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Vol. 10, July 2018
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FROM THE BCI OFFICE DESK.......
Do minorities have to merge with the majority for survival? Or do they have the right to exist independently together? Is there any law that governs this reality? It is said that democracy is the art of thinking independently together. Are we anywhere near to this in the real sense? It has been an overwhelming reality that in any part of the world today people are looked down upon because they represent a minority. Is this not tantamount to saying, 'might is right'? We talk so much about equality and humanity or brotherhood of mankind but that has only served to promote a limited few.
This has a precise reference to the situation in Bhutan. The nation is boasted as the last Shangri-La on earth. This gives the world community an impression that Bhutan is at its best. It is never revealed to them the history, habitation and the making of illegal immigrants out of citizens. The southern Bhutanese or the Nepali-speaking population are living in fear or a kindness reserved by the northern rulers. They had been hoodwinking the international community for too long. If the gross national happiness was for all Bhutanese, why are the southern population isolated from the rest. The nation's flag which is non-secular and represents solely the Drukpa Kajyugpa sect of Buddhism, does not carry the aspirations of the Southern Bhutanese. Because of ignorance, our own brethren too seem to be obsessed with Drukpaism and even the dress has found inroads into their way of life. We can always share the dress but not at the cost of your own identity. Respect and be respected - only this can create a win-win situation
This has a precise reference to the situation in Bhutan. The nation is boasted as the last Shangri-La on earth. This gives the world community an impression that Bhutan is at its best. It is never revealed to them the history, habitation and the making of illegal immigrants out of citizens. The southern Bhutanese or the Nepali-speaking population are living in fear or a kindness reserved by the northern rulers. They had been hoodwinking the international community for too long. If the gross national happiness was for all Bhutanese, why are the southern population isolated from the rest. The nation's flag which is non-secular and represents solely the Drukpa Kajyugpa sect of Buddhism, does not carry the aspirations of the Southern Bhutanese. Because of ignorance, our own brethren too seem to be obsessed with Drukpaism and even the dress has found inroads into their way of life. We can always share the dress but not at the cost of your own identity. Respect and be respected - only this can create a win-win situation
The BCI Convention in august
An Open Letter to Friends and Well-wishers
Dear Friends and well-wishers;
On behalf of the Bhutanese Community in Iowa, I take great pleasure to invite you to our Convention and Awareness Raising Programto be held on August 4, 2018 between 10 am to 4 pm at 4300 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50310. While this is the first program of its kind in Iowa, it is also a unique opportunity for us to let the public know about what we had been doing so far and what we intend to accomplish in the future. The program will also contain speeches by experts who are expected to throw light on Financial Literacy and Substance Abuse Awareness. The other attractions include cultural dances, music and free food for everybody present.
To briefly illustrate, the Bhutanese Community in Iowa is a direct offspring of the constraints and difficulties the Nepali-speaking Bhutanese living in Iowa faced in the initial phase and even now. The BCI, a symbol of truthfulness and devotion for the cause of the community, came out like an oasis in a desert in September 2011. The organization has gone manifolds since then in terms of its output, infra-structure and a fabric of network both within the community and outside. The main resource of the BCI is the vast potentiality of its members and the Board of Directors. It is only to be seen in the future how this secular, non-profit, grassroot based organization will be the torch bearer for all Nepali-speaking Bhutanese.
Let us celebrate with the BCI. Please do not miss this rare opportunity right at your doorstep. We look forward to seeing you then.
Sincerely,
Harka Biswa
President
On behalf of the Bhutanese Community in Iowa, I take great pleasure to invite you to our Convention and Awareness Raising Programto be held on August 4, 2018 between 10 am to 4 pm at 4300 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50310. While this is the first program of its kind in Iowa, it is also a unique opportunity for us to let the public know about what we had been doing so far and what we intend to accomplish in the future. The program will also contain speeches by experts who are expected to throw light on Financial Literacy and Substance Abuse Awareness. The other attractions include cultural dances, music and free food for everybody present.
