to redress gender iii inequality, empower Bhutanese women, provide for their children and support their wider communities. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This study would not have been possible without the support of many people. In particular I wish to acknowledge the continuing and unconditional mentoring of my supervisors. My gratitude goes to Michael Flood who over the last three and half years has patiently reassured and supported me through the many stages of this study. Michael’s guidance and numerous proofreads have provided me with academic insights and encouraged my discipline in writing. I have been touched by Michael’s kind understanding and support during my illnesses. Likewise, Swati Parashar’s advice has been invaluable in giving me necessary support and constructive critiques as well as editing expertise that I needed to complete this project. My special thanks go to Brian Martin for mentoring me both as an advisor as well as the coordinator of the High-Output Writing group. I am thankful for his support and advice when I felt low during my writing stages. To three of you, I thank you. I wish to acknowledge the Endeavour Awards program for funding my four years Doctor of Philosophy research course. I also acknowledge the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts for the research funding I was granted to conduct my field work in Bhutan in 2012, for enabling me to participate in an international conference in Thailand in 2013 and providing editing support fund. All these have enabled me to complete this thesis. Likewise, I extend my appreciation to the Faculty Post-Graduate Support Team and the editorial assistance of Brenda Mackie. Finally, I would like to dedicate this project to my family. My husband Thinley Jamtsho, son Karma Lodhen Jamtsho and daughter Karma Lodhen Wangmo who have been very supportive of me relieving me of household responsibilities and encouraging me to concentrate on my thesis. I am also grateful for their unconditional support during my illnesses. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................ v TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................... vi LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ xii 1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 13 1.1 Rationale for the study ............................................................................... 14 1.2 Objectives of this study .............................................................................. 17 1.3 Research questions .................................................................................... 19 1.4 Brief background on Bhutan ...................................................................... 21 1.4.1 History ...................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Trust Fund for Human Security, an Advisory Board On
    For the “Human-centered” 21st Century August 2009 Global Issues Cooperation Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 1 What is Human Security? 1 New Concept for International Cooperation other chronic threats as well as protecting them from sudden Since the end of the Cold War, the international community and hurtful disruptions in daily life. In light of coming 21st has experienced rapid globalization accompanied by the century, the report emphasized the perspective of focusing on economic liberalization and a marked progress of information the life and dignity of individuals in the context of technology. At the same time, this process has significantly development. deepened interdependence among the world, which brought At the UN Millennium Summit in 2000, Secretary-General substantial benefits to many people on one hand, and Kofi Annan presented a report with two key words: “Freedom widened the gap between the rich and the poor at both from fear, freedom from want,” stressing the need to tackle national and international levels on the other. the various global threats. Then Prime Minister of Japan, Today, as many as 980 million people are forced to Yoshiro Mori, declared at the Summit that Japan would subsist on less than one dollar a day. The massive and rapid uphold human security as one pillar of Japan’ s foreign policy, movement of people, goods, money and information and called for the establishment of an international encouraged transnational problems to spread, including the commission on human security to further deepen the concept. smuggling of people, arms and drugs as well as infectious Following then Prime Minister Mori’s proposal, Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Structural Violence Against Children in South Asia © Unicef Rosa 2018
    STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN SOUTH ASIA © UNICEF ROSA 2018 Cover Photo: Bangladesh, Jamalpur: Children and other community members watching an anti-child marriage drama performed by members of an Adolescent Club. © UNICEF/South Asia 2016/Bronstein The material in this report has been commissioned by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) regional office in South Asia. UNICEF accepts no responsibility for errors. The designations in this work do not imply an opinion on the legal status of any country or territory, or of its authorities, or the delimitation of frontiers. Permission to copy, disseminate or otherwise use information from this publication is granted so long as appropriate acknowledgement is given. The suggested citation is: United Nations Children’s Fund, Structural Violence against Children in South Asia, UNICEF, Kathmandu, 2018. STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN SOUTH ASIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS UNICEF would like to acknowledge Parveen from the University of Sheffield, Drs. Taveeshi Gupta with Fiona Samuels Ramya Subrahmanian of Know Violence in for their work in developing this report. The Childhood, and Enakshi Ganguly Thukral report was prepared under the guidance of of HAQ (Centre for Child Rights India). Kendra Gregson with Sheeba Harma of the From UNICEF, staff members representing United Nations Children's Fund Regional the fields of child protection, gender Office in South Asia. and research, provided important inputs informed by specific South Asia country This report benefited from the contribution contexts, programming and current violence of a distinguished reference group: research. In particular, from UNICEF we Susan Bissell of the Global Partnership would like to thank: Ann Rosemary Arnott, to End Violence against Children, Ingrid Roshni Basu, Ramiz Behbudov, Sarah Fitzgerald of United Nations Population Coleman, Shreyasi Jha, Aniruddha Kulkarni, Fund Asia and the Pacific region, Shireen Mary Catherine Maternowska and Eri Jejeebhoy of the Population Council, Ali Mathers Suzuki.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of the Impact of Trade Policy Reform in Countries Acceding
    UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AASSESSMENT OF THE IIMPACT OF TTRADE PPOLICY RREFORM IN CCOUNTRIES AACCEDING TO THE WWORLD TTRADE OORGANIZATION:: TTHE GGENDER DDIMENSION A STUDY PREPARED UNDER THE UNCTAD TRUST FUND FOR WTO ACCESSIONS, PHASE 3 United Nations New York and Geneva, 2010 ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF TRADE POLICY REFORM IN COUNTIRES ACCEDING TO THE WTO: THE GENDER DIMENSION NNNOOOTTTEEE • The symbols of United Nations documents are composed of capital letters combined with figures. Mention of such a symbol indicates a reference to a United Nations document. • The views expressed in this volume are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the UNCTAD secretariat or its member States. The designations employed and the presentation of the material do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations Secretariat concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries, or regarding its economic system or degree of development. • Material in this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted, but acknowledgement is requested, together with a reference to the document number. A copy of the publication containing the quotation or reprint should be sent to the UNCTAD secretariat at: Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland. Series Editor: Ms. Mina Mashayekhi Head, Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10 UNCTAD/DITC/TNCD/2010/6 UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATION ISSN 1816-2878 ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AAACCCKKKNNNOOOWWWLLLEEEDDDGGGEEEMMMEEENNNTTTSSS This study was undertaken under the framework of the UNCTAD Trust Fund for WTO Accessions, Phase 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Translation Role of Bhutanese Media in Democracy: Case Study of the 2013 General Election
    Translation Role of Bhutanese Media in Democracy: Case Study of the 2013 General Election Keywords: Bhutan, Monarchy, Democracy, Information Society, Media Hitoshi FUJIWARA, Waseda University. Abstract The Kingdom of Bhutan, located in the Himalayas, closed its doors to foreign countries until the 1960s. After it reopened, Bhutan was a modern state for half a century. In 2008, the King of Bhutan decided to relinquish his power and democratize the country. It was an unprecedented event in history. On the other hand, there was no mass media in this tiny country until the 1990s. In 1999, the King lifted the ban on information technology such as television and the Internet. It was a rare case where television broadcasting and Internet services commenced at the same time. This study illustrates the history of democracy and the media in Bhutan and examines the correlation between them. Before commencing with such an examination, the theoretical stream of the relationship between democracy and the media in modern history should be reviewed. The primary section of this paper comprises field research and analysis regarding the National Assembly election of Bhutan in 2013, as a case study of the practice of democracy. The research questions are as follows: ‘What was the role of Bhutanese media in this election?’; ‘What kind of information led Bhutanese voters to decision making?’ In conclusion, the theoretical model and the Bhutanese practical model of the relationship between the government, media, and citizens are compared. This comparison shows the progress of democracy and the role of the media in modern-day Bhutan. 16 Journal of Socio-Informatics Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Sebuah Kajian Pustaka
    International Journal of Research in Social Sciences Vol. 8 Issue 3, March 2018 ISSN: 2249-2496 Impact Factor: 7.081 Journal Homepage: http://www.ijmra.us, Email: [email protected] Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories Indexed & Listed at: Ulrich's Periodicals Directory ©, U.S.A., Open J-Gate as well as in Cabell‟s Directories of Publishing Opportunities, U.S.A Democracy: Present and Future in Bhutan Dr. DHARMENDRA MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER U.M.S CHAINPUR THARTHARI,NALANDA Abstract Democracy has come a long way from the Greek ideas of Demos and Kratos and in fact this journey in the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan since 2008 seems to be one of a regime initiated one. It holds all the trappings of being depicted as yet another model of guided democracy, like the ones prevalent in Turkey (since Ataturk), in Pakistan under the martial law administrators as well as under Pervez Musharraf, Indonesia (under Ahmed Sukarno) and others where, democracy is and was looked upon as an institution under the protection of the armed forces. And this incident made way to autocracy in those countries. In Bhutan, the custodian appears to be the monarchy and the monarchs themselves. The framers of the 2008 constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan makes every effort to insulate their document from political quagmire by putting in place certain qualifications namely like that candidates contesting the poll should be graduates only, making way for the technocrats to run for the elected offices. For the present time this guided democracy seems to continue without much of a problem but in the future it might give way to some other form or perhaps political turmoil.
