Winds of change blow through Bhutan

Subhashis Mittra

Thimphu (Bhutan), Nov 9 (PTI) Winds of change are blowing
through Bhutan, the reclusive 'Land of the Thunder Dragon',
where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made a
visit riding a yak, half a century ago.

In May this year, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh landed
at Paro International Airport, marking a sign of progress in
terms of infrastructural development in the tiny landlocked
country.

The picturesque country, which calls itself "The Land of
the Thunder Dragon", was never colonised but was divided into
countless local fiefdoms. For centuries the Bhutanese relished
their isolation, maintaining a barter economy and allowing few
foreigners to visit.

About the size of Switzerland, Bhutan is one of the
most insular countries on earth. Incredible it may sound, but
Bhutan had no roads, telephones or currency till the 1960s,
and only allowed television in 1999.

But, thanks to a remarkably outward-looking ruler,
the remote hermit kingdom is now witnessing changes. In his
drive towards modernisation, the fourth king, Jigme Singye
Wangchuck linked up the mountainous realm to the Internet and
started the Bhutan Television.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck's initiative for a smooth
transition from monarchical system to democracy in sharp
contrast to neighbouring Nepal has been enthusiastically
accepted by the people of Bhutan, who voted in elections
earlier this year to bring an end to more than a century of
royal rule.

In the process, the Buddhist Bhutanese have found their
voice after a century of royal rule in the isolated and
conservative Land of the Thunder Dragon, said T Dorji, who has
a shop in the busy Changlam Square market.

The fourth King's decision also makes strategic sense
for the tiny kingdom hemmed in by an unpredictable China and a
restive Nepal, and militant organisations like the ULFA and
BODO posing a serious threat to its security to have an
inclusive government running the country.

The love for their monarch remains in the heart of the
Bhutanese. Some 34 years ago, Karma Choden witnessed a King
being crowned. She was young then. Now in her early 60s, Karma
Choden feels her life has come a full circle when she
witnessed the coronation of the King's son on November 6.

She still vividly remembers the three days of celebration
in June 1974 when Jigme Singye Wangchuck was crowned the
fourth King of Bhutan.

This time the fifth King Jigme Kesar Namgyel Wangchuck's
coronation the cultural programs at the Changlimithang Stadium
were more informal with a variety of games and competitions.

People who contributed to the Bhutanese society in
art, architecture, and various other fields were given
recognition during the occasion with medals and certificates.
"We trekked for a week to reach here," said Sonam, who
came from a remote village.

The sleepy nation which has taken infant steps towards
democracy still has a long way for world class facilities.

Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley said the government had
not invited many royalties and dignitaries from around the
world as His Majesty had wanted to celebrate the coronation
with the Bhutanese people. He added the limited infrastructure
in Bhutan could not accommodate international guests of a
large number. PTI SMI