News: End of Bhutan 3rd Session of Parliament

His Majesty the King, Prime Minister and National Assembly Speaker

His Majesty the King commended the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, the Opposition party and the National Council for their contribution to the successful democratic process, while addressing the concluding ceremony of the third session of the first parliament yesterday.

“I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system, while bearing great responsibilities, you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty said that the opposition, though comprised of only two members, through diligence and commitment, has fulfilled the important duties of the Opposition party enshrined in the Constitution.

His Majesty also assured his support to the National Council and said that the members of the Council, in the interest of the country’s future, have shouldered their profound duties with accomplishment. “I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the government and the members of parliament. It is with complete trust and faith that I look upon you to serve the People and Country.”

His Majesty also commended the media for their role in ensuring a vibrant democracy and said that he would, through the exercise of Royal Prerogative of Kidu, strengthen media agencies, so that they may carry out their duties, without fear or favour, in the interest of democracy. (for details see special supplement of His Majesty’s address)

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Jigme Tshultrim, informed the parliament that the joint sitting could not pass two “urgent bills, the local government bill and the civil service bill, 2009, although it was deliberated and debated extensively. “However, they’ll be passed during a special session, which will be convened soon with an approval from His Majesty the King.”

The Speaker also informed that the parliament’s summer session would be held in May and June, while the winter session would be in November and December every year.

The prime minister, the opposition leader and the chairman of the National Council expressed their gratitude to His Majesty for appreciating their performance and providing continuous guidance.

Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley thanked His Majesty for providing Kidu through Her Royal Highness Ashi Dechen Yangzom to the families of the seven students, who were washed away by the Wangchu.

He said that an investigation would be carried out on the unfortunate accident. “This was a national tragedy and, in order for this kind of disaster to not happen again, the government will now look at various policies and means to prevent these kinds of incidents. We’ll also come up with ways to help people stuck in such disasters,” said the prime minister.

The prime minister thanked His Majesty for his appreciation and support on the successful working of the democratic system. He said that, as the first government and Parliament in the democratic system, they had an extra responsibility to ensure its success. He said the Parliament had successfully made many laws (Police Act, Prison Act, Waste Management Act and Livestock Act) to be put up to His Majesty.

On the two urgent bills, the prime minister said that he was both disappointed and happy to see the bills not passed.

“I’m disappointed because we couldn’t pass the bills and happy because it wasn’t the Opposition or the National Council, but all MPs, who worked on the laws and decided in the end, that the laws were not yet satisfactory or good for the country.” He said that, in a democracy, laws are most important and, if there are good laws, they will bring about equity and justice.

The opposition leader Tshering Tobgay said that the laws could be passed, based on the constitution and by consultation between MPs. The chairperson of the National Council, Namgay Penjore said that the joint sitting had a successful discussion. “The two bills would have immense implication in the long run and quality deliberations and discussions were needed. However, the bills won’t be prolonged and we’ll endorse it very soon,” he said.

The session concluded with the offering of Tashi Moenlam, a tradition that symbolises the fidelity between the Druk Gyalpo, government and the people of Bhutan. Gathered around the Golden Throne, the members of parliament also offered prayers for the health and long life of His Majesty the King, for peace and prosperity in the country, and for the well being of the Bhutanese people.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: His Majesty the King Address at the Concluding Ceremony of the 3rd Session of Parliament

His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

On the occasion of the concluding ceremony of the 3rd session of Parliament, I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system while bearing great responsibilities you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum.

The Opposition, though comprised of only two members, has through diligence and commitment, fulfilled the important duties of the Opposition party enshrined in the Constitution.

The members of the National Council, in the interest of the country’s future, have shouldered their profound duties with accomplishment. I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the government and the members of parliament. It is with complete trust and faith that I look upon you to serve the People and Country. In doing so you have my wholehearted support.

We must also acknowledge that in preparation for democracy we had entrusted immense responsibilities on our civil servants and judiciary as well as on constitutional bodies such as the Royal Audit Authority, Anti-corruption Commission and Election Commission, which they have fulfilled in the service of the nation. Henceforth, for a vibrant and successful democracy, we must continue to support and strengthen these institutions.

Media - newspapers, television, radio and the Internet – must play a very important role. I appreciate that while some of the media agencies are young and lack adequate resources they have strived to perform their duties with complete commitment. Hereafter, media will be vital in keeping people well informed and in encouraging debate and participation - key to a vibrant democracy. Therefore, I have decided that through the exercise of my Royal Prerogative of Kidu, to strengthen media agencies so that they may carry out their duties, without fear or favour, in the interest of democracy.

Today, whenever there is time, I travel across the country to the villages. It is when I sit in the houses of my people, eat our meals together and discuss the lives and aspirations of each family, that I am most content. And while I am there I try, in small ways, to help them with their most pressing problems. Nothing is as rewarding as knowing that I have made their lives a little more comfortable, a little more secure and happier.

There is no substitute for being able to see the problems of the people personally. For when I carry out my duties, I shall remember the faces of the people whom I must serve and I will know the ways in which I can serve them best.