    [Show full text]
  • Women, Leadership & the Economy in South Asia
    Women, Leadership & the Economy in South Asia Conference Report Submitted By Charu Chadha, Editor, Business 360 Supported By: Sunaina Budathoki Organized by South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF) Kathmandu 19-20 October 2016 Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 4 Conference Rationale ............................................................................................................................ 4 Conference Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 5 Issues Covered ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Inaugural Event ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Talk Program: South Asian Women Leaders – The Change Makers ................................................... 7 Conference Day 1 ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Session 1: Role of national federations and chambers as a force in the economic development of women, best model projects ................................................................................................................. 10 Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Green Industrial Park Jyothi Rao,
    [Show full text]
  • Democracy in Bhutan Is Truly a Result of the Desire, Structural Changes Within the Bhutanese Aspiration and Complete Commitment of the Polity
    MARCH 2010 IPCS Research Papers DDeemmooccrraaccyy iinn BBhh uuttaann AAnn AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff CCoonn ssttiittuuttiioonnaall CChhaannggee iinn aa BBuuddddhhiisstt MMoonnaarrcc hhyy Marian Gallenkamp Marian Gallenkamp IInnssttiittuuttee ooff PPeeaaccee aanndd CCoonnfflliicctt SSttuuddiieess NNeeww DDeellhh1 ii,, IINNDDIIAA Copyright 2010, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is not responsible for the facts, views or opinion expressed by the author. The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), established in August 1996, is an independent think tank devoted to research on peace and security from a South Asian perspective. Its aim is to develop a comprehensive and alternative framework for peace and security in the region catering to the changing demands of national, regional and global security. Address: B 7/3 Lower Ground Floor Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi 110029 INDIA Tel: 91-11-4100 1900, 4165 2556, 4165 2557, 4165 2558, 4165 2559 Fax: (91-11) 4165 2560 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ipcs.org CONTENTS I. Introduction.................................................................................................2 II. Constitutional Change: A Comprehensive Analysis ..................................3 III. Conclusion: Bhutan a Unique Case?...................................................... 16 VI. Bibliography............................................................................................ 19 I. Introduction “Democracy in Bhutan is truly a result of the desire, structural changes within the Bhutanese aspiration and complete commitment of the polity. While the historical analysis might monarchy to the well-being of the people and the appear to be excessive, it nevertheless is an country” important task to fully understand the uniqueness of the developments in Bhutan. (Chief Justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Sonam Democratic transition does not happen Tobgye, 18 July 2008) overnight; it is usually a long process of successive developments.
    [Show full text]
  • Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan in Elections on Information Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan (2006-2015)
    STATISTICAL Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan INFORMATION on Elections in Bhutan (2006-2015) www.election-bhutan.org.bt (2006-2015) Election Commission of Bhutan, Post Box No. 2008, Olakha, Thimphu, Bhutan Telephone: +975-02-334851/334852, Fax: +975-02-334763 Election Statistics (2006-2015) 2006-2015 Election Commi ssion of Bhutan 1 Election Statistics (2006-2015) © Election Commission of Bhutan No part of this book may be reproduced in any form. Anybody wishing to use the name, photo, cover design, part of material or thereof in any form of this book may do so with due permission or acknowledgement of the Election Commission of Bhutan. For any querry : [email protected] 2 Election Statistics (2006-2015) The Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan 2006-2015 is the first edition of data being published by the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB). The book provides comprehensive statistical information of all elections that the Election Commission has conducted since its establishment in 2006 to 2015 including the First and Second Parliamentary Elections in 2008 and 2013, Thromde Elections in 2011, three phases of Local Government Elections in 2012 and series of Re-Elections and Bye-Elections for both Parliamentary and Local Government. This publication will enable readers to get reliable information related to voters, voter turnout, election officials, media coverage of elections and other relevant and available information related to elections in Bhutan. The data and information compiled in this book are based on the information collected from the polling stations, Dzongkhag Election Offices, and the ECB Head Office. The book is expected to be a source of information and serve as a data bank for any users wishing to carry out research and studies on matters related to elections in Bhutan.
