Jackson Dukpa–man with determination and laser-like focus

Jackson Dukpa is an civil engineer, writer, poet, musician, thinker, reformer and a social worker. He was born in eastern Bhutan but now residing in the capital city Thimphu. After completing his civil engineering degree from India, he joined the government sector as engineer in the Department of Roads. After two years in service, he obtained masters degree in the field of Transportation Engineering from Thailand. After working for almost 10 years, he resigned to join the private sector.

During his life until now, he has been doing lot of social works. He is a great social worker and in the year 2015, he formed the social club called Bhutan Divine Angels in Bhutan to organize various social activities( https://www.facebook.com/bhutandivineangels/). In the year 2017, formed new political party called Druk Gaki Tshogpa (DGT). The new voice of DGT became very popular especially with the youths of Bhutan but unfortunately failed to secure registration to participate in the 2018 elections. The Facebook page of the political party can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/dgtbhutan/.

In the year 2019, he formed the new global organization called Global Village Connections (GVC) which was conceptualized in the year 2017 with the idea of creating a better world. In 2020, he founded Better World Alliance (BWA) which is intended to offer a collaborative platform for individuals and organizations around the world to come together to a single platform to collaborate and help each other to create a Better World.

Tell us about your professional qualifications…

I am B.E Civil Engineering with as Masters Degree in Transportation Engineering. Both the qualifications were acquired through securing fully funded scholarships. B.E Civil engineering was undertaken under the Government of India finding at Motilal Nehru Regional Engineering College located at Allahabad, India. Masters degree course was undertaken at Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand funded by the Austrian Government.

What are your Interests in Life? 

To help others and serve humanity unconditionally. To ignite and bring global transformations for a better world by being the vehicle of hope for the weak and the voice of the voiceless. 

What are your Current Engagements?

Vigorously engaged in the works of Global Village Connections (GVC), building global network to ignite global transformations. Under the GVC banner, the advocacy for the GVC Framework for a Better World is being undertaken. The GVC Framework for a better world is being proposed as a holistic solution in order to overcome the present day challenges and pave the new path for a better tomorrow.

Besides he is working for many international organizations as representative for Bhutan. He is also serving in Bhutan as member of Dispute Settlement Committee (DSA) for the Consumer Protection Office of Bhutan.

Share your global thoughts on the following issues:-

On Capitalism

The present form of capitalism must transit to a form that is more sustainable and responsible. It is very difficult to completely do away with the current form of capitalism but we have to seek a new path that is fair for everyone. Businesses must now seek to incorporate more social values and elements of sustainability. Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) values must be integral part of any business conduct and functioning. 

On the Future of Education 

Given the fast global trends and modern developments taking place, education systems must now focus more on personality development, value inculcation and skills development. Such new paths of education would ensure that young people are more prepared to take up modern day challenges. Teaching of ethical values must be as a part of early childhood development be incorporated in education systems. 

On Climate Change 

Climate Change is the biggest threat to the survival and advancement of mankind. This problem is something that needs to be addressed through collaboration on a global scale. It is not a problem that can be tackled in isolation. Rich countries must help poorer countries to combat climate change and people at the grassroots level must be part of the initiatives to address climate change. The whole world must declare a war on climate change as we can only lose or win together. 

On a massive scale, this problem can only be solved holistically by changing our mindset and changing the way we live. We must think responsibly, consume responsibly and act responsibly. 

On Technology 

There is so much progress and advancement in technology but the benefits of it has not reached to the mass majority. It is only for those who are in a position to afford it. Therefore, technology must reach out to all the people of the world so that it will play a significant role in shaping the lives of the people at large. We must bridge this technological gap so that technology benefits all sections of the society. 

On Good Governance 

This the one of the most important things for the advancement of the society but it is often neglected. Good governance is something that will allow the development of human rights and progress of mankind. However, the state of the present world is such that people are oppressed by bad leadership. Most of the governments around the world are corrupted which prohibits transparency of systems and processes. 

We must have more transparent systems, and leaderships around the world must ensure right to information for the people. Service delivery must be an important part of progress and development. 

On Future of Judiciary 

Judicial processes must be reformed to suit the needs of the people especially the common people. Judicial services at present have become more of money making which many people are not able to get the required justice because of massive commercialization. Some of the litigation cases takes so many decades to arrive at a decision. We must bring enormous reforms in the field of judiciary globally to make it transparent, efficient, and affordable for all. 

On Animal Welfare 

Animals do deserve to have a good life. It may not be possible to completely stop killings of animals for food, it is without doubt that animals do deserve to have an access to good living conditions. Animals should also be relieved from making them human slaves in using them for labour works. We must now come up with stringent international laws with regard to animal welfare. 

On Doing Away with Military Spending 

The people of the world must unite together and fight for doing away with military engagements and spending. People must find for more spending and focus on human welfare instead. It is very imperative that the present and future generations should see the end of wars. Rather, every country must fight for brining global peace and prosperity. Instead of fighting each other, we must now fight the many global challenges like poverty, climate change and terrorism.

On Minority Rights

Good leadership is more of how people are facilitated to enjoy their fundamental rights. The test of good leadership is something to do with protection of minority rights. It is the duty of every government to focus more on protecting the minority communities. It is also the duty of every citizen to respect and protect the minorities in the society. No person in any country should feel threatened because of the fact that he or she belongs to the minority population. 

On Sustainable Development and Responsible Consumption 

Human progress and developments strategies must be embedded on the premise of sustainability. Any development activities must not deviate from adequate considerations for the environment, culture and scope for future generations. The resources of the earth are limited and we must always plan and do things in a sustainable manner. People must raise to global consciousness of being responsible to change consumption patterns. We must ensure that everyone of use consume responsibly minimizing wastes as much as possible.

Tell us about your social work….

Blood Donation Programs 

Jackson Dukpa in the last few years coordinated blood donation programs within Bhutan and also in India. In few occasions he had been able to help the Bhutanese patients admitted at TATA Medical Center to obtain blood from the his Bhutanese and Indians friends at Kolkatta. 

Social Works For Dogs Shelter (February 2 & 4, 2019 ) 

In the vicinity of Thimphu City, there is a dog shelter which is run by a couple from the Netherlands. The shelter was in much need of volunteers to repair and paint the iron cages. Jackson Dukpa arranged about 15 volunteers for 2 days. He arranged all the snacks, food and transportation arrangements for all the volunteers. On the second day on February 4, 2019, a grand lunch was organized at the work site. 

Food Distribution at Kolkata (Year 2017) 

In the July month of year 2017, Jackson Dukpa was on a trip to the Indian City of Kolkata. Although his schedule was very busy made sure to take and distribute some food parcels the Bhutanese patients who were undergoing treatments at the TATA medical Center at New Town, Kolkata. In New Town, he made sure to meet with all the patients and distributed food parcels. 

Helping The Radio Man In Thimphu (AUGUST 5, 2017) 

On August 28, 2017, Jackson Dukpa was walking towards the Chubachu roundabout and as he reached near the old milk booth and just beside the public toilet, an old man was calling him for help. All the old man wanted was to open the door for him by unlocking the door lock. As he went inside hthe old man’s room, Jackson Dukpa was surprised to see the condition of the old man’s place. place. His things were scattered everywhere in the room and the room was smelling so bad with the rotten food stuffs. The ceiling to his room were covered all in spider webs. 

As the old man narrated his story it was found out that the man was is 89 years old hailing from Wangdue Dzongkhag. The old man said that had no relatives and he stays all by himself. Immediately, it crossed Jackson Dukpa’s mind that something needs to be done on an urgent basis. Mr Jackson immediately decided to come back to the man to help him out. 

On Saturday, August 5, 2017, Jackson along with 7 volunteers organized a cleaning campaign. His team took almost 6 hours to clean his place and also washed his clothes. Jackson also provided many items such as mattress, blanket, pillow, bedsheet and towel. The next day, Jackson’s team also arranged a new steel almirah to store his clothes and a table. 

The man was popularly known as the Radio man. He is no more in this world. One day he was found dead in his room. Jackson even lifted his dead body and facilitated in the funeral services.

Construction of Multipurpose Trail (November 3 & 4, 2015) 

Mr. Jackson Dukpa along with his office staff participated in the construction of 60 km Multipurpose Trail in Thimphu on November 3, and November 4, 2015. His team was the last team to complete the final loop at Taba. The construction of the Bike Trail was undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture to commemorate the 60th Birth Anniversary of the fourth King of Bhutanm, Jigme Singye Wangchuk.

Tell us more about Global Village Communities…

GVC stands for Global Village Connections which is a global force conceptualized and in the process of formation to create a better world by uniting citizens of the world. The creator of GVC is Mr Chheku Dukpa from Bhutan who truly believes the World needs a fresh hope and force to overcome the many challenges.

GVC was conceptualized in the year 2017 and it is currently in the process of formalizing and soliciting the formation of global network across the world. The Founder believes that the state of affairs of the world needs better healing given the many global challenges. There have been significant progress in terms of acquiring global support from people from different countries. Team building across different parts of the world is taking place. The founder believes that love must conquer the world and the benefits of modern innovation and development must reach to every citizens across the globe.

What is your message to the youth of BHUTAN?

Our Enlightened Monarchs have always emphasized time and again that “Youths are the future of our Country”. Indeed, there is no need to elaborate further on this noble statement which holds much truth. As our country advances into this modern era, confronted with modern technological trends and other developments, it remains a challenge to keep up with our old traditions and culture. Besides, like any other country in the world, we are now facing various social problems. The pressure is indeed building year by year and there are many emerging challenges that we face today and would face in the future. Those challenges of course can only be solved or better managed if there is a collective thinking and develop a trend that allows ourselves to engage and converge to a shared national goals and aspirations. 

Everyone of us have our own share of problems and challenges in life. As they say, “Grass on the other side always look greener”, but the truth is we cannot move ahead without facing the reality in front of us. With much confidence, I must share that every Bhutanese must feel proud to be born Bhutanese. In many ways, Bhutan is a very unique and special country that we all Bhutanese must realize. To be able to enjoy peace and stability is something not many people can enjoy elsewhere in the world. If a country in not stable and peaceful, it allows very little hope for the people to pursue individual happiness. Therefore, everyone of you out there must realize that we live in a very special country. And for all the peace and good life we enjoy today, we must not forget to thank our beloved monarchs. We can thank and give back better by becoming responsible citizens and continuously work towards setting Bhutan on the path of Greater Glory.

At a much more personal level, I would like to share that we as citizens can indeed play much bigger role. Before we engage ourselves into anything, it is imperative that all our thoughts and intentions must be aligned to our national aspirations. There is no meaning in living a life of self glorification. We must then come to a common thinking and put Bhutan First. If we can manage to do that all the challenges that we have today and would face in the future would never be beyond our capacity to confront and manage them. There is of course a definite need for everyone of us to work hard and give our best. If we are ready to work hard and brave enough to move forward, there is every possibility of building a hope that can take us to greater glory and fulfill our individual aspirations. Lets us work hard and let us be more responsible citizens.

Lastly I would like to conclude by saying that, “I believe in You”, “The People believe in You” and “The Nation believe in You”. You are indeed Bhutan’s Asset and Bhutan’s Future.