Second Bhutanese Bloggers Conference

So it happened. Just like the way we have planned. And we realized we are getting better at it; growth. Two conferences in a matter of 3 months. That is why I would like to thank everyone associated with the planning and execution - Second Bhutanese Bloggers Conference.  

This time, we wanted to take it to an institution and we chose Paro College of Education. The college hosted us and treated us well. As I remarked in my opening address, visiting an institution always conjures youthful memories and transports us back to those days when we were young and fresh and innocent. Being at Paro College did me the same the other day. I would like to thank the college administration for inviting and welcoming us with big open hearts. I send my personal thank you to my young friend Jigme Sherab, who went beyond his way to help us coordinate the event. Thank you! 

And the Second Bloggers Conference saw a wider audience. We would like to thank students of Drukgyel Higher Secondary School for coming and being interactive throughout all the sessions. It inspires us all to have many young people showing in great numbers. Of course, I am grateful to all bloggers, who drove all the way from Thimphu and beyond. 

Speakers were good and I think they have inspired many in the audience with their enthusiasm and energy with which they delivered their talks. Dasho Sangay Khandu moderated the sessions and did so meticulously well. His apt remarks added flavor to the wonderful talks by the speakers. Thank you, Dasho! 

Madam Karma Choden talked about the importance of self-leadership and took us through Steven Covey's seven habits of highly effective people. My friend, Passu Tshering talked to us about Social Media trends in Bhutan and discussed his personal journey as one of the most active social media users in the country. Our lawyer friend, Nima Dorji briefed us on defamation and what Penal Code of Bhutan says about defamation in particular. He also discussed what can constitute a defamation and who can sue whom among others. And finally Mr. Dorji Wangchuk introduced us to something new - Middle Path Journalism - a phrase he coined - a media model that he sees fit for Bhutan. He said that the western concept of journalism or media, in particular, is not relevant to Bhutan and what we need is a new model that is not overpowered by conflicts, controversies,  commercialism and corporations, but driven by contentment, compassion, commitment and community. What a thought! 

And all in all - it was worth every effort of driving an hour away and a month or two that went into planning it. 

Moving forward, after the conference, the group visited the historic Drukgyel Dzong and had an interactive and more personal conversations over some drinks. And there we decided that we would have a Bloggers Meet/Annual Dinner at Mr. Dorji Wangchuk's residential area over a cozy campfire sometime in December. We will announce the exact date. This is of course for the bloggers, members of CBB. 

Finally, we would like to thank Drukair for sponsoring this edition of Bhutanese Bloggers Conference. Your support is appreciated and we will always be indebted to you. Thank you Bank of Bhutan, iBEST Institute and Paro College of Education! Thank you! 

I also would like to thank you, my team - core members, who stood by me and spent countless evenings planning this conference.