WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

The Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture and Livestock successfully concluded a five-day engagement at the World Food Forum 2024, held from October 13 to 17. During the forum, the Minister held strategic bilateral meetings with key international partners, focusing on advancing Bhutan's agricultural development, climate resilience, and sustainability goals. A key outcome of these discussions was the introduction of the Bhutan AgriSustain Fund, a visionary initiative designed to revolutionize Bhutan's agri-food sector. The AgriSustain Fund aims to address major challenges such as climate change impacts, market access for smallholder farmers, and human-wildlife conflicts. With Bhutan's agricultural sector contributing 14% to GDP and facing projected productivity losses of up to 20% by 2050 due to climate change, this fund is positioned to play a pivotal role in enhancing the sector's resilience. In addition to his central role at the World Food Forum, the Minister d...

Sydney, Australia – In a historic move aimed at strengthening ties with the Bhutanese diaspora, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck embarked on a royal visit to Australia. The visit, which coincided with the significant Bhutanese community residing Down Under, was a poignant reminder of the nation's global reach and the enduring spirit of its people. A Nation of Skilled Emigrants Bhutan, known for its pristine landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has seen a steady stream of its citizens migrate overseas in search of better economic opportunities. Over 35,000 Bhutanese have found a new home in Australia, contributing to the vibrant multicultural tapestry of the country. Among them are skilled professionals, including doctors, engineers, and experts in various fields, who often found limited remuneration and recognition within Bhutan. A Royal Call to Return and Contribute Recognizing the significant contributions of the Bhutanese diaspora, His Majest...

Just one month into the inaugural training of the Gyalsung Academies, the first batch of Gyalsups (cadets) is already showing remarkable transformation. Initial homesickness and uncertainty have given way to a sense of belonging and purpose as the cadets adapt to the structured and demanding academy life. A typical day for a Gyalsup begins at 5 a.m. with a rigorous physical training session, followed by breakfast in the Cadet Mess. These communal meals foster camaraderie and reinforce essential dining etiquette. The day continues with a mix of academic lessons, including Driglam Namzha and specialized courses, and physical activities such as games, Zumba, and judo. Evenings are dedicated to personal hygiene, relaxation, and preparation for the following day. The strict routine, which includes early lights out, is a significant departure from the more relaxed lifestyles many of the cadets are accustomed to. Gyalsup Tandin Wangmo from Pemathang Academy noted that she used to ...

Dechen Wangmo, a Bhutanese medical graduate from Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) in Sri Lanka, has achieved a historic feat by winning nine astonishing gold medals at the university's General Convocation 2024. Dechen Wangmo's exceptional performance across various medical disciplines is a testament to her dedication, intelligence, and hard work. Her nine gold medals include:  Gold Medal for Biochemistry  Gold Medal for Cell Biology  Gold Medal for Anatomy   Gold Medal for Medicine   Gold Medal for Paediatrics   Gold Medal for Psychiatry   Gold Medal for Overall Best Performance (Second MBBS Examination)   Gold Medal for Overall Best Performance (Final MBBS Examination)   Gold Medal for Best Performance in MBBS Degree Program Dechen Wangmo's achievement has brought immense pride to Bhutan and inspires young people aspiring to pursue medical careers. Her dedication and success highlight the potential of Bhutanese students to...

Bhutan is grappling with a growing concern over the alarming rate of outmigration, particularly among its skilled professionals. The exodus, primarily to Australia, is raising serious questions about the country's development and future prospects. A significant brain drain is underway as Bhutanese doctors, teachers, and technical experts seek better opportunities abroad. This trend is attributed to limited career prospects, economic challenges, and a lack of meaningful work within the country. Experts warn that the loss of talent is hindering Bhutan's progress and could have long-term consequences for its development. To address this crisis, the government is urged to implement urgent measures to create a more attractive environment for its citizens. Diversifying the economy and making it more inclusive are key priorities. By providing ample opportunities for everyone, Bhutan can encourage its skilled professionals to stay and contribute to the nation's growth. ...

His Majesty The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck concluded a historic visit to Australia, leaving an indelible mark on the Bhutanese diaspora and the Australian public.  Accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen Jetsun Pema, Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Prince Ugyen Wangchuck, and Princess Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, the Royal Family embarked on a week-long tour from October 10th to 17th. One of the most significant events of the visit was the Royal Audience held in Perth on October 16th and 17th at HBF Stadium. A staggering 19,000 Bhutanese gathered for the event, surprising organizers and attendees alike. On October 17th, another 6,000 people joined the audience, showcasing the enduring bond between Bhutan and its diaspora. His Majesty expressed his astonishment at the overwhelming turnout, noting that the gathering was comparable to the national day celebrations at Changlimithang Stadium. The event served as a powerful testament to the deep affection and loyalty that Bhutane...

Samdrupjongkhar, Bhutan: The border town of Samrang in Samdrupjongkhar, despite sharing a common border and name with an Indian town in Assam, has been lacking a formal checkpoint for an extended period. This has resulted in significant inconveniences for residents and businesses in the region. Currently, the only border crossing is a simple iron gate guarded by Royal Bhutan Police personnel. This makeshift arrangement has made it challenging for people to cross the border, especially with restrictions on vehicle movement. Local residents and business owners have expressed their frustration over the lack of an integrated checkpoint. The restrictions on vehicle movement have increased transportation costs and hindered trade activities. According to Rinzin, a local businessman, the restrictions were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and have continued to impact small businesses in the four gewogs of Samdrupcholing dungkhag. "Now, we have to route everything through th...