Tashi Dema is a journalist pursuing PhD in Behavioural Science and Social Studies with a special focus on language and politics in Bhutan. With her study involving a novel interdisciplinary approach to investigate the interplay of language and everyday politics in action, she advocates for the use of local languages, which are the repository of history, tradition, community values, and indigenous knowledge systems.

She joined Kuensel in 2005 when Bhutan was undergoing unprecedented social, economic, and political change, and the Bhutanese media, whether traditional or new, was still in its infancy. It was also the time when the process of building a free press started.

As a journalist, she began her career reporting from Zhemgang and Tsirang, becoming the most traveled reporter within the country, covering dzongkhags such as Dagana, Sarpang, Wangduephodrang, Punakha, and Gasa simultaneously. She walked to remote communities and brought to light issues that rural Bhutan grappled with.

Besides developmental stories, she also wrote about vanishing traditional practices and the painful transformation development and change brought to isolated farming communities in Bhutan. With intense passion and commitment to the profession, Tashi pursued stories that exposed corruption and societal issues. For her, journalism wasn’t just reporting and telling stories; it was about being accountable to the readers, no matter the consequences.

Today, Tashi is a self-proclaimed student ambassador of Bhutan, actively building connections and fostering collaborations wherever she can. She contributes to The Conversations, Australia’s leading academic journal with journalistic flair. Her prior experience of writing for The Druk Journal, a non-partisan publication aimed at serving Bhutan’s national interest, has honed her ability to contribute to the renowned publication.

Tashi describes herself as someone who dared to dream not only to change her fate but of countless others. She believes in the miracles of education to change lives and remains committed to helping many enjoy the fruit of education.