Culture and development is not only integral but also inevitable for sustainable development. Cultural values and moral implications of individuals and communities are the foundation of the socio-economic development of any nation. Landlocked in the Himalayasues of Bhutan are deeply rooted in Buddhism. Behavior, perception and daily routines of people are directly guid, the tiny Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan appears almost untouched by globalization. The culture and traditional valed by the religion, cultural values and beliefs. Thus the preservation and promotion of culture is one of the four pillars in realizing the country’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
GNH is the middle path of development that embraces a balance between spiritual and material development towards the attainment of happiness by the Bhutanese. The concept of GNH as a unique and primary development philosophy was initiated and coined by His Majesty, the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. His Majesty believes that “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product” and therefore a people centered development with happiness with value as the end goal is what it should be for Bhutan. And thus beside economic factors, one should take account of social factors, environmental, cultural, and good governance. The ultimate goal of development must be happiness and human well-being, but should not be economic development or to be a winner in the global competitions (Karma Ura, 2009). Every individual no matter what race, creed, colour, origin, nationality the ultimate aspiration of life is happiness. Therefore, the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) established the GNH Commission to guide the planning process in the country. In addition, the establishment of democracy in the country has led to the review of many policies in all ministries and autonomous institutions so that services are improved and delivered on time.
This main purpose of this paper is to examine the culture and development of Bhutan and will make necessary recommendation addressed to the government on how to foster culture approach in designing development policies based on stock piling.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and Background
2. Chapter
2. 1. Oral tradition ‘lozey’ becoming less popular
2.2. Intangible cultures and values under threat
2.3. Dzongkha (national language), an endangered language
2.4. Masked Dances
2.5. Handicraft, Indigenous arts and craft
2.6. Traditional song vs. modern songs
2.7. Phallus (wooden Penises and arts) culture on verge of disappearance
2.8. Architecture
3.0. Irregularities and Corruption culture becoming popular
3.1. Other Recommendations
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to examine the current state of culture and development in Bhutan, identifying threats posed by modernization and globalization, and to provide actionable recommendations for the government to foster a culturally grounded approach in future development policies.
- Preservation of intangible cultural heritage such as oral traditions and language.
- Impact of globalization on traditional social values and moral frameworks.
- Integration of cultural preservation into national development and education policies.
- Addressing administrative irregularities and corruption to support good governance.
- Promotion of traditional architecture and indigenous arts in modern infrastructure.
Excerpt from the Book
2. 1. Oral tradition ‘lozey’ becoming less popular
Bhutan is rich in unique culture of oral storytelling, lozey, ole (typical and long song) and tsangmo (lyrics). Lozey is literally known as ‘clear or intelligent mind’ or it could also mean ‘ornament of speech’. It has to do more with inborn talent. The Ballad of Pemi Tshewang Tashi: A Wind Borne Feather by Karma Ura (1998) says that, “during gatherings, men, women and children, who may not be able to read or write, contest with individually or in group in repartee of lozey. Lozey may have existed since 12 to 13 centuries back. It is referred to as a genius expression recited only during appropriate times such as marriage, mourning, and war”.
Lozey is a popular form of entertainment in dzongkha speaking communities of western Bhutan such as Sha, Wang, and Paro. It is also another form of natural entertainment and relieves one from stress and burden of the mind. It is said that lozay is composed of rich oral poetic composition. Experts argue that, “lozey was a vital means of interaction with friends and impressing girls” because of its multi-functional expression of love, friendship, courtship, dislike or insult, praise through use of metaphors and symbols to express feelings and opinions etc.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction and Background: Provides the context of cultural preservation as a fundamental pillar for Bhutan's unique identity and its role in Gross National Happiness.
2. Chapter: Analyzes specific cultural elements under threat, including oral traditions, language, masked dances, arts, and architecture, proposing strategies for their revival.
3.0. Irregularities and Corruption culture becoming popular: Examines the prevalence of corruption across different government ministries and the need for institutional transparency.
3.1. Other Recommendations: Offers synthesized policy guidelines for nationwide studies and community participation to safeguard cultural heritage.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of integrating cultural values with economic progress to ensure Bhutan remains a tranquil, sovereign nation.
Keywords
Gross National Happiness, Bhutan, Cultural Preservation, Oral Tradition, Lozey, Globalization, Dzongkha, Masked Dances, Tercham, Sustainable Development, Corruption, Architecture, Intangible Heritage, Traditional Arts, Governance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how Bhutan can balance rapid modernization and globalization with the preservation of its unique cultural identity and traditional values, guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The study focuses on the protection of oral traditions, the preservation of the Dzongkha language, the safeguarding of indigenous arts and architecture, and the importance of addressing governance challenges like corruption.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The primary aim is to analyze the threats to Bhutanese culture and provide the government with evidence-based recommendations for integrating cultural preservation into national development policy.
Which scientific methods are utilized in this document?
The author uses a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing on secondary data, existing reports, case studies, and policy reviews to assess cultural trends and administrative irregularities.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body details specific cultural sectors, including the decline of 'lozey', the loss of intangible values, language issues, the evolution of masked dances, handicraft production, traditional versus modern music, and architectural integrity.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Gross National Happiness, Bhutanese Culture, Globalization, Sustainable Development, Cultural Preservation, and Traditional Heritage.
How does the author propose to revive the popularity of 'lozey'?
The author suggests including the oral tradition in the school curriculum, organizing regional and national competitions, and digitizing archives to make them accessible to the younger generation.
Why is the preservation of Dzongkha considered a national security issue?
The author argues that the national language is central to promoting identity, social codes, and a sense of belonging, and that its deterioration impacts the sovereignty and security of the nation.
What impact does modernization have on Bhutanese architecture?
Modernization and the pressure to commercialize have led to an "architectural identity crisis," where new buildings in border towns often lack the traditional Bhutanese aesthetic, prompting a need for stricter building regulations.
- Citar trabajo
- Tshewang Dorji (Autor), 2010, Culture and Development in Bhutan. Recommendations for Cultural Policy, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/356472