It is also while I am in the villages that I come across so many people serving the country in such important ways, but who are rarely recognized and acknowledged. There is the civil servant, teacher, health worker and local government staff working in remote places and serving their country well. Our development projects are supported by the hard work of the daily-wage worker and those in the national work force. There is the small entrepreneur or the farmer working hard to feed his or her family. Such people are the backbone of our nation.

I have said before that the future is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today, and the sacrifices we make will shape the future of our nation. To each and every loyal, hardworking and law-abiding citizen I offer my deepest gratitude.

Now, I always say that when we work together we must be frank and forthright. Today, everywhere people are concerned about the disagreements between important institutions of government. I want to tell my people that when such disagreements arise, there is no need to worry. It means that the members of these institutions have embraced their duties wholeheartedly. However, we must be careful not to defer problems but resolve them as soon as they arise.

It is not the disagreements that our people should be concerned about; it is the manner in which they are resolved. Frankly, these disagreements have given us a great opportunity to set the right precedent for future politicians, governments and people. If the institutions in question can sit together, keeping national interest above all else, and resolve their problems, it will be an auspicious sign that democracy has a great future in Bhutan.

As King I have the sacred duty to look beyond the next one or two, or even five or ten years. It is my duty to serve the People such that, for generation after generation, era upon era our nation becomes stronger, more prosperous and happier. Therefore, from where I stand, I do not see different players such as the National Assembly, National Council, Cabinet or Bureaucracy.

What do I see?
I see our small landlocked country. I see our small Bhutanese family. Then I see this immense world in which we have the challenge and responsibility to stand on our own feet and build a nation into which our future generations will always feel proud, secure and happy to be born.

This is what I see.
I truly believe that we have a special, unique and strong nation because of our People – the jewel of Bhutan. Throughout history our people have always worked as One Nation with One Vision. So, today, it is my hope that you will uphold this unity of spirit and purpose and resolve all disagreements in the interest of our People and Country, now and in the future.

Tashi Delek

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan Flora and Fauna

Flora

Bhutan has a very rich species of flora ranging from altitudes as low as 200m to as high as 4000m. Over 5500 species of vascular plants have been recorded till date including 46 species of Rhododendrons and 369 species of Orchids. The Bhutan Himalayas is also important source of valuable medicinal plants used in ayurvedic medicine so much so that a National Institute of Traditional Medicine has been established at Thimphu.

Botanical Name: Meconopsis grandis Prain
Common Name: Blue Poppy
Local Name: Euitphel Metog Hoem (Dzongkha)
Distinctive Character: Flowers usually few, rich blue or purple, borne on long stalks from the uppermost leaves, or sometimes arising directly from the basal rosette of leaves. Flowers large, with commonly 4 rounded petals (sometimes as many as 9) upto 7cm in size; Stamen filament whitish. Leaves stalked, the stalk sheathing at base, with oblancoelate to oblong elliptic coarsely toothed blade 10-30 cm, covered in rufous bristles; Uppermost leaves in a false whorl from which the flowers arise. Capsule ellipsoid - oblong to 5cm;
Flowering season - Late May to July
Distribution in Bhutan: 3300-4500m. Chelela (Paro),Yelela (Thimphu), Orkhala (Trashigang), Mela (Tashiyangtse)
Info source: Flowers of the Himalaya - O. Polunin & A. Stainton; Flora / Fauna in a nutshell - RSPN

Botanical Name: Rhododendron kesangiae Long & Rushforth
Local Name: Tala (Dzongkha)
Distinctive Character: Flower rose or pink, fading to pale pink or light purple, white, 16-30 flowers in compact racemes (clusters), campanulate (bell-shaped), with dark muave nectar pouches, each flower 4-4.5 cm, 3-35.cm wide, petals 8-lobed; Leaf 20-30cm long, 10-16cm wide, broadly elliptic to almost obovate, apex rounded, base cuneate or rounded, indumentation (fine closely matted hair) beneath with very prominent lateral veins; Bark rough, grey brown.
Flowering season - April-May.
Distribution in Bhutan: 2700 - 3100m. Duchula, Talakha, Zedekha (Thimphu), Chelela (Paro), Thrumshingla, Upper Dhur Valley (Bumthang), Sengor (Mongar).
Remarks: Endemic to Bhutan, named after HRH The Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Chhoden Wangchuck; Found in undergrowth of Fir Forest;
Info Source: Wild Rhododendrons of Bhutan - R. Pradhan

Botanical Name: Rheum nobile Hook. f. & Thoms.
Common Name: The Dock
Local Name: Chhukar metog (Dzongkha)
Distinctive Character: Very striking perrenial with a stout erect stem to 1.5m and with a conical spike of large pale cream-coloured rounded bladder-like bracts concealing the flower shoots, the bracts becomin progressively smaller up the stem; Yellow-Green Flowers clustered, 2mm across, numerous in branched clusters to 6cm; Leaves leathery, rounded upto 30cm across. margins usually edged with red, leaf-stalk stout
Flowering Season: July-August
Distribution in Bhutan: 3600-5000m. Zadola, Barshong (Thimphu), Chebesa, Laya (Gasa), Dur,Melang Valleys (Bumthang), Monla (Trongsa)

Fauna

Bhutan’s outstanding biodiversity and ecosystems

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation nestled in the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalaya. To its north lies the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and to the west, south and east lies the Indian states of Sikkim, Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The terrain is some of the most rugged in the world, characterised by huge variations in altitiude. Within the 150 miles between the southern and northern borders, Bhutan’s elevation rises from 150 to more than 7,500 metres. This great geographical diversity combined with equally diverse climate conditions contributes to Bhutan’s outstanding range of biodiversity and ecosystems.

