Annex 4 Cultural Policy of Bhutan

Transcription

1 Annex 4 Cultural Policy of Bhutan

2 Cultural Policy of Bhutan 1. Introduction Bhutan is a Himalayan Kingdom bordering in the east, south and west by India and in the north by China (Autonomous region of Tibet). The country covers an area of approximately 38,394 sq. km. and with a population of 600,000 people (2005 census). Bhutan is predominantly an agrarian society with a majority of its people involved in subsistence farming. Although Bhutan s demography reflects homogeneity its culture represents a rich mosaic of subcultures, traditions, life styles, ethnic groups, languages and belief systems. Diverse as it may seem, yet the Bhutanese socio-cultural fabric is well interwoven and harmonised mainly due to the common threads of simple social, communal and spiritual values that the people share. The system of government Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy. A dual system of government exists where the religious leader, the Je Khenpo looks after the spiritual affairs and the hereditary monarch governs the temporal affairs. The Kingdom of Bhutan has many centuries of recorded history starting from paganism to the advent of Buddhism in 7 th century. Its history is marked by internal turbulence and external aggressions including some encounters with the British India in the south and Tibet in the north. Due to Bhutan's self-imposed isolation from the international community until the 1950s, the cultural heritage of the country has remained to a great degree unblemished. Unlike many countries, traditional arts, age-old ceremonies, festivals, social conduct and structures in the Kingdom are not only the remnants of a bygone era. Traditional arts and crafts are still practised as they were done hundreds of years ago, vibrant festivals are still celebrated and traditional social principles of communal harmony are still evident because they continue to have special significance in the daily lives of the Bhutanese people. Cultural Policy of Bhutan 157

3 The traditional social and family structures in Bhutan have been formed with very broad perspectives especially at the village level. Joint family systems are still largely practised and use is made of the knowledge and skills of all members of society. Women have the same rights as men and under some traditional inheritance laws; female succession over inheritance of land is favoured. Social stigma is not attached to the disintegration of marital relationships and single mothers. Bhutan is the only country that practises the Mahayana form of Buddhism. Buddhist influence and values can be seen in all forms of expression including peace, compassion. It also has such a significant influence on the values of the people, that it has virtually shaped all its institutions including arts, drama, music, literature, architecture, social principles and structures and also the environment. The natural environment in Bhutan today is one of the best in the world and has led to Bhutan being considered as one of world s ten most important biodiversity hotspots. Bhutan s cultural heritage provides a sense of identity and helps to differentiate it from other nations in a climate of globalisation. Her distinct cultural heritage is of utmost importance to ensure her sovereignty, independence and the territorial integrity as a nation especially in light of her low population density. No other endorsement is more significant for the development of the spiritual and cultural wealth of the country, than a concept propounded by His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4 th Druk Gyelpo which is gaining global recognition. In His majesty s words: Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product 2. POLICY STATEMENT Bhutan s cultural heritage continues to serve as a unifying factor of harmony, social cohesion and well being of the people. It enables Bhutanese society to adjust and cope with the rapid pace of social change. The cultural heritage of Bhutan is so intricately woven into practically all aspects of the lives of the Bhutanese, that the overall sustainable development of the country would be virtually impossible without the promotion, preservation and development of the cultural heritage of the country along with development in the other sectors. The country s modern economic, social and technological development has thus been planned so that it does not 158 Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in the Asia-Pacific

4 impair its traditional and cultural values. Cultural heritage is thus at the heart of many developmental goals. 3. GENERAL DIRECTIONS The Royal Government of Bhutan has long recognised the importance of culture and cultural heritage as one of the main areas of development. Culture must be learned, nurtured and assimilated by the future generations. The 4 th King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck established the Special Commission in Today the cultural affairs are maintained by the Department of Culture under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. The protection, preservation and development of the cultural heritage of Bhutan must, however, be a shared responsibility for all organisations and institutions, both at the national, regional and local levels. Although Bhutan places great importance to the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage, preserving Bhutan's cultural heritage does not imply that Bhutan intends to remain past-oriented and less prepared to be dynamic. For Bhutan, the wish for the development of the country has always been to bridge the gap between modernity and the treasures of the country's cultural heritage, the live values and traditions. The long term goal for the cultural sector under the Department of Culture is to integrate the preservation, promotion and development of the culture of Bhutan into all areas related to the sustainable development of the country. In the preamble to the Seventh Five Year Plan ( ) of Bhutan it is stated that: Concrete steps must be taken to promote all the aspects of the Nation's traditions, culture and customs that are relevant and practical for strengthening the country's unique national identity. At the same time, it must be realized that such measures are not being taken because of sentimental values or orthodox views to uphold past practices, but that they are crucial steps that must be taken to consolidate and safeguard the sovereignty and security of the nation. 4. CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES Bhutan follows a development philosophy where culture is given equal, if not more significance than economic and material advancement. For Bhutan, the aspiration has always been to find a balance between development and valuing the richness of her culture. Cultural Policy of Bhutan 159

5 Preservation i. Inventorying, mapping and documentation of Bhutan's Cultural Heritage by various means, including use of audio visual database programmes, workshops, and making these available to promote research, appreciation, conservation and inspiration for development of the cultural sector. ii. The preservation of traditional languages and literature along with advocating of contemporary literature through contests, workshops, provision of facilities, training programmes, awards and publishing of works. iii. Documentation, preservation and development of traditional and contemporary performing arts. This can be carried out by supporting the reinforcement of the Royal Academy of Performing Arts and other relevant bodies or individuals in terms of facilities, training, equipment, and production. iv. Conservation and protection of Bhutan's Cultural Heritage through proper and relevant legislation. Promotion and Development 160 Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in the Asia-Pacific

6 i. The promotion and development of traditional arts and crafts along with support for contemporary art by providing facilities, training, conducting workshops, arranging exhibitions and competitions and providing means for earning a living through these skills. ii. Promotion of cultural tourism to ensure the safety of the country's cultural heritage through formulation of appropriate legislation, conducting of workshops, and awareness campaigns. iii. Establishment of new museums and reinforcement of existing museums by providing infrastructure, equipment, and training to museum personnel. The museums will promote cultural heritage through activities like exhibitions, workshops, and research, among other relevant activities. iv. The establishment of a National Cultural Centre to promote culture by providing facilities for institutional, educational, promotional and development of cultural policies and activities v. The promotion of traditional languages and literature along with advocating of contemporary literature through contests, workshops, provision of facilities, training programmes, awards and publishing of works. vi. Promotion and development of traditional and contemporary performing arts. This can be carried out by supporting the reinforcement of the Royal Academy of Performing Arts and other relevant bodies or individuals in terms of facilities, training, equipment, and production. vii. Co-operation and exchange programmes between different cultural institution at a national and international level. Sustainability i. Reinforcement and formulation of appropriate structures for the cultural sector. These structures will have to also be organised to allow for incorporation of the cultural heritage of the country into other aspects of development. ii. Human resource training for the cultural sector will have to be formulated and implemented. Cultural Policy of Bhutan 161

7 iii. Establishment and development of conservation laboratories through proper and appropriate technical and scientific methods, which may be both traditional and modern. iv. Improvements on cultural organisations like through the introduction of new. v. Establishment of a Programme to rationalise the use of existing resources and to explore new methods and mechanisms for the funding of cultural activities. vi. The establishment of proper networks, national, regional and international through the application of information and communication technologies. vii. Production of audio-visual, television, radio programmes and films that will promote cultural awareness. viii. Preparation of suitable educational materials on cultural issues to be used in schools and other non sectors. Governance i. Acts: Already passed: Legal Deposit Act 1999 (National Library); National Media Act 2005 (DMI) & Cultural Property Act 2006 (Division for Cultural Properties) and under process: the National Archival Act (NL) & Performing Arts Act (RAPA)..? ii. Select Committee: Proposed as stated in the Cultural Trust Fund Document as a Board of Management iii. Law enforcing agencies: RBP, Royal Court of Justice, MoHCA, DoC, DCP, DCAH 162 Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in the Asia-Pacific

8 4. ADMINISTRATIVE AND INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES The activities mentioned in the Cultural Policy document are implemented by various organisations at the national and Dzongkhag level. National level 1. The primary task of Department of Culture is to ensure the preservation and development of the cultural heritage of Bhutan. It is the main body that is mandated to formulate cultural policies and successfully implement them through its various divisions. The Department of Culture is a government institution and functions according to the policy and guidelines established by the Lhengye Zhungtshog (Cabinet), or the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Institutions under the Department of Culture: i. The National Museum, Paro: was established in 1968 and is a Bhutan s first museum. Its collections consist of archaeological objects and ethnographic objects. The collections also include the largest collection of Bhutanese coins and historically significant objects which mould Bhutan s history. The objective of the National Museum is to be the premier national centre for the collection, preservation, and display of Bhutan s historical heritage. The museum is located inside a renovated fortress in the valley of Paro, which was built in the early 1700 s. ii. The National Library: was established in 1967 with the primary object of collecting, preserving ancient Bhutanese written and printed resources. The multi-functional library has recently been updated to provide a number of services and facilities. It accommodates a sizeable and steadily growing stock of books, scriptures, written documents as well as a huge collection of wood printing blocks for religious treasures, which is one of the largest holdings of Mahayana Buddhist literature in the world written in Choeked, the lingua franca of the lamaist sect. The library also holds a representative collection of English written works mainly related to the Himalayas, Buddhism and Bhutan. iii. The Division for Cultural Properties: is the division that safeguards the cultural properties in Bhutan. A detailed inventory of all objects and sites of significant cultural or historical value is maintained by the division. The division of cultural properties is vested with the powers to issue special permits for transfer, viewing, or visitations to culturally sensitive areas in Cultural Policy of Bhutan 163

9 Bhutan. Reports of loss or intent to sell of significant cultural objects are reported to the division. iv. The Royal Academy of Performing Arts: was established in 1967 under the Royal Command of the late King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to ensure that the performing arts traditions are being preserved and documented for future posterity. Bhutanese music and dance traditions are being threatened owing to accelerating infiltration of other cultures. To combat this trend, the Royal Government has been making every effort to reorganize the existing activities at the academy to enable its efforts to preserve and promote the performing arts traditions. This process has called for an expansion in the programs, including curriculum development. v. The Division for Conservation of Architectural Heritage: is charged with the task of renovations and preservation of historical sites in Bhutan. The division includes an engineering cell and an architectural cell. The division ensures the safety of historical sites with regard to stability of the structure. vi. The Textile Museum: is a national centre for the collection, preservation, documentation and display of Bhutan s textiles traditions. The museum is mandated to provide a better understanding of Bhutanese textile heritage through education, promotion and development of the textile traditions. vii. The Folk Heritage Museum: is located in a renovated historical house in the outskirts of the capital city, Thimphu. It aims towards preserving both tangible and intangible values of Bhutan. The museum lays emphasis on cultural heritage that is passed on to succeeding generations that comprise the culture of the people. Heritage consists of the traditional artefacts used now or in the past, the skills necessary to make or use these artefacts, the folklore and legends, the songs and poems, the sketches and drawings, the cures and potions and the oral knowledge which has been passed down from generations to generations. Other agencies: i. The Administration and Finance Division: oversees the management of the department of culture and is entrusted with all matters pertaining to finances and accounting for the various divisions. ii. The Planning and Policy Division: formulates and proposes all policies pertaining to the various divisions under the Department of Culture, it is 164 Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in the Asia-Pacific

10 also the office that disburses information regarding policies and guidelines that have been recommended by the Lhenge Zhungtshog and the National Assembly. iii. The Dratshang Lhentshog: Bhutan believes that state and Buddhist traditions go hand in hand. Religion is deeply embedded in every aspect of Bhutanese cultural traditions. It is imperative that we continue to refer to our religious beliefs in formulating polices and guidelines for cultural preservation and promotion. The Dratshang division is also the organization ensures the management of the various monastic schools, Dzongs, or fortresses, Lhakhangs, or monasteries which are strongholds of religious cultural traditions. iv. Centre for Bhutan Studies: is a research institute dedicated to the promotion of research and scholarship on Bhutan. The centre publishes written materials, hosts conferences and seminars, organizes workshops and lectures. v. The Dzongkha Development Commission: is dedicated to the advancement of the national language and the study and documentation of the Kingdom s diverse linguistic heritage, covering both major languages and endangered minority languages. Major activities of the division include the description of Dzongkha, the codification of a Bhutanese orthographic standard in Bhutanese script, the promulgation of a phonological system of Romanization known as Roman Dzongkha, the compilation of English- Dzongkha dictionaries. vi. Institutes for Zorigchusum: The school of traditional crafts. Zorigchusum is the thirteen traditional crafts of Bhutan which include painting, wood work, metallurgy, sculpture, boot making, weaving, embroidery, appliqué, lacquer work, crafting of musical instruments, calligraphy, and tailoring. The school provides alternative education or vocational training to individuals. The school curriculum emphasizes on traditional knowledge of the crafts and also provides assistance to local schools that provide classes for extra- curricular activities to the students. vii. Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB): The TCB of the Royal Government is developing tourism legislation which will provide a legal framework for the regulation of tourism and which specifies the roles and responsibilities of a proposed Bhutan Tourism Authority (BTA) and a high committee for tourism. This National Tourism Policy provides a national tourism policy Cultural Policy of Bhutan 165

