18 December, 2009 - Though the Bhutanese media scene is booming, one criticism has been the lack of depth on issues covered in newspapers. The monthly Drukpa magazine launched yesterday in Thimphu plans to address this issue and give readers something different in the process.
“Every issue of Drukpa magazine will be based on a theme, which will be covered in an in-depth and comprehensive manner,” said Tashi P Wangdi the editor-in-chief of the magazine. The theme for the launch issue, according to managing editor Jurmi Chhowing, is on the youth of Bhutan.
The magazine’s first issue of 101 pages has comprehensive coverage on a number of issues affecting youth. It looks at the education system, unemployment, rape, women, youth-based NGOs and drug addiction. It also looks at what ails Bhutanese youth, their desperation, anger, hopes and dreams and the youth experience in a democratic context. It also delves into fashion, entertainment, blogs and the Bhutanese bikers club.
“The magazine will be a very educative experience since within 12 months readers will have a very comprehensive knowledge of 12 major issues,” said Tashi. The editor-in-chief said the next issue would look at the Bhutanese economy.
“The Drukpa team is made up of writers, who have manned or contributed to most of the national newspapers,” said Tashi. He also said that the response to the magazine so far had been very good and encouraging.
The magazine has a specialised group of freelance contributors like NC MP Karma Y Raydi, seasoned journalist Roger Beaumont and teacher Liz Warren.
The publisher and main investor of the magazine, Jigme Tshulthim, was actually pursuing a mining license when an encounter with the editors changed his mind to start the magazine. The magazine, at its launch, invited physically and mentally challenged students of the Draktsho vocational institute as special guests.
By Tenzing Lamsang