The tiger, one horned rhino, golden langur, clouded leopard, hispid hare and the sloth bear live in the lush tropical lowland and hardwood forests in the south. In the temperate zone, grey langur, tiger, common leopard, goral and serow are found in mixed conifer, broadleaf and pine forests. Fruit bearing trees and bamboo provide habitat for the Himalayan black bear,red panda,squirrel,sambar,wild pig and barking deer. The alpine habitats of the great Himalayan range in the north are home to the snow leopard, blue sheep,marmot, Tibetan wolf,antelope and Himalayan musk deer.

Flora and birds abound with more than 770 species of bird and 5,400 species of plants known to occur throughout the Kingdom.

Conservation significance

The Eastern Himalayas have been indentified as a global biodiversity hotspot and counted amoung the 234 globally outstanding ecoregions of the world in a comprehensive analysis of global biodiversity undertaken by WWF between 1995-97. Bhutan is seen as a model for proactive conservation initiatives. The Kingdom has recieved international acclaim for its commitment to the maintenance of its biodiversity. This is reflected in the decision to maintain at least sixty percent of the land area under forest cover, to designate more than a quarter of its territory as national parks, reserves and other protected areas, and most recently to identify a further nine percent of land area as biodiversity corridors linking the protected areas. Environmental conservation has been placed at the core of the nation’s development strategy, the middle path. It is not treated as a sector but rather as a set of concerns that must be mainstreamed in Bhutan’s overall approach to development planning and to be buttressed by the force of law.

Scientific Name: Ailures fulgens
Common Name: Red Panda / Cat Bear
Local Name: Achhu Dongkar (Dzongkha)
Physical Description: medium-sized bear-like mammal with a thick rusty to deep chestnut colored coat. The muzzle, eye patches and the fronts of the large pointed ears are white and there are broad white cheek patches. The tail is long and bushy with broad brown and ginger rings. The nose is black. It walks like a bear with forepaws pointed inwards. . It has long white whiskers and an almost cat-like face. The forepaws have an extended pad on the sole and on the first digit to assist in climbing and grasping bamboo.
Size: Head & body length - 510mm - 635mm; Shoulder Height -273mm - 283mm; Tail length - 280mm - 485mm; · Weight: 3.0kg - 6.2kgs
Diet/Food: almost exclusively eats bamboo, sometimes supplement their diet during summer with fruits including berries, blossoms, fungi, seeds, acorns, eggs, young birds, small rodents, and insects. A female red panda can eat approximately 200,000 bamboo leaves in one day. (Reid et al. 1991).Red pandas spend as much as 13 hours a day searching for and eating bamboo. Only about 25 % of the already limited energy in bamboo is extracted.
Distribution in Bhutan: 1500-4000m. Pelela (Wangdue), Thrumshingla (Bumthang), Samechu (Gasa)

Raksha Marchham

This is the dance of the Judgement of the Dead is based on the Bardo Thoedrol (Book of the Dead), a text hidden by Guru Rinpochhe and rediscoverd later by torten Karma Lingpa in the fourteenth century.

Durdag Chham

This is a dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds and is performed by four dancers. They all wear white costumes and white skull masks.

News: In the interest of Bhutan democracy

I consider it my duty to offer an explanation to the people on the position of the royal government in respect of the subject of non-attendance of ministers in the ‘question hour’ of the National Council. I am hopeful this will help clear the concerns and doubts surrounding the issue.

We, the members of Parliament (National Council & National Assembly), see ourselves as having been gifted to play a historic role in establishing the roots of a unique Bhutanese democracy. Our two houses fully appreciate the need to work together, even as we must often differ in the spirit and nature of a true democracy.

The non-participation of Ministers in the National Council (NC) question hour, under the present arrangement, is in the larger interest of democracy and in adherence to the spirit and principles of the Constitution. To interpret and publicise this decision as a sign of fear on the part of ministers or as a lack of esteem for NC is to be disrespectful to the ministers and to misinform the people on the intentions of the National Assembly (NA) and the Cabinet.

The position of the royal government was made clear to the NC last year. Following reasons remain valid:
• The Constitution does not require ministers to attend NC question hour sessions. That the Cabinet must report to and be answerable to NC, since it is collectively accountable to parliament, is a flawed argument. The people need to understand the truth that neither NC nor NA by itself constitutes the parliament. Parliament is comprised of three elements and includes His Majesty the King, who is the third and highest. That is why no bill passed by both houses can become an Act unless it receives Royal assent.

