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Reports
on the 5th Druk Gyalpo
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Bhutan
Politics: The King |
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Bhutan
Politics: The King |
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His
Majesty speaks on Bhutan's future
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| Addressing
the graduates of Sherubtse college in Kanglung yesterday at its 11th biennial
Convocation His Majesty, King Jigme Khesar highlighted the achievements
of the nation and said that all Bhutanese were rightfully proud of our
country. However, the younger generation should not become complacent,
"In fact we have to be extra cautious. All that our country has achieved
are the accomplishments of our parents - not ours. Our work lies ahead
of us ? what we have to do has not been done before." |
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As
a small society Bhutanese citizens, more than those of larger countries,
bear a greater responsibility and role in the success of the nation, His
Majesty said. "Individual success depends on success as a nation - no one
succeeds when the nation has failed. There can be no Bhutanese without
Bhutan. This is the fundamental truth for a small country like ours."
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| the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
| His
Majesty said that the young graduates were entering a crucial phase in
their own lives as well as that of the nation's history. The immediate
duty of every Bhutanese, His Majesty said, is to bring about a successful
transition to democracy "because a good democracy will ensure that the
aspirations of the people will always be fulfilled. It is a task that must
be achieved. Failure can never be an option." |
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It
is exactly at such a time when we have a strong culture and traditions;
environmental wealth; transition to democracy in a time of peace and prosperity;
socio-economic success; our development philosophy of Gross National Happiness;
and sovereignty and security ? that we must ask ourselves, "What is the
role of this generation in the history of our nation? What do we have to
do to make the things we love and value so much, sustainable? How do we
preserve everything that is special to Bhutan, yet take our country to
greater heights?"
His
Majesty said, "In this globalised and modern world there can only be one
answer- a strong dynamic economy. We need resources, we need national wealth
- and this can only come from the economy." However, His Majesty said,
we must build not just a strong economy but a strong economy suited to
Bhutan's needs. His Majesty said that Bhutan had succeeded not only in
building a unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness but
also embarked on an unprecedented democratic transition unique to Bhutan.
"In the past we embraced modernisation on our own terms and conditions.
If we plan ahead and work hard we have a special opportunity to build a
dynamic economy - once again on our own terms and conditions."
But
the economy was not only a goal to strive for, His Majesty said, it is
a weakness that Bhutan must first accept in order to be a successful nation.
"We cannot just display our strengths and achievements - we must also recognise
our weaknesses - our weakness today is the economy."
"We
no longer live in a small hidden kingdom. We are very much a part of this
new globalised world. At the end of the day, what it will always come down
to is - how can Bhutan stand on her own feet? How can we make a good living?
What can Bhutan sell that the world wants to buy? How can Bhutan compete
with other nations as equals? We are not competing with each other, we
must compete with the rest of the world. It is no longer enough to say
'I am the best in Bhutan' you have to be the best wherever you go in the
world."
His
Majesty said that whenever people spoke of the Bhutanese economy they always
spoke of the immense challenges for a small country.
His
Majesty told the youth that they must not be daunted. As a small nation
Bhutan had faced many challenges in the past and would face even greater
challenges in the future. "But I firmly believe that every single challenge
can be turned into an opportunity if we plan ahead and work hard."
"People
say that Bhutan is a small country. Yes, its true, but our size is our
greatest strength. As a small country with a small population, we can manage
our country better, and plan our economy better. We have a small family
of Bhutanese but a family that has common goals and aspirations - and a
family that truly loves their country."
"Some
say we are a country landlocked between two giant neighbours - yes we all
know that being landlocked has its disadvantages but in building a strong
economy our geopolitical location is going to be our biggest advantage.
Within a few decades India and China are expected to dominate the world
economy. So, in the context of opportunities we are definitely not landlocked
- I think we have the world at our doorstep!"
His
Majesty said that India was a true source for optimism for the future.
"As our closest neighbour and friend, Bhutan's rapid socio- economic growth
was assisted by India's steadfast support. As the world's largest democracy,
our young democratic system will always benefit from India's experience.
As an economic power of the future, our economy will only benefit from
cooperation with India," said His Majesty. "I know that India is deeply
committed to Bhutan's growth as a democracy and as a neighboring economy,
so India's growth and success will be Bhutan's success as well."
His
Majesty said, "Bhutan is a nation full of promise and potential. We have
the security and confidence of our own culture and traditions, an unspoiled
environment and most importantly, a young population full of dynamism and
promise."
"My
message to you, the young leaders of Bhutan is - we have everything it
takes to build a strong economy and safeguard everything we cherish - but
on one condition - that we start today - with big ambitions, and we work
hard."
His
Majesty urged Bhutanese to "rise to the challenge, change our mindset,
our way of working, think big and work hard. The time has come for us to
stand on our own feet, to compete as equals with other nations and to succeed
through our own hard work and sweat, on our own terms and merit."
His
Majesty said that if this generation succeeded in fulfilling their duty
of building a strong Bhutanese economy, then they would have laid the foundation
for a sound democracy, for Gross National Happiness and for peace and prosperity
for all Bhutanese now and in the future.
"I
have no personal goals," said His Majesty. "I will adopt your aspirations
as my own and work towards fulfilling them. Therefore, you must have big
ambitions and hopes and for our country." With these words, His Majesty
then proceeded to grant degrees to the graduates, most of whom were deeply
moved and emotional. "After 16 years of education, today is the moment
to celebrate, how much better can it get," said Kuenga Lhendup, presently
a trainee at Royal Institute of Management in Semtokha. "I cannot be luckier
than this."
"We
are the most fortunate lot," said Tashi Tshering, who works as the human
resource officer at RCSC. "It further inspires us to rededicate ourselves
to contribute to society. It's a dream come true."
For
Kesang, an English Honours graduate, it was a significant beginning for
another phase of life. "We are now entering another phase of our life which
is a more challenging journey and with His Majesty's words we are better
prepared for that," he said.
Ugyen,
a Commerce graduate said, "I initially felt lucky just to receive my degree
from His Majesty himself, but when His Majesty spoke to us with so much
advice and then gave each one of us our degrees and spoke to us one by
one, I really felt blessed to be born in this country."
Many
senior civil servants who spoke to Kuensel said that they felt His Majesty
was not speaking to the youth alone but to all Bhutanese, especially those
in positions of responsibility. One Dzongda said that it was "an eye-opener
and most enlightening guidance for us. We had never thought of the issues
in this way. The Royal Address has brought clarity and focus to Bhutan's
future. But for us it will be invaluable in carrying out our own duties
in our dzongkhags."
Nancy
Strickland, from the Canadian Cooperation Office told Kuensel, "This was
a memorable event for me but a truly historic event for Bhutan. The stirring
speech firmly places the future of the nation in the hands of the new generation,
with great faith. His Majesty coming all the way to Sherubtse shows his
tremendous commitment in the nation's future."
Sherubtse
produced its first batch of graduates in November 18, 1986. This year about
487 graduates of 2004 and 2005 attended the convocation. Over 2,200 students
have graduated from Sherubtse until date. Sherubtse became the founding
member of Royal University of Bhutan on June 2, 2003.
The
convocation was also attended by Their Royal Highnesses Ashi Dechen Yangzom
Wangchuck and Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck, the education minister, Lyonpo
Thinley Gyamtsho and representatives from Delhi University, the Indian
Embassy and international organisations.
| Contributed
by Rinzin Wangchuk, Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2007 |
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| Tashichhodzong |
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