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Bhutan consulate opened in Kolkata

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Dec 21: Marking the 102nd National Day on December 17, Bhutan inaugurated a new consulate in the capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata. Along side the opening ceremony, the Bhutan Fruit and Tourism Fair was held and the first issue of the Annual Journal of the Indo-Bhutanese Friendship Association, Kolkata, entitled “Golden Heritage” was launched.

Opening ceremony
Opening ceremony

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Ugyen Tshering and the Governor of West Bengal Devanand Konwar jointly inaugurated the Consulate at 6 Mall Road, Dum Dum in Kolkata.

Addressing the function, Tshering Wangda, the Consul General of the Royal Bhutan Consulate said that the Bhutanese trading relations with the Kolkata has prospered in the last forty-nine years, established by the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Ugyen Tshering said that the relations between India and Bhutan have been moving along very positive lines ever since they started. He said, “Bhutan has embarked on a new era and we will not make wealth the end subject of our development activities, we will try to take those greater values that people have in their hearts, minds and thoughts.” He further added that the opening of the Consulate is not just about economic and commercial activities, it was also about building confident and mutual understandings. “With these special values, we shall learn together the right formula for facilitating long lasting friendship”, he said.

Devanand Konwar said that the Bhutanese hydro-electric projects would benefit the people of West Bengal, Assam as well as other parts of India.  He hoped that with all close cooperation, the relationship between the two countries will be deepened in the future with pride and prosperity.

The fair was organised particularly to promote and facilitate marketing opportunities for Bhutanese products and tourism council, enhance people to people contacts, diversify the existing commercial interactions and explore investment potentials. The Agriculture Marketing Services (AMS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Bhutan Agro Industries Limited (BAIL), Daga Singye Tshogpa (DST), Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and Bhutanese orange exporters participated in the fair.

A total of ten stalls, four for agriculture and six for tourism were there displaying various Bhutanese products both for sale and awareness.

After the function, Foreign Minister said he hoped that tensions in Gorkhaland, where most of the Bhutanese students come for studies, would find the political mechanisms to settle the problem.

The consulate in Kolkata has been authorised to grant immigration permits from its office so that Kolkata people need not visit Paro and Phuentsholing for permits. The Consulate will start the issuing permits July 2010.

Bhutan-India to sign MoU during King’s visit

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Dec 21: Bhutan and India will sign agreements for hydropower projects and a hospital during the visit of King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk to India beginning Monday.

The hydropower projects are to be build under Indian government or private sector investment while the hospital will be built on the lines of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences.

However, during his first maiden visit to any foreign country after his coronation as the fifth King in November last year, King Khesar might not be able to sign agreement for construction of railway tracks that would enhance Bhutanese export industries.

The delay in finalizing procedures for land acquisition in some tea garden in neighboring Indian districts led to omission of the project for discussion during this royal visit.

The MoUs on initiating the detailed project reports (DPRs) on the hydel projects will be inked under the 60-year umbrella agreement signed in 2006. Originally India planned to import 5,000 MW from Bhutan by 2020 but this has been doubled under an accelerated hydel power development agreement.

During the King’s visit, the MoUs will be signed on initiating DPRs for the Amochhu (620 MW), Kuvi-Gongi (1800 MW), Kholongchhu (486 MW) and Chamkarchu-I (670 MW) projects.

King Khesar is scheduled to meet with the political leadership including President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna.

Aussie Bhutanese prepare for first Christmas

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Dec 21: The exiled Bhutanese family who are resettled in Australia are preparing for their first Christmas celebration in their new homeland.

gautam familyThe family of Dhanapati Gautam, who were resettled to Darwin 10 months ago prepare for the final touch to celebrate their first Christmas in this continent-country. Five months ago, the family shifted to Cairns.

Though the family follows Hinduism, they have become habituated to Christian culture and social norms.

The 17 years in tough conditions at a refugee camp had given them little chance to celebrate their festival and resettlement in Australia has made the family all smile as they chatted about their new life in Australia and the excitement of experiencing their first Western-style Christmas.

