Human rights leader, Tek Nath Rizal, has launched his personal website in an attempt to make the world community aware about mind control and torture practices in Bhutan.
Rizal and other guest speakers in the program
Friends of Bhutan Cordinator, Dhruva Joshi, set the site online amidst a program organized jointly by Nepal FM Network and Bhutan Media Society on Wednesday.
“I am optimistic that the site will give access to all my documents so that they get opportunity to understand on mind control and torture practices in Bhutan,” Rizal said while addressing the program. Currently readers can download the electronic version of Torture Killing Me Softly from his personal website, www.teknathrizal.com. Other books will be gradually made available in the web for readers around the globe, he added.
Deepak Adhikari, a Nepali journalist who has been reporting the issue of exiled Bhutanese since its beginning, presented his experience of editing the Torture Killing Me Softly in its second edition.
Addressing the program, Joshi expressed his continuous commitment for the Bhutanese refugee issue. “The Friends of Bhutan is always ready to demonstrate in any forms to make the dreams of exiled Bhutanese come true,” Joshi said.
According to Joshi, the little contribution his group had made in publishing the book would attain its goal when readers around the globe read free copies of Rizal’s books.
Meanwhile, historian Dr. Surendra KC blamed the Government of Nepal and Nepali citizens of failing to resolve the long-standing issue.
“The Nepalis, who have been regarded as brave and masterminds in various historic events during the past, have failed to repatriate our fellow Bhutanese to their hometowns,” KC said.
भूटानी मानव अधिकारवादी नेता टेकनाथ रिजालले नेपाल सरकारको फितलो नितिका कारण भूटानी शरणार्थीहरु नेपालबाट तितरवितर भएर विभिन्न मुलुकतिर जान बाध्य भएको बताउनु भएको छ ।
नेपाल एफ्. एम् र भूटान मिडिया सोसाइटीले आज काठमाडौमा गरेको अन्तरक्रिया कार्यक्रममा शरणार्थी नेता रिजालले यस्तो बताउनु भएको हो ।
पुनर्वाश प्रक्रियाले भूटानमा भइरहेको प्रजातान्त्रिक लडाइँमा असर पु-याएको पनि नेता रिजालले व्यक्त गर्नुभयो ।
इतिहासविद डाक्टर सुरेन्द्र के.सीले शरणार्थी समस्याको समाधान गर्न नसकेर नेपाल इतिहासमै चुकेको आरोप लगाउनु भयो ।
कार्यक्रममा नेपाल एफ् एम् नेटवर्कका अध्यक्ष हेमबहादुर विस्टले नेपाल आँफै समस्यामा फँसेकाले शरणार्थी मुद्धा ओझेलमा परेको विचार व्यक्त गर्नुभयो ।
कार्यक्रममा भूटानका जेलमा दिइने यातनाका प्रकृति तथा मस्तिष्क नियन्त्रणका विषयमा विभिन्न वक्ताहरुले विचार राखेका छन् भने शरणार्थी नेता टेकनाथ रिजालको www.teknathrizal.com को औपचारिक उद्घाटन गरिएको छ ।
The Bhutanese Refugees Association of Intellectual Novas (BRAIN) conducted a daylong dental and eye health camp in Sanishchare this Sunday.
Doctors checking a patient during the camp/photo courtesy : titopiromitho.com
According to the association Pioneer, Basudev Khanal, around 500 exiled Bhutanese received free dental and eye check-ups and treatment during the camp.
Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) Nepal and Lifeline Hospital provided technical assistance and human resources for the camp, Khanal informed.
Formed in July 2010, the BRAIN has been established as one of the social organizations to promote and educate Bhutanese people about girl trafficking and drug abuse, among others.
It works in collaboration with various aid agencies working in the camp.
