DELUGED BY MAGAZINES!
Recent times have seen a number of glossy Bhutanese magazines hitting the stands, catering to the varied tastes of an increasingly wide readership in the society.
Drukpa, Druk Trowa and Yeewong magazines are now available in almost all the dzongkhags and going by hearsay, the response has been “overwhelming.”
Drukpa, the monthly thematic news magazine, of which three issues have been published so far, has dealt with relevant youth related issues, the country’s economy, unemployment and so forth.
“We are creating a platform where we take people’s grievances and help build a bridge between them and the government in the interest of informing, educating and entertaining readers about our country,” said Tashi P Wangdi, chief editor of Drukpa.
According to Jigme Tshultim, the publisher of Drukpa, they have plans of distributing the magazine to school libraries, “since it will upgrade students’ knowledge and make them aware of social issues.”
The first issue of Yeewong, a women’s magazine, which carried the picture of a beaming Tsoki Tshomo, the first ever Miss Bhutan, on the cover had focused on the beauty pageant.
But according to its Chief Editor, Pema C Tenzin, later issues will carry women-related issues like domestic violence and rights of women in Bhutan.
“The magazine will also showcase homes, include coverage on some other interesting programmes, and issues faced by women in rural Bhutan,” she added.
Yeewong is planning to go international in the near future.
The third one, Druk Trowa, is a movie magazine which carries celebrity gossip and information on Bhutan’s budding film and entertainment industry while not neglecting issues like GNH, health, fashion, and sports.
Drukpa is popular among students and civil servants, while both Yeewong and Druk Trowa readers comprise mostly women and the general public.
“I like Yeewong since it is all about empowering women” says Tenzin, a corporate employee, and an avid reader of the magazine.
Another good news for magazine lovers is that a new entry-Tashi Delek, which was an in-flight magazine, is now available in the market and its second issue will be out soon.
Tashi Delek highlights Bhutanese culture and tradition. It targets tourists who will consider it a mine-house of information on what goes into making the country one of the most loved tourist destinations in the world.
“Now the magazine quality has improved and it will definitely entertain our readers,” said the chief editor, Tashi P Wangdi who coincidentally also happens to wield the pen at Drukpa.
Drukpa aims to imbibe a sense of optimism in the readers while Yeewong celebrates every woman in the country. Druk Trowa’s agenda is to entertain and Tashi Delek is all about enriching people about our strong cultural roots.
Yeewong, Drukpa and Druk Trowa hit the market last year.
Source: bhutantoday