Global Voices Online

“Is Bhutan a free country or an Indian protectorate as claimed by an edition of the oxford dictionary?” -asks Freedom in Bhutan while discussing why Bhutan does not celebrate its Independence Day.

Bhutan is a low emission country but its progress and the increase of standard of living risk more carbon emissions. “Why protect our environment if it comes at the cost of economic development?”, questions Di at On The Job blog while discussing about how Bhutan can progress. She argues: “between humans and the environment, humans must always be the priority.”

“Exam is an irrational torture: I hate it!” screams Passu. “How do you suppose a three-hour test could justify a year long learning?” with these words the blogger questions the education system of Bhutan and the justification of taking exams in extreme cold.

A group of seven journalists, including the editor of Bhutan Times, the first privately owned newspaper of Bhutan, resigned on October 22, 2009 claiming that management had undue interference on editorial issues. Freedom In Bhutan analyzes the myths and realities behind the situation.

“The malignant hypocrisy hangs in the air when a rich official’s wife ill-treats her maidservant, who is only a child, while her husband attends international conferences and speaks to people about GNH (gross national happiness). It happens in Bhutan,” reports Di at On The Job blog.

Tshering Tobgay, the Leader of the opposition party in the National Assembly of Bhutan, comments that: “the transition to our democracy has, indeed, been uniquely smooth. So smooth that most of us weren’t even paying attention.”

I am Drukpa brings to our notice “the rising insane and inhuman prices” of freely available smuggled cigarettes in Bhutan because of a outright tobacco ban in the country. The blogger advocates for “ban-free legalized tobacco that is reasonably taxed and regulated”.

PaSsu Diary is irked by the organized preaching of new religions in Bhutan which can distort the tolerant culture in the country.

Tshering Tobgay has some tips on how to help the victims of the September 21 earthquake in Bhutan. Whatever Matters blog has more suggestions.