Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
HIS MAJESTY’S CORONATION ADDRESS
It is with immense joy that we are gathered together on this most auspicious day. In these last 100 years the dreams and aspirations of our forefathers and the vision of our Kings have been fulfilled beyond all expectations. The wise and selfless leadership of our kings, the sacrifice and hard work of generations of Bhutanese and the special bond between the People and King have given us this unique and special nation - a jewel of the earth.
Two years ago, at a time of profound change I came onto the throne as a young King. You, my people, in the spirit of generations past, worked with me with complete faith and gave me your wholehearted cooperation and goodwill. Thus, in these two short years while we have taken gigantic steps towards strengthening our nation, we have done so in a calm, deliberate manner in complete harmony. It is with great pride that we stand as a new democracy, having successfully completed an unprecedented and historic transition.
Yet we must always remember that as our country, in these changing times finds immense new challenges and opportunities, whatever work we do, whatever goals we have - and no matter how these may change in this changing world - ultimately without peace, security and happiness we have nothing. That is the essence of the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Our most important goal is the peace and happiness of our people and the security and sovereignty of the nation.
Our generation of Bhutanese have been gifted a strong, dynamic nation by our forefathers. I am confident that as long as we are willing to work with their committment and dedication and follow their example we can bring greater peace, happiness and prosperity to our country.
I am confident because I know the worth and character of our people. You are the true jewel of this nation. As citizens of a spiritual land you treasure the qualities of a good human being - honesty, kindness, charity, integrity, unity, respect for our culture and traditions, love for our country and for God. Throughout our history our parents have upheld these values and placed the common good above the self.
My deepest concern is that as the world changes we may lose these fundamental values on which rest our character as a nation and people. It is critical that we are able to recognize Bhutanese character irrespective of how far we look back into the past or into the future. The Bhutan we see is vastly different - unrecognizable even - when compared to the Bhutan in the time of our first King. Yet, the character of our people and the nature of our fundamental values have remained unchanged. Henceforth, as even more dramatic changes transform the world and our nation, as long as we continue to pursue the simple and timeless goal of being good human beings, and as long as we strive to build a nation that stands for everything that is good, we can ensure that our future generations for hundered of years will live in happiness and peace.
It is not because I am king that I ask these of you. Destiny has put me here. It is with immense gratitude and humility that at this young age, I assume the sacred duty to serve a special people and country. Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a king. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality.
As the king of a Buddhist nation, my duty is not only to ensure your happiness today but to create the fertile ground from which you may gain the fruits of spiritual pursuit and attain good karma.
This is how I shall serve you as king.
I cannot end without addressing out most important citizens – our youth. The future of our nation depends on the worth, capabilities and motivation of today’s youth. Therefore I will not rest until I have given you the inspirations, knowledge and skills so that you will not only fulfill your own aspirations but be of immense worth to the nation. This is my sacred duty. A strong motivated young Bhutan guarantees a strong bright future.
The future is neither unseen nor unknown. It is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today will shape the future of our nation. Our children’s tomorrow has to be created by us today.
I end with a prayer for Bhutan – that the sun of peace and happiness may forever shine on our people. I also pray that while I am but King of a small Himalaya nation, I may in my time be able to do much to promote the greater wellbeing and happiness of all people in this world – of all sentient beings.
Two years ago, at a time of profound change I came onto the throne as a young King. You, my people, in the spirit of generations past, worked with me with complete faith and gave me your wholehearted cooperation and goodwill. Thus, in these two short years while we have taken gigantic steps towards strengthening our nation, we have done so in a calm, deliberate manner in complete harmony. It is with great pride that we stand as a new democracy, having successfully completed an unprecedented and historic transition.
Yet we must always remember that as our country, in these changing times finds immense new challenges and opportunities, whatever work we do, whatever goals we have - and no matter how these may change in this changing world - ultimately without peace, security and happiness we have nothing. That is the essence of the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Our most important goal is the peace and happiness of our people and the security and sovereignty of the nation.
Our generation of Bhutanese have been gifted a strong, dynamic nation by our forefathers. I am confident that as long as we are willing to work with their committment and dedication and follow their example we can bring greater peace, happiness and prosperity to our country.
I am confident because I know the worth and character of our people. You are the true jewel of this nation. As citizens of a spiritual land you treasure the qualities of a good human being - honesty, kindness, charity, integrity, unity, respect for our culture and traditions, love for our country and for God. Throughout our history our parents have upheld these values and placed the common good above the self.
