Building a Diaspora
The year 2011 seems to be the year for Bhutanese in diaspora for reorganising or getting more organised. It is the fourth year Bhutanese started moving western countries in mass. The first year lapses silently and the second year saw germination of number of community organisations across the globe.
Tactically, all organisations set their by-laws to hold elections, conventions or annual general meeting to be held every two years. Though many organisations today have discussed their experiences in the last two years and plan for future, there are still reports coming of more community organisations. This will continue until next few years until resettlement process culminates.
As they change their leaders, re-elect or form a new organisation, the Bhutanese community groups everywhere commit for community service, keep in contact and keep alive the spirit of Bhutanese-ness. No matter, few discuss in limited google groups about what should we call ourselves – Nepali, Nepalese Bhutanese, Lhotsampas, Nepali-speaking Bhutanese – all of them abide by one rule – Bhutanese.
It does not necessarily mean that Bhutanese means an ethnic group. It’s a nationality and a nation incorporates a number of ethnic groups or nationalities. I will leave this debate for now.
The germinating Bhutanese community groups have greater responsibilities to shoulder hereafter. They must not forget the past. Our justice is in Bhutan. For many it is impossible but it is necessary for these community groups to work hand in hand to build strength whereby Bhutan will regard out Bhutanese identity.
Early this year, debate had arisen about who is authentic national organisation of Bhutanese in America. There isn’t any for now. The process must go this way. As more community groups come up, anywhere in the world, the smaller groups must come on table to formulate a network at state level and the network at state level will eventually produce a national organisation. Unless we follow bottom to top approach, no matter how long we campaign, we won’t get a national level recognition.
It the process follow, where we have national level organisations at least in countries where Bhutanese have been resettled, the possibility of Non Resident Bhutanese Network is visible. Since NRB needs government recognition to function effectively, it must take time to let Bhutan government change its policies. By the time we come closer to materialise the idea of Diasporic network, it is visible for a paradigm shift in Bhutanese government’s policies to look at us.
Congratulations to all newly elected, nominated community leaders across the globe and wish you all will work to this end ultimately realising our dream for seeking justice from Bhutan – if not for us – at least for our fellow members and relatives there. All the best for your tenure and endeavour.