Introduction
The Druk Journal contributes to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation. It is a vibrant public space in which we encourage our contributors to expand our national discourse by introducing new ideas and concepts into the Bhutanese conversation. Through regular publications, an interactive website, and open discussions after each edition, we engage Bhutanese society in conversation so that all citizens can exchange open and frank views on national policies and issues relevant to Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens, but to build a community of people who will take an active role, as individuals and as a community, in the development of analytical attitudes toward national policies. It is our hope that participation in such a community will encourage individuals to engage in policy research that can be made available to the government and larger Bhutanese society. The Druk Journal thus serves as a vehicle for the development of a society which is concerned about national issues and wants to participate in the development of policy by thinking publicly and through conversation. Such a community of thinkers will also draw on the experience of other countries in those areas of political, social, economic and cultural experimentation that are relevant to our own concerns. The Druk Journal is a nonpartisan publication. Our purpose is to serve the national interest through the development of serious conversation on issues from every possible constructive point of view. We have no editorial position of our own. We believe that our stated objectives and the means we will use to achieve them are the best way in which we can serve our country and His Majesty The King. We invite all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan to join us. We wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.
A Just and Harmonious Society
Autumn 2024 Volume 10, Issue 2
Table of Contents
Governance
Building a Just and Harmonious Society: Key Roles for Bhutan’s Legal Institutions
Tshoejab Mepham Denlen
Looking for an Bhutan: Access to Justice for a Just Society?
Dema Lham
Bhutan’s Traditional Values and a Modern-day Harmonious Society
Kinga Tshering
Inequality in Income, Assets, and Access to Services: A Dzongkhag-level Analysis of Bhutan
Milan Thomas and Sanjeev Mehta
Developing a “Just and Harmonious Society” in Rural Bhutan
Chhimi Dorji
A Case for Humanising Bhutanese Higher Education System
Dorji Penjore
Inequality in Society
An interview with Joseph Stiglitz
Society
Gender Inclusivity: Benefits and Challenges
Dil Maya Rai
Building the Future in the Present
Yeshey Dema
Weaving LGBTQ+ Inclusion into the Fabric of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan
Regita Gurung
Social Hierarchy and Citizen Engagement in Bhutan
Kencho Pelzom
Time for Bhutanese Gen Z
Deepika Adhikari
Leveraging Technology to Close the Mental Health Care Loop
Dil Kumar Subba
Towards an Inclusive and Accessible Bhutan: A Vision for Persons with Diverse Disabilities
Sanga Dorji