Contd...
A Legacy of Two Kings
Selfless to the end, His Majesty had the following words to say last month after announcing his decision to step down from the throne. " In taking note of the progress that our nation has made over the past thirty four years, I would like to state that whatever we have achieved so far is due to the merit of the people of Bhutan." His Majesty has also repeatedly reminded us that "the future of the nation lies in the hands of the people." Both of these statements may be true, but we know only too well from looking around the world that this innate power in the people can also be subverted or quashed or manipulated by unprincipled leaders who steer governments for their own selfish ends. What a tremendous gift, then, to inherit this deep, unshakable belief and knowledge and acceptance that there is good in the world, that leaders can be positive, open and affirmative and, yes, selfless .
His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck has not only ushered a brave new age for Bhutan, but empowered and nurtured a population ready to reap the benefits of an unprecedented era of peace, liberty, justice, and well being for all Bhutanese people. Stepping into such hallowed shoes should be daunting for most young men. But His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has great genes, not only in a physical sense but in the moral commitment and the sense of duty he brings to the office of the King. Already, the fifth king of Bhutan has covered every district in our rugged and beautiful land, investing a great deal of time and sincere effort studying the needs of people from all walks of life, deliberating on the new draft constitution for democratic changes in government, and listening to what the people have to say. While the vision came from the father, the son has been instrumental in shaping and honing the ideas into concrete legislation with participation from the humblest farmer to the seniormost government official in the land.The new democratic government, in that sense, will be the shared legacy of two kings.
In Bhutan we have the custom of planting prayer flags that are believed to carry our hopes for peace out into the world. May the ripening of blessings of two kings on the Bhutanese people and land take wing on these flags and reach all nations around the world!
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