Tulsa, 16, and her sister, Kabita, 14, were born in Nepal. Parents Dhanapati, 45, and mum Sumitra, 36, were forced to flee Bhutan because of persecution by the government.

Tulsa, who has been enrolled in Trinity Bay State High School, explains, “Camp life was very hard. It was terrible.”

Two Bhutanese attacked in India

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Dec 22: Two Bhutanese men have been attacked by armed men in bordering areas of India while they were on their way to Phuentsholing from Samtse.
The armed mob with Khukuris attacked them at around 8 in the evening near Madharihat, a few kilometres before reaching Hasimara from Samtse along the Indian highway.
The names and place of residence of those attracted  have not been identified.
Seriously injured during the attack, they have been admitted to Phuentsholing hospital for treatment.
The five attackers appeared suddenly in red Maruti van , demanded money and, when the pedestrians denied, they attacked.
Dec 22: Two Bhutanese men have been attacked by armed men in bordering areas of India while they were on their way to Phuentsholing from Samtse.
The armed mob with Khukuris attacked them at around 8 in the evening near Madharihat, a few kilometres before reaching Hasimara from Samtse along the Indian highway.
The names and place of residence of those attacked  have not been identified.
Seriously injured during the attack, they have been admitted to Phuentsholing hospital for treatment.
The five attackers appeared suddenly in red Maruti van , demanded money and, when the pedestrians denied, they attacked.

Thimphu may turn into bicycle city

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Dec 22: If things go as planned, turning Thimphu into a bicycle city would not only help address the increasing traffic and parking woes but also add little contribution to keep environment clean.
The government is planning to distribute bicycles donated by Japanese during his recent visit to traffic police, government employees. Japanese had donated some 400 bicycles.
The government makes plans to encourage Thimphu residents to use eco-friendly bicycles while traveling around city and use motor vehicles only for distant travels. Some ministries have already started campaign, with ministers and employees walking to office on foot, leaving behind their vehicles at home.
Local authorities have been instructed to create parking places for bicycles. However, the road construction corporation has yet to develop any designs foy bicycle riders in the city roads.
Despite that the dress code of the country is not much friendly with bicycles. It is not only odd but impossible to ride on bicycles wearing gho and kira.
Dec 22: If things go as planned, turning Thimphu into a bicycle city would not only help address the increasing traffic and parking woes but also add little contribution to keep environment clean.
The government is planning to distribute bicycles donated by Japanese during his recent visit to traffic police, government employees. Japanese had donated some 400 bicycles.
The government makes plans to encourage Thimphu residents to use eco-friendly bicycles while traveling around city and use motor vehicles only for distant travels. Some ministries have already started campaign, with ministers and employees walking to office on foot, leaving behind their vehicles at home.
Local authorities have been instructed to create parking places for bicycles. However, the road construction corporation has yet to develop any designs foy bicycle riders in the city roads.
Despite that the dress code of the country is not much friendly with bicycles. It is not only odd but impossible to ride on bicycles wearing gho and kira.

IBFS office bearers named

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Dec 21: The first Executive Committee meeting of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society under new President Prof. Anand Kumar was held on December 20 at School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
The committee meeting endorsed the proposal from the new president for nominations of office bearers for the next term. The new office bearers include Sudhindra Bhadoria (Vice- President), K. C. Tyagi (Vice-President), Shyam Gambhir (General Secretary), Rajiv Agarwal (Treasurer) and Karma Duptho (Secretary). The committee endorsed proposal for including I. P. Adhikari, president of the Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA) – Bhutan, as one of the new executive members of the society.
The meeting extensively discussed action plan for next twelve months. As per resolution, a conference on Bhutan to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society will be held in April 2010.
The committee also decided to publish a souvenir magazine in Hindi, Dzongkha and English to commemorate the occasion.  An editorial board was also constituted for the same.
The members agree to intensively focus society’s activities around Bhutan’s neighboring states like, Arunachal Pardesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim.
In the mean time, IBFS president has written a letter to Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck welcoming his first visit to India.
The letter reads, “We are sure that this visit will inaugurate a historical chapter of cooperation and togetherness between the oldest democracy of Asia and the youngest democracy as it is taking shape under your leadership.”
Further, an appointment with King is sought for delegation to express the welcome address as an expression of society’s regard towards king and the people of Bhutan.