I rarely get an opportunity to listen to Bhutanese ‘Krantikari’ songs sung by Bhutanese singers. I must say they are my favorites and I am always looking. Today, we have a burgeoning crop of young and wonderful Bhutanese singers – each one of them is an embodiment of creation; and in some aspects, their creations are a reflection of the social evolution we have come across. We are proud of them all.
I recently got a chance to listen to a CD of songs sung by Manoj Rai. I was delighted as it had been quite a while that I had not heard new songs from Bhutanese artists. I am humbled to opine about something, that I feel unqualified to evaluate, but I could not stop myself at that.
There are six fantastic songs in the CD. Each song is very brilliant, cool and interesting to listen to and is strongly symbolic. They never bore you. They are also very touchy, good in style and tone. “Kulagangri himal le haami lai bolaucha, koili……….” (We are called by Kulagangri range, the birds whistle our tone………). The songs contain well thought out lyrics, straight to the point, and very insightful. Listening to the songs, we tend to surf our past and very often hear sounds of our own voices reverberating in those songs. You can also easily visualize the atrocities in your head and feel some sizzling nostalgia of the past. The lyrics are a testimony to the mind capturing thought process of the composers. Its delightful and descriptive lines allow you to capture the atmosphere and become part of the song as much as the singer. One of the pioneers of Bhutanese music in exile and an accommodative singer, Manoj does not fail to do justice to his composers.
Manoj Rai's 'Bhutani katha-byatha'.
These are not the songs of a loser. They succinctly bring out the rebel in the singer. Click hereto listen to a clip of one of his songs. “jaaga na jaaga bhutani, anyaya sahera kam chaina…..”! “Bhutan ma kranti chalecha…….” (Awake Bhutanese, you don’t profit keeping silent in supression……! There is a movement in Bhutan now…..) Manoj’s songs are radical but full of patriotism. I think the songs are moving, warm and inspirational. They offer a reason to believe in the cause even when you are running through troubles of your own. I saw many similarities and areas of resonance.
Manoj’s songs reassuringly remind us of the uphill task ahead of us, in our fight against tyranny. He even warns us about the risk of losing what we have at stake. It helped me uplift myself and revive my belief for the struggle for democracy anywhere. In our mission to tell the world about the injustices we have gone through, probably our singers and their songs will be a potential resource in the future. True political leaders and devoted singers could make a winning combination. “Swodesh hami firna lai aauna pyara daju bhai.!”(To start a homeward move…….. let’s be together kith and kin)
Manoj devotes an entire song paying tribute to the fallen heroes of our movement beginning from Mahasur Chhetri to RK Budathoki. At the end of the song, he also mentions about martyr Man Bahadur Chhetri and a passionate activist of the Sarchhop community, Cheku Dukpa. Manoj dissects southern Bhutanese history and narrates the events in chronological timeline; with such simplicity and placidity that an entire history is revealed into your ears as music. No wonder, this is his ‘core’ song. The song offers glimpses of our society in historical perspective and is an example of the glaring pitfalls of a dysfunctional system that played pranks with the lives of its own citizens.
One of Bhutan’s paradoxes is that, in a compassionate Buddhist nation – power politics affect even those that are not rebelling. The songs portray how suppression remains persistent over time, affecting the life and interests of its ordinary citizens, including even the artists. I had assumed that political rulers can limit only the religious and political liberties of people, but Manoj has shown yet another profound political reality of Bhutan; of how the ambition hardened rulers can even shut down the perpetuation of art and culture. At one point of time, even singing modern Dzongkha songs, was illegal in Bhutan.
The emphasis on the struggle is understandable. In each song, there are some subtle points and some obscure information which leads to the topsy-turvy story that Bhutan is. A meditative listener will easily discover those hidden meanings in the songs.
The quality of recording is not satisfactory and it is understandable. Given the high cost of recording and the absolutely income-free refugee life, quality obviously is the first victim. Manoj however, refused to accept these limitations and worked his way to get the message across. We have to thank the singer for his efforts and persistence.
