In 2008, Tshering Dorji won Bhutan’s first bodybuilding competition, making him the first person to hold the title of Mr. Bhutan. He won the title again, in 2010, and 2011. Fourteen years later, he’s raising three children, living in a new country, and pursuing a different career. He lives in Geneva with his family, but remains in touch with Bhutan through the monthly Ask Mr. Bhutan column on Kuensel. Where he answers questions from the public on the topic of health and happiness. He aspires to work with the Bhutanese youth in the near future.
Tashi: Why did you decide to shift focus from body-building to the “inner workings” of the mind?
Tshering Dorji: I never “decided” to shift my focus. All the daily discipline, sacrifice, striving, and struggling to build the best physique as a bodybuilder, while facing life’s many obstacles opened a doorway into my mind, a world with infinite possibilities unlike anything else. It is currently one of my main focuses in life to study, understand, and master it.
I know you take your job as a parent seriously. Did having more kids influence that shift in any way?
I am a happy father of three children. They have made me a much better human being. I tell all, “look at the world as your children, than see what harm you can do”
When we last met, you spoke about your interest in building Bhutanese youth’s minds and bodies. Can you tell us more about it?
My mission is to instill a new philosophy in Bhutanese youth, one that embraces non violence, service, discomfort, flexibility, simplicity, and the ability to grow stronger through adversity. By fostering critical thinking, a love for learning, and an appreciation for uncertainty, I aim to prepare individuals to thrive in an unpredictable world.
I cannot help but notice that your shift in focus, from the body to the mind, comes at an interesting time. If you look at Bhutan, you see our country emerging as a leader at a global stage, for balance. And it seems that’s exactly what the world needs? How do you relate to that?
It is a coincidence that in some ways my life mirrors Bhutan’s journey as an emerging leader and example of balance.
We all need “balance” but no one can dictate that to us. We need to wake up from our slumbers and begin shaping the life and balance we seek.
Governments are very well positioned entities to create new policies and design infrastructure to nudge its citizens to achieve that balance.
You are based in Geneva, Switzerland. However, over the years, you’ve frequently traveled to Bhutan. How do you see that impacting your work, and would you like that to impact your work?
My life in Switzerland and yearly travel to India and Bhutan shapes me profoundly. The depth and breadth of these experiences lights up the best in me. Its essence is expressed in my life and body of work.
Bhutan is beginning to embrace eoc-tourism, though you could say Bhutan as a destination naturally fulfills that. What advice do you have for guests visiting Bhutan specifically looking for eco-tourism experiences?
Being carbon-negative is the holy grail of ecotourism, everything else is secondary. To be CO2 negative means Bhutan is giving back more than it is taking. Also the funds raised through the “sustainable development fee” is reinvested into the wellbeing of Bhutan and its people. For a guest seeking authentic ecotourism, no country makes more sense than Bhutan. Bhutan’s tourism is based on the Pillars of Gross National Happiness.
Over the years, fitness has taken root in Bhutan. While this trend is generally positive, are there any potential downsides we should be cautious of?
Yes, this is something everyone, not just Bhutanese needs to be cautious of. “Exercise alone does not guarantee health” You need to shape your entire lifestyle to promote good health. Regular exercise and overall health are very different things.
Do you miss being Mr. Bhutan?
Not at all. I was very fortunate to be prepared and present at the right place at the right time, and I made the most of those opportunities, learning and growing from them.
Having said that, I still go by Mr. Bhutan and use the title to share my message on health and happiness.