Notice by Bhutan News Service and APFA-Bhutan
Dear readers,
Bhutan News Service and Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA) – Bhutan take initiative for building network among the Bhutanese living in different parts of the world with the aim to finally transforming it into a Non Resident Bhutanese platform.
We wish to create environment for building such network through our sites and currently it has no such committee formed and we don’t intend to form ourselves. In the longer run, when people feel the need and have enough discussion and framework prepared, we will work for a bigger gathering to announce its formation with representatives from all continents where Bhutanese live.
Editors and Managers
____________________________________________________________
22nd April, 2009
Dear Friend,
DNC Supports the Call for the formation of a Non-Resident Bhutanese (NRB) platform
Druk National Congress supports the idea mooted by Dr D.N.S.Dhakal, Executive Chief of Bhutan National Democratic Party (BNDP), to constitute a non-resident Bhutanese (NRB) platform. DNC suggests that membership to this platform should be open to all Bhutanese individuals who have been residing outside Bhutan, including those who have been living outside Bhutan for business or employment. All of us should be in dialogue on the process of writing the constitution of NRB platform and its long-term goal for the welfare of non resident Bhutanese, Bhutan and the Bhutanese community at large.
This platform will have to emerge as the ambassador of Bhutan and Bhutanese people in foreign countries, to transfer educational, technological and business knowhow to and from Bhutan.
The membership to the NRB platform should be open to all Bhutanese nationals living abroad. We can refer to the kind of arrangement Non-Resident Indian, Non-Resident Nepalese or the kind of linkages the non-resident nationals of other communities have with their mother countries. DNC as a founding member of this NRB platform will work towards a mutually beneficial arrangement for Bhutan and its diaspora living outside its boundaries.
As many Bhutanese are all dispersed around the world, and many more could be joining in the future, we need someone to establish inter-connectivity of our people who are living abroad. DNC proposes that Dr D.N.S.Dhakal, take the responsibility of laying the foundation of the NRB platform. He is one of the best educated persons in our country and he has his own mechanism to travel around the world.
Once we complete the necessary groundwork, delegates from each county can meet either in India, Nepal or any other convenient country to finalize the process of managing the NRB platform. DNC will do the necessary groundwork to complete the formalities required in India.
DNC believes that the third country resettlement program for Bhutanese refugees has opened-up challenges and opportunities for the Bhutanese. Our people are being placed in far-away lands where they have little access to culture, religion and value system that we have been used to thus far.
This is a stressful situation. But, it is also true that after being caged in the refugee camps for the last 17 years, our people are given an opportunity to earn a living and compete for excellence in educational and business opportunities. Our small country that was largely isolated thus far is now being opened to the outside world at an unprecedented pace through the third-country resettlement process.
I wish all success to the endeavor of Dr D.N.S.Dhakal, and DNC would engage actively with Dr Dhakal in the process of forming the NRB platform and I urge all individuals, groups and parties to lend him the required support and cooperation.
Rongthong Kuenly Dorji
President
________________________________________________________
Ref. No/BNDP/Press Release#2
Date: 16/05/2009
Bhutan National Democratic Party (BNDP) considers the resettled refugees in overseas countries as non-resident Bhutanese. It considers the third country resettlement of Bhutanese refugees an interim solution. The Party is committed to continue with the struggle to usher inclusive democratic changes in Bhutan. It will support the formation of Non-Resident Bhutanese (NRB) platform in order to enable the Bhutanese people to keep interconnected with the community and the country.
The Party will work actively to make this initiative a reality and calls upon its members settled in different counties to participate in the consolidation of Bhutanese Diaspora.
Dr D. N. S. Dhakal
Executive Chief
Congratualtion to our firends in DNC, BNDP and Afanews!
It is a big step which gives direction to our future course of action. A peaceful struggle in this line is going to deliver the results. Our first success will be measured by our ability to organize the first NRB meeting which will have to be attended by our representatives from at least four continents. For this we need to work to educate the people and establish the connectivity and organizational infrastructure.
It would be difficult to visualize at present the long-term impact of this step to Bhutanese community at large and the country as a whole. Only those of us would live long enough will see it!
AFA News have done a great job by creating a web slot for NRB. Congratualtion to DNC President for giving the broad picture of this initiative.
I would suggest that we post all developments in our diasphora in this site so that everybody would be visiting it regularly, and they begin to own its ownership. We should post both success and failure so that we take pride in our achievement and we take caution from our mistakes.
What our community will have to realize is that this small group of dedicated people need our support.
It would be a great contribution from those people who are in earning position to interact with APFA group regularly and contribute generously for continuity of this work. There is a need to build an opinion amongst our leadership and prominent people to speak out on this issue. I suggest that APFA group take initiative towards this direction.
I do hope that all political parties from Bhutan support this initiative. This is an issue to which all Bhutanese should be in one opinion: “we will have to nurture this institution”. We became the victims of circumstances because we demanded democracy in the system of governmence in Bhutan. Now we are in the process of nurturing democracy in our community.
We will have to commit ourself to the process of democracy; whether individuals or supporter of PDP, DPT, DNC, BNDP or BPP should be able to compete and come up to lead this platform. There should be no quarrel on this idea.
Let us hope that we will be able to read responsible feed-backs on this initiative and wish all success for those who are working to make this concept a reality.
Dev Sharma
Dear All Bhutanese,
“Coming together is a Beginning, Keeping together is a Progress and Working together is a Success”. I hope Bhutanese of all spectrum will come together to transform this great vision into a reality. Earlier proposal of United Bhutanese International may be appropriately replaced by NRB. Good Luck
Dick BC
Dear Apfa friends,
Firstly congratulation on floating the idea.
This is my first comment and brief only for now. I am sure we will have more discussion as we receive more comments:
Someone has to start somewhere, so the idea is floated but we don’t want to be seen this as another Nglop group from the people of Bhutan (the RGOB will always see as Ngolop).
Fundamental is to get support and recognition from within in Bhutan. Is this possible?
Two, the Non residence Nepali (NRN) is very active now all over the world and more so in Australia. The constitution clearly qualifies any Nepalese who are citizens of countries other than SAARC countries are automatically members (NRN constitution has been made keeping in mind all the nepalese in the world, not any country specifically.
In this case once you live for certain time in these countries, you automatically qualify to be NRN but have the choice to join or not. The NRN will probably issue visa for such people for 10 years. I will not be surprised that many of our people will take this opportunity because it is their choice and visit Nepal in future for many obvious reasons.
How practical BNR will get the support of the old political parties and communities at large? How practical is that people settling in the west will accept DNC and BNDP?
Because people living in different countries and different states and regions in the west are forming their own organisations to get local and state support. How practical is that we will firstly unite the people in one country before coming in the international delegation? Unless, leaders nominate like DNC and BNDP and media support will push them no matter what is the concern of the people.
By going through the experience of the people settling, there are very few who are talking positive about the leaders and parties.
Or there will be a choice to few oldies to appoint themselves and run the program on their own.
My comment may look very negative to all the readers but this is the reality in the ground friends.
I suggest before you all go and form self appointed group, better allow people to settle, form their local groups in each countries and approach through bottom-up policy and NOT top down approach.
There will be no meaning unless Bhutanese, other than refugees settled in other countries support this.
There will be no meaning to form the BNR for the shake of name without engaging the RGOB.
BNR’s one main objective will be to promote and invest in Bhutan in future. How can this be done by one sided policy and given the current stand of the RGOB that they have ignored us for 18 years?
The bottom line of the success is to involve the RGOB, and when is this possible 5 years, 10 years or 20 years?
In conclusion, first win the will and support of all people in and out of Bhutan.
Engage youths, Initiate RGOB contacts, lobby countries like Norway and Core groups to talk to RGOB (because no RGOB agent will even talk to us now) Keep the option open who will lead and how it will go. Don’t nominate like DNC to BNDP and Dhakal. This will give more blacklash than good.
Comments welcome and happy to contribute more
Parsuram, Melbourne
I feel awkward to go through the article of Mr. Parsu Luital daju on NRB. I feel embarrass particularly for his qualms to accept NRB as Bhutanese Diaspora and rather indirectly advocating NRN as a substitute!
I believe:
For those who aspire to return Bhutan with dignity; aspire to have National Reconciliation with government of Bhutan; aspire to support people (In and abroad) to establish vibrant, inclusive, multiparty democracy in Bhutan; aspire to participate and promote socio economic development in Bhutan; aspire to support for the cause of Bhutanese refugees around the world —NON-RESEDINTIAL BHUTANESE (NRB) is a wonderful dais to make our voice heard.
Any Bhutanese who may not desire to be included in NRB is — well —their personal convictions and choices.
NRB is an umbrella body, a Diaspora of Bhutanese community around the world which would eventually get recognition from international community including UN and from RGOB. Any Bhutanese with their affiliation to any organizations can be accommodated in NRB.
Anybody blaming and vilifying our senior leaders are ignorant countrymen who have failed to understand the crux of the refugee crisis or may not have lived in the refugee camps last 17 years. Let us avoid pointing our leaders or parties! This is a grave mistake we are making!
Non Residential Nepali (NRN) cannot become a substitute for Non Residential Bhutanese (NRB) or Bhutanese Diaspora. We are Bhutanese and our Diaspora would be NRB only. Any Bhutanese advocating for NRN is trying to misinform our younger generation, and I am sure the younger generations are quite alert & aware of such people!
Therefore, I am a proud Bhutanese, I love Bhutan, and I would support the ideas of NRB floated by our senior Bhutanese!
LONG LIVE NRB!!
Dilvika Subedi
Atlanta, USA
Dear Friends,
As far as I understand, this idea being floated is by no means under any political banner, org or individual. It is a whole new vision due to TCRSP; and it is a new beginning to unite all non residential Bhutanese for the common cause. Certainly there will be founding members and executive body to represent all NRBs. Any non-residential citizen should be of a specific country, not an ethnic group in another country. So let us not get mixed up.
Bets of LUCK
DC
THIS COMMENT WAS POSTED IN THE BHUTANESE GOOGLE GROUP
Dear All,
I have made my comments in the forum as well (MEANS ABOVE COMMENT IN MY NAME)
I think it is important to throw the nature of NRB before the formation idea:
1 Is it going to be the another arm of political party?
2 Is it going to be the community oriented organisation?
3 Is it going to be human rights advocating forum? or
4 Is it going be the charitable/NGO type of organisation?
As stated in my comments in apfanews, it is more important to try and define NRB.
Why this?
Because every organisations formed by other countries have strong support of the parent country (Bhutan in our case) since the formation of such organisation involves the government of the parent country at the highest level.
In our case it will be only trying to lobby the RGOB. This can be met by one of the 4 points above.
We don’t want to see another human rights or political forum in the name of NRB. NRB is going to be the esteem organisation to work with entire Bhutanese without boundaries from across the globe. So better, wait and do some ground work.
As mentioned in the NRN constitution that any people of Nepali origin can be NRN, please read the constitution here:
http://www.nrn.org.np/downloads/nrna_constitution_25may08.pdf
Given this, how we protect from the RGOB who may put up the propaganda that we are NRN already (please do some research to tackle this context). The NRN constitution is written considering all these issues and it does not personally favour any Nepali residing countries.
By this constitution, many of you are already NRN eligible (Remember! I am not trying to say to join NRN but the fact) I have been very closely working with NRN, including pushing the cause of people of Nepali Origin (for people out of nepal to made in inclusive, not Bhutanese issues here but of all Nepalese).
I am also working very closely with NRN now, infact I am one of the organisers of the third NRN conference in Melbourne for Australasia. This involvement has provided me to learn a lot about the process from the beginning and one of the reason I working is to import the idea in to Bhutanese context.
I am writing all this points so that you all can convert into our context.
I ask the BNPD to review your statement in the presse release “It considers the third country resettlement of Bhutanese refugees an interim solution.” This statement is acceptable for the sake of stating, this cannot be justified by deeds since the people who are settling in the west are going to live permanently in those countries unless bhutan opens the door in freedom, which seems not possible in a decade time. We can simply learn from Nepalese and Indians who only go to their parents countries for holidays and visits even though they can live there? Now compare this to our situation.
In conclusion, if you parties are interested to work on lobbying group or one of the above, please don’t pollute the would be NRB now and invite hatred from within Bhutan.
We may have to keep this NRB for the right day so that it has enough respect from inside bhutan when the situation changes there.
One small suggestions, allow young brains to play with their ideas and you old folks please be the behind scene actors if you honestly look into making this happen.
Thank you
Parsu
Melbourne
Hello Dilvika Subedi
I appreciate your concern. Did you find anywhere that I oppose the NRB? I am more than you for it to happen and see it prosper. You fail to understand that we have to work on how we make our identity valid in NRB without involving RGOB, without clarifying with NRN? Remember that our ethnicity is Nepali and our political identity is Bhutanese. by this defination you fall in NRN by default, I don’t think there is any argument on this, but this does not at all mean we forget Bhutan and do not open NRB. It is only the fact that we have to come across.
Thats why i have asked to do more research on ground to curb that RGOB will not say we are by NRN constitution fall under NRN (NRN have not written their constitution to include us but for entire nepalese of the world).
The other point is it is not blaming the leaders, but trying to correct them, remember that everyone is aware in the west and will take part in activities, not just few leaders who had means to travel and dominate the whole bhutanese diaspora like they did in Nepal. This you can hear from people in US and Australia since we all talk to most of them through phone. The fact of the matter is many (majority) do not like to listen the leaders, up to you to decide but few of us cannot take decision for entire generations. Please provide alternative to this how you approach people?
My meaning is how NRB will be accepted by our people (everyone), how will RGOB involve and how the structure will be develop? How BNDP and all parties will come up together.
I suggest you to provide some light in those grounds rather than concluding on me as a NRN supporter. I may not have lived in the camp but does that make a less bhutanese, does it?
The whole idea of my comment is to invite strong debate and discussion and we then share the common goal.
You have shared that we come together, how can we do by simply saying yes to the two simple statement by DNC and BNDP put in this website.
NRB is above our politics and groups, so save it for the right day to work with the RGOB cordially. I am also bit surprised why the media like apfanews and BNS has to be the partner. Best to leave the platform alone.
Please read my second comment and try to tackle the issue raised rather than pointing at persons.
Last point,NRB is not like any individual political parties, to get the support of all, I suggest that NRB should be initiated by not any political parties but by genuine individuals as bhutanese from across the bhutanese community. The statement already said NRB is the initiative of BNDP, to be realistic how many people settled in the west are BNDP members? Just be logical, take a common ground which will gather support from all and not the different parties.
So mush for now.
Thanks
Parsu
Dear Parsu,
It is good to keep caution on issues that affect everyone’s future in exile. I think NRB plantform does not belong to a sigle political party. The NRB parliament could be a democratically elected one. Members of DNC, BNDP, BPP and individuals could compete and get elected in the system. NRB obviously has political connection. It is an issue that will have to be debated and recognized by the Parliament of Bhutan. That will happen only if the party who have been fighting for poltical change in Bhutan for the last 20 years are permitted to return. Perhaps you went directly from Bhutan without going through the pains of becoming a refugee. What the poltical party like DNC and BNDP are trying to do is raise an issue for the benefit of resettled people so that they have a locus standi with Bhutan. There is a need for other parties also to examine the proposal. It is just an idea for people to examine. I think there is a need to look at it with a cool mind examining the issue in long-term perspective for the benefit of the resettled refugees and the county as a whole.