Conclusion:
Manoj’s songs carry a simple message – resolution and courage. It ushers hope amidst despondency. He does a great job of not giving away to the forces of oppression. What follows is a series of exhibitions before one begins to appreciate his work. He is also trying to convey that a change in a singer’s location does not necessarily affect his motivation to work for the cause. His songs quite readily offer valid reasons to keep the seeds of our motivation continuously growing; a message less-frequently conveyed in similar creations. “futera hoina jutera, hami le yekata hunu chha” (Not being fragmented, we ought to stand one).
It is quite unlikely that these songs will enjoy the same popularity as other regular songs, but they do provide sufficient reasons for a general positive review and appreciation. Manoj did a great job of walking into the minds of the oppressed Bhutanese people and singing their hearts out; and it must serve as an anecdote to the rest of our artists. Above all, his songs are a real tribute to the fighters of democracy and human rights in Bhutan; they are also a clarion call to the others to wake up in the struggle against injustice. I would recommend his CD to everyone.
Punya Foundation has wrapped up its three day Martyrs’ Salvation program in Atlanta, Georgia today amid a religious function based on Hindu mythology. The program, according to the organizer, was launched to honor the sacrifices made by Bhutanese martyrs.
Participants of the program listen to Shreemadh Bhagawat preceptor reciting the holy sermon in Atlanta. Photo Courtesy/Gopal Subedi
Our correspondent in Georgia reported that hundreds of resettled Bhutanese dwelling in Atlanta including the resettled folks from North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Ohio, Florida, among other places also showed their participation. Coordinator of the organizing committee in Atlanta Pashupati Timsina further informed BNS that 400 plus devotees attended the function yesterday.
According to Timsina, not only Bhutanese but fellow friends from both Nepalese and Indian societies here in the USA also participated during the function. The Foundation also distributed ‘letter of appreciations’ to volunteers involved in making the program successful.
Interestingly, an African American calling himself a Hindu follower showed up during the final day program today in Atlanta. Addressing the function, this unnamed American citizen encouraged resettled Bhutanese to continue preserving their culture and tradition.
Maheshor Regmi, one of the prominent Bhutanese Shreemadh Bhagawat preceptors recited the holy sermon followed by singing of Vajan-Kirtan (religious hymns) in the name of departed souls of known and unknown Bhutanese martyrs.
Addressing the wrap-up function in Atlanta, Tek Bir Chhetri, Chairman of the Foundation said that the puran was organized in memory of those Bhutanese martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the general cause.
Yug Dabadi of the Foundation addresses the function in Washington. Photo Courtesy/DP Neopane
Meanwhile, the Foundation also organized an hour-long salvation program in Kent, Washington, USA at the Kent-Covenant Church in accordance with the Christian mythology.
According to Yug Dabadi, volunteer of the Foundation, who had informed the gathering about the formation and objectives of the foundation, around 70 resettled Bhutanese attended the function.
It is reported that a Nepali national Pastor Bashu Prasai talked about the people who had lost their life during democratic struggle in Bhutan. He offered prayers to the family members of the martyrs for their well-being. Prayers were also offered for the people who have become the victims of violence and still continue to suffer inside Bhutan. Addressing the program, Pastor Prasai also requested the gathering to help the Foundation and help support the families of the Martyrs.
Meanwhile, Tek Bir Chhetri, Chairman of Punya Foundation has shared his thoughts with BNS/Saranarthi Sarokar representative from the function venue in Atlanta regarding the relevancy of ‘martyr’s salvation program.’
The election of the Bhutanese Community of Kentucky, Inc was held in Louisville city of Kentucky State in United States which elected 21 executive committee members.
The result of the election, held in seven different locations where Resettled Bhutanese reside, was formally announced on Saturday amidst a gathering in Village Manor Apartments.
