The Bhutan Watch Dedicates 6th Edition of The Bhutan Journal to the Late Dr. Govinda Rizal
Intensively Focused on the Gelephu Mindfulness City—A Subject of His Deepest Concern
The Bhutan Watch is honored to announce the release of the 6th edition of The Bhutan Journal, a special edition dedicated to the late Dr. Govinda Rizal, a distinguished scholar, human rights advocate, and one of the esteemed editors of the publication. This edition marks the first anniversary of Dr. Rizal’s untimely passing, which occurred on May 5, 2024, in a tragic road accident. Dr. Rizal’s intellectual legacy, shaped by his commitment to justice, education, and advocacy, continues to inspire the Bhutanese community and beyond.
This commemorative edition of The Bhutan Journal focuses on late Rizal’s critical involvement with the controversial Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project, a subject that became central to much of his final research and activism.
In his final months, Dr. Rizal dedicated himself to an in-depth exploration of the GMC, analyzing it from legal, ethical, political, and historical perspectives. The project, a massive urban development on land historically inhabited by displaced Bhutanese—including Dr. Rizal’s own family—became a focal point of his advocacy for the rights of displaced citizens and the pressing need for repatriation efforts.
Dr. Rizal was especially concerned that the development of the GMC overlooked the painful history of displacement experienced by thousands of Bhutanese citizens. His research and activism sought to ensure that the rights of these communities were not forgotten, particularly the unresolved legal and ethical issues surrounding the project. Tragically, he passed away on the very day he was scheduled to present his findings at The Bhutan Watch Discussion Forum on May 5, 2024, leaving his critical thoughts on the GMC unfinished.
In honoring Dr. Rizal’s memory on this first anniversary of his passing, this special edition of The Bhutan Journal explores the GMC project from his perspective, while bringing together the voices of Bhutanese scholars in exile who continue his mission. The edition offers a comprehensive analysis of the GMC, addressing its historical, legal, and political implications. It also discusses the challenges faced by Bhutanese scholars and activists in critically engaging with the project, given its sensitive nature in Bhutan. In the Kingdom, where the GMC is viewed as a royal initiative, speaking critically about it is often seen as a defiance of the monarchy and can lead to severe legal repercussions.
However, The Bhutan Journal remains committed to providing an open intellectual space where all perspectives, whether supportive or critical, can be explored without fear of censorship or retribution. This edition continues Dr. Rizal’s vision of creating a platform for honest, intellectual discourse on the GMC and the broader issues surrounding Bhutanese identity and justice.
Dr. Rizal’s main concern regarding the GMC project was its potential to erase the painful history of displacement and to undermine the rights of those exiled. He envisioned a broad, intellectual dialogue to critically examine these issues and ensure that the voices of displaced Bhutanese were heard. His research remains a vital resource for those advocating for justice and the recognition of displaced Bhutanese rights.
The full edition of The Bhutan Journal is now available online at: www.bhutanwatch.org/the-bhutan-journal-6-1/
“We dedicate this edition to Dr. Rizal’s memory and his enduring legacy,” said the editor of The Bhutan Journal. “On this first anniversary of his passing, we honor his commitment to truth, justice, and the pursuit of intellectual freedom. Though Dr. Rizal is no longer with us, his voice and vision continue to guide us. This edition is both a tribute to him and a continuation of his mission to ensure that all perspectives—whether positive or negative—are explored freely and honestly.”
The Bhutan Watch extends its heartfelt gratitude to editor I.P. Adhikari for his dedication in bringing this issue to life, to Alexia Adhikari (Simpson) for her unwavering support, and to all contributors and reviewers who helped shape this critical edition.
About The Bhutan Watch
The Bhutan Watch (www.bhutanwatch.org) is an exile based Bhutanese think tank dedicated to promoting free, open, and intellectual discourse on issues critical to the Bhutanese people. Through its publications and discussions, it aims to encourage dialogue on important social, political, and cultural topics while fostering a space for diverse perspectives to be heard.
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