• The NC Act does not require a minister to answer questions. Unlike the NA Act, which states very clearly that a minister shall respond in person to questions, section 131 of the NC Act states “an interpellation requires the government (not minister) to present an opinion, either orally or in writing”. Section 136 further states: “questions of national importance shall be listed in category 1 and shall require written answers to be given.” The two Acts were passed in the same session of Parliament and these differences were made to ensure that ministers are not obligated. What the public has not been told is that the ministers have very respectfully submitted their responses to NC in writing.

• What is also not made known is that he Cabinet ministers had decided to go to NC to present personally the government bills as a mark of respect. Lyonpo Zimba, who was half way to the NC to make his presentation on the day of the first question hour, was told not to come by the NC secretariat as they had adjourned because Lyonpo Minjur had not come for question hour. Since then, the ministers have had to cancel such presentations.

All the questions sent to the ministers were very simple and related to development and administrative matters. These included: why ‘Ngenba Guzom’ government holiday had been cancelled; why Gomphu Kora was not under the administration of Trashiyangtse rabdey; human-wildlife conflict; joining of a farm road; bridge for a power tiller track, etc. Such matters are the responsibility of NA MPs, who are bound directly to the voters and belong to the house that forms the government and where the Cabinet sits. It is in the NA that ministers are specifically required by law to answer such questions. In addition, the people always submit their questions directly to NA through the Dzongkhag Tshogdes. One does not see the need to ask similar questions through another house or channel where, in any case, decisions cannot be arrived at, as in NA.

Section 6 of the NC Act states “The NC shall not be bound by voters or interest groups and shall function in a non-partisan manner in their Parliamentary work.” This means that NC is not to entertain direct requests from their constituencies, unlike their political counterpart. Our people need to know that NC members are not their direct representatives. Such questions should be forwarded to NA.

It has been suggested that, as a good will gesture, the ministers should go to the NC question hour. Three good reasons prevent them from doing so:
• Firstly, it would undermine the vital role of NC as a ‘house of review’. When NC intervenes by questioning government ministers on administrative and developmental matters, it influences or alters their actions and becomes an involved party, thereby losing objectivity and its value as a house of review.

• Secondly, it would be wrong for this government to tie future governments to a procedure that would hinder their functioning. Future governments may not be as strong as ours. Imagine Q&A sessions in the NA itself, where the ruling government has just a small majority built out of an unholy alliance among several parties from the primaries. To further subject ministers to questions on anything it does or intends to do in an NC that, in future, could become politically motivated or even inquisitorial, would make government falter.

• Then there is the third reason. It is possible that the parliamentary sessions, in future, will need to be extended beyond the current periods as bills keep piling. Ministers would then be spending their time preparing responses and running between the two houses, fearful of taking decisions with little time for real work. The NC Act states, “Question time ... shall be held such number of times...... as the NC deems expedient”.

It is important to note that NA, both opposition and government, is directly associated with the executive. It must aid, oppose or question the government. This house, among others, must decide on government programmes in the annual budget form. It naturally follows that NA becomes accountable for government actions. Therefore, if the government fails and falls, the entire house is dissolved and its MPs must return to the people for their verdict. As NA is, thus, involved with the executive, there is the need for the other house, NC, to serve as an objective, apolitical house of review for the good of democracy. Its role as the house of moderation and long term vision beyond the five year interests of governments must not be compromised.

The NC cannot and must not seek direct involvement in government in the interest of its special mandate of review. It has no direct accountability to the people. For this reason, it is privileged to serve its full term even when a government falls. Questioning ministers on behalf of voters and drawing itself into the functions of the executive, is not only a violation of section 6 of its own Act but deprives our unique democratic system of its vital review mechanism.

The National Council needs to understand its mandate. It needs to function within the principles and bounds cir*****scribed by the Constitution, even though it has the capacity to do more. It must not replicate NA. Its search for a greater role to check strong governments from becoming autocratic or excessive is a noble thought but not well founded. Seeking an expanded role beyond what is prescribed by the Constitution is dangerous in itself.

No governments in Bhutan and in our unique democracy can become tyrannical or dictatorial. That is what is unique about the democracy that our Kings have bequeathed to us. Ours is an intelligent, self-correcting, holistic system within an immaculately conceived constitutional frame. With foresight, all the vital constitutional instruments of checks and balance were put in place even before the first government was elected. I list below a range of such institutional arrangements:
• The independent judiciary ensures no government body or individual can act against the law with impunity and that no one is above law.

• Constitutional bodies, namely, the Election Commission, the ACC, the Royal Audit Authority and the RCSC carry out oversight functions, ensuring that government and parties stay within rules, that they do not misuse power, privilege and public resources.

• The Public Accounts Committee of parliament, comprising both NA and NC members, check on government expenditure and performance as well.

• On the fear of human rights violations, a NA Human Rights Committee has been instituted and its effectiveness assured by electing as its chair, a member of the opposition party.