Buddha Mani Dhakal and Tikaram Adhikari are elected as the community’s President and Vice-President respectively. Likewise, Balkrishna Phuyel will serve the community in the capacity of the Secretary while Nirmal Guragai was elected to the position of Treasurer. Accordingly, Gopal Rai became the person to handle Public relation and communication and Leeladhar Ghimire for Cultural affairs.
The committee also allocated seven representatives as area coordinators, assistant secretaries for culture and administration, and three members to coordinate sports, language/education and literary activities.
According to newly elected President Buddha Mani Dhakal, the newly elected committee members took their oath of allegiance on Saturday owing to serve the community in the best interest.
Meanwhile, the program also marked the initiation of literary forum to publish literary creations of community members in a website designed by Tek Nath Dhakal. Mr. Khem Regmi took the initiation to take up literary activities.
Bhutanese Society of Kentucky, Inc has been working to oversee the welfare of community members resettled in the city since 2008.
Resettled Bhutanese people in Canada have celebrated Christmas in various provinces with different programs.
On the occasion, Multicultural resettlement agency in Fedictron Newbrunswek gave away gift card, cloths, and cosmetics to the immigrants, Maya Kuikel told BNS over telephone. She further added that her family organized get-together meal to Nepali origin folks.
Meanwhile, corporate settlement agency of Saint-Jérôme Québec organized Christmas party and distributed toys and gifts to children and gave away turkey to immigrants, our correspondent Parangkush Pykurel informed BNS through G-talk.
Association for New Canadians settlement agency of St. John’s organized Christmas party to the Bhutanese immigrants and other ethnic immigrants where Santa Claus gave away various gifts to the immigrants children. Our correspondent in St. John’s further informed that Anglican Church provided the resettled folks with gift cards of various stores and children with sweets, cosmetic items and winter warm cloths.
Reported by BNS correspondent Yadap Neopaney.
भूटानी शहीदहरूको बलिदानप्रति उच्च आस्थाका साथ सराहना गर्दै उनीहरूको सम्मानार्थ स्मृतिमा प्रथम चरणको तहगत कार्यक्रम शुरु भएको छ । सो योजनानुसार शहीदहरूको मुक्तिखातिर शुक्रबारदेखि अमेरिकाको जर्जियाबाट सो समारोह शुरु भएको छ ।
भूटान समाचार सेवामार्फत पूण्य फाउण्डेशन स्थापना घोषणाको लगत्तै यसले जर्जियाको अट्लान्टास्थित हिन्दू-बुद्धिष्ट धार्मिक केन्द्रमा शहीदहरूको मुक्तिखातिर हिन्दू विधिअनुसार शुक्रबारदेखि प्रथम चरणको तीनदिने अनुष्ठान शुरु गरेको हो । फाउण्डेशनका निर्देशक लक्ष्मी ढकालका अनुसार दोस्रो चरणमा दिसम्बर २६ र जनवरी १ मा क्रमशः अमेरिकाकै वासिङ्टन डिसी र नेपालमा क्रमशः इशाई तथा बौद्धिक विधिअनुसार कार्यक्रम समापन गरिने छ । जर्जियामा सक्रिय फाउण्डेशनका संयोजक पशुपति तिम्सिनाले भूससे-लाई जनाए अनुसार शुक्रबारदेखि सातजना पण्डितहरूले श्रीमद्भागवत पाठन गर्नेछन् र पं. काशीनाथ घिमिरेले कथा प्रवचन गर्ने कार्यक्रम छ ।
फाउण्डेशनले अहिलेसम्म ५२ जना शहीदहरूको नामावली तयार पारेको छ भने स्वतन्त्र रूपमा यसको निश्चित संख्या अहिले नै यकिन नहुने पनि जनाइएको छ ।
फाउण्डेशनका अध्यक्ष टेकवीर क्षत्रीले सो कार्यक्रम समग्र भूटानीहरूको कल्याणका लागि आफ्नो ज्यान गुमाउने शहीदहरूको बलिदानप्रति सम्मान जनाउन आयोजना गरिएको हो । आज विश्वव्यापी सामाजिक परिवेशमा भूटानीहरूले संक्रमणकालीन अवस्था पार गर्दै गरेका जनाउँदै अध्यक्ष क्षत्रीले यस अवस्थामा शहीदहरूको सपना र समग्र भूटानीहरूको समाजिक पहिचान तथा न्यायका लागि विश्वको जुनसुकै कुनामा रहे पनि भूटानीहरूले हातमा हात र काँधमा काँध मिलाएर अघि बढ्नुपर्ने बताए ।
The 2010 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) democracy index has ranked Bhutan in the 102nd position out of 167 countries. The country has scored 4.68 points contrary to 109th position in 2008 with 4.30 points. The scores in political culture and civil liberties have remained unchanged from 2008.
