A Story of Drukyul’s Journey Toward an Enlightened Bureaucracy

Review of Growing Up with Modern Bhutan by Dasho Kunzang Wangdi (2025)

Abstract

Growing Up with Modern Bhutan is the memoir of Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, a highly respected figure in the nation’s modern history. This 553-page book recounts the author’s journey from a humble village upbringing to assuming a pivotal role in shaping Bhutan’s historic institutions and governance. Set against the backdrop of Bhutan’s gradual modernization from the 1960s onward, the insights from the book extend beyond the author’s life and career. It presents a broader perspective on Drukyul’s journey of transformation under three successive monarchs: the Third King, the Great Fourth, and the People’s King.