The Bhutan Journal Volume VI, Issue 1
-
Govinda Rizal’s Words Have Lasting Significance
Govinda wrote powerfully about what it meant to be forced out. He wrote movingly about the last time he saw his Amai, and about the torture and death of a dear friend and classmate, Khadka Bahadur Magar, whose family was tricked into signing forms that made it seem as though he was already sick (pp.…
-
GMC: A Challenging Vision
The proposed Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) represents a transformative urban development initiative in Bhutan, aimed at establishing a pivotal business connection between South East Asia and South Asia. Announced by King Jigme Khesar on December 17, 2023, the GMC aspires to create a holistic living environment attuned to Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH),…
-
The Cultural History of Gelephu
Gelephu and its residents have an enduring capacity to adapt and respond to change when new factors/influences are introduced, while simultaneously preserving that which promotes unique aspects of culture and religion. This kind of adaptability supports the ambitions of the GMC. This study examines the pre-Gelephu culture, the impact of Nepali culture, the emergence of…
-
Demography Dynamics in Gelephu
As the third largest city in Bhutan, Gelephu has the fastest growing population, which would be accelerated with the proposed Gelephu Special Administrative Region (GeSAR). However, there are restrictions already in place for land transactions in the district and people from the region are forced to seek land substitutions in other districts to make way…
-
Health Landscape of Gelephu
Significant progress has been made in healthcare delivery, particularly in the areas of infectious disease control, non-communicable diseases, and traditional medicine. There are also several challenges faced by the healthcare system, including infrastructure issues, increased NCDs, and the integration of traditional and modern medicine. The article concludes with recommendations for improving healthcare services in the…
-
Lack of Infrastructure Blurs Mega City Vision
Gelephu faces significant infrastructure challenges, hindering its transformation into a major commercial hub. Despite its flat terrain, which is conducive to development, the town has repeatedly failed to evolve due to inadequate infrastructure. A notable issue is water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and poor management. Other primary infrastructures such as sanitation, waste management, housing,…
-
Legal Basis For GeSAR
The GeSAR represents a groundbreaking initiative with executive, legal, and policy autonomy. Established by a Royal Charter issued in February 2024, the GeSAR operates under a unique legal framework. While Bhutan’s Constitution does not explicitly provide for SARs, Article 2, Section 16e grants the King prerogatives for actions not covered by existing laws, legitimising the…
-
Political Representation in GMC
The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is established as an independent entity with executive, legislative and judiciary independence. The city is unlikely to have political independence though. The ‘one country, two systems’ which is rarely practiced around the world except for the case of Hong Kong and Macau when they were returned to China from colonial…
-
Gelephu Beats Inside Bhutanese in Exile
The relationship between Gelephu and the Bhutanese in exile, particularly the Nepali speaking community, is a complex narrative shaped by socio-political movements, demographic shifts, and state policies. This paper examines key historical events, including the political awakening in 1950, 1990s, the king’s visits and assurances, the mass exodus of Nepalis, and the subsequent resettlement of…