A Kings's dream

He is more than just revered. He is loved. He is more than just an icon. He is an inspiration. He is but more than a King. He is a true son of the soil. To the women outside his country, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the ultimate, larger-than-life prince charming. Closer home, he is the face and future of modern Bhutan. He is the captain who will steer the ship of democracy to its safe shores. He is the young, promising leader, with beautiful aspirations and dreams for his country and people. The shock that the nation experienced when His Majesty the Fourth King informed the people in December 17, 2005, that he would be giving up his throne for the crown prince has quietly ebbed away in oblivion. In hindsight, the magnanimity of this solemn decision is not only visionary but historical, not just for Bhutan but the world at large. Rightly so, in 2006, His Majesty after ruling for more than three decades handed over the throne to his heir. The young King’s first public address after assuming the responsibilities of the Monarch in December 17, 2006, proves that the initial shock of the people was unfounded. The National Day address exemplifies His Majesty’s reverence for his father’s selfless contribution to nation building, while he charts out his own dreams for the country. It is, in heart and soul, the reflection of a King’s vision and aspiration for his country. “Our first and foremost responsibilities will always be the peace and tranquility of the nation, the sovereignty and security of the country, fulfilling the vision of Gross National Happiness and strengthening the new system of democracy,” His majesty said. As Bhutan celebrates the twin occasion of hundred years of Monarchy and the coronation of a new, dynamic dragon king, history is seen repeating. A hundred years back, the people of Bhutan unanimously pledged their allegiance and confidence when they chose Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as the first Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan. A hundred years later, the Monarchy has returned its power back to the people heralding a new era in the history of Bhutan. The crowning of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo is therefore very significant, not less momentous. His Majesty Jigme Khesar is the first democratic constitutional Monarch of Bhutan. He is the guardian of the constitution, and the protector of democracy. This is true because His Majesty on repeated occasions has emphasized that his role will be that of the guide, to steer Bhutan through a peaceful process of democratization. And indeed, Bhutan saw a peaceful transition to democracy. The challenge now would be to ensure that the highest democratic ideals and principles are upheld and to further strengthen the institutions of democracy. His Majesty shares a common dream with his people. That is to make Bhutan a peaceful, prosperous and secure country. How often he has stressed that having secured political stability, peace and security, his main goal hereon will be to guarantee economic excellence and to this end, achieving the goals of Gross National Happiness. In other words, His Majesty has always emphasized on the importance of the philosophy of GNH and building a vibrant economy for Bhutan. In his speech to the graduates of 2007, His Majesty said: “For a small nation with a small population, it is vital that we have a shared national objective. We simply cannot afford to work in different directions. We must always have a common goal-the goal of achieving GNH for our people.” His Majesty shares a simple dream like any other citizen, a dream that every Bhutanese harbors. To make Bhutan a story of success in every perceivable field and to be able to pass down to the future generation a country that is distinct, developed and culturally rich. His Majesty has therefore laid utmost importance in excellence, hard work and dynamism. Understanding the vulnerability of a small nation like Bhutan in the globalized world, His Majesty has always said that ‘creating a strong economy is not only a goal’ but a necessary step on the path to success. Therefore, His Majesty has consistently encouraged the youth of the country to work harder, to vie for excellence and to be the best not just in Bhutan but in the world. “For our small kingdom, excellence must be the only standard.” As the nation comes together, united to celebrate the hundred years of Monarchy and the crowning of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, it is important for every individual Bhutanese citizen to recline, reflect and promise that they would work toward fulfilling the nation’s dreams. Those dreams that is very much shared by our new King.