• Making rural poor victims of neglect and wrongdoing is just as impossible because of decentralisation. Further, the rural-biased 10th five-year programme bears testimony to RGoB’s commitment to social, economic and health empowerment of rural people so that they can exercise their political power responsibly and without compulsions.

• As for the possibility of doing selective favours to certain sections of people or buying votes by gifting state properties, our policy is that gifting of even a needle belonging to the state is the prerogative of the King alone, exercised in the form of Kidus for the needy.

• RGoB must mobilise development assistance on the merit of its policies and good governance. This makes the royal government fully susceptible and amenable to the scrutiny and checks of the international community.

• Keeping people in the dark and misinformed is made impossible by a media corpus that is growing in capacity, diversity and assertiveness.

• Above all, our revered monarch will never allow the worst that happens in many ‘democracies’ to ever be suffered by the Bhutanese people.

So then, even as the spectre of ‘tyranny of majority’ and the need for NC to play an expanded role is raised, our democracy is not so vulnerable and threatened by the government that the people have elected with unanimous trust. We must not undermine the capacity of our oversight mechanisms and be led to believe that, without the NC assuming further check and balance roles, the government will become authoritarian. In the making of laws, should not the role of this legislative body, which includes five eminent persons, be to provide wisdom and moderation through the process of calm and contemplative deliberations? Should it not be objectively reviewing and reporting on the actions of the government and on matters affecting the ‘the security’, ‘sovereignty’ and ‘interests of the nation and people’ as mandated by the Constitution in section 2 of Article 11?

We understand and appreciate the desire of NC members to elevate our National Council. But are we not aware that it already enjoys status as part of the highest institution in our democratic constitutional monarchy? Elevation does not come from role expansion, especially if it were to undermine good principles embedded in the Constitution. Being situated at the highest possible level, neither NA nor NC can rise any higher. We, as MPs, can only fall or remain elevated, depending on how we conduct our sacred duties and are judged by the King and people we serve.

Without demonstrating enough will for conciliation, one house has shown persistence in building issues for ‘constitutional crises’ and judicial intervention. Others are joining in to fuel public disenchantment and a thinly-veiled, first ever parliamentary walk-out has been staged in a country that has never been plagued by the ‘strike’ culture. These have not been heart-warming. When the dust settles; when reflection follows emotions and fleeting biases; when good sense prevails, such indiscretions will not earn elevation for NC and NA nor parliament.

History tells us that we Bhutanese can excel in conciliation and are rich in its traditions. We can find solutions without compromising principles and national interests. For what is beyond our wisdom and threatens to create conflict, let us exercise dignified patience. We are in a transitional period. Democracies take time to grow and mature if, at all, they do. There will be others, who will continue with the issues we cannot resolve, and causes we fail to champion. Let us have faith in our future parliamentarians.

Then again, the issues at hand are not insurmountable, they are not personal. That we are both working towards the same end, should give us inspiration. We can resolve them as long as we truly respect each other and are motivated by our loyalty and commitment to the ‘Tsa-wa Sum’ (3 elements of statehood). To do so, we need to interact, understand and trust each other. That is why, after the last session, I offered to meet and dialogue with NC any time. That is why, despite lack of response, I wrote to remind again and, together with two of my Cabinet colleagues, called on all the National Council members in an informal sitting for over 3 & half hours of free and frank exchange of views. Mutual respect, I know, will give us the will and the genius, not only to resolve such small issues, but to leave a proud legacy of a truly vibrant and unique democracy as envisioned by our beloved Kings.

The royal government is open to continue our discussion. It is not enough that we come together only during joint sessions. There will be times, often, when the government must inform the Council of developments of national importance. Likewise, the Council will need to obtain the views of the government on matters of significance that concern its members. We must meet, consult and agree or respectfully disagree. Let us find the best way to do it in the name of our King, country and people.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: married at a very young age - as early as 10 years old in Laya, Bhutan

Standing in front of her one-storied stone shed, Choden (name changed) feeds salt to her yaks in a far-flung grazing pasture of Laya.

Like any other 16-year-old girl, she desires to go to Laya and watch the tsechu on July 24. But, as she is pregnant and also with the responsibility of household chores falling on her, she cannot go.

Choden is one of many girls in Laya who married at a very young age - as early as 10 years old. “It’s not unusual. I married at 12 and stayed with my in-laws ever since,” said Choden. “My friend had her first child when she was 13.”

Most Layaps are aware that 18 years is the legal marriageable age for women in Bhutan, but they feel that the law may not be applicable to them, given their isolated and nomadic lifestyle, which is determined by a harsh mountain environment.

“We have a small community in a place, which is almost a three-day walk from the nearest road head, and we are guided by our own culture and customs,” said 55-year-old Damcho of Neylo village in Laya. The practice has been going on for so long that no one can remember how it all began.

Almost all marriages in Laya are arranged and parents say that it is to give security to their daughters. “Most marriages happen during the summer, when neighbours and relatives gather at a particular place to help each other collect grass for their yaks,” said the grandfather of a 15-year-old girl, Sonam. “Once arranged, the young wife stays at her husband’s place and looks after all domestic affairs.”

