LITERARY INTERACTION IN BHUTAN, 2001
The Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature organized a literary interaction of a group of Indian writers with their counterparts in Bhutan. The interaction was held from 31 August to 3 September, 2001.
t was considered essential that the creative writings of Bhutan are provided an opportunity to be known and read throughout the South Asian Region, and the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature was requested to be the catalyst for such dissemination.
The Centre of Bhutan Studies, the Foreign Secretary as well as the head of Asia and the SAARC Division of Bhutan urged Ms. Ajeet Cour to bring more and more writers of the region to Bhutan. They averred that such opportunities for cultural exchange would provide new directions and proper exposure to the Bhutanese writers and their writings.
The Bhutan Literary interaction is significant for the following achievements :
• During the Bhutan interaction, an interactive session of writers, scholars, mediamen and social activists was held at the prestigious Centre for Bhutan Studies. In this session, ways and means of extending the Bhutan interaction with other SAARC countries at cultural and literary levels was discussed
*The Delegation had very pleasant and very thought provoking meetings with the Minister of External Affairs and the Secretary of the SAARC Division, both of whom promised all help and solidarity with the Foundation.
• The Indian delegation accompanied by Bhutanese writers and cultural activists paid a visit to the prestigious Bhutan Museum. The Indian writers were pleasantly surprised to see a comprehensive collection of rare manuscripts stocked in the museum – repositories of the cultural heritage of Bhutan. They commended the work of the Museum staff, especially its Director, for this creditable work