11 framework which identifies the role which tourism plays and defines the responsibilities of the different stakeholders in tourism, all of whom play a role in the management and delivery of tourism in Bhutan. All of the stakeholders in government and the private sector need to take particular responsibilities for achieving sustainable tourism management in Bhutan. This National Tourism Policy provides a broad framework for the development of sustainable tourism and is intended to guide government policy makers, the private sector and all tourism stakeholders in order to ensure that tourism contributes to the development of Bhutan whilst avoiding potential negative impacts on Bhutanese culture and natural resources. We recognise that tourism is like a fire, you can cook your meal on it, or it can burn your house down. In order to ensure that tourism is managed so as to maximise the positive impacts and minimise the negative ones a great many stakeholders (including guests) need to take a degree of responsibility for managing the impacts for maximising the positive impacts and minimising the negative impacts. viii. Institute of Traditional Medicine: In November 1967, the third Druk Gyelpo, Late His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck commanded the Health Department to establish traditional medicine system for the welfare of Bhutanese people and to preserve its rich culture and tradition. Accordingly, an indigenous Dispensary was opened on 28 th June 1968 at Dechencholing, Thimphu. The first people to work in the Dispensary were Drungtsho Pema Dorji and Drungtsho Sherub Jorden, both of whom were trained in Tibet. From a single Indigenous Dispensary in 1968, the traditional medical service has grown rapidly over the years to cover the entire country. By the end of the 8 th five year plan (2001) traditional medicine units have been established in all 20 districts. They are attached to district hospitals in view of the national health policy of integration. At the national level the indigenous Dispensary was upgraded to National Indigenous Hospital in 1979 and shifted to the present site in Kawang- Jangsa from Dechencholing. The National Indigenous Hospital was renamed as the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (NITM) in In view of the increased functions, the NITM has been upgraded as the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services (ITMS) in 1988 and the post of Director was created. The National Policy for Traditional Medicine is to preserve and promote the unique system that is based on rich culture and tradition, through 166 Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in the Asia-Pacific

12 capacity building and establishing an effective system with the framework of national health care delivery system. Bhutan 2020: A vision for peace, prosperity and Happiness states the importance of Traditional Medicine as follows: we must continue to provide a place for traditional medicine in our system of health care. Traditional Medicine embodies knowledge that has been accumulated over centuries and which draws upon the nation s rich bio-diversity and of plants with proven medical qualities. As these qualities become substantiated by scientific research, there is a growing need to integrate more effectively traditional medicine with the modern system of health care. The maintenance of traditional medicine not only adds dimensions to the nation s system of health care, but provides an alternative for those who seek one. It should also be regarded as a conscious decision to conserve a part of our rich and varied cultural heritage. Therefore, strengthening of traditional medicine and integrating it with modern health care system is considered as an important policy objective of the health sector. Dzongkhag level: i. Cultural Officer: Dzongkhag Tshechus, cultural events ii. Religious bodies: (Rabdeys, Shedras, Dupdras, Gomdeys and Anim Dratshang Nunneries) Private Tshechus, Dupchens, etc. 5. FINANCES Financial assistance from the government: The Government of Bhutan due to its limited financial resources and pressing and urgent demands from other sectors has been able to allocate very limited financial support to the cultural sector. Financial assistance to the cultural sector by the government is provided mainly for the daily management and administration of the organisations under the cultural sector. The local district offices also provide support for small communal activities and the maintenance and running of local community centres, temples, monasteries, etc. Financial assistance from the private sector: The private sector mainly patronises local cultural and religious organisations by contributing to small scale cultural ceremonies, the annual organisation of local festivals, the maintenance of small temples and monasteries and other Cultural Policy of Bhutan 167

13 small scale cultural activities like archery matches, shows, etc. It is expected that the private sector will be one of the main contributors to the cultural programme fund. The Cultural Trust Fund The Royal Charter for the Cultural Trust Fund was granted by the fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, on the 23 of June 1999 to ensure a sustainable source of funding for the preservation, promotion and development of the cultural sector of Bhutan. The National Assembly of Bhutan in its 76th Session resolved to establish a Cultural Trust Fund. The overall objective of the Cultural Trust Fund is to use its income for the preservation, promotion, dynamic development and incorporation of the cultural heritage of Bhutan along with modern development for the overall sustainable and holistic development of the country. All sectors, including the private sector will be the beneficiaries of the Fund. The Cultural Trust Fund aims to build a minimum capital of US $10 million through contributions and donations from the International community and from voluntary donations from the people, the business community, and the corporations in Bhutan. The Fund shall become operational once the minimum size of the capital has reached US $5 million. Only the income, which accrues from the capital, shall be utilised. The Fund, being non-profit, will be exempted from income tax in Bhutan. The Cultural Trust Fund will be managed as per the Royal Charter for the Cultural Trust Fund, which has established the Trust Fund as a legal entity. A Management Board will govern the Fund while the member Secretary of the Board will carry out the daily management of the activities. Members of the Board will be elected from both Government and Private sectors. All powers of the management of the Fund shall be vested in the Board. 168 Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in the Asia-Pacific