The
waves of development have turned the tide in Bhutan. Interpreting development
as an improvisation and advancement of a certain thing, its impact has been
felt in all areas, viz. politics, economy, culture and the society as a whole. From
democracy to mixed economy, and the changing habits of daily lives in the areas
of foods habits, dresses and expressions, forces of development have reached in
all spheres and in all walks of the Bhutanese lives.
On
the political
front, institution of democracy has opened up the system of the
governance bringing those rulers ever closer to the ruled. Transparency and
accountability have been the hallmark of the system while ensuring maximum
people’s participation starting from voting to decision making. On the other
hand, party politics and hunt for votes have divided communities, neighbours,
friends and families on party lines thus building foes in place of fraternity.
Our
economy
has transformed in form as much as its size. From pastoralist economy and
barter system, transactions in Information Communication and Technology (ICT)
products and hospitality services testifies Bhutan’s transition. The reverse
effect has come in the form of closure of household production of goods such as
mustard oil, dwindling fate of cottage and small indigenous industries and
local delicacies.
In
the areas of culture and aesthetic expressions, the change has been
significant. From constant modification of Gho
and Kira to our perception and
involvement in festivals and rituals, it continues to be an item of necessity
result of its historical significance and accord established long before rather
than feeling of an innate responsibility to be part of it. As rural setting
give way to urban structure, the biggest change is seen in our architectural
designs from dovetail technique and mud houses to quality tested concrete
buildings. Growing popularity of night clubs in the urban centres, decreasing practices
of night hunting in some rural pockets and lingua franca in the form of Dzonglish, at least among literates are
some of the changes that have come about.
Telecommunication
and transportation have been the biggest drivers
of the development. Mobile phone connectivity, access to internet, installation
of telex and postal services coupled with road and aviation connectivity have
sped up the delivery of goods and services both within and outside the country.
The olden day practices of messenger and luggage carrier of the masters, and
the practice of potter and ponies is also declining except in some remote parts
of the country. Television in particular, through news, entertainment programs
and advertisements has brought the globe ever closer. One immediate effect we
see is, our kids are ever attentive to cartoon series and play stations while folktales
of ageing grandparents go unrecorded.
Our
consumption
pattern over the last decade has seen significant shift. From fast
foods to fizzy drinks, rice and ema
datshi (Chili and Cheese) propelled by inflows of rice and curry cookers,
ladles and water boilers, the place of flours of barley, wheat and buckwheat,
pots, zaru and zencha is almost non-existent in rural households, let alone in
urban Bhutan. The ripple effect it has brought about is declining role of our
smiths and artisans. Ever convenient plastics have dislodged the role of fig
and banana leaves, once commonly used for rolling butter and cheeses. In the
same vein, hot cases, flask, plates and mugs did for bangchung, torey and
locally made wooden cups.
Much
has been changed in the spheres of games and sports. While the archery
continues to be the dominant game, partly due to it being the national game of
the country, the zest for football is on the rise, particularly among the urban
dwellers and those coming through the modern education school system. Other games
that have found its place among the Bhutanese includes, basketball, badminton,
tennis, volleyball, carom, snooker and playing cards. On the other hand, games
such as khuru, doegor, soksum, jigdum and pungdo (shotput) with exception to
the khuru are left on the fringes. Archery also has undergone considerable
changes in the form of compound bows and arrows.
Introduction
of modern education system has brought about changes in societal views and ideologies. Individualism,
capitalism and feminism has all established their roots in the country. Individualism
and capitalism has implanted in every individual the belief and confidence in
oneself vis-à-vis entrepreneurial instincts. Inquisitive mind furthered by
drive for profit making, has encouraged rural illiterates venturing into Hazelnut
plantations. Assertion for equal rights have seen women come forward in all spheres
from academia, diplomacy, and politics to sports. On the other side, individualism,
possibly has delinked ties from families, neighbours and communities as
evidenced by unattended elderlies in Bus stations and Hospitals and those
street beggars.
From
schools, hospitals and Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) centres in far flung rural
areas to well-maintained cowsheds, toilet and dustbin put in place in hamlets,
the transformation has been unprecedented. This has contributed in increased
life expectancy and literacy rates, improved living standards and ensured quality
life. However, with the growth of urban centres accompanied by the forces of development,
social evils in the form of pollution, unemployment, migration and rural
depopulation, the phenomenon best described as Goongtong, are on the upward spiral.
