Kunzang Choden

Kunzang Choden, born in the Bumthang District of Bhutan in nineteen fifty-two, is a pioneering writer and novelist. As the first Bhutanese woman to pen a novel in English, she has made significant contributions to literature, particularly through her exploration of gender roles and societal changes in Bhutan.

Choden's educational journey began at the age of nine when her father sent her to India for schooling, where she developed her proficiency in English. She holds a BA Honours in Psychology from Indraprastha College in Delhi and a BA in Sociology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her professional experience includes working with the United Nations Development Program in Bhutan, where she has contributed to various developmental initiatives.

Her debut novel, The Circle of Karma, published in two thousand five by Zubaan Publishers Pvt. Ltd, is set against the backdrop of the nineteen fifties, a time of significant modernization in Bhutan. The narrative follows a Bhutanese woman who navigates the complexities of traditional gender roles and emerging sexism as men gain economic independence. Much of the story unfolds in North India, adding depth to the protagonist's journey.

In two thousand twelve, Choden and her family established Riyang Books, a publishing house in Thimphu, furthering their commitment to literature. During the COVID-19 pandemic in twenty twenty, her daughter, filmmaker Dechen Roder, creatively engaged children by sharing video recordings of Choden reading her stories on YouTube.

Since around two thousand, Choden and her husband have been dedicated to renovating her ancestral home, Ogyen Choling, transforming it into a cultural heritage site. This manor house, along with its temple and artifacts, is now managed by the Ogyen Choling Foundation, which also supports community projects such as a daycare center, academic prizes in local schools, and the promotion of handicrafts.