To briefly illustrate, the Bhutanese Community in Iowa is a direct offspring of the constraints and difficulties the Nepali-speaking Bhutanese living in Iowa faced in the initial phase and even now. The BCI, a symbol of truthfulness and devotion for the cause of the community, came out like an oasis in a desert in September 2011. The organization has gone manifolds since then in terms of its output, infra-structure and a fabric of network both within the community and outside. The main resource of the BCI is the vast potentiality of its members and the Board of Directors. It is only to be seen in the future how this secular, non-profit, grassroot based organization will be the torch bearer for all Nepali-speaking Bhutanese.
Let us celebrate with the BCI. Please do not miss this rare opportunity right at your doorstep. We look forward to seeing you then.
Sincerely,
Harka Biswa
President
Upcoming Event...
Mental Health First Aid Training
In yet another endeavor, the BCI announces a mental health first aid training program in conjunction with Mental Health First Aid [MHFA] USA on Saturday, August 11, 2018 between 8 am to 5:30 pm at 200 Army Post Road, Suite # 2 in Des Moines.
The training is expected to provide knowledge needed to prepare community members to recognize and assist individuals who are in crisis. The 8-hour long training is imparted by certified MHFA USA instructors. It would introduce participants to risk factors and warning signs around depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, substance use disorders, self-injury and suicidal behaviors. This program would go a long way in enabling community leaders to identify potential problems and help serve the community better.
There is limited seat for just 30 participants. You are requested to register at the earliest at bci@bhutaniowa.orgor by calling the BCI office at 515 418 9718. You will be registered on a first come first serve basis.
The training is expected to provide knowledge needed to prepare community members to recognize and assist individuals who are in crisis. The 8-hour long training is imparted by certified MHFA USA instructors. It would introduce participants to risk factors and warning signs around depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, substance use disorders, self-injury and suicidal behaviors. This program would go a long way in enabling community leaders to identify potential problems and help serve the community better.
There is limited seat for just 30 participants. You are requested to register at the earliest at bci@bhutaniowa.orgor by calling the BCI office at 515 418 9718. You will be registered on a first come first serve basis.
News Update..
The World Refugee Day Draws Attention
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The World Refugee Day drew a significant attention of people of all walks of life. There were scores of booths at the place of the event which was held in West Des Moines on June 23, 2018. Among some of the non-profit representation were LSI, RACI, United Way, BRS, Des Moines Public Schools, USCRI, US Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Bankers Trust, Tyson, Pine Ridge Meat Plant, JBS, Oak Ridge, DMACC, EMBARC, Unity Point and NISSA etc. There was a day-long flow of people to the program site the focus of which was the display at the booth and cultural performances by various groups of participants. The BCI girls also showed 2 dance items on the occasion.
Worth remembering was that everybody had the taste of international food served. The dishes cooked and contributed by several cultural groups made a blend of delicacies that was very enjoyable. The objective of the program was to stand with refugees, promote their culture and tradition and exchanging culture, music and food while also raising awareness and support for the refugees. |
VOICES OF VICTIMS: A SPECIMEN OF RACIST REPRESSION IN BHUTAN
My name is Bel Bahadur Chhetri, an original inhabitant of Kharbandi village of Ghumauney block in Samchi district in Southern Bhutan. Born in Bhutan, today I am 65 years old, living with my 7-member family in Des Moines, Iowa since 2008 after living for 17 years of difficult life in the refugee camp in east Nepal.
In the good old times, life was just perfect. The third King of Bhutan took great care of his Nepali-speaking citizens. The Hindu ritual of the southern Bhutanese, Puran, was performed in Thimphu, the capital and the head pandit Shiva Prasad Pokhrel was labelled the religious head of the southerners and he was awarded the yellow scarf like a Je Khenpo. It was good. Nepali language was respected and the fourth King himself was good initially.
However, colluding with the members of the ruling elite, he hatched out a series of measures to drive away the southern population. In 1985, the Driglam Namzha, a western Bhutanese etiquette was enforced severely down playing on the cultural and religious frredom of the Nepalese Bhutanese. Further, the census policy, the 1985 Citizenship Act, the requirement of the 1958 land tax receipt and its implementation in 1988 sent shock waves throughout south Bhutan. To add fuel to the fire, the government brought out its policy of a green belt along the south border, dropped the teaching of Nepali in schools in south, banned television and made Dzongkha the northern Bhutanese language mandatory everywhere.
