This edition of The Bhutan Journal is solemnly dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Govinda Rizal—scholar, activist, and co-founding editor of this publication. Since the journal’s inception in 2019, Dr. Rizal remained a steadfast pillar of its editorial vision, intellectual integrity, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Govinda Rizal’s Words Have Lasting Significance
Dr Susan Banki
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. 102-103). He describes the slow impoverishment of his family in Lodrai, with no income and no ability to plow the fields. When his family left, he describes how the family plot was taken from him, and he was made landless and homeless. In one of the most emotive moments of the book, Govinda describes managing to cross back into Bhutan during the AMCC marches. I quote at length here, because Govinda’s words demonstrate the tension and hope that so many young Bhutanese must have felt about exile and the potential promise of return.
TBJ Team
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), emphasising mindfulness, sustainability, and community well-being. This article explores the vision, strategic location, design principles, stakeholder collaborations, socio-environmental considerations, and potential challenges associated with the GMC.
The Cultural History of Gelephu
TBJ Team
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 Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, and the role of religious artifacts, festivals, and traditions in shaping the region’s cultural heritage. It also looks at the futuristic view of the cultural diversity if the GMC vision is realised in its entirety.
Demography Dynamics in Gelephu
TBJ Team
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 for the city. Many of the demographic indicators of Gelephu are better compared to other districts in the country. This chapter examines the demographic indicators of the Sarpang district, within which the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is located, and do their comparative study.
Gelephu: Bhutan’s Emerging Trade Powerhouse
TBJ Team
Gelephu is a significant trade hub. Historically, Gelephu has played a major role in the country’s trade, showing resilience through economic fluctuations and political upheavals. Its proximity to India is boon for both import and customers from across the border. Its potential as a business hub to connect South and South-East Asia will be tested over time. This article covers trade barriers, legal obstacles and other potential problems that might hinder the realisation of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) as a regional trading hub connecting Bhutan and South Asia with South-East Asia.
TBJ Team
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 region, emphasising the need for evidence-based practices, infrastructure development, and sustainable healthcare policies
GMC And The Challenges of Geography
TBJ Team
Gelephu sits on widest flat land of the country yet Bhutan’s mountain terrain mean the uneven geography is the challenge for any infrastructure development that are necessary for a thriving commercial hub. Bhutan’s commitments to ecology conservation is internationally recognised. On top of that GMC requires enormous investments to build infrastructure in the terrain, for which the country lack adequate capital. Under such circumstances, GMC leadership’s task requires fine tuned marketing skills to win the trust of investors that GMC guarantees return on investments.
Lack of Infrastructure Blurs Mega City Vision
TBJ Team
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, educational facilities, health amenities and transport are not well planned to cater to the need of a futuristic city. This article traces the challenges of Gelephu in attaining these basic infrastructures that are fundamental to building a mega city.
TBJ Team
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 SAR’s creation to some extent. The Local Government Act 2009, which governs local administrations, does not envision an SAR, suggesting the GMC operates outside current legal structures. Parliamentary approval was bypassed and national referendum was not deemed appropriate. This article shall look into constitutional, legal and other operational hurdles in the GMC realisation.
Political Representation in GMC
TBJ Team
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 powers. While these two territories were returning to their homeland from foreign rule, the GMC proposition is the other way round – Bhutan wants to separate Gelephu from its conservative rule and give some autonomy. In Hong Kong and Macau, the civil society had practiced the democratic exercise and enjoyed civil liberties which were essential to maintain the social fabric upon their return to China. In Gelephu, residents have not lived to adopt liberal thoughts or nurture the culture of democracy. This basic difference will determine the success of a ‘one country, two system’ test in Bhutan
Gelephu Beats Inside Bhutanese in Exile
TBJ Team
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 northern Bhutanese in Gelephu. Through an analysis of these events, this study highlights the enduring emotional and cultural ties between Gelephu and the exiled Bhutanese, as well as the broader implications for identity, citizenship, and national unity in Bhutan.