Asia Society Switzerland Series Meet My Country (Bhutan)

Asia Society Switzerland Series Meet My Country

IN THIS ONLINE EPISODE AND THE ACCOMPANYING PODCAST OF ‘MEET MY COUNTRY’, JOURNALIST AND MUSICIAN KUNGA TENZIN DORJI, KNOWN AS SUPE, TALKS ABOUT HIS HOMELAND BHUTAN – THE LANDLOCKED COUNTRY LOCATED IN THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS.

A LITTLE DOT WITH A DIFFERENCE

After a crash course in the geography, history and economy of Bhutan, focusing on its geo-political significance and the preservation of its unique national identity, Supe was asked how Bhutan compares with its larger neighbours such as India and China.

“Economically and technologically, we are far behind. But socially, we’re more equitable and a lot more secure,” said Supe.

Somewhat like Singapore, though for very different reasons, Bhutan is a small country with a unique place on the world map.

“We are a small little dot, wedged between the world’s two most populous countries – China to the north and India to the south... In a sense, we are overwhelmed. We have no military power. We have no economic power... The only way we could ensure our survival as a sovereign nation is to be different,” said Supe. “Culture was one of the key elements for our survival.” Supe shared that changes that took place over hundreds of years in Europe took place “in a flash” in Bhutan. Radio broadcasting began in 1972, followed by television and the Internet in 1999.

How is Bhutan dealing with these waves of change? What role does the media play in this process of development? How did the people of Bhutan rally to contain the COVID-19 pandemic?

“Economically and technologically, we are far behind. But socially, we’re more equitable and a lot more secure.

To find out the answers to these questions and more, catch the full episode at https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/ meet-my-country-bhutan-kunga-tenzin-dorji-supe or look for Asia Society Switzerland on your podcast app.

Navigating Shared Futures.

Asia Society Switzerland's mission is to increase Switzerland's Asia Competence: To foster knowledge and understanding of Asia and Asian issues, to analyse the big changes underway in Asia and their impact on us, and to showcase the views and thinking of Asian countries, societies and governments – accurately, but not uncritically.

Swiss Club Members get a one-time 30-days Trial Membership*

upon registration.

Get access to our unparalleled program range now:

Webcasts & Seminars Gen(eration) A

Online Series Book Salon

Oxford Debates Podcasts & more.

Executive Roundtables

Access all digital programs from 14 Asia Society centers

in Asia, Europe and the US.

Redeem your FREE 30-days Trial Membership*

SWISS CLUB asiasocietych Visit us at www.asias Subscribe to our new asiasocietyswitzerland ociety.org/switzerland or podcast season "Meet My AsiaSo follow us Country " cietyCH on our s on your asiasociety ocial media: favorite channel!

S C A N Q R C O D E T O R E G I S T E R A N D E N T E R P R O M O C O D E : B H U T A N