My deepest concern is that as the world changes we may lose these fundamental values on which rest our character as a nation and people. It is critical that we are able to recognize Bhutanese character irrespective of how far we look back into the past or into the future. The Bhutan we see is vastly different - unrecognizable even - when compared to the Bhutan in the time of our first King. Yet, the character of our people and the nature of our fundamental values have remained unchanged. Henceforth, as even more dramatic changes transform the world and our nation, as long as we continue to pursue the simple and timeless goal of being good human beings, and as long as we strive to build a nation that stands for everything that is good, we can ensure that our future generations for hundered of years will live in happiness and peace.
It is not because I am king that I ask these of you. Destiny has put me here. It is with immense gratitude and humility that at this young age, I assume the sacred duty to serve a special people and country. Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a king. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality.
As the king of a Buddhist nation, my duty is not only to ensure your happiness today but to create the fertile ground from which you may gain the fruits of spiritual pursuit and attain good karma.
This is how I shall serve you as king.
I cannot end without addressing out most important citizens – our youth. The future of our nation depends on the worth, capabilities and motivation of today’s youth. Therefore I will not rest until I have given you the inspirations, knowledge and skills so that you will not only fulfill your own aspirations but be of immense worth to the nation. This is my sacred duty. A strong motivated young Bhutan guarantees a strong bright future.
The future is neither unseen nor unknown. It is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today will shape the future of our nation. Our children’s tomorrow has to be created by us today.
I end with a prayer for Bhutan – that the sun of peace and happiness may forever shine on our people. I also pray that while I am but King of a small Himalaya nation, I may in my time be able to do much to promote the greater wellbeing and happiness of all people in this world – of all sentient beings.
Friday, January 30, 2009
The First Hereditary Monarch of BHUTAN
The first King : Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk (1861-1926)Sir Ugyen Wangchuck (or Deb Nagpo) (1861–1926) was the first king of Bhutan and founder of Monarchy in Bhutan in 1907, He ruled bhutan from 17 December 1907–21 August 1926. He was the penlop (governor) of Tongsa. From his power base in central Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck defeated his political enemies and united the country following several civil wars and rebellions in 1882-1885. In what was an epochal year for the country, in 1907 Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously chosen as the hereditary monarch of the country by the people at Punakha, the Capital of Bhutan at the time. For his services to the Francis Younghusband expedition to Lhasa, Tibet, he was knighted by the British in 1904. He was succeed by Jigme Wangchuk.
The Second Hereditary Monarch of BHUTAN
Second King : Jigme Wangchuk (1902/1906–1952) His Majesty Jigme Wangchuk was the second king of bhutan and ruled bhutan from 21 August 1926–24 March 1952, he was educated in English, Hindi and Buddhist literature and under his reign Bhutan continued to maintain almost complete isolation from the outside world, maintaining only limited relation with the United Kingdom, then the colonial power in India responsible for foreign affairs. This responsibility was transferred to India in 1949, shortly after that country gained independence. He was succeeded by his son, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
The Third Hereditary Monarch of BHUTAN
Third King : Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (May 2, 1928-July 21, 1972)His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk was the third king of bhutan after succeeding his father, Jigme Wangchuck, on October 27, 1952, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was known as the Father of Modern Bhutan as he began to open Bhutan to the outside world, began modernization, and took the first steps toward democratization. He also put an end to feudalism and released all remaining serfs. He encouraged certain modern inventions to assist the local peasantry and introduced wheeled vehicles, where previously the transportation of crops and people was done manually.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Fourth Hereditary Monarch of BHUTAN
Fourth King : Jigme Singye Wangchuk (11 November 1955)His Majesty Jigme Singye Wanghcuk was the fourth King of Bhutan after He acceded to the throne at the age of 17, in 1972, after the sudden death of his father, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. When he was formally crowned on June 2, 1974 he was the youngest monarch in the world and the coronation was noted for inviting foreign dignitaries, thus signaling the end of the long isolation of the country. In the span of 4 decades of his Majesty Rule, Bhutan was transformed to modern era from Medieval era. For his glorious reign, his majesty was named as one of Time magazine's 100 People Who Shape Our World in 2006. He announce his intentition abdicate the throne in 2008, but In a royal edict issued on December 14, 2006, His Majetsy Jigme Singye Wangchuk announced that he would begin handing over power to his eldest son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck immediately. He abdicated the throne in 14th December 2006 to Fifth King His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk.
The Fifth Hereditary Monarch of BHUTAN
Fifth King : Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk (21 February 1980)His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk is the Fifth king of Bhutan and world's youngest head of state ,after fourth king his majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk In December 2005, announced his intention to abdicate in his son's favour in 2008, and that he would begin handing over responsibility to him immediately.On December 14, 2006, he announced his immediate abdication and transfer of the throne to Jigme Khesar Wangchuck. His Majesty Fifth King Official Coronation to be held in 2008.
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