Editorial

Rains have come and there is the real show going on in the town this day. Along the thoroughfares of Thimphu city, great drama is unfolding. Our manholes are bursting gloriously. That is the picture of our city plan.

The government’s announcement of Bhutan being unable to achieve the national objective of economic self-reliance by 2020 is disturbing.

Gambling has silently plagued our society for a long time now. Yet, we are not able to do much in solving this menace. From a logical perspective, gambling is at the centre of bigger social issues related to drugs and youth problems. It is associated with mental health problems, loss of jobs, severe debts, depression, mood disorders, and anti-social personality.

Happiness has become synonymous to Bhutan, at least to the world outside. At home, the concept is both subjective and debatable even if we may not deny happiness being identified with the country. Happiness is conveniently linked with everything that happens in the country and at one’s convenience; it is both ridiculed and praised.

Our highlanders need more than just our sympathy and munificence. They need our true attention.

It is not everyday that those who live in the highlands are remembered. When they are, it is often driven by events or visits of important officials. Festivals are held to showcase them, their culture, attire and life. They adorn tourism brochures and postcards and are marketed as an exotic community where nature nurtures their way of life.

The alacrity with which change is coming is amazing. It is, also, deeply worrying. Our urban and rural landscapes have gone through dramatic changes in a short span of time. Over the decades, our value systems have evolved, threatening the very survival of our identity.

Joblessness in our small society is one colossal lie. We have employment opportunities myriads in different sectors. But we also have a serious problem.

A fire accident in Thimphu yesterday rendered six families homeless. Although no casualties were reported, it was a reminder that if we are not careful accidents like this can be disastrous and painful.

Despite efforts to address it at all levels, drug abuse continues to remain a problem in the country. The gravity of the problem is evident in the number of cases the police shared recently.