The Story

Echoes Across Generations

In the 1980s, Bhutan introduced the “One Nation, One People” (Driglam Namzha) policy to preserve national culture by promoting the traditions of the dominant Ngalop ethnic group, which led to cultural, linguistic, and religious repression of the Lhotshampa community. Lhotshampas faced discrimination in education, healthcare, and government services and were often labeled by the state as “illegal immigrants” threatening Bhutan’s identity. These tensions escalated in the late 1980s and early 1990s, resulting in the mass displacement of Lhotshampas, many of whom fled to refugee camps in Nepal, where they endured harsh living conditions and limited access to basic necessities.

The objective of Lhotshampa Diaries is to document personal narratives, with a particular focus on individuals’ memories of their experiences in Bhutan, their time in refugee camps, and their efforts to build lives in new settlements. The project emphasizes storytelling from the individual’s perspective, encompassing accounts from elders who lived through these events to those born in resettled countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark. Our aim is to preserve these memories and ensure that these stories are passed down across generations.

the team

Lhotshampa Diaries is founded and led by two members of the Lhotshampa community who personally experienced displacement and resettlement. Drawing from their own journeys, they are dedicated to preserving the stories and memories of Lhotshampa individuals across generations. Their lived experience as refugees provides a unique perspective and deep understanding of the challenges, resilience, and hope that define the community’s history. Through this project, they aim to give voice to those who lived through Bhutan, refugee camps, and resettlement, ensuring that these stories are documented, honored, and shared with the world.

Indra Karki

Founder

Birendra Dhakal

Founder