Marrying at a young age, however, has its downsides, admits an 18-year-old mother, who had her first child last year. “Many of us go through major complications while giving birth and we don’t have proper health facilities here,” she said. “I was referred to Thimphu for delivery.”

Sixteen-year-old Choden is also worried because the nearest basic health unit is a two-day walk from the grazing pastures she stays in.

When women in Laya see a female official visiting the place, they hope she is a nurse. Of the 888 people in Laya, 432 are female.

“It’s difficult to approach a male health worker during pregnancy and at other times to seek help on precautions,” said a 21-year-old mother of two children, Kinley.

But women in Laya feel that things will change with more young girls being sent to school. “They’ll be educated and independent,” said Pema, a mother of three girls.

Source: Kuenselonline

Night Hunting Life in Bhutan

It was almost dark, and we were almost to the pass, Pele la, when we rounded a corner and saw monkey sex in the road. We cheered.

Then the road curved and crept under vines and waterfalls, past camps where Indian road workers melted blacktop over open fires and smashed big rocks into little rocks with sledgehammers.

The bus was silent as we crept upward into the cooling darkness. Ugyen #1 was working the gears with one hand and the steering wheel with the other. He turned the blower on to combat the condensation that materialized with the falling temperature outside. Then he started mumbling what had to be a Buddhist mantra.

I leaned in discreetly to whisper to Sangay: “Why is Ugyen #1 praying?”

“He’s praying, la,” Sangay said.

The word “la,” in addition to meaning “mountain pass” in Dzongkha, the language of Bhutan, is also added to the ends of sentences to signal respect.

“I know he’s praying, la,” I said. “Why?”

If Sangay knew, he wasn’t saying. And now of course everybody was wondering what my hushed conversation with Sangay was about. Hoping to break the tension, I told the group a joke about a traveling Vaseline salesman.

Finally we crested the pass, with a cheer for Ugyen #1, who smiled, kept driving, and kept praying. Then he hit the brakes, coming to a halt as dark shapes emerged on the road.

Two yaks in the headlights were staring at us. Then, as if arguing over us, they started butting heads.

Ugyen #1 somehow found room enough on that narrow road to drive around the yaks. Then we were descending into Bhutan’s Phobjika Valley, where endangered black-necked cranes, who live in Tibet, spend the winter. We didn’t have to descend far, as Phobjika is a very high valley.

After days of trekking the Himalayas and talking to farmers about Bhutan’s emerging organic agriculture program, we were going to spend a rare night indoors at a hotel, followed by a morning of bird watching. I was ready to take a shower, sleep in a bed and email this column. Our lead guide, Wangda Tobgyal, of Lakhor Tours and Treks, said I could send it from Phobjika. But the phone lines were down in the valley. With no line to plug into my laptop, I couldn’t phone home.

“Tomorrow in Trongsa you can send it, la,” Wangda promised as we wolfed down some ema-datse, the fiery Bhutanese combination of chilies and cheese.

The next day we traveled back over Pele la and down a third side of the pass in this insanely folded mountain landscape. We passed a large stupa with eyes painted on it - To keep away the demons, we were told - and we promptly pulled over and ate some ema-datse. From there we descended down, down, down, more than 5,000 feet, from yaks and snow to bananas and tangerine trees.

We didn’t slow down in Trongsa.

“We’re late and they are waiting for us in Langdhel,” Wangda explained. “They have a phone line there, la.”

Langdhel is a village whose inhabitants make fabric out of nettle fibers, a program of Bhutan’s Tarayana Foundation, which had helped us organize our trip to Bhutan. The foundation tries to help poor Bhutanese villagers lift themselves out of poverty. We were visiting Langdhel to see firsthand how it works.

Arriving at dusk, we were greeted by villagers who lined up and bowed. We were ushered into a room with bamboo walls and given butter tea, sugarcane, guava and saffron rice - a huge and moving gesture of respect. Then we were given ara, a local brew that was too strong for most of us at the moment - so we gave it to a man named Robl, who happily accepted. Then we were ushered down to a bonfire for singing and dancing and more ara.

“Excuse me, Ari la,” Wangda said, “but the phone line here is down. Ugyen #2 will drive you to a nearby village where you can get a phone line.”

Sangay and Ugyen #2 and I got into Wangda’s Toyota Prad, and we went for a curvy drive through the deep dark, back up the steep road toward Trongsa.

Ugyen #2 said something to Sangay in Dzongkha.

“Excuse me sir,” said Sangay. “Do you have any condoms?”

“Uh, I do back at camp,” I said. No college study-abroad trip leader’s first-aid kit would be complete, of course, without condoms. “Why?” I asked.

“Ugyen #2 wishes to go night hunting tonight,” Sangay said.

Curves, bumps, and suddenly the lights of a small village. We stopped in front of a “General Cum Bar,” which just means “general store with a bar.” Sangay persuaded its owner to let me plug my laptop into a seriously jury-rigged tangle of wires behind the counter.

