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Geographical and Historical Background of Education in Bhutan
Chapter 2 Geographical and Historical Background of Education in Bhutan Geographical Background There is a great debate regarding from where the name of „Bhutan‟ appears. In old Tibetan chronicles Bhutan was called Mon-Yul (Land of the Mon). Another theory explaining the origin of the name „Bhutan‟ is derived from Sanskrit „Bhotanta‟ where Tibet was referred to as „Bhota‟ and „anta‟ means end i. e. the geographical area at the end of Tibet.1 Another possible explanation again derived from Sanskrit could be Bhu-uttan standing for highland, which of course it is.2 Some scholars think that the name „Bhutan‟ has come from Bhota (Bod) which means Tibet and „tan‟, a corruption of stan as found in Indo-Persian names such as „Hindustan‟, „Baluchistan‟ and „Afganistan‟etc.3 Another explanation is that “It seems quite likely that the name „Bhutan‟ has come from the word „Bhotanam‟(Desah iti Sesah) i.e., the land of the Bhotas much the same way as the name „Iran‟ came from „Aryanam‟(Desah), Rajputana came from „Rajputanam‟, and „Gandoana‟ came from „Gandakanam‟. Thus literally „Bhutan‟ means the land of the „Bhotas‟-people speaking a Tibetan dialect.”4 But according to Bhutanese scholars like Lopen Nado and Lopen Pemala, Bhutan is called Lho Mon or land of the south i.e. south of Tibet.5 However, the Bhutanese themselves prefer to use the term Drukyul- the land of Thunder Dragon, a name originating from the word Druk meaning „thunder dragon‟, which in turn is derived from Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Bhutan presents a striking example of how the geographical setting of a country influences social, economic and political life of the people. -
English Newsletter Volume IV Issue I
“SecuringSaZhi the priceless land for prosperity and happiness ” National Land Commission’s quarterly newsletter January–March, 2017 Vol. IV, Issue I Inside this Issue New Secretary joins Office of the International Citizen Portal for urban Pg. 2 Boundaries land and property trans- actions Mr. Lethro Tobden Tangbi Taking Land Services to Pg. 3 joined as the new Secretary for the grassroot level International Boundary Office, th Bhutan Land Dashboard Pg. 5 on 15 February, 2017. Well- to be developed wishers, friends and family members gathered to offer Empowering NLCS fe- Pg. 9 male employees khadhar during Tendrel ceremo- ny. Overall concept & advisor: He served in the Office of the Pema Chewang, Secretary His Majesty’s Secretariat of the New IB Secretary Lethro Tobden Tangbi Fourth Druk Gyalpo prior to the Editorial Team present post. He first joined the He holds Masters in Public Ad- civil service in the Ministry of ministration from International Gonpo Tenzin- Chief, PPD Home & Cultural Affairs in 1989. Institute of Public Administration During 28 years of service he Gungsang Wangdi- PPD (IIPA) in Paris, France. served in various capacities. Dorji Wangchuk, LMD New Lagthrams Issued Thromde along with copies of Chazhag thrams to Dzongrab Nima Gyeltshen on 18th January, 2017. There are 464 thramhold- ers under Bajo Throm including 22 government institutions. The new lagthrams contain not only land details of the landown- er but also respective cadastral maps with coordinates. The landowners will have to pay a minimal fee of Nu.200 for urban The Director handing over New Lagthrams to Wangdue Dzongrab Lagthram. The Director for Department of ment Mr. -
The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016
The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016 Our nation’s vision can only be fulfilled if the scope of our dreams and aspirations are matched by the reality of our commitment to nurturing our future citizens. —His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Table of Contents 4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President 8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright! 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage 16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers 18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope 24 How the young and old bring a community back to life 26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation 29 Our Partners 30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 34 Financial Overview 36 Ways to Give 38 Our Team Table of Contents 4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President 8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright! 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage 16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers 18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope 24 How the young and old bring a community back to life 26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation 29 Our Partners 30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 34 Financial Overview 36 Ways to Give 38 Our Team A Time to Invest . -
Deconstructing Androcentrism in Buddhist Literature Through the Lens of Ethnography: a Case Study of Bhutanese Nuns