Bhutan has seen such an improvement in the ranking due to better scores in the electoral process and pluralism and functioning of the government.
Siok Sian Pek Dorji, the executive director of Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy said that it was too early for Bhutan’s democracy to be pitched against other democracies around the world. She further added that Bhutan’s democracy was different as it did not come out of a crisis but was a gift from the monarch.
According to EIU, an economic and research branch of The Economist, most of the answers used for the survey are expert assessents. For some answers, public opinion surveys were carried out in the respective countries. But the report does not indicate what kind of expertise was used and how many experts were involved.
Norway, Iceland and Denmark are the top three countries on the index scoring 9.80, 9.65 and 9.52 respectively. Among SAARC countries, India has been ranked 40th, Sri Lanka 55th, Pakistan 104th, Nepal 108th and Afghanistan 150th.
The report highlights that there has been a decline in democracies across the world since 2008.
This is the third edition of the EIU democracy index.
In a view to honor the contributions made by Bhutanese martyrs, the first in a series of three-fold Martyr’s Salvation Programs in accordance with the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian methodologies kicked off today in Atlanta.
Resettled Bhutanese in Atlanta show up to participate in the program.
According to Lakshmi Dhakal, Director of the Foundation, the other two programs based on Christian and Buddhist methodologies are scheduled for December 26 and January 1 in Washington and Nepal respectively.
The coordinator of the program in Georgia, Pashupati Timsina, informed BNS over telephone that there are seven Acharyas (spiritual masters or preceptors) reciting the sacred texts of Shrimad Bhagawat (holy epic of Hinduism) and Kashi Nath Ghimire is scheduled to recite prabachan (religious sermon).
According to Timsina, the organizers also publicized the names of at least 52 martyrs collected by the Foundation so far. The actual number of martyrs in Bhutan, however, cannot be confirmed independently. Timsina further informed BNS that a minute ‘mourn silence’ was also observed by the program attending resettled Bhutanese for the peace settlement of the demise souls.
Talking to the BNS on Skype conversation from the Netherlands, the Director of the Foundation has further urged fellow Bhutanese and concerned individuals and families to supply details of martyrs they know of and yet missed to be enlisted in the Foundation’s record.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of the program, Tek Bir Chhetri, Chairman of the Foundation, has said that the Salvation is an honor for our martyrs who gave their lives to the general cause.
“We are indebted by the cost of their lives and the vision they had for us. They have died for us and therefore they cannot be in that status of someone but “our own martyrs” who lived with us to cherish our goal. To honor them, we bow down in reverence. We are assembled here to pray through the different rituals we practice and in the days ahead, we shall all pray for them through different actions that Punya Foundation has envisioned,” said Chhetri, whose message was delivered by Damber Timsina. Chhetri is reported to be on his way to the program venue.
Chhetri has further stated that Bhutanese are standing in a very crucial time in the history of societal life. “Our collective strength and hope shall always bring us that day that our martyrs dreamt. Let us work towards the realization of this dream and the hope to usher in Justice forever,” said Chhetri.