Dec 21: The first Executive Committee meeting of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society under new President Prof. Anand Kumar was held on December 20 at School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

The committee meeting endorsed the proposal from the new president for nominations of office bearers for the next term. The new office bearers include Sudhindra Bhadoria (Vice- President), K. C. Tyagi (Vice-President), Shyam Gambhir (General Secretary), Rajiv Agarwal (Treasurer) and Karma Duptho (Secretary). The committee endorsed proposal for including I. P. Adhikari, president of the Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA) – Bhutan, as one of the new executive members of the society.

The meeting extensively discussed action plan for next twelve months. As per resolution, a conference on Bhutan to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society will be held in April 2010.

The committee also decided to publish a souvenir magazine in Hindi, Dzongkha and English to commemorate the occasion.  An editorial board was also constituted for the same.

The members agree to intensively focus society’s activities around Bhutan’s neighboring states like, Arunachal Pardesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim.

In the mean time, IBFS president has written a letter to Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck welcoming his first visit to India.

The letter reads, “We are sure that this visit will inaugurate a historical chapter of cooperation and togetherness between the oldest democracy of Asia and the youngest democracy as it is taking shape under your leadership.”

Further, an appointment with King is sought for delegation to express the welcome address as an expression of society’s regard towards king and the people of Bhutan.

Religious wing marks 17 December

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Beldangi I, Dec 17: Swalambi Kirat Pariwars and Trikod Sha Pariwar , a cultural wing of two of the Kirat religious groups in refugee camp observed 17 December as the National Day with various cultural show and national dance here today.

Amidst the divided opinion among Bhutanese on observing 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan, these two groups marked and highlighted the importance of the day in exile. A dance and song competition was also a part of the celebration.

Nar Bahadur Rai chaired the celebration while T.B Gurung, the secretary of Beldangi I camp , was the chief guest. Prakash Angedembe, a local writer and poet, and D.B Saru Magar, famous Bhutanese artist were the special guests among others. Father Peter J Lepcha SJ spoke on the importance of 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan.

17 December is officially regarded as the National Day of Bhutan which marks the ascending of throne by the first King, Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907 after abolishing the Shabdrung, the then liberal and theocratic ruler.

Arjun Pradhan,BNS.

