The Window – A Review

In a world where entertainment has been swallowed by quick-fix reels and TikTok trends, The Window dares to open a door to something deeper—a piece of theatre that breathes the air of our fading past and touches the threads of what it means to be Bhutanese. This one-and-a-half-hour musical comedy, directed by Charmi Cheda, doesn't just entertain; it pulls its audience back to a time when art was real, unedited, and alive.

For many, theatre is a distant memory, but Charmi captures perfectly why it’s still essential: "Theatre is a live experience, it works on energy. The power of collective silence." This is something a screen can never replicate. When the lights dimmed and the first scene unfolded, I was captivated, sharing this silence with a room full of friends and strangers, all drawn into the same flow of laughter, melancholy, and nostalgia. There’s magic in this unity, in the collective gasp and the held breath that only theatre can invoke.

The play stirs up conversations on the forgotten, often controversial practice of "Night Hunting," a theme that takes courage to handle. But The Window balances the cultural critique with humor and warmth, bringing Ap Jatshola, played by actor and musician Kunga Tenzin Dorji (Supe), and Aum Wangmo, played by the famed Tandin Bidha, to life as a couple whose quirks and tussles hit close to home for many of us. Jatshola’s cheeky “I am hungry, Wangmo,” delivered with a naughty glint, had me smothering laughter, and the next moment I was hiding my tears as little Lemo showed her father her mother’s diary—a heartbreaking reveal of dreams left behind. I was suddenly laughing and tearing up, thankful for the darkness around me that let me be honest with my emotions.

The play, staged as an initiative by the Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property (DoMCIIP), is as much a tribute to the art form as it is a statement of hope. Mr. Sonam Penjor, the director of DoMCIIP, spoke passionately about how theatre could be a source of employment, a new platform for expression, and even a unique experience for tourists. It’s a bold aspiration, one that reminds us of the creative industry’s potential in Bhutan—a way to preserve our heritage while creating new spaces for livelihood and community.

For me, beyond the storyline, what stole the show was the production's attention to detail. The stage set was a visual homage to Bhutanese architecture, a well-loved Bhutanese home where every corner seemed familiar. The actors didn’t just play their roles; they embodied their characters in a way that was raw and genuine. Kunga Tenzin’s effortless rural accent and Tandin Bidha’s subtle, layered portrayal of Aum Wangmo revealed sides of these actors we rarely see in films. The younger cast members, too, brought a freshness that reminded me of the youthful innocence and aspirations, distinctly portraying the confusion of the different worlds they come from, their unique dreams, and how these converge.

The Window may be a small window, but it’s a bright one, casting light on the potential of live performance to make us pause, reflect, and—if only for a short while—connect in the most human way. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of a renaissance for Bhutanese theatre.

Gelephu Mindfulness City for Bhutanese

The world has made remarkable strides in the last few decades, advancing more in the last fifty years than it did in the previous fifty thousand. But this progress has come at a significant cost. We have traded much for it: wars, environmental destruction, cultural erosion, and the loss of core human values. While we recognize these consequences and strive for redemption, we've come so far that turning back seems impossible. No one seems willing to take the lead to reverse the damage and make it all worthwhile. Even those with the heart to do so often lack the freedom or resources. As a result, the world's best efforts to heal the planet—through climate funds, green economies, carbon credits, and similar initiatives—fall short of making a meaningful impact.

In times like these, when a monarch from a sovereign nation proposes to build an entire city spanning over a thousand square kilometers centered around mindful living, it’s no wonder the world is taking notice. The sheer audacity of such a dream, impossible elsewhere, makes it all the more captivating. Here, it’s possible because His Majesty the King is a visionary and entrepreneurially driven, selfless and compassionate, revered by his people, respected by his government, and admired by world leaders. He possesses all the qualities needed to dare such a dream, which is why the world is pausing to listen to our King.

While I don’t claim to fully grasp how Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) will influence the world, though it’s clear that the world needs a model for mindful living, and GMC offers that potential. Over time, a wealth of knowledge will emerge about its global significance. For now, I want to focus on how GMC will transform Bhutan and touch the lives of every Bhutanese. Let me break down the grand royal vision into smaller, more relatable opportunities that are being prepared for us by our King.

Employment Opportunities

A carpenter friend from my village recently asked me how he could find a job in the construction of GMC. From the construction phase onward, GMC will create employment opportunities on an unprecedented scale. Tens of thousands of skilled and unskilled workers will be needed to build the city. Bhutanese workers will have a clear advantage because the city will largely be wood-based, with Bhutanese architecture at its core, making our carpenters highly sought after. The international nature of the project, offering wages far higher than what we’re used to, will make it an attractive alternative to working abroad. With its proximity and other benefits, GMC will become a competitive option, one that can transform lives here and bring back many of those who have left for jobs overseas.

Once the city is operational, I imagine the airport alone will employ thousands. With hundreds of flights landing and taking off, it will be one of the busiest airports we’ve ever known, creating limitless economic opportunities. Reflecting on my observations of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, it’s possible that one person from every Bhutanese family could find employment there.