Back in Langdhel, the festivities were in full swing. Robl, I learned, was in his tent recovering from chasing a soccer ball into a nettle patch. I delivered a little package to Ugyen #2, who smiled slyly. Then I sat by the fire watching all the action unfold, feasting on a plate of ema-datse, vegetable curry, and yak intestines, all washed down with a hard-earned cup of ara. [by By Chef Boy Ari]
Source: http://www.anchoragepress.com

Zhamgang Dzong

Where Lam Zhang built a monastery in 12th century the monastery was named "Zhangang" or immeasurable mound based on the name of the founder who visited Bhutan from Zhamling in Tibet in his mission to propagate Buddhism. "Zhemgang, then called as Khengrig Namsum in olden times derived its name from Zhangang, different pronunciation changed the name into Zhemgang," the researcher at the national library said. The monastery, which was later rebuilt as a dzong in the 17thcentury had a significant role in the evolution and shaping of the history of Khengrig Namsum. It has witnessed the major events of triumphs and blunders, withstood intrigues, a sacrilegious murder and cruel jolts of nature in the history of Zhemgang.

Bhutan long and full solar eclipse

Bhutan has witness the long and full Solar Eclipse, the wonder of the world. Following are the picture collection of mine.

"The picture are my personal collection and please do not copy or use the picture in other website and papers."

Pictures of Solar Eclipse in Bhutan

The Above picture are my personal collection and please do not copy or use the picture in other website and papers.

Full Solar Eclipse in Thimphu Bhutan

Today Bhutan witness the Full and Longest solar Eclipse

The Above picture are my personal collection and please do not copy or use the picture in other website and papers.

News: For almost four minutes Bhutan will bear witness the wonder of the world - Solar Eclipse

Bhutan will witness Solar Eclipses Tomorrow

A few hours after the sun comes up tomorrow, darkness will descend, temperatures will drop and, for about four minutes, it will feel like night, even stars may be visible, as the moon completely eclipses the sun.

Bhutan is one of the few countries, apart from parts of India, China and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific, where one of nature’s grandest spectacles, the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, will be visible. As Bhutan falls in the path of the eclipse, the phenomenon can be seen from almost anywhere in the country.

The moon will start eating into the sun at around 5:58 am (Bhutan time), when the shadow of the moon starts falling somewhere in the Arabian Sea. The entire phenomenon will last for about two hours in Bhutan with the total eclipse or totality starting at 6:58 am. A total eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun.

Assuming that it is a clear cloudless day, totality will be visible from 6:58 am to 7:00:54 am, about three minutes duration. The southern part of the country should be able to see the eclipse for about four minutes, according to calculations by the national aeronautical space administration (NASA). The maximum totality, six minutes 39 seconds, can be seen from the Pacific Ocean.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, blocking out the sun from the areas in the moon’s shadow. Without the sun’s light, the sky darkens enough for stars to be seen and the corona makes a spectacular halo around the moon.

Meanwhile, experts warn that it is not safe to directly look at the sun with the naked eye, particularly when the partial eclipse is occurring. NASA expert, Dr Donald M Hassler, who gave a talk on solar eclipse in Thimphu yesterday, said that directly looking at a partial eclipse, even for a short time, could permanently damage the eyesight. But it was safe to look at the sun when the total eclipse occurs although timing it could be complicated.

Dr Hassler said that, on the day of the eclipse, there would be unusual and strange happenings that could be interesting to observe. “As the eclipse starts, you’ll notice a gradual drop in temperature and, at total eclipse, the sun will be one million times dimmer than its usual shine,” said Dr Hassler. “Animals will start behaving like they do at nightfall as the ‘moon starts biting the sun’.” Shadows of objects, like the leaves of trees, during partial eclipse will also bear crescent shape shadows.

Traditional Bhutanese belief is that a supernatural animal is attacking the sun or the moon during an eclipse. The Bhutanese language for eclipse, Za, also means, “to eat”. It is a common tradition to beat drums and blow trumpets or beat dogs, so that the cacophony frightens the Za into leaving the sun or the moon.

Dr Hassler, who described the phenomenon as a treat in the sky, distributed 800 solar filter glasses to students of Yangchenphug higher secondary school and others, who attended his talk at the royal institute of health and sciences.

The total solar eclipse tomorrow corresponds to 30th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar (nam gang). The director of the National Museum in Paro, Khenpo Phuntshok Tashi, in an article said that the period provides a “rare and special opportunity for Buddhist lamas to practice and dedicate positive blessings for the world through meditation, recitation, and performance of pujas”.

“I’m particularly worried about how I might be able to control my children from looking at the partial eclipse,” said a parent, who attended Dr Hassler’s talk. The BBS plans to telecast live the rare phenomenon.

Source: Kuenselonline

Pema Gatshel Dzong

Pema Gatshel Dzong was built in 1981, the Dzong is usual in that it has no central tower, and a single courtyard that is hared equally by the lay administration and the monastic body. The building has three storey – the ground floor for political administration, and the middle floor with a chapel containing images of Shantaraksite, Guru Padmakara and King Trisong detsen, flanked by the eight manifestations of Guru Padmakara, and the Twenty-one aspects of Tara, on the top floor, there is a chapel containing one thousand miniature images of Tara.

