About the Founder
Dorji, founder of The Happiness Farm in Paro: storyteller, conservationist and farmer, who has spent his career sharing Bhutan with the world.
Dorji comes from Eastern Bhutan and is known to many as “Digital Dorji”. After serving on royal projects and spending 18 years in conservation, he and his wife Kezang Wangmo founded The Happiness Farm, Bhutan’s first agro-based farm-to-table stay.
Serving on royal projects
Some of the national projects Dorji has been proud to serve.
2008
The Coronation of His Majesty the Fifth King
Dorji served as a protocol officer looking after international royal guests at the historic Coronation in 2008.
2008
Bhutan at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
As Assistant Coordinator, he helped bring Bhutan’s culture to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in the year Bhutan celebrated 100 years of monarchy.
Youth
Kuzoo FM
He was part of the team that founded Kuzoo FM, Bhutan’s first private radio station, a royal initiative giving the country’s young people a voice.
Guiding
Royal guests and official delegations
For 26 years he has written about Bhutan and guided visitors through it, including royal guests and official delegations.
Conservation, culture and creativity
18 years in conservation
At the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation he worked on conservation, sustainable development and environmental projects across the country.
The Big Book: a Guinness World Record
Dorji worked closely with the late Professor Michael Hawley of MIT on the Big Book, the world’s largest published book: a visual journey across Bhutan’s landscapes and stories. Read the story.
Kcymaerxthaere
He brought the Kcymaerxthaere art installation to the farm, one of its portals in Bhutan. Learn more.
In memory
A life-changing friendship
“A true guru, and a dear brotherly figure who taught me everything.”
Dorji, on the late Professor Michael Hawley, MIT Media Lab
The turning point in Dorji’s life was meeting the late Professor Michael Hawley of the MIT Media Lab. Mike introduced him to the world of IT and digital photography, and it was thanks to him that Dorji became the first person in Bhutan to use a digital camera. That is how he earned the name “Digital Dorji”.
The two worked very closely for years, on the Big Book and on founding photography clubs in Bhutan’s schools. To Dorji, Mike was a true guru and a dear, brotherly figure who taught him everything. Meeting him was a life-changing experience.
Mike is survived by his dear wife, Nina You, and their son, Tycho, who remain dear friends and more than family to Dorji. They have been generous donors and great supporters of The Happiness Farm in a very touching way, and a tree grows here in Mike’s memory. Mike had a deep respect and love for the farm, and today Nina carries his dream and wishes for it forward. Read our dedication to Nina.
From public servant to farmer
After 18 years in public service, Dorji wanted a more hands-on way to serve his community and live closer to nature. With Kezang he founded The Happiness Farm in Dogar, Paro, and its sister farm in the Punakha Valley, which grows more than 22 kinds of organic fruit and vegetables.
Today the farm is Bhutan’s first agro-based farm-to-table stay and home to the world’s first fruit Tree Membership. Dorji holds an MBA from The Australian National University, and away from the farm he enjoys hiking, photography and yoga.