I, Dec 17: Shalambi Kirat Prayers and Trikod Sha prayers, a wing of two of the indigenous religious groups in refugee camp observed 17 December as the National Day with various cultural show and national dance here today.
Amidst the divided opinion among Bhutanese on observing 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan, these two groups marked and highlighted the
importance of the day in exile.
A dance and song competition was also a part of the celebration.
Nar Bahadur Rai chaired the celebration while T.B Gurung, the secretary of Beldangi I camp , was the chief guest. Prakash Angedembe, a local writer and poet, and D.B Saru Magar, famous Bhutanese artists were the special guests among others.
Father Peter J Lepcha SJ spoke on the importance of 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan.
17 December is officially regarded as the National Day of Bhutan which marks the ascending of throne by the first King, Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907 after abolishing the Shabdrung, the then liberal and theocratic ruler.
I, Dec 17: Shalambi Kirat Prayers and Trikod Sha prayers, a wing of two of the indigenous religious groups in refugee camp observed 17 December as the National Day with various cultural show and national dance here today.
Amidst the divided opinion among Bhutanese on observing 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan, these two groups marked and highlighted the
importance of the day in exile.
A dance and song competition was also a part of the celebration.
Nar Bahadur Rai chaired the celebration while T.B Gurung, the secretary of Beldangi I camp , was the chief guest. Prakash Angedembe, a local writer and poet, and D.B Saru Magar, famous Bhutanese artists were the special guests among others.
Father Peter J Lepcha SJ spoke on the importance of 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan.
17 December is officially regarded as the National Day of Bhutan which marks the ascending of throne by the first King, Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907 after abolishing the Shabdrung, the then liberal and theocratic ruler.
Beldangi I, Dec 17: Shalambi Kirat Prayers and Trikod Sha prayers, a wing of two of the indigenous religious groups in refugee camp observed 17 December as the National Day with various cultural show and national dance here today.
Amidst the divided opinion among Bhutanese on observing 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan, these two groups marked and highlighted the
importance of the day in exile.
A dance and song competition was also a part of the celebration.
Nar Bahadur Rai chaired the celebration while T.B Gurung, the secretary of Beldangi I camp , was the chief guest. Prakash Angedembe, a local writer and poet, and D.B Saru Magar, famous Bhutanese artists were the special guests among others.
Father Peter J Lepcha SJ spoke on the importance of 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan.
17 December is officially regarded as the National Day of Bhutan which marks the ascending of throne by the first King, Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907 after abolishing the Shabdrung, the then liberal and theocratic ruler.
I, Dec 17: Shalambi Kirat Prayers and Trikod Sha prayers, a wing of two of the indigenous religious groups in refugee camp observed 17 December as the National Day with various cultural show and national dance here today.
Amidst the divided opinion among Bhutanese on observing 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan, these two groups marked and highlighted the
importance of the day in exile.
A dance and song competition was also a part of the celebration.
Nar Bahadur Rai chaired the celebration while T.B Gurung, the secretary of Beldangi I camp , was the chief guest. Prakash Angedembe, a local writer and poet, and D.B Saru Magar, famous Bhutanese artists were the special guests among others.
Father Peter J Lepcha SJ spoke on the importance of 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan.
17 December is officially regarded as the National Day of Bhutan which marks the ascending of throne by the first King, Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907 after abolishing the Shabdrung, the then liberal and theocratic ruler.
I, Dec 17: Shalambi Kirat Prayers and Trikod Sha prayers, a wing of two of the indigenous religious groups in refugee camp observed 17 December as the National Day with various cultural show and national dance here today.
Amidst the divided opinion among Bhutanese on observing 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan, these two groups marked and highlighted the
importance of the day in exile.
A dance and song competition was also a part of the celebration.
Nar Bahadur Rai chaired the celebration while T.B Gurung, the secretary of Beldangi I camp , was the chief guest. Prakash Angedembe, a local writer and poet, and D.B Saru Magar, famous Bhutanese artists were the special guests among others.
Father Peter J Lepcha SJ spoke on the importance of 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan.
17 December is officially regarded as the National Day of Bhutan which marks the ascending of throne by the first King, Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907 after abolishing the Shabdrung, the then liberal and theocratic rulerBeldangi I, Dec 17: Shalambi Kirat Prayers and Trikod Sha prayers, a wing of two of the indigenous religious groups in refugee camp observed 17 December as the National Day with various cultural show and national dance here today.
Amidst the divided opinion among Bhutanese on observing 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan, these two groups marked and highlighted the
importance of the day in exile.
A dance and song competition was also a part of the celebration.
Nar Bahadur Rai chaired the celebration while T.B Gurung, the secretary of Beldangi I camp , was the chief guest. Prakash Angedembe, a local writer and poet, and D.B Saru Magar, famous Bhutanese artists were the special guests among others.
Father Peter J Lepcha SJ spoke on the importance of 17 December as the National Day of Bhutan.
17 December is officially regarded as the National Day of Bhutan which marks the ascending of throne by the first King, Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907 after abolishing the Shabdrung, the then liberal and theocratic ruler.

