The Mountain Echoes Literary Festival, 2016 of Bhutan has beautifully started in the capital of Bhutan. The event is organized in the magnificent capital city Thimpu on Thursday, August 26th, 2016. The event was inaugurated by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, being the Royal Patron of the festival. She was delighted at the event and praised the seventh edition of the Mountain Echoes Literary Festival. She also said that this is the Festival which brings a smile on her face and lifts her heart.
She said, “Apart from improved reading habits, the nation had also seen a great leap in the number of publications, in particular, those commemorating the 60th birth anniversary of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan.”
This 3-day festival is the initiative of India-Bhutan Foundation, with the association with Rajasthan government’s Department of Tourism with Siyahi. The event was attended by Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with renowned authors like Amitav Ghosh, Pico Iyer, and Graeme Simsion, among others.
Vasundhara Raje was excited to attend the event and said that, “Though Rajasthan and Bhutan appear very different geographically; we share respect for nature, a simple lifestyle and a commitment to the happiness of the people.” She appreciated the friendly relations between Bhutan and Rajasthan quoting Bhutan being the best example of sustainable development and teaches the world on bringing balance between aspirations of the nation and ecology.
She laid emphasis on raising the happiness index of the people of both p[laces through the systematic planning of Governing authorities. The gross happiness index of Bhutan is a source of inspiration to boost the Indian philosophy of this intimate connection.
She didn’t forget to mention the importance of Jaipur Literature Festival in the context of Indian literature. JLF has always been a looked upon the event for the renowned authors from national and international level. Raje added that she felt excited at the prospect of listening to famous authors like Chador Wangmo and Pico Iyer, and it was a relief to disappear into the amazing and mesmerizing world of books. She also elaborated her purpose of visit as a tour to absorb some of the goodness of Bhutan and utilize it for the welfare of the people of Rajasthan.
Smt. Raje congratulated the organizers for organizing such a successful and outstanding event in Bhutan in the form of Mountain Echoes Literary Festival.