News: Druk Air launching a new online information SITA HORIZON

Flying with the national airline Drukair can sometimes be an arduous affair. But the chances of your Drukair experience being a pleasurable one may have just increased with the airline launching a new online information, reservation and ticketing service yesterday.

Services that are available on the system include online reservations, electronic ticketing, information accessibility to air fares and real time seat availability, and departure control services which includes checking in before your departure date, not just for Drukair but any airline that is a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association).

Drukair IT engineer, Tshultrim Dorji, said, the new system was only operational at the airline’s offices currently. The system will be accessible on any computer connected to the internet by the end of October. He said the new system would be more reliable and secure than the present one. Technical support, in case of network problems will be available 24x7 for Drukair, ensuring less problems than the present system which will be discontinued on October 24.

Drukair has chosen an airline reservation system operated by SITA HORIZON, a multinational company that specializes in providing telecommunications and other information technology for the airline industry.

The airline hopes the new system will improve its information accessibility and ticketing services, which has in the past, come under criticism.

A spokesperson for the airline said the system would make traveling with Drukair a much more convenient experience.

Source: Kuenselonline

Drugyel Dzong

Paro Drugyel Dzong

Further in the north from Paro town, are the ruins of Drugyel Dzong built in 1647 (16th Century), which straddles a hill overlooking approaches from Tibet. Once a strategic fortress critical in repulsing invading Tibetan armies from the north, it was laid waste by a fire in 1954. A sheltered passageway, also in ruins, runs from the Dzong to the distant bank of the river to ensure adequate water supplies in times siege. A small hamlet surrounds the ruins on one side with its archery range crisscrossing the path up to the burnt out fortress. In good weather, on may glimpse the peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari.

Bhutan: The 8th Happiest Country on Earth

The tiny kingdom of Bhutan was ranked the eighth-happiest country on earth in a study last year by a British scientist at the University of Leicester in England. It is probably no coincidence that the Bhutanese do not go in for white-water kayaking. Leave it to the West to import this perilous activity and make a documentary about it.

“Adventure: Bhutan,” which will be shown on the Discovery Channel tomorrow night, follows 24 intrepid types on a 10-day river trek from the Himalayas, south to the Indian border. Nobody has done this before, and there seems no reason to do it now, other than to make this documentary; the network assembled the team for that purpose.

The leader is Gerry Moffatt, a Scot who can say things like, “We’re all in the same boat together” and not sound corny — that’s how handsome he is. His impressive crew includes Greg Mallory, who is paralyzed from the waist down but paddles a mean kayak all the same, and Land Heflin, whose name alone destines him for macho adventure.

The members of the team start out among the gorgeous hillside temples of northern Bhutan, where they meet the locals and get a blessing that requires drinking alcohol from a human skull. They do more sightseeing than Matt Lauer, the globe-trotting “Today” show co-host, did on his recent Bhutan stop, but we learn less from them. These buff adventurers are here for one reason: the river.

Much of the scenery they lurch through, the narrator tells us, “has never before been seen by Western eyes.” Still, once those rapids start rolling, we could be in Colorado.

The usual trials follow. Will they make it to camp before dark? Will they get out of the gorge alive? Will the guy who’s having pure alcohol poured into his bone-deep leg wound stop moaning?

And will we driven Westerners ever learn the secrets of the East? Not in this documentary, that’s for sure. Everybody talks about the “mysticism” of the Buddhist culture that surrounds them, but, as Mr. Moffatt says, “I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

It’s simple. Just get out of the boat and walk away.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com

Driving distance within Bhutan

Mode of transport within Bhutan is by motor vehicles only. There are no domestic airlines or trains in Bhutan. The main highway runs from west to east connecting all the major towns and district of Bhutan.

Places Distance in KM Time (Duration)
From To

Thimphu - Paro - 65 km - 1 hr 30 min

Thimphu - Phuentsholing - 176 km - 6 hrs

Phuentsholing - Bagdogra (India) - 170 km - 4 hrs

Thimphu - Ha - 115 km - 3 hrs 30 min

Ha - Paro - 60 km - 2 hrs 30 min

Thimphu - Wangdue Phodrang - 77 km - 3 hrs

Thimphu - Punakha - 72 km - 2 hrs 15 min

Punakha - Wangdue Phodrang - 13 km - 30 min

Wangdue Phodrang - Trongsa - 129 km - 4 hrs 30 min

Trongsa - Bumthang - 68 km - 2 hrs 30 min

Bumthang - Mongar - 198 km - 6 hrs

Mongar - Lhuentse - 76km - 3 hrs

Mongar - Trashigang - 90 km - 4 hrs

Trashigang - Trashi Yangtse - 55 km - 2 hrs

Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar - 180 km - 6 hrs

Samdrup Jongkhar - Guwahati (India) - 110 km - 3 hrs

Samdrup Jongkhar - Phuentