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Bhutan Milestones in 2008
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Coronation of the Fifth King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
This event, expected to take place in May, 2008, will transfer the monarchy leadership of the kingdom from father to son.
Year-long celebration and ceremonies marking the 100th Anniversary of the Monarchy
Many traditional ceremonies and celebrations will be held throughout the year to mark the centennial anniversary of the monarchy and to honor the wisdom and vision of the country’s five beloved kings, all members of the royal Wangchuck family.
First National Elections for the Country’s “Parliamentary” Democracy
Local and national elections in Bhutan will culminate in 2008. Bhutan has prepared carefully for this important step toward new governance. After a time of transition, the newly elected leaders will take office in the “parliamentary” democracy. The King’s guidance will remain greatly valued by the people.
Release of World’s First Documentary CD-ROM Postage Stamps
Bhutan will commemorate its important events in 2008 with a series of four collectible postage stamps consisting of a small printed envelope with a tiny CD inside. The CD envelope will be self-adhesive, designed to be placed on a larger envelope before mailing. The CDs will capture the sights and sounds of Bhutan in short documentaries on the history and the culture, architecture, dress and customs of this remote country.
The mini CD collection will have a hyperlink connecting to a regularly updated website on Bhutan-thus linking the past, present and future in a postage stamp. Many of Bhutan’s innovative postage stamps have been developed by a partnership between Burt Kerr Todd and Bhutan Postal Corp. Ltd. Mr. Todd’s daughter, Frances Todd Stewart, president of Creative Products International, is continuing her father’s legacy through her work with Bhutan on the world’s first documentary CD-ROM postage stamps.
Exhibit in Bhutan from the Todd-Stewart Family Archives
Photographs covering more than five decades, from the Burt Todd family archive, will be exhibited in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Mr. Todd first visited Bhutan in 1951, and his write up of the trip was carried in National Geographic in 1952. He then returned in 1954 with his new wife, Frances (“Susie”) Hayes Todd, for a three-month honeymoon, and cemented a life-long friendship with the Bhutanese as well as a love for this extraordinary country. After being an honored guest at the royal wedding of the Third King, Mr. Todd became deeply involved in the economic and social fabric of Bhutan throughout his life, and his personal archive of photographs and video of the country tell the story of the country in great depth over a period of more than fifty years. Natalie H. Stewart, Mr. Todd’s granddaughter, will curate the exhibit.
Exhibit at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival
Bhutan’s culture, food, art and ceremonial performances will be featured along with the State of Texas as well as NASA in the 42nd annual Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington DC in June/July, 2008.
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