With very best,
Dev
Dear All,
It is interesting to note that initiatives are being taken for NRB. Let’s keep this platform as a non-partisan. Let’s bear in in mind the following for the sake of our unity.
1. NRB becomes a platform for all Bhutanese living/working or resettled outside Bhutan.
2. NRB does not follow any political ideology on its own but will seek the blessings of the political entities outside and inside Bhutan.
3. It has its own constitution /guideline for membership and follows a particular code of ethics/conduct.
These are the few ideas I can throw for discussion.
One simple request for all.
Since English is the medium of communication, let’s respect the language and its rules rather than write undecipherable acronyms, grossly misspelled simple words and very casual and candid remarks. They say our writing like the dawn which shows the day.
Best
Praja shapkota
Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
NRB creation is a good idea. It should be able to bring together Bhutanese-be it in abroad, Nepal, Bhutan or India- to reach our common goals; a goal that will facilitate willing exile Bhutanese to return Bhutan will all dignity, a goal that will facilitate willing exile Bhutanese to invest and to take part in all spheres of socio economic developments in Bhutan; a goal that will help us to campaign concerned international bodies to get reparation (of those who do not want to return Bhutan) of our left-out properties in Bhutan.
Therefore, I appreciated the idea floated for the formation of NRB. For this, as Praza Shapkota dai said , we need guidance from our senior Bhutanese no matter whether they belong to political parties or human right organizations. After all experience matter in our issue.
Let senior Bhutanese organize a conference– after rigorous consultation with fellow Bhutanese around the world –in an apt location to form organizational structure of NRB in future. But they should be aware that NRB should be inclusive and non-partisan.
Parangkush Subedi
Bhutanese refugee
Emory University, Atlanta
Sewaro All,
When I see a new moon and new friend(S) I don’t know why I spontaneously become happy and agitated. These days, seeing brainstorming, exchanging views and opinions among the intellectuals over the new idea of moving toward the creation of NRB-a common platform of the Bhutanese diaspora, has dashed me to the brink of happiness and felt as if I’m seeing again either a new moon or new friends or both. Unlike above, contradictorily, here I have a simple single reason to be moved and happy.
My conscience strongly asserts that NRB, if established after enough debate and homework, following universally accepted mechanism and procedure,and if all actors brush aside their vested and petty interests and act acording to the desire of the people, will definitely replicate as a burning candle at the end of a tunnel for the entire Bhutanese living abroad.It will keep them in unison, it must be able to speak out the voice of the people both in and out and finally it must be able to give a strong message to all that we have a common platform for common cause and plight all over the continents. Oh,can we prove that accepting TCR is not a step of accepting defeat but a step toward lasting solution to the refugee crisis in Bhutan?
Thanks every one for sharing your ideas.
Atlanta, Georgia.
Dear Friends,
Seeing most of the input in both the forums of apfanews and Bhutan news service, I have seen the balanced support for NRB, balanced support to include both political and non political parties and some emotional support to each other and some emotional aspiration to go to Bhutan and get our rights and so on.
We all are entitled to our views and ideas and eventually we have to work together to some meaningful outcome for this cause.
I will try to throw my view points for positive and negative comments.
Before we proceed with the name of Non Residence Bhutanese, I will still ask all to put on the right name of the institution what may fit best to our situation. Because many comment showed repatriation back to Nepal, some showed getting back our rights and property and some want to invest in Bhutan.
For most of these issues we have so many organizations, human rights groups and political parties to tackle this. Are we going to put the same old agenda in the name of NRB? PLEASE, LETS MAKE CLEAR THIS POINT FIRST.
After this, if we are looking something new in NRB, then we may have the valid point to form the institute.
Do we we want NRB isolated from RGOB? Or do we want to form a government in exile similar to Tibetan people under Dalia Lama to pursue the rights restoration for evicted Bhutanese in Bhutan?
The next step comes whether we want to move ahead alone, without RGOB or we want to engage RGOB in the process?
If we want to follow the latter, then we have to change our current approach of critising RGOB and start negotiation. Remember! the leadership in RGOB will change to second generation leaders in decades times and whole attitude will change towards the neutral view with us. It is up to us to say whether we too want to change and love our country and support from abroad, or we want to be stubborn to fight the RGOB to the end to get our property and rights back by fighting and continue slapping their current policies!
The other point is we are Bhutanese by birth and existence but we are also Nepalese by origin and ethnicity. How do we differentiate ourselves from being Bhutanese Nepalese or Bhutanese only? Please do not put your emotions here. This is issue we have to address with cool head and with substance.
I know we have terrible experience in Nepal and many many personal incidence with Nepalese local in Nepal but this should not be generalized with entire Nepal and Nepalese people and govt. Accept it or not, I will always thank the people of Nepal and govt of Nepal for giving shelter to all of us, more so to my parents and for the simple fact that our origin from this country cannot be denied in any generations to come. We have to accept that the govt of Nepal has fallen in the trap of RGOB to sign the 4 categories but we can see the political system in Nepal has done more damage to Nepal itself than to us. I think no citizens wants this in any country.
Please do not assume and victimized that I am supporting Nepal. I am stating the ethical and moral view to all of us as per my thinking. I will very proudly say, I will be the first to go back to Bhutan if the government there allows me to return and render my service to this great nation of ours. This does not mean I will not support Nepal. I will support Nepal as my second brother or sister because this country is going through a bad times and it becomes the moral obligation of every Nepali in the world to support and rescue this great nation where yours and mine great great grand parents were born.
We can have many views in this point but simple point is, it is the only place in the world where the language you and I speak is recognized as national language. We are grateful to the third king of Bhutan where our Nepali language is recognized as official language and despite the uprising in 1990, it is still in papers in Bhutan’s law as such.
I will thank the GRGOB in certain aspects and its policies before 1985 that have given us decent rights. This is more important for our young brothers and sisters to realize and understand before you become emotional to criticize RGOB.
Examples! we have been seen in the west as a community that can adjust in the new environment very fast, more multicultural in the global context. Credit to some of these acceptance go to the RGOB for their policies to educate us in hostels and communities between southern and northern people. This is the undeniable fact but please do not compare with the out burst of the uprising in the south in 1990s, this has a different approach altogether.
While I am saying this, I know many of you will criticize me from the refugee diaspora and many from the Bhutanese who read this forum that I am trying to please them. I am not concerned with what either party says, I don’t hesitate to state the fact. Whether you are RGOB or Refugee, one day we have to sit together to negotiate if we decide to continue saying Bhutan is our country which everyone will agree I suppose.
What is the conclusion? We are Bhutanese, we are ethnic Nepalese, we want to engage with Bhutan at all times to come, we want to be citizens of our country of settlement, we want contribute to the betterment or our country and we want RGOB to recognize us.
So what is the approach to achieve these goals? Fight or negotiations! Please put your comment. I assume, everyone will put logical points than emotional and personal.
Long live the Bhutanese diaspora
Parsu
Melbourne
I like to thank Parsu for entering the real debate of NRB concept. For the long terms outcome of NRB we must understand the changes taking place in bhutan and seriously alanyze it.NRB definitely will encourage all bhutanese abroad to look back and sort out the possibilities, priorities, roles and the hardships associated to them.It is more important to build people-to-people relationships and finally influence the government and the legislature to rethink about bhutanese diaspora. If Bhutanese want to invest somewhere, it should be Bhutan.So parsu’s argument of recognition of NRB by government of Bhutan holds water, which in turn requires a constant influence of ours on decission making process of the elected government.
I think we are somehow always confused with language,ethnicity and nationality. In our context; our language is Nepali, ethnicity is Lhotsampas and the nationality is Bhutanese. We might be outside the country but we carry this enormous pride of being Bhutanese as we were borne in that country.