Against the backdrop of these horrifying situation, Tek Nath Rizal, the Royal Advisory Councilor for south Bhutan appealed to the king and the government to restore situation in south Bhutan to its normalcy. Previously, Mr. Rizal, as the head of the audit commission had put 12 District Heads behind the bars on charges of embezzlement. These sycophants had been waiting for an opportunity, so they convinced the King that Rizal is trying to make an inroad into political power. He was told to leave the capital within 24 hours. Fearing for his life, Rizal escaped to Nepal but only to be abducted to Bhutan along with two of his associates in 1989.
Disenchanted at the continuous suffering, now with the imposition of military rule, the southern Bhutanese organized peaceful demonstration throughout southern Bhutan in 1990 to press for their demands. But that only added to more horirfic consequences like arrest, imprisonment, rape, arson, loot, plunder, torture etc. By now, there was rampant decitizenizing and a total denial of their right to culture.
As the sufferings escalated, there were people fleeing the country to escape persecution or were systematically sent out of the country. My family too was targeted and was asked to leave immediately. Knowing the dire consequences that can come to us, we left the country in 1990. I lived in India for some time after which I came to the camp in Nepal. I actively provided social service to the people in the camps and supported the AMCC in its movement to repatriate the refugees and restore fundamental human rights in the country.
In the good old times, life was just perfect. The third King of Bhutan took great care of his Nepali-speaking citizens. The Hindu ritual of the southern Bhutanese, Puran, was performed in Thimphu, the capital and the head pandit Shiva Prasad Pokhrel was labelled the religious head of the southerners and he was awarded the yellow scarf like a Je Khenpo. It was good. Nepali language was respected and the fourth King himself was good initially.
However, colluding with the members of the ruling elite, he hatched out a series of measures to drive away the southern population. In 1985, the Driglam Namzha, a western Bhutanese etiquette was enforced severely down playing on the cultural and religious frredom of the Nepalese Bhutanese. Further, the census policy, the 1985 Citizenship Act, the requirement of the 1958 land tax receipt and its implementation in 1988 sent shock waves throughout south Bhutan. To add fuel to the fire, the government brought out its policy of a green belt along the south border, dropped the teaching of Nepali in schools in south, banned television and made Dzongkha the northern Bhutanese language mandatory everywhere.
Against the backdrop of these horrifying situation, Tek Nath Rizal, the Royal Advisory Councilor for south Bhutan appealed to the king and the government to restore situation in south Bhutan to its normalcy. Previously, Mr. Rizal, as the head of the audit commission had put 12 District Heads behind the bars on charges of embezzlement. These sycophants had been waiting for an opportunity, so they convinced the King that Rizal is trying to make an inroad into political power. He was told to leave the capital within 24 hours. Fearing for his life, Rizal escaped to Nepal but only to be abducted to Bhutan along with two of his associates in 1989.
Disenchanted at the continuous suffering, now with the imposition of military rule, the southern Bhutanese organized peaceful demonstration throughout southern Bhutan in 1990 to press for their demands. But that only added to more horirfic consequences like arrest, imprisonment, rape, arson, loot, plunder, torture etc. By now, there was rampant decitizenizing and a total denial of their right to culture.
As the sufferings escalated, there were people fleeing the country to escape persecution or were systematically sent out of the country. My family too was targeted and was asked to leave immediately. Knowing the dire consequences that can come to us, we left the country in 1990. I lived in India for some time after which I came to the camp in Nepal. I actively provided social service to the people in the camps and supported the AMCC in its movement to repatriate the refugees and restore fundamental human rights in the country.
invitation to those in need
The BCI extends hearty invitation to all the members of our community to take the free benefit of the projects and services being offered here upon appointment. Some of them include ESL and Citizenship class, Karate classes, Computer Literacy Program, Elderly Program and benefit applications, application for citizenship, green card, translation and interpretation services.
The BCI update
Published by: The Bhutanese Community in Iowa (BCI) | 4121 SE 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50320 | bci@bhutaniowa.org
