Dick Chhetri
Jul 27, 2017 · 2 min read

m Pokwal 1. Gross National Happiness, 2. Doubt 3. Confusion are main political products deliberately created to export from Bhutan to the outeside world. True, His Majesty the 4th King said in 1972, “ Gross National Happiness is better than Gross Domestic Product”. But the GNH was not in the making for 30 years as claimed by various sources. We did not hear about it until early 2000 when the expulsion of 16% of the country’s one ethnic population was completed and their properties were redistributed as “Royal Gift” to other ethnic groups. Instead, during that period “One Nation, One People” policy was the national agenda. This policy tried to create a homogenized society by mandating the dress codes and personal etiquettes by force. I am a third generation Bhutanese and know little history of Bhutan but the world doesn’t know, for example who knows about the State Congress of 1952 in southern Bhutan that demanded democracy? Who knows about the assassination of the first Prime minister of Bhutan, Jigme Palden Dorji in 1964? Who will listen to me than to the Royal Government? When the media is under government control and the mighty pen is at their service, one-sided stories become powerful in the hands of the Bureaucrats with unlimited resources; and the faint cries of the beleaguered refugees become inaudible to the world. Add to that, their “anger” due to pain of injustice, then they are unable to tell their stories of persecution, and their actions become counterproductive. That is the reason, the victims always remain victim because the oppressor with clearer mind and sinister designs and objectives can tell lies more eloquently than the victims can tell the truth. Now, after a quarter of a century most of the Bhutanese refugees (especially younger generation like Robin and Anju) are seeking a healing process with Forgiveness, Compassion and kindness from both sides so that they can move on as productive citizens in their newly adopted countries. If, the world looks into their heart and mind with Buddhist conscience in line with Gross National Happiness philosophy, the good people of Bhutan will agree with these kids. But the RGOB has in last many years tought it’s innocent, ignorant, simple, religious citizens to tell lies, and I am afraid that they, even after the democracy and GNH still fear the government more than the sins forced to commit.

    Dick Chhetri

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    First Pilot from Southern Bhutan, trained under ICAO fellowship abroad. A small biz owner in CA. Believes in become the change, you want to see ...Gandhi