It’s said that thousands of Bhutanese are currently working in Australia. If ordinary cities with ordinary populations can create such appealing jobs for our people, imagine what GMC—home to the world’s wealthiest, seeking peace and happiness—could offer. Working for these elites will be so desirable that those whom Bhutanese work for in Australia may consider coming here. With a projected population of a million high-end residents, the opportunities will be abundant. Numerous businesses within GMC will need thousands of employees. However, bear in mind that GMC will require skilled, certified, and professional workers. We have time to prepare ourselves—either become professionals or watch professionals from elsewhere fill those positions.

Education

Back in the early 2000s, thousands of Bhutanese students pursued degrees in Bangalore, India. More recently, affluent Bhutanese families have sent their children to premium schools in Sikkim, Thailand, or even the US and Europe. Government scholarships have also facilitated foreign education. The floodgates truly opened when studying in Australia became popular, with the added advantage of earning while learning.

When GMC establishes world-class colleges and schools in Gelephu, we can expect the world to desire education here. Gelephu could become the “Oxford of Asia,” attracting top students from across the globe. That’s when the tide will turn for us. Bhutanese will benefit—whether through scholarships or by earning in the city and studying there. Australia might then wonder why Bhutanese are no longer applying for visas.

Agriculture

Bhutan has long been recognized as an agricultural country. But when we entered the global market, we realized the limitations of our traditional practices. We were constrained by many factors, accustomed to subsistence farming. Growing only for our own families, the food market caught us off guard. Gradually, we learned to grow more for income, but Indian imports outcompeted us on our own soil. Despite improvements in seeds and methods, we struggled with scale—unable to produce enough to meet significant demand. Even the entire country couldn't supply a single hotel chain. When farmers grew the same crops in large quantities, the market price would drop, leaving us confused and discouraged.

With GMC, Bhutan can finally embrace agriculture as a viable way of life. The city’s demand for high-value, organic, and ethically grown food will make price less of an issue. With such demand, the risks of growing crops will be worth taking. Furthermore, we can scale our farming, knowing that demand will only increase as long as we maintain high standards.

The fallow lands we see in many villages today will soon become valuable assets as GMC seeks its food supply from Bhutan's fields. Our pristine environment and proximity will give us a distinct advantage, leading to a major transformation in agriculture.

Tourism

When Gelephu becomes home to investors from around the world, they will occasionally want to explore Bhutan. This will inject millions into our local economy. Many investors will also invest in Bhutan through the new FDI policy, creating even more opportunities. Tour companies, hotels, guides, drivers, handicraft shops—everyone in the tourism sector will see a surge in business.

Those coming to GMC for education, medical treatment, business, or wellness won’t just head home once they’re done. They’ll be encouraged to explore Bhutan for a few days.

Don’t worry about whether there will be enough tourists or how to capitalize on this influx—just start preparing. Learn Chinese, Japanese, French, or another major language. Sharpen your hospitality skills. Consider what unique products or services you can offer.

Healthcare Services

The healthcare sector will also experience a sea change. Like education, Bhutanese have historically sought better medical care abroad. Even with free healthcare in Bhutan, those who could afford it often sought treatment in India, Thailand, or the US. The government, too, has spent millions referring patients for treatments unavailable locally.

GMC will become a hub for world-class medical services. Renowned hospitals from across the globe will establish branches there, drawn by the ease of doing business, access to the market, pristine environment, and mindfulness culture, which is the foundation of healing. Just as Silicon Valley became the epicenter of the tech world, GMC will attract the healthcare industry like a queen bee.

This will position GMC as a destination for medical tourism, boosting the overall tourism industry but, more importantly, revolutionizing healthcare in Bhutan. We’ll have access to world-class medical care within our own country, and if we need specialized treatments, GMC will be just a few hours away. Those who can afford private care will pay for it, while the rest will benefit from the referral system we’ve always relied on.

A country that has long lost hard currency to medical referrals abroad will finally see those wounds healed, transforming scars into stories of resilience for future generations to share.

*This article is first published in The Bhutanese on 19th Oct 2024

Official Announcement: Name Change to Chablop Passu

 I am thrilled to share a milestone moment in my life with all of you. Back in 2016, His Majesty the King graciously bestowed upon me the name Chablop Passu—a name that carries immense meaning, where "Chablop" signifies "the Toilet Teacher." Back then, I had just started Bhutan Toilet Org and had yet to do anything significant to deserve such an honor, but I knew it was His Majesty’s blessing to show me the direction and keep me inspired through this journey. The magic really worked; each time someone called me Chablop, I was reminded of my purpose in life.

But for the past 8 years, I have held on, unsure if I could truly carry the responsibility that comes with such an honor. It was a period of reflection and growth. I wanted to ensure that I lived up to the expectations and truly earned the name I was given.

Now, after years of dedicated work and having achieved much in this field, I feel confident and ready. Today, I am happy to announce that I have officially applied for and successfully changed my name in the census from Passang Tshering to Chablop Passu.

This change is not just about a name but symbolizes a renewed commitment to continue serving our communities with even greater dedication. I am grateful to everyone who has supported and walked with me on this journey, which is anything but easy.

Here’s to new beginnings and continuing our mission together under the name Chablop Passu.