    [Show full text]
  • Compendium on Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation
    Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation: Evidence from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal 163 Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation Evidence from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation Evidence from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal Published by Consumer Unity & Trust Society D-217, Bhaskar Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur 302016, India Ph: 91.141.2282821, Fx: 91.141.2282485 Email: [email protected], Web: www.cuts-international.org Supported by: In partnership with: © CUTS International, October 2020 ISBN 978-81-8257-284-3 Printed in India by Unique Print In, Jaipur This Compendium has been published as a part of CUTS project entitled, 'Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation Agreement: Evidence from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal' undertaken with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK and in partnership with Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Bhutan Media & Communications Institute; and South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics & Environment, Nepal. The material in this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for education or non-profit uses, without special permission from the copyright holders, provided acknowledgment of the source is made. The publishers would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication, which uses this publication as a source. #2012 Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation: Evidence from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal 3 Contents Acknowledgement ......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Political Scenario in Bhutan During 1774-1906: an Impact Analysis on Trade and Commerce
    Political Scenario in Bhutan during 1774-1906: An Impact Analysis on Trade and Commerce Ratna Sarkar* and Indrajit Ray** The East India Company’s relationship with Bhutan may be traced back to the conflict between the Princely state of Cooch Behar and Bhutan in 1772 where the Deb Raja of Bhutan defeated King Khagendra Narayan of Cooch Behar. The latter’s army commander Nazir Deo re-attacked Bhutan1 on behalf of the Prince and subsequently won the battle with the help of British soldiers. The relation between Bhutan and British India became imminent when the Deb Raja solicited the mediation of Panchen Lama of Tibet and fell back to the British power. This relationship, however, opened up a new vista to British imperialism from the last quarter of the eighteenth century onwards. While the East India Company’s desire to promote its trade in the Himalayan kingdoms, especially Tibet, was one of the reasons to this end, the other reason might be its design to consolidate its empire in this subcontinent against the expansion of the Russian and Chinese imperialism. Various political events like wars and peace-treaties followed as the Company administration in Bengal sought to realise these objectives. In the ultimate analysis, these political events shaped the trade relation of Bhutan with its neighbouring countries. The present article seeks to bring out these causations between various political events and trade relation of Bhutan during the previous centuries. Section I of this article documents various political events that led to the evolution of Bhutanese trade during the eighteenth-nineteenth centuries.
    [Show full text]
  • Technical Summary Report: FAO-BAFRA National Seminar and Workshop on Food Safety Culture and Food Safety Indicators Pilot Project in Bhutan
    Technical summary report: FAO-BAFRA National seminar and workshop on food safety culture and food safety indicators pilot project in Bhutan 19-23 August 2019 Thimphu and Gelephu, Bhutan ©Tandin Norbu, 2019 Norbu, ©Tandin ©FAO, 2019 Technical summary report: FAO-BAFRA National seminar and workshop on food safety culture and food safety indicators pilot project in Bhutan 19-23 August 2019 Thimphu and Gelephu, Bhutan Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Bangkok, 2019 Abstract The report presents the proceedings of 1) a high level advocacy seminar on food safety culture for policy decision makers, heads of the technical departments and institutions and food business owners to introduce the concept and garner support for food safety culture; 2) a technical workshop on food safety culture for food professionals aimed at instituting a deeper understanding of food safety culture; and 3) a field trip to the south of Bhutan to understand the current progress with the food safety indicators and traceability work that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have implemented in Bhutan in collaboration with Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB). FAO, in collaboration with Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA), Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF), Royal Government of Bhutan organized it from 19 August to 23 August 2019. Approximately 50 participants comprising senior government officials, top management of various stakeholder organizations, heads of international agencies and development partners attended the high- level seminar, while 60 technical officers working on food production, safety and regulation from government, private food businesses and relevant stakeholders attended the training workshop.
    [Show full text]
  • Mass Media: Its Consumption and Impact on Residents of Thimphu and Rural Areas
    MASS MEDIA: ITS CONSUMPTION AND IMPACT ON RESIDENTS OF THIMPHU AND RURAL AREAS Phuntsho Rapten∗ Introduction Mass Media in Bhutan primarily refers to the radio, Kuensel (the national newspaper), cinema halls, television and Internet. These are the main media disseminating information and serving as sources of entertainment. Although different forms of media were introduced since the launching of socio-economic development in the 1960s, television and Internet services were introduced only in June 1999. While television, newspapers, cinemas and Internet services are largely confined to the urban areas radio is the only effective communication medium in the rural areas. A 1998 listener survey1 of five Dzongkhags (Thimphu, Paro, Chukha, Punakha and Wangdue) gives an idea of the penetration of the media in Bhutan. Taking an example of all the households in five Dzongkhags on average, 63.1% own at least one radio receiver, 22.6% own a tape recorder, 6.9 % own a TV screen, 8.4% own a video player or recorder, and 6.5% own a telephone. Although Kuensel is also widely circulated in the country, its readership in the villages is very limited due to a low literacy level. The media in Bhutan have progressively enhanced individual awareness by widening the scope of information transmission beyond the traditional face- to-face oral interaction to literacy-oriented communication and now to an electronic media. They have helped to share information about the past and present, depict social, cultural and historical aspects of Bhutan that helped to create a common culture, tradition and system of values. However, the mass media and information technology are increasingly becoming powerful instruments for the penetration of global culture and the values of a global market into Bhutan.
    [Show full text]