KEMANUSIAAN Vol. 25, Supp. 1, (2018), 143–165 Deconstructing Androcentrism in Buddhist Literature Through the Lens of Ethnography: A Case Study of Bhutanese Nuns *SONAM WANGMO JULI EDO KAMAL SOLHAIMI FADZIL Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia *Corresponding author: [email protected] Published online: 20 December 2018 To cite this article: Wangmo, S., Edo, J. and Fadzil, K.S. 2018. Deconstructing androcentrism in Buddhist literature through the lens of ethnography: A case study of Bhutanese nuns. KEMANUSIAAN the Asian Journal of Humanities 25(Supp. 1): 143–165, https://doi.org/10.21315/ kajh2018.25.s1.8 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.21315/kajh2018.25.s1.8 Abstract. Traditional androcentric sociology has reinforced biased views of women and portrayed women as silent research objects of minor importance that figure marginally in academic writing, thereby distorting the knowledge base. The same tendencies have been observed in Buddhist religious literature. The bone of contention in the feminist critique of Buddhism is the omission of women from religious literature. Although Buddhist women’s spiritual prowess was well documented in early Buddhism in religious literature such as the Therīgatha, later Buddhist literature began to demonstrate androcentric tendencies, in most instances completely ignoring the religious lives of women. Since women have been largely sidelined in Buddhist texts, it is important to go beyond textual dimensions to gain deeper insights into women’s religious lives. The feminist Buddhist scholar, Rita Gross (2009), in her monumental work, A Garland of Feminist Reflections, emphasised the need to explore various ways other than our own to think, live and practice religion to broaden our horizons to avoid a narrow-minded approach to academic research. -
United Nations Bhutan Covid-19 Sitrep #3
BRIEF UNITED NATIONS BHUTAN COVID-19 SITREP #3 UPDATE 30 July 2020 Highlight of Key UN Achievements and Advocacy Messages Given the scale of this global COVID challenge, our world may need to go beyond simple categories of either optimism or pessimism. UN Bhutan is responding to the immediate needs of the people; the needs of the most vulnerable while strengthening economic resilience and building longer-term human capital in a comprehensive way so that we find new ways to ‘Build Back Better’. - Gerald Daly, UN Resident Coordinator, Bhutan One UN The Government of Bhutan is closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and while 101 cases have been confirmed in Bhutan, all were imported, and no deaths have been reported. While the health impact has so far been limited as compared to many other countries, the economic and social effects are significant. The health sector would be challenged to cope with a major outbreak and a possible stock out of essential health commodities such as drugs, reagents and consumables. An extended period of limited movement of people, goods, and finances will have important consequences for the economy, especially the tourism sector and related service industries. Bhutan is also likely to be negatively affected by any extended economic downturn in its neighbors (especially India). The UN in Bhutan (FAO, IFAD, ITC, UNDP, UNESCAP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNODC, WFP, and WHO) moved quickly and pro-actively to respond to COVID-19. In particular, UN agencies developed a joint response framework aligned with “UN Framework for the Socio-Economic Response to COVID-19” includes both short-term measures to mitigate negative social and economic consequences along with medium- to long-term investments to strengthen the re-build and resilience to future crises. -
Ngoedrup-Tse Dzong: Chhukha
༆ དཔལ་辡ན་འབྲུག་ག筴ང་། རྫོང་ཁག་བདག་སྐྱོང་། ད፼ས་གྲུབ་རྩེ་རྫོང་། ᭴་ཁ། ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN DZONGKHAG ADMINISTRATION Ngoedrup-Tse Dzong: Chhukha The Ngoedrup-Tse Bi-Annual Newsletter Volume I Issue I Inside Story > Ngoedrup-Tse “Ngoedrup-Tse” literally meaning the pinnacle of blessing, Ngoedrup-Tse >Page 1 Birth Day Celebration of His Majesty is the name given to the newest Chhukha Dzong during the Druk Gyalpo >Page 2 the consecration ceremony by His Holiness Trulku Jigme Chhukha People Elect their NC Choda, the 70th Je Khenpo of Bhutan. Magnificently and Member > Page2 Bayulkunza Gets Suspension Bridge >Page 2 architecturally built Dzong, the first of it kind in the country, Waste Management Program. >Page 3 was graciously unveiled the inauguration plaque by Her Lone Tsimalakha`s Barber. >Page3 Community Artificial Insemination Majesty the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck on March Training. >Page 4 9,2012. Farmers Cooperatives Study Tour >Page 4 An Organic Agriculture Project for Sustainable Livelihood >Page 4 White Button Mushroom Cultivation – An Initiation in Chhukha >Page 5 Pineapple Marketing–Pride of Shakhu Village >Page 5 Internet Connectivity in BHUs and Schools. >Page 5 Observation of Social Forestry Day >Page 6 Nipah Virus Screening Programme . >Page 6 Zepa- Chu -Nye Throngdrel at Dokhachu Goenpa >Page 6 Poultry Farming at Logchina Lower Secondary School. >Page 7 Wangdigatshel Primary School- the first in Bhtuan receive Earthquake resilient desk >Page 7 Popularly known for its Darla and Chhukha Hydro Power The Potluck Pogramme in Ngoedrup- Projects, the Dzongkhag is also the main entry point of Tse’s Campus >Page 8 Priority Sector Lending Programme all imports and commercial hub of the country. -
Recent Bhutanese Scholarship in History and Anthropology
Recent Bhutanese Scholarship in History and Anthropology Francoise Pommaret∗ This paper would like to present the recent scholarship on Bhutan by the Bhutanese themselves and to show that the studies of these scholars are the offsprings of a long tradition of Bhutanese scholarship but that they also demonstrate new trends, which are in tune with the socio-cultural changes in the country. My topic today is Bhutanese scholarship1 in what are generally called "the Human Sciences", that is history and anthropology, but will not deal with sociology, political studies, development studies or religious studies, fields in themselves. In brief reference to this last discipline, suffice it to mention here Khenpo Phuntsho Tashi, assistant director of the National Museum, Karma Wangchuk, who works at the National Library in Thimphu, and Karma Phuntsho in Oxford and Dorji Wangchuk in Hamburg, both doing their Ph. Ds. Largely bibliographical, this paper will also fully indicate the recent Bhutanese publications to interested researchers. The mentions of publications, which are often too unknown outside Bhutan because of problems of distribution, therefore aim at broadening the scientific knowledge of Bhutan on specific subjects. While ethno-history and anthropology,2 are still in their infancy in Bhutan - I will come back to that subject a little later - history has always been one of the subjects that has made Bhutanese scholars famous among academics working on the Himalayas and Tibet. Their contribution, not only to the history of Bhutan but to the history of the Himalayan region as well, is very important. Among the many scholars of past centuries, there are a number we can name more particularly: the 4th Je Khenpo, Ngawang Lhungrub3 who wrote the monumental biography of the 4th Desi, Tenzin Rabgye; the ∗ Centre for National Scientific Research, Paris 128 Recent Bhutanese Scholarship in History and Anthropology 13th Je Khenpo, Yonten Thaye, who wrote the biography of the 10th Je Khenpo Tenzin Chogyal and that of the 13th Desi, Sherab Wangchuk. -
Bhutan 2013 International Religious Freedom Report
BHUTAN 2013 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT Executive Summary The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom, but in practice, the government limited this freedom by curtailing religious activity that it believed interfered with the country’s identity and stability. The government made statements promoting religious tolerance, especially of Christians. The government continued to deny members of the clergy voting rights and the right to run for public office, a practice the government defended as necessary because of the strict constitutional separation of religion from politics. There were reports of societal discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice, including in rural areas and in schools. There was societal pressure on non-Buddhists to uphold the “Buddhist spiritual heritage” of the country, including participating in Buddhist prayers and rituals. There are no formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the government, although informal relations are coordinated through the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and through Bhutan’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. The U.S. government continued to encourage the government to uphold human rights and religious freedom as part of its democratization process. U.S. officials raised issues of religious freedom with government officials. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 725,000 (July 2013 estimate). According to a U.S. government estimate, approximately 75 percent of the population practices Drukpa Kagyu or Nyingmapa Buddhism, both of which are disciplines of Mahayana Buddhism. The Nepali-speaking minority includes a small number of Christians and Buddhists, although most are Hindu. -
Bhutan's Political Transition –
Spotlight South Asia Paper Nr. 2: Bhutan’s Political Transition – Between Ethnic Conflict and Democracy Author: Dr. Siegried Wolf (Heidelberg) ISSN 2195-2787 1 SSA ist eine regelmäßig erscheinende Analyse- Reihe mit einem Fokus auf aktuelle politische Ereignisse und Situationen Südasien betreffend. Die Reihe soll Einblicke schaffen, Situationen erklären und Politikempfehlungen geben. SSA is a frequently published analysis series with a focus on current political events and situations concerning South Asia. The series should present insights, explain situations and give policy recommendations. APSA (Angewandte Politikwissenschaft Südasiens) ist ein auf Forschungsförderung und wissenschaftliche Beratung ausgelegter Stiftungsfonds im Bereich der Politikwissenschaft Südasiens. APSA (Applied Political Science of South Asia) is a foundation aiming at promoting science and scientific consultancy in the realm of political science of South Asia. Die Meinungen in dieser Ausgabe sind einzig die der Autoren und werden sich nicht von APSA zu eigen gemacht. The views expressed in this paper are solely the views of the authors and are not in any way owned by APSA. Impressum: APSA Im Neuehnheimer Feld 330 D-69120 Heidelberg [email protected] www.apsa.info 2 Acknowledgment: The author is grateful to the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), Brussels for the extended support on this report. 3 Bhutan ’ s Political Transition – Between Ethnic Conflict and Democracy Until recently Bhutan (Drukyul - Land of the Thunder Dragon) did not fit into the story of the global triumph of democracy. Not only the way it came into existence but also the manner in which it was interpreted made the process of democratization exceptional. As a land- locked country which is bordered on the north by Tibet in China and on the south by the Indian states Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, it was a late starter in the process of state-building. -
DRMS Assumes Great Significance
Disaster Risk Management Strategy “Safe, Resilient and Happy Bhutan” Department of Disaster Management Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs Royal Government of Bhutan 1 List of Acronyms ADB Asian Development Bank ADPC Asian Disaster Preparedness Center AI Avian Influenza BCCI Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry BDA Bhutan Disaster Assessment BHU Basic Health Unit BSB Bhutan Standards Bureau CBDRM Community-Based Disaster Risk Management CC Climate Change CCA Climate Change Adaptation CITES Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species CWC Centre for Water Commission DDM Department of Disaster Management DDMC Dzongkhag Disaster Management Committee DES Department of Engineering Services DFID Department for International Development DGM Department of Geology and Mines DGPC Druk Green Power Corporation DHMS Department of Hydro-Met Services DHS Department of Human Settlement DLG Department of Local Governance DM Disaster Management DMP Disaster Management Plan DMS Department of Medical Services DoA Department of Agriculture DoR Department of Roads DoYS Department of Youth and Sports DRM Disaster Risk Management DRR Disaster Risk Reduction DT DzongkhagTshogdu EFRC Environmental Friendly Road Construction ESF Emergency Support Function EWS Early Warning System FYP Five-Year Plan GHG Greenhouse gas GIS Geographical Information System GFDRR Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery GLOF Glacial Lake Outburst Flood GNH Gross National Happiness 2 GNHC Gross National Happiness Commission GPS Global Positioning System GT -
Traditional Forms of Volunteerism in Bhutan
Traditional Forms of Volunteerism in Bhutan Tashi Choden dpl-'˜ug-Zib-'j/g-Ðe-b; dpl-'˜ug-Zib-'j/g-Ðe-b; The Centre for Bhutan Studies Traditional Forms of Volunteerism in Bhutan By Tashi Choden Copyright© The Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2003 Published by The Centre for Bhutan Studies Post Box No. 1111 Thimphu, Bhutan Tel: 975-02-321005, 321111 Facsimile: 975-02-321001 email: [email protected] http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt ISBN 99936-14-07-6 Content Content ..........................................................................................i Preface ..........................................................................................ii Introduction .................................................................................1 The Concept of Volunteerism from a Buddhist Perspective ....2 The Continuing Spirit of Volunteerism and Social Responsibility...............................................................................5 Community benefaction of Anim Jitsem ............................. 7 Recent Trends in Voluntary Activities ..................................... 12 The Choethuen Tshogpa .............................................. 14 Conclusion.................................................................................. 19 References................................................................................... 21 i Preface Traditional Forms of Volunteerism in Bhutan is a brief introduction to some of the various forms of volunteerism, social engagement and responsibility that we find in the country. The -
COINAGE in BHUTAN Nicholas Rhodes
COINAGE IN BHUTAN Nicholas Rhodes'" Introduction In Thimphu, and elsewhere in Western Bhutan, it is still possible to find many examples of the old copper coins, known as Matam, Chetam and Zangtam. Old silver coins can also be found, although less frequently. Very little, however, has been written about the background to these coins - who made them, where and when, and how they were used. The purpose of this article is to set out what I know about these old Bhutanese coins, not only to present the information more widely, but also in the hope that there will be people in Bhutan who will be encouraged to provide additional evidence from oral tradition, written records, or from any other sources. Elderly people may still be alive who remember such coins being struck, but unless their memories are recorded soon, the information will be lost forever. Before the 1950s, there were no urban communities in Bhutan, and coins only played a small part in the economy of the country, serving mainly as a store of value, and as ceremonial gifts or donations. Silver coins, usually foreign coins, also served as the raw material from which jewellery and "pan" boxes were made. Day to day life mainly involved subsistence farming, supplemented by barter. Taxes were paid either in kind or in services, and land rent was paid as a share of the produce, again in kind. Some insight into how coins were used in the old days can be obtained from Karma Ura's books, The Hero with a Thousand Nicholas Rhodes holds an MA in mathematics from Trinity College, Cambridge.