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| His Majesty addresses the Nation at Changlimethang |
20 December, 2008 – Future generations of Bhutanese people will live longer. They will be better educated. They will have better communications and will travel further. They will be more prosperous. Their lives will be more comfortable.
It was with this knowledge that the Bhutanese people around the country gathered to celebrate National Day on December 17 – to reflect on a past that made such a future possible.
“We have all come together, as one small family, celebrated 100 years of Monarchy, the start of democracy and my own Coronation,” His Majesty the King said in the royal National Day address, which was broadcast and telecast live to the entire country. “The success of these celebrations and in fact the success of our nation over the last 100 years owes so much to the prayers and hard work of our people. I offer my gratitude to our people of the 20 dzongkhags for the kindness and love you have shown me during my Coronation.”
Literally stepping into a new era, many people were reflecting on their aspirations. They saw challenges ahead but were optimistic about the future.
According to a former gup of Punakha, the past 100 years had not been smooth sailing. “But our forefathers ensured that we had a stable and a strong country,” he said. “Ask any of the elderly people and they will give examples of how our great Kings achieved this.”
He is not worried about the future: “My children will have a better life than me and I hope that they’ll be as happy as I’ve been,” he said.
Tshering Wangdi, a 39-year old businessman from Khalong village, would like to see the government tackle practical issues facing the country: “I wish for the day when the children in my village will not have to walk for hours and days to attend school.”
Sonam, a 25-year old teacher, believes the government needs to work on basic education for all, especially in the villages, so that today’s youth would truly be a part of the change. “Democracy is in place. His Majesty must guide Bhutan so that we remain an example of a peaceful nation in such troubled times,” said Karma, a 45-year old housewife.
“We’re the youngest democracy with the youngest King,” said Yeshey Dorji, a 32-year old civil servant. “I think there’s a bright future waiting for Bhutan.”
“We have every reason to be optimistic while entering a new era,” said a former councillor of Thimphu, Dasho Bap Yeshey Dorji. “His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo left a great legacy, by initiating a parliamentary democracy with a new noble and dynamic King. A great future has been given to the people.”
“As I marched past our King, I felt proud and happy,” said Ugyen Bidha, 15. “We’re celebrating our parents’ achievements today. We look ahead to building an even better Bhutan in the next 100 years.”
“This is the moment to ask ourselves what each of us can do for the betterment of Bhutan,” said health worker Sangay Zangmo. “Now is the time to get started. I’d like to see the government create opportunities for people to contribute in their little ways.”
“The foundation of our country was laid by our ancestors,” according to a contractor, Penjo. “We’re the architects, who can make it a stronger or a weaker country. We look forward to new opportunities. We hope the government will understand the needs of the people, people in all professions.”
“His Majesty has announced the fight against corruption,” said Tashi Penjore, a civil servant. “I hope there will be zero corruption in future. And service delivery from all three wings of government should improve.”
According to Damcho Rinzin, who works in tourism, the relationship between the King and the people needs to be kept strong and everything else will work.
“The new government should not lose sight of the path of GNH,” said Dasho Galey Lhendup. “The GNH principles are a good guideline and nobody dare step out of such a noble policy.”
Dorji Tshering, a civil servant for the past 18 years, is convinced that the Bhutanese people could not have hoped for more from the Wangchuck dynasty. “With our King to guide us, we expect changes from the democratic government,” he added. “We want to see efficient people in the right posts, recognise those who contribute to the organisations and nation as a whole, and see a compact flawless system prevailing.”
His Majesty the King, His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, the royal family, and the people of Bhutan ended the celebrations with the Tashi Lebey, bringing the curtain down on a fine period of Bhutanese history and opening the door to a new era of hope.
Their Royal Highnesses, the princes and princesses, celebrated the day with the people in the dzongkhags.
Source: www.kuenselonline.com.bt