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Bhutan Politics |
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| Complacency
and corruption, biggest challenges |
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| The Chhoetse Penlop |
| "The
biggest challenges facing Bhutan at the moment are complacency and corruption,"
said His Royal Highness the Chhoetse Penlop, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck,
addressing 652 university graduates of 2004 - 2005 at the closing of the
graduates orientation programme on September 7 in Thimphu. |
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"We
will lose everything our parents have achieved if we allow these to take
root," said His Royal Highness.
The
Chhoetse Penlop said the way to take the country forward is through human
resources, which is Bhutan's natural strength. "Bhutanese youth are different
from other youths because they want to serve the country but they need
more spirit of enterprise and competition," he said.
A
total of Nu. 95,000 was collected by the graduates attending the national
orientation programme this year.
Nu.
50, 000 was donated to the Tarayana Foundation, Nu. 30,000 was offered
to the Kanglung Shedra and Nu. 15,000 was donated to the National Institute
for the Disabled, Khaling.
The
funds were raised through various activities like cultural programme and
jam sessions.
The
Crown Prince urged the graduates to make every effort to move the country
out of a culture where people wait for things to be done for them to a
culture of hard work and merit.
"Those
who choose not to carry out their responsibilities should not expect so
much more from society than they have put in," he said.
Speaking
about Gross National Happiness, the guiding philosophy of the nation, the
Chhoetse Penlop said its greatness lay in its simplicity. He said that
the concept should be clear and the same for every one and it should act
as the national conscience in making decisions for the future.
"I
look forward to the future because I look forward to working with you,"
His Royal Highness told the graduates. "I have no doubt that we can make
an impact and a difference in our nation's future and this can be achieved
if we are hard working and honest."
The
graduates said that the two-week cultural and policy orientation programme
had made clearer the road ahead. Besides being briefed by various ministries
and the private sector and being re-oriented on traditional etiquette the
graduates also participated in fund raising and voluntary activities.
"One
thing is certain," said Nyingtob, a graduate from Canada. "If we commit
ourselves and work with unswerving perseverance, it will be pleasant at
the end of this road."
Kunzang
Wangmo, a Sherubtse graduate, told that she was now fully aware of the
paramount importance of the nation's culture.
"Our
unique identity and sovereignty has withstood the test of time and dynamics
of global forces and now it is our responsibility to further carry it through,"
she said.
At
the dinner for the graduates the prime minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup,
advised the graduates to continue learning throughout their lives. He also
emphasised the importance of following the example set by Bhutan's greatest
role model, His Majesty the King, with dedication and particularly with
energy.
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| This
article was contributed by Kesang Dema, Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper
2005 |
| December
14, 2006 |
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| His
Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk said that the responsibilities of the
Throne would be delegated to the Chhoetse Penlop before 2008. His Royal
Highness Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be enthroned as the fifth
Druk Gyalpo in 2008. |
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