Denmark donates to feed exiled Bhutanese

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Dec 14: Denmark government has extended financial assistance of Rs 4.6 million (USD60,000) to United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on Monday to help feed more than 85,000 exiled Bhutanese in eastern Nepal.
“As Chairperson for the core group of countries concerned about the refugees from Bhutan, I am happy that we can give WFP a helping hand,” said Danish Ambassador, Finn Thilsted.
“The number of refugees resettled to a third country has now reached 25,000.  The process of solving the problem of the refugees is moving fast now.  It is therefore important we do not meet obstacles including food shortages to the refugees,” Thilsted added.
The contribution from Denmark will support both emergency and longer-term humanitarian projects in Nepal.
“We are very grateful for this contribution and the ongoing support from the Government of Denmark for the refugees from Bhutan,” said WFP Deputy Country Representative, Dominique Hyde.
Under their current status, the exiled Bhutanese are restricted from engaging in economic activities outside the camps and from owning land. This makes humanitarian assistance, such as food assistance supported by the international donor community, essential to fulfilling their basic needs.
At the request of the Government of Nepal, WFP has been providing food assistance to the exiled Bhutanese since 1992, in close coordination with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR
Dec 14: Denmark government has extended financial assistance of Rs 4.6 million (USD60,000) to United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on Monday to help feed more than 85,000 exiled Bhutanese in eastern Nepal.
“As Chairperson for the core group of countries concerned about the refugees from Bhutan, I am happy that we can give WFP a helping hand,” said Danish Ambassador, Finn Thilsted.
“The number of refugees resettled to a third country has now reached 25,000.  The process of solving the problem of the refugees is moving fast now.  It is therefore important we do not meet obstacles including food shortages to the refugees,” Thilsted added.
The contribution from Denmark will support both emergency and longer-term humanitarian projects in Nepal.
“We are very grateful for this contribution and the ongoing support from the Government of Denmark for the refugees from Bhutan,” said WFP Deputy Country Representative, Dominique Hyde.
Under their current status, the exiled Bhutanese are restricted from engaging in economic activities outside the camps and from owning land. This makes humanitarian assistance, such as food assistance supported by the international donor community, essential to fulfilling their basic needs.
At the request of the Government of Nepal, WFP has been providing food assistance to the exiled Bhutanese since 1992, in close coordination with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

Tandin granted asylum in Germany

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December 13, Germany: Tandin Wangdi, a Druck National Party’s supporter, who had been serving prison in Germany since six months has been granted a refugee asylum.
The decision came following his release from prison this week. The Federal Republic of Germany has granted this status as per the Geneva convention of 1951, which had earlier not only rejected his appeal for asylum but also had completed the necessary formalities to extradite him to Bhutan.
Fearing extradition, he had illegally crept to Switzerland from where he was deported back to Germany despite a court’s order to stay there.
Due to mounting pressure from rights bodies and continuous lobbying by his fellow citizens resettled in different parts of the world, Tandin was saved from extradition to Bhutan, but was imprisoned immediately.
He had reached Germany to join his father, Tshering Wangdi in 2003 who was already given refugee status there.

December 13, Germany: Tandin Wangdi, a Druck National Congress  supporter, who had been serving prison in Germany since six months has been granted a refugee asylum.

The decision came following his release from prison this week. The Federal Republic of Germany has granted this status as per the Geneva convention of 1951, which had earlier not only rejected his appeal for asylum but also had completed the necessary formalities to extradite him to Bhutan.

Fearing extradition, he had   crept to Switzerland from where he was deported back to Germany despite a court’s order to stay there.

Due to mounting pressure from rights bodies and continuous lobbying by his fellow citizens resettled in different parts of the world, Tandin was saved from extradition to Bhutan, but was imprisoned immediately.

He had reached Germany to join his father, Tshering Wangdi in 2003 who was already given refugee status there.

Sri Lankan delegation visit parliament

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Dec 11: A four-member Sri Lankan delegation led by the Secretary Seetha Withannarachchi of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs visited the National Assembly of Bhutan on December 8. 

The delegation met with Speaker Jigme Tshulthrim and other officials of the secretariat where Speaker emphasized on the close diplomatic relations between the two SAARC members and expressed hopes for more exchange programs. 

The delegation expressed their best wishes on behalf of the Sri Lankan Parliament and expressed appreciation for the decorum maintained in the Bhutanese Parliament.

The National Assembly Secretariat also did a presentation on the evolution of Bhutanese Parliament, legislative procedures and others for the delegation. The delegation also visited historical and religious places in the country.

The delegation left Bhutan on Friday.

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