We are in all the three continents today not because we are nepali but because we are Bhutanese.A senseless, self centered government might have driven us out but a day will come when they will repent it.
It is definitely a good idea to create a platform for Non Resident Bhutanese as this will always tie us with our motherland. Look at other communites one may be an American,British, Australian or Indian Jews but they still look at Israel as their parent land.
It is true that some of us might take citizenship in the country of domicile in near future but that does not necessarily mean we should forget our native land. We should perhaps balance it in such a way that we can fully become a law abiding citizen of our adopted land while continuing to maintain a healthy link with the motherland.
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE SAME COMMENT I HAVE MADE IN BNS FORUM
Nilik Jee
Please be informed that I made to Australia through the Asian Development Scholarship Japan program through the international competition and on individual capacity. There was not a single cent spent on my MSC by the RGOB though the approval to study leave was granted by them and I was paid my salary during the study time like others.
Despite that my guarantor was pressurized to write letter to Australian Govt stating to send me back to Bhutan.
India may not listen to us either. There may be opportunity from the countries of our settlement if we can catch the right person in the respective govts or NGOs.
There are lots of people who support both Bhutan and our cause too. They may be in a position to break the ice with RGOB.
Though this forum is also read by the Bhutanese friends which means RGOB is fully aware of this discussion. What I have gathered is there is a concern to the highest level in RGOB recently that in the name of Bhutanese culture and tradition we display our Nepali songs and culture. Down the line in few years, Bhutan to all your and my neighbors is what they see in our culture and learn from us.
This could be one example where RGOB may be able to sit with us to jointly exhibit Bhutan as one representing various cultures including Cham dances and other cultures from all parts of Bhutan unless they decide to launch massive campaign that what we say and do as Bhutanese in the west is not true (this seems to be unlikely). There may many issues similar to these that we may put on the table.
The other point is Young Minister like Pema Gyamtsho are entirely educated in the west and there understanding of the situation is totally in different paradigm if we compare with others in Bhutan and many young fellows in the line are of moderate view on the issue.
Not now, but few years down the line RGOB may also think on these issues very eminently. This can be observed from anecdotal evidence that was discussed by both parties before the election in Bhutan about the southern issues.
Factions of both political party heavy weights (not Southern Bhutanese) have said that they would like to end the taboo like NOC and Census and liberalize all the facilities equally. If such topics has come on discussion in the political forum, then there must be many within the community to solve this problem.
You cannot also deny there are equally others in Bhutan still of the opinion that we deserve to suffer and regularly advising the supremo accordingly.
May be, for now wait and see approach or start, if we all find someone influential in our country of settlement. I am optimistic to meet someone in Australia.
I am not the expert but having worked in Bhutan until 2002 March, I can say that not all northerners are against us living out side Bhutan and have moderate attitude to solve this problem.
Comments and criticism welcome.
Parsu
Melbourne
To my simple logic, the political parties and human rights organizations that were created in exile tried their best and worst to: share their overnight stories and some realities about the mass eviction of the 1990s, repartiate the refugees,kill the refugees in the name of people’s war,killed the self declared leader,earn the best money (bharoo, nehroo, euro , dollors,ngultrams)they could in the name of providing some sorts of comfort to the fellow refugees.They sold hopes to all of us.We believed them for 17 years.Finally nothing got rewarded to all of us.I appreciate their efforts for so long.Since they have known now that Bhutanese refugee issue is beyond their control and ability in every sense including the much repeated “Goepolitical factors”, why don’t they feel embarassed to fool the frustrated and worried refugees who have chosen to spend the rest of their life free from the refugee tag, repatriation fictions,new terminologies,new harrasments, new maobadis and khaobadies? The respective governments have taken decisions for our present and future life.Let our children,youth, adult and old study and learn skills to begin a new life with a mind free of the so-called Bhutanese movement.We have moved adequately.So, to me our movement is fixed now.No need any kind of vision,strategy or action any more.When our people stay for some years in USA,Australia and Europe, they will know where to pocket their hard earn money or invest the same.We knew how capable,sincere,honest,committed and influential are our leaders and right activists.My appeal to all Bhutanese abroad and in the camps is that do not tend to cling to the new webs and snares of our unsuccessful leadership.Or else you will waste another 17 years and retire with just silvered hairs on your heads.Remember then, that your silvered hairs do not provide evidence of your accumulated wisdom before your new generations but just a qualification to register yourselves for old-age benefits.At 40, I realized that our movement was created with no vision and it is going to end with no determination.SO,are we not fooled for years? At least I was.Be aware!
Parsu,
Bhutan government can say anything. They have labelled us anti-nationals, Ngolops and foreigners. We should not be deterred by what Bhutan government might say. We have fought for our rights despite loosing the lives of our dear ones, properties, 18 years of hopelessness and above all our national identity. Bhutan government will always use its power of influence to suppress our voice but our victory lies in fighting to retain our identity.
What is the harm in creating a united platform of the non resident Bhutanese?
Why do we have to blame the people who led us to this day? I do not buy the idea that leaders failed to solve the problem. Despite enormous hardships they did their best. Even if there is anything to blame then we all must share the blame.
Forget about our leaders, Bhutan is able to dissuade even the world community in the name of gross national happiness.
Let us bury our differences and work for better future.
Birendra
Talking about ruling class Bhutanese and sarchops’ mentality,at individual level each one tries to be humane, sympathetic,and a true follower of Lord Buddha’s principles of non-violence, compassion,and mutual coexistence.But at collective level such as in a gathering,parliament and cabinet, they(non-nepali speaking Bhutanese) are against nepali speaking Bhutanese within and outside Bhutan.They are gifted with playing with human emotion.They have inherent quality of hypocrisy, that is, they keep their personal judgement strong and silent but expressively they prove to be great saints who talk indepth of virtue and humanity.You know how much they bow in action and spirit to please(fool!) others.They act very innocent and let the others override the debate or argument.They try their best not to say “NO” directly.This tactic has helped Bhutan to push Bhutanese refugee issue upto this level.The only failure of Bhutanese diplomacy is indirectly seen with China on boundary disputes.So, we got to learn a lot from these groups of Bhutanese as a means of survival instinct.So, be aware before we get to close to their view and personality.
Side by side we also must not forget our own attitude and characteristics right from Garganda,Assam and Bengal border to the camps in Nepal.
Hoping to get back to Bhutan as a citizen,to me, is most unlikely if not impossible.
Birendra Jee,
As per you we should fight to the last end with RGOB. Then why NRB? Just continue from the old forum.
Next, why? the BNDP and DNC has to lead? If so, why those leaders are not putting their comment here?
Why try to bulldoze and try to represent all without consensus?
Why they cannot write the expression of interest and ideas rather than two statement and invite opinions?
How many people support the BNDP and DNC afte the third country settlement started? Please see the forum from the computer literate ones. There are more then 10 folds who don’t know whats going on the forum and are more critic of these parties.
Why even propose the name NRB before consensus?
The statement would have been respected if if have asked the name and few objecttives from the mass.
I am smelling rat that these so called leaders will silently come up with their own version and impose the NRB on us.
If this is the case, please be warned that instead of uniting, we will be diving for generations. I will be the one to oppose tooth and nail if anything comes up without going door to door of every Bhutanese in all the countries.
Because the silence of all the old folks (leaders) and supporters of the BNDP and DNC is signalling something very fishy, just because of their silence. They got the hold of these two news website, either financially or emotionally capturing the hearts our young guys who are committed to keep this news forum alive and doing wonderful job. I feel sorry that these young journalists are distracted or used by the influence of these leaders.
Please keep two things in mind:
1 If we want to ever go to Bhutan as tourist or Non residence, then only option is through negotiation.
2 If we don’t want to go to Bhutan but keep on fighting, then we do not need NRB, we can continue in any old forum and the name could be anything different.
To achieve either of this, the only and one option to talk to all the people and get their support, not silence and ego after two statement.
One who expect respects has to learn to respects others. If every humanbeing is treated in that way, we will support him/her until our last breath. In this context , it has already been shown by the BNDP nad DNC as a dream and people have expressed their views.
Let people live and the leaders do some course on communinty development and come back with refreshed brain after few years.
If I have written the statement like BNDP and DNC, I will respond to every statement in forum or by email to all but the leaders did not do that. why? No time? No contact? Any person can judge from here what is there motive.
I am very happy to communicate on this
Please contact at [email protected]
Thanks,
Parsu
Note from editor:
dear parsu, be informed that we are not influenced by any parties or political leaders on matters of initiating NRB network it was rather APFA and BNS that first talked about the need of such networks and it is not final that NRB will be its name. the name has been floated for discussion. unless that is name, how can people start debates.
also note that political leaders are not chosen here for NRB leadership. it is the gathering that we assume to be held later to decide who leads the NRB. since it will obviously be a non-political group, it would be better to keep political parties out. but we need someone in the leadership to start here.
It is good to know the people’s viewpoints. Now is the time to consolidate the idea and begin networking of those people who believe in the creation of NRB platform. We need a dedicated group of individuals from varies Bhutanese community and move forward with networking. Those who are in the position to make a difference should start lobbying Nepal government and the civil society whose support and solidarity is important for its success. Also, there is a need to do some work in India. The rest will follow in line…
Dev
Hello Editors,
Many thanks for clarifying on the point of your involvement. The way two statements are put in the forum, it obviously looked like the party have grab on you.
Anyway if you are clean and away from any of such parties and groups, I am very satisfied and look into making unconditional support and progress of the website and news work.
So please keep up the good work, my only concern was to keep your committed work pure and unbiased.
Well done guys
Parsu
PARSU JEE: I LIKE THE WAY YOU COME UP FOR DEBATE.THOSE FOLKS WHO HAVE SHOWN WEAK SUPPORT DON’T HAVE A CONCRETE STAEMENT TO EXPRESS IN THE FORUM.WE DON’T NEED TO MEKE MISTAKE ANYMORE.I DON’T SUPPORT NRB UNLESS EVERYONE COMES UP WIHT CLEAR VISION AND OBJECTIVES. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.WE DON’T NEED ANY POLITICAL PARTIES OR ORGANISATION AND THEIR LEADERS ELSEWHERE IN ANY CONTINENT.
DEV JEE: WHAT IDEAS ARE REQUIRED TO BE CONSOLIDATED WHEN IDEAS ARE DOWN PLAYED BY A GROUP. WHAT IS NETWAKING WHEN EACH OTHER ARE RELATED IN THE FAMILY AND EVERY ONE IS ACTIVATED BY A SINGLE PERSON.
BIRENDRA JEE: THERE IS NO HARM AT ALL,BUT OUR IDENTITY IS STILL NOT CLEAR. WE MAY BRING THIS IN THE FORUM AGAIN FOR DISCUSSION.
NEWS EDITOR:PURSU JEE NEVER SAID DEITORS ARE PAID, PLEASE BE CLEARE AND INDEPENDENT.
Mr. Parsu Lautel
I think you are fearing with either Ratan gazmere or Gogen Gazmere or Om Dungel or with all three in Australia. You are acting as if you are the sole representative of Bhutanese in Australia.
As far as I know about you; your family were later became Nepali citizen having land and house in Birtamode. When your parents were in Nepal, you were working in Bhutan, which is clear that you were second to Tulsi Ram Bhandari of Suray Bhutan.
Again, when your parents were in Nepal as refugees, how come you were given ADB scholarship to study in Australia as a candidate from Bhutan? How come Bhutan government gave you Passport to travel in Australia when your parents were living in Refugee camps? Bhutan government never issued even NOC to relatives of Bhutanese refugee in camps forget about job or passport. [……]
So Mr Parsu Lautel, please do not try act smart? When true refugee like Ratan, Gogen or Om Dungel are silent, you have no legitimate claims to represents Bhutanese in Australia. You are no one cheat.
Friends in Australia, please be aware of this men called Persu Ram Leutel.
TN Sharma
Goldap Refugee camp
Nepal
Mr.TN,
We don’t want any reprsentative from anywhere no matter who and what background or quality she/he possess from back home.This is not a time of representation.Pleae forget those days you had in Bhutan and in Nepal and pass the opportunities to younger generation rather then you point out those old fashion folks again in Australia.
Citizenship of Nepal,land and porperties don’t mean anything why we talk about Parsu’s family and their wealth. Who all didn’t have land and ask yourself if any so called leaders had sent their kids in the camp school and how they have managed financially in those expensive schools of Kalimpong and Darjeeling.You have enough knowledge about Parsu’s family and propereties, you must be one of the next door neighbor in Birthamood.Also don’t talk about how he was awarded scholarship and passpor,it’s all by his hardwork.
Please don’t say RGOB’s agent if he is in different page and don’t just support your wises without detail knowledge of issue.
Dear Mr TN Sharma,
Your words of personal attack on me has defeated the whole purpose of this debate. We are debating on NRB here not on attacking and pulling each others leg. Your mentality and attitude, if people will follow, will eat another generation of Bhutanese even in the West.
If everybody think and act like you and stay quite and allow things to happen by few leaders whom you would like to lead, you will be in the same pond and no different from Bhutanese Govt.
I congratulate you for wrting everything so deep and personal on this forum about me. AND I also wonder the editors have approved such personal comment which are beyond me and bringing my family in. WIll this continue if everybody put personal debate and bring their parents or relatives in? Editors please note this.
The next point is, do your Ratan and Om dhungel do not have anything in Nepal? Can you guarantee? Did they live in the camp or their parents live in the camp or elese where??? Better check??
Do other leaders and many refugees do not have in any property in Nepal?
Can you proof the legality of my parents property in Nepal? If you do so you will be rewarded.
You seems to be one blind [….] of one of those who are purposing NRB or paid individual to react to abuse me or must be your brain is abnormal. Simply because I have never known you or seen you but you seems to take so much interested on others. What damage has my being and parents property, if any has done to you? Aris, jealosy? What elese?
I cannot be so mean like to you, my job (community (both bhutanese and non Bhutanese) work in Australia does not need any appreciation and recognition from the person of your understanding or imigination, I have been fortunate to be recognised by the Govt of Australia and will post you the deatils, send me if you dare your email. My email for you to debate me is: [email protected]
It also reflects how you have been grown up and brought up that even in today’s world that you atatck people in their welbeing. Why can’t you also buy the property if you are so curious to know others? Sorry for you and your level of thinking.
What we have done in Australia? Ask all the Bhutanese, How the Australian Govt is seeing us when we donated money for the Bushfire? Ask Om dhungel and Ratan who has initiated this? Will you? One person has taken the initaitive, that’s me but when we are recognised by the Govt it is not me, IT IS BHUTANESE IN AUSTRALIA.
I don’t want to bring this point here but felt the need to tell the person like you to know. Ask the People in Albury, Wodonga and Melbourne what we have done with the govt. Go back to Apfa news in April 25tha nd read. Before you trt to attack on others deed, you should have some in your pocket. Do you have anything??? other then aris and negetavity???
Ask Father Varkey in CARITAS in Nepal how we initiated the help to fire victims in Beldangi II from Australia. Why the so called names you have not initiated these or other activities? For your info 25% of that total amount is raised alone by me. (here again I feel a need to tell you in a mean way, this is not for general readers)
With regards to my getting job in Bhutan and coming to Australia, go to google and type my name and you will find all the answers.
You are very right how can I get job in Bhutan when my parents in Camp? Dare you”! send me your email and you will have answers ? Be informed that even though I was in Bhutan, I am fortunate to get NOC for other many Bhutanese Nepalese who were dying for that and have obtained the benefit, ofcourse the person was jalied later on.
Part of my NOC story here if you wish:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-citizens-proudly-show-off-their-sense-of-freedom-20090126-7q0m.html
One thing, Australia is not like the boundry of Goldhap Refugee Camp. Ask your friends how we live here.
Mind you! I have no interest of leaders like you and many others. I have passion to help the communities and I don’t need the approval of person like you or your company. But at the same time, I will also not let people to be fooled by the so called leaders unless they participate in full with dignity and honour.
Your criticism are welcome and this sort of negativity helps me to construct and improve my weak points and develop further from here.
I welcome more of such abuse if you have.
Let me see how you will progress and develop also, this will be interesting to know.
Thanks
Parsu
One more to TN Sharam
My visa in Australia is no different ot other refugees including Om Dhungel and others. I am recognised as refugee like others, but according you I should Bhutanese hoina? Please study the defination of refugee at: http://www.unhcr.org.au/basicdef.shtml#def01
Thanks,
parsu
Dear TN,
It is not wise on our part to make unnecessary comments. The way I understand is that NRB is a forum for Bhutanese people who could either be from exile or from inside who are working in overseas countries. It is not alright for us to comment on people who I believe have made contribution to reach thus far in the resolution of the refugee problem. Definitely, people like Ratan Gajmere and Jogen Gajmere, who have not only contributed towards the resolution of the refugee problem, but have served prison sentences in Bhutan for the cause of human rights and democracy do deserve appreciation and respect from our communities. While the contribution made by the refugee leaders or political parties will be left for the history to make judgment, there is no need to call names, or alleged something on speculation. Definitely, NRB requires political support from Political Parties either from inside or from those working from exile. NRB is a platform for Bhutanese resettled in overseas countries to re-establish their connection with Bhutan. The leaders of the political parties in exile do not need NRB platform to establish their connection in Bhutan. There is no harm for the political parties to float the idea and provide moral support for its success. Whether we like it or not NRB is the need of our society, if we don’t create it now, it will be done tomorrow. It is good to have healthy criticism. That is the only way to understand and steer the process to the conclusive end. As APFANEWs editorial team has said, the idea was always there.DNC and BNDP have helped it to bring into prominence. Let us not get boged down with minor points. Let us try to form Bhutanese communities wherever we are being settled, and it is already happening. Let us try to create a small working group from among the different communites to work on the idea of NRB, and it is already happening. The working team should be able to bring together representatives from each of the communities to initiate the process of forming the NRB. So let us start working while the debate in on…..
Dev
Mr Dev,
Please go ahead and form your version of NRB without even the name (s) and purpose is floated to wider mass. I wonder what will be your objective and approach other than making link with Bhutan? What link you want to make and what is the purpose?
Just read my previous comments in both the forums. You will get plenty to work on the type of NRB or any institute. You have given us enough signal that you will impose so called NRB… but my dear friend, you are not in Nepal, or Bhutan or India. You are in the west and every Tom, Dick and Harry will have their say, you have enough people there and here in Australia and remember, we too have enough in US and other places as well.
People will make a choice between two NRBs, lets see which ones works. because you have signaled that your so called parties have started working.. congratulations once again for creating new rift even in the west.
Good luck and make it a family NRB with the name of Family initiated Non residence Bhutanese. I am bit surprised to see the attitude and professionalism you put in despite you being considered as one of actors in the past for Bhutanese movement.
Why you want to cry over the split milk? Follow Common saying “CLOSE YOUR PAST WITH THE IRON DOOR”. You are no more in Nepal or India in the mercy of others, you have greener grass everywhere and so have others who are living Why? bother them if they are not ready?
Please go and refer the social science these to words and try to understand
positivism and constructivism approach.
I will appreciate if you will be able to explain to all of us. This is because you are trying to adopt one, I want you to judge which you prefer.
Then let us debate
or else put the point of this debate here not beating the bush around.
Parsu
Dear Parsu,
I think there is a need for you to consult other friends in Australia. There are many other prominent people in Australia who have contributed a lot in the movement. Their opinions will be important to decide on what Bhutanese communities want to achieve in Australia. Here in US different communities are being formed. These communities will decide whether or not to support the concept of NRB. Eventually, the people’s opinion is important. As individuals we can try to mold individuals’ viewpoints but their collective decision will prevail eventually. Already, the state of North Dakota and Idaho have decided to provide community centers for Bhutanese refugees. Other states are likely to follow. These communities have their own written constitution, and they will have to go by the constitution on how they would like to get involve with NRB or any other alternatives. I wonder how many people are reading yours or mine comments. But do keep writing your viewpoints. In US we have to work hard to make our living. Probably, that is not the case in Australia. Nevertheless, we will continue to read your comments and adopt suggestions if found useful for strengthening our community. I wish you all the best for your work in Australia.
Dev
Parsu Sharma lautel-jee
Do not take my comment personal. I apolozie for that. But that is reality. When people suffered in the camps, you haven’t shown up;you were hesitant to even acknowledge that Bhutanese communities do exist in the camps. And now all of a sudden!……common dude…..people are smart enough now
No one know who is persu lautel ! Miraculously, you are now claiming that you are representing Bhutanese in Australia. You knew few years back that resettlement process was happening and you are now trying to project yourself as young emerging Bhutanese community leaders by playing against our leader’s card in Australia!
Why you are dead-set against Lotshampa refugee leaders? Common dude you do not know anything what has happend in the past 18 years in exile. If you were so passionate to serve your own community you would have chosen to leave in 1990 and joined people in the camps. Sadly you did not do that. Why all of a sudden now dude?.
Dude…again…don’t teach your father how to boil the egg? Ratan , Gogen, Bhim Subba, TN Rizal, RB Basnet, Dhakal, SB Subba, Bhompa Rai, Rongthong…….they are our heros. Had there been no initiative of RB Basnet and Bhim Subba to invite UNHCR, most of the people would have been in miserable conditions in Nepal including your father; has there been no tacit support for third country resettlement by Rongthong,DNS Dhakal, RB Basnet and TN Rizal, our younger generation would have been landed into vicious poverty trap; had there been no AMCC appeal movement by Ratan Gazmere, Gogen and many others ,refugee issue would not have gained international attention vis-à-vis resettlement process; has there been no BRRRC guided by SB Subba and Dr. Bhompa Rai , our community people would have been landed into utter frustration……. So dude Lautel jee…what do you want from them? Only e-campaigning against them will not help you dude.
Do not ever try to say anything bad to them okey? If you find any loopholes on their deeds, it is we the younger generation to rectify it and guide our community to the logical end in the days ahead and you are also part of it. But if you are trying to say bad to them from the very beginning………every body will sense fishy……on your part. Respect our people! And inculcate such habit to our younger generation.
May be in future we will sit together and discuss more dude!
TN Sharma
Goldap Refugee Camp, Nepal
Dear Dev
We too have formed community organization and registered with the Australian Government and many are in process in their states. You cannot knock the door of those leaders, I have not been told by anyone but through my interest and passion to help the Bhutanese that I come in this forum and many activities.
Yes, we have to reach the mass who cannot read and write in computer which we will do in our meetings as always. The concern is the so called leaders, be it in Australia or US or Nepal or India not bloody showing their name here. This is the concern and keeps doubt of their fairness in the system to come in the mind of people. Many old leaders have more interest on their own, if there is media or money, they would prefer to break the queue but if it has to be voluntary, they would prefer silence. This will kill them further from gaining the faith of younger generations. Remember, I too feel I am too old when I see the number of young bhai bainees coming up to participate in the forum.
Everyone, you , me and leaders in hiding have no scope in any forum unless we are prepared to sit with the younger lot and discuss the concept with their level of thinking. If we all do this, the may see the light at the end of the tunnel but not the way BNDP and DNC has done to put us in the debate and keep bloody silence. Why if are so committed they are not coming here with their achievements in this forum to convince the mass?
I am for any kind of well being to Bhutanese provided it comes from all through consensus.
Mr TN,
How can you change all your tone so suddenly? All comments to the leaders is not what they have done or not done. The whole point is why in this forum they are not contributing if they so wish to be make a genuine NRB and take part equally?
I am putting all my comments here is from the point of NRB and not on the basis of what they have done or not done? Where did you find that I have objected their party or group in Nepal? Do you have any minor evidence? So dude.. do bit more research. Ask Dr Dhakal where did I met him when he was writing his first book and whether I was of any help.
Don’t you teach me who lobbied the TCS process. I have more valid evidence of who from refugees and who from Nepal Govt had a series of meeting in US. I bet you will hardly have clue as to who had the power to toss the US govt from Nepal to make them agree for TCS. Times permits I will reveal details after details whic you never will ever have any sense of it mate!
Yes, I may not have lived in the camp, but my contribution is not cent less than you, dare you go and talk to Tek Nath Rizal and asked what a man ni the name of Parsu had done in in Thimphu soon after his release, when other so called Nepalese in Bhutan ran miles away and even avoided this poor (that time)desperate man who was just out from the prison in Thimphu. I lived that time in Bhutan and I dared RGOB to openly assist him in anyway I could (if we all live that long, you will know then). This is not so easy for anyone working in govt in Bhutan and do that ok!
The leaders have done wonderful job at their own will and power but why the people settled in the third country do not like to listen anything about the leaders? i ask this questions to all of you? I have no malice but why people shy away? We have to convince them so many times even to sign the simple community meeting attendance, why? they repeatedly say that they have been cheated so many times in Nepal that is why they do not want to sign any documents. Who did this so horrifying things to them.
Mind you, I have more important work and assignment to work in Australia than to fight for the leadership and politics of negativity. You are dump headed dude not to understand between politics and community work. I am involving in community work and assisting people to settle, not politics. There is no politics and will not be one from 5000 people settled in Australia to impact anything in Australia. My commitment is more to assist people and not to compete the so called leaders you are mentioning.
My concern is if anything it has to come, it should be through everyone’s agreement, not through the way you are used to have dude. The system in the west is not what you imagine from Nepal.
How on earth you concluded that when I am commenting in this forum in my name that you are assuming that I am commenting on behalf of Bhutan? This attitude of yours very clearly shows you are more scared and worried and feeling insecure for others to do anything other than from your likings.
But one thing i have learned from your comment is that I have to work hard to improve myself to be more articulate to tackle the person from level of mentality.
Thanks for your insight though, I got through different attitudes.
I am not against any individual,but writings and openion put forward are both contrsutive and plain. It’s our good thought if an association,organisation or general plateform be formed by the approval and united interest of all Bhutanese. But we are cultured with not caring what rest of the population say or it won’t bother if things works in the way they wanted. Many were formed within, and by family made decission. People who have not lived in the camp or who have made their way to America before the third country resettlement obviously think better,superior, and intellectual themself making decission for the whole refugee population. They stay glued to refugee population and want to walk these poor folks again in America.we didn’t want them in Nepal and we don’t want them here.There are many organisation and association already formed,it’s no thing more than their business in one way other. or all done for their own pormotion.
May be Dev. is right because these folks are used to forming any kind of group within family no one can stop.
But………we do not want family NRB. no family NRB.
no queremos NRB en América.Por favor Pare su negocio.
write a proper name
TN Sharma
Firstly debate started here for NRB. All it has been asked is what is NRB? Who will lead? Politics or non Politics? and then debate began some supporting, some opposing, some saying to fight RGOB and some want to negotiate.
Then came personal mud slinging particularly from TN sharma from US pretending to be in Goldhap and so on…
Many commenting here are so worried or scared, they even did not want to put the name.
Some pulling my legs from being the man to RGOB to trying to lead or becoming smart or abusing the leaders. The power to two eyes to see a person is so wonderful that one can make anything.
This is the gift we have from the 18 years of experience and we have never produced ONE UNIFIED LEADERS WHEN WE WERE IN ONE PLACE and we are talking of uniting with one person. What a joke? I honestly feel that we will perhaps will never ever have one leader in our life time, this is seen very clearly from 1990 to now…CAN ANYONE SAY WHO IS OUR LEADER? If US President calls tomorrow to represent Bhutanese refugees who will send? any answers? Simple NRB came from two statements from two prominent leaders, ok that is fine but where are others? Ok don’t reply to us because you may consider us young! But why even there is no statement from others too…
The whole point is not criticizing anyone here but the integrity of inclusiveness from all. That is all I am concern. Unless we bridge this gap, we will be making RGOB happy and in peace.
I was genuinely trying to seek some real input for NRB but now we are at personal war.. oh what a blessing we have got from RGOB and 17 years of suffering!
It looks everyone of us seems to hold our own beliefs and ignore or support our likings. This is the greatest gift we have from…say all of us… or each other.
I have come to this forum to see if any of the leaders will give openly some advise or suggestions or lessons or even personal mentoring. It did not happen and perhaps will not happen.
To conclude on the contribution of leaders in this forum for NRB I can compare one thing, though for their supporters, I may look stupid: that JSW felt very embarrassing to come out of Bhutan and New Delhi to face the media after 1990, so he decided to remain within rest of his life, and same thing here our leaders feel too embarrassing to come up and advise us.. perhaps a very odd comparison.
Before this, remember I have no personal malice to anyone of the leaders who you people are considering. I only wanted something from them… but never happened.
MR TN Sharma, you have said don’t teach your father to boil egg. What a good saying…If that is the case why you are so bloody scared to come up with your name and email even. Remember this is cyber age, not the stone age that you go to the palace to seek advise. I am always there to support any idea and work hard to make it a meaningful one but not the scare campaign like you to play politics even dragging personal things. Can you tell why people change track.. from NRB to personal attack? You do so to distract or your are sacred…. otherswise you will not say Goldhap when your are in Atlanta in US.
You try to play your card and slide mud over me, that will not do anything to me, I don’t have to prove or testify to you or anyone. I know I have not done anyone, any wrong and have always contributed wherever I can.
Coming to NRB, we may be very far away given the level and attitude of all of our discussion, we may lend up having none or our own NRB in each country.
Lets see how we go and who holds water to lead all of us. I am happy for anyone to come forward and show us clear path above the scare mongering here in the forum seek true NRB or anything??
Parsu
Hello Ramesh Gautam
I appreciate your genuine concern and than you for that.
It became necessary to reply those person who attack me on personal basis to open their eyes (May be I was wrong not to write that specific comment is for only such person) and I accept that.
If you read my comments from the very beginning, I have asked and invited the comments from everyone on What is NRB after the statement is put on the website?
It is the personal comment from the fellow participants I am defending and replying. What do you say to person like KN Sharma who even do not reveal the identy and make such personal attack simply because for suggesting that NRB should be apolitical and lead by someone neutral who can unite all the Bhutanese? What will you respond if that is you?
My point of keep commenting here in the forum on NRB is:
To get the meaningful name and outcome of NRB or called if anything’
Defend the unnecessary personal attack, which everyone will do I suppose
Be critical to any comment in the quest of getting the true suggestion on NRB or alike.
Apart from that what extra did you find in my comments that is attacking the people.
You can very well see in this forum how we have categorise people on the basis of
Education and qualifications,
Youth Vs leaders,
Experience Vs non experience,
people living in camp Vs like me who has not lived in camp,
People who moved to west before TCS Vs people settled by TCS.
Is this our main focus or NRB?
Are we uniting or falling apart? or Should we call a healthy democratic discussion?
You and few others are saying that will backfire one me. Thank you for your very honest suggestion, I appreciate very much. But for what and Why? Just because I am putting my comments and inviting the leaders to comment more specifically?
I should make it very clear that I am not making platform here to gain any support and I don’t need such support to work in NRB or any other organisations that will help the Bhutanese people by pleasing or not pleasing anyone. I will simply follow this “keep on doing what you will have to do and rest will be taken care”.
To work in any organisation of NRB’s nature,it will govern by the mandate of the organisation and I will follow that, if any such opportunity come in future.
Many comments in the forum are directly or indirectly supporting one or other affiliations but less on neutral appraoch. I will always be critical on such issues and try to support the general concensus. In doing so, If I have to be a villian and that saves the community from going in the wrong hands or directions, I am more than happy to be odd man out and be a villain.
My true foucs will be to help engage everyone with EQUAL DIGNITY AND HONOUR and I will not hesitate to assist in achieving this. In the procees, I have partially become odd with may be many leaders without even communicating, looked too smart and over samrt to some, and many other assumptions and presumptions and genuine to some few.
As long as we move in the right direction, I am not bothered about what people will say because we all know the world is not the right place to get everything perfect.
Let me make it clear that we can contribute to NRB or Bhutanese community not only through NRB if it does not materialise, there will be hundreds of forums and groups.
We all can make contributions through any such groups.
If you please check my comments I have asked emails from both ends not only one side.
Parsu
Dear All,
I am writing my comments after reading what everyone has commented earlier, including my own, in the name of Non Residence Bhutanese (NRB), I put my suggestions as follows:
1 WE SHOULD DISCUSS THE NAME OF THIS INSTITUTE BEFORE WE MOVE FURTHER AND GET EVERYONE’S APPROVAL.
Should we call it NRB?
Should it be called Bhutanese Living Abroad (BLA)?
Should it be Bhutanese Diaspora Abroad (BDA)?
Should it be Bhutanese in Exile (BIE)?
Please let us come up with the name first and agree in it, it could be totally different from the above suggestion. Let every body put names first and agree.
Action: By all Bhutanese in exile and inside Bhutan.
Time: Final outcome by June 2010.
Responsible to coordinate:
Please form the committee of lead this. Anyone can be lead who does not represent any political or associated groups. Could be someone like RP Subba dai who has been writing very researched article about Bhutan? I think is a neutral person to coordinate through emails if he is willing.
How: Form the new goggle email group with the help of our journalist bhais and bainees for BNS and Apfanews. This is very important since there are many unknown people in present Bhutanese refugee google group and we cannot depend on confidentiality in this forum since this is read by all. There may be times, some things discussed first before bringing in the forum.
2 DISCUSS THE MAIN VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVE OF THE INSTITUTE BASED ON THE NAME
How: Share the ideas in the same email group and discuss each point dot by dot.
Time: Final outcome by 2011 June.
Who can lead the discussion?
The same person as in 1 or can form the small committee of members from all the places voluntarily through emails.
3 FINAL CONSTITUTION DRAFT AND OTHER DETAILS
How: By discussion with all
Time: End June 2112.
4 HOW TO REPRESENT ALL BHUTANESE AROUND THE WORLD?
One:
By choosing the representative from each country where people are settling.
Two:
By electing representative from each country from their community organisations who are serving as executives
Three:
By choosing anyone who may or may not be in the community organisation
Four:
Should be from the neutral background or declare apolitical or not affiliated to any groups for the interest of the organisation who may be in conflict with other groups
Five:
Anyone from inside Bhutan should also be allowed to be executive if the RGOB is becoming partner like other Non residence institutes.
5 SHOULD THIS INSTITUTE BE INDEPENDENT OF RGOB OR INCLUSIVE OF RGOB?
Discuss with the forum above whether RGOB is inclusive. If yes, what is the approach?
Should we demand our property back through this forum?
Should we fight human rights or democracy through this forum? Or we only seek return to Bhutan as non political in the goodwill as tourist or visitors on the invitation of the relatives and friends?
Should the people of Bhutanese origin with Bhutanese passport who can come and go to Bhutan become members? If yes, what is the difference between resettled refugees who are not allowed to go to Bhutan?
6 WHAT WE WANT FROM THIS FORUM?
One: Relation with Bhutan and its people! If so, how?
Two: Is it a lobbying forum for more freedom inside Bhutan? Or developing people to people relation inside Bhutan? Or helping Bhutan in Business and investments or projects to assist the common people in Bhutan?
7 HOW WE COORDINATE GLOBALLY?
Do we form this institute (eg NRB or BIE) in each country first and make a global representation?
Or we make one globally body and develop a branch in each country?
Or the Global executives advise each country to form and representatives in each countries?
Or we decide the number of executives in the global body and conduct vote in each country?
Should the general mass decide on the president or chairman or executive members elect the presidents and portfolio from the elected body?
8 IS IT THE RIGHT TIME OR WE WAIT FOR FEW MORE YEARS?
Many people who are the actual stakeholders and seniors and less literate Bhutanese have no idea about this discussion going on. Are we being fair to them? And many youth who have no internet access or have no knowledge are in complete dark. Many are settling and many more are in the process of settling and their priority is not this now. They will have first interest to resettle first, then think of such institute and decide to take part or not later on.
If we are moving and pushing the idea with the few willing ones, probably opportunist, are we becoming fair to all or are we giving them equal opportunities to be the fair stakeholders?
How we take the view of general mass in this particular regard? How we communicate people inside Bhutan? Are they free to discuss with us now? And will they in the present context?
Should we start talking to RGOB authorities both on personal and official basis? If so, should we stop advocating democracy and human rights inside Bhutan and say RGOB is our govt and we forgive the past action and offer the olive branch! or fight until the end to get our rights back?
Please let us put these points first before our personal interest and saying one is better than other to lead.
Hopefully, we may be ready to come up with something concrete by end 2113. I believe we are not in hurry to form something now and fail. We may explore the ideas now and debate until 2113 and see from there.
There will be two choices whether we ignore the mass and lead this organisation.
One that willing people will form one institute and advocate as per their views, or
other trying to include everyone with consensus until 2113.
The choice is ours
All the best
Parsu
Melbourne
Australia
[…..deleted…..]
Why have you deleted the comment? you have not done the right thing.Let every body read it.
Dr. Dhakal,chief campainer of this idea, is one of the funniest politicians of modern times. He is more ridden by this idea than anybody else he can motivate with it. Heard his say about it two days ago.
It’s been over a decade that he has been running away from ordinary Bhutanese refugees. He does not have guts to face the people and answer their quests and queries.
He is a highly educated person and has great calibres in the specialized field. But, as a politician, he has met his failure long ago. If an election is held currently, not even a fifth of the refugee population will vote in his favour. NRB is an abode that he’s viewed and is considering it in order to continue fooling around.
Interesting.
I like an idea of NRB. I am doubtful that it will carry out its work honestly even if it is formed.Many ppl who have failed in their long leadrship are ahead of the game to stress its necessity.what can the Bhutanese people expecpt from such orgination?
I like an idea of NRB. I am doubtful that it will carry out its work honestly even if it is formed.Many ppl who have failed in their long leadrship are ahead of the game to stress its necessity.what can the Bhutanese people expecpt from such orgination?
I am a full fleged residential Bhutanese, Doing degree in Life Sciences in Sherubtse College. Somewhere in the ‘motto’ i saw that this innitiative is meant to serve as a platform via which information and technical knowledge be shared. I graduate in June 2012. What can i expect from such forum, genuinely? Or How can i help you in case you need. Basically i am interested to do MIA-DP(Masters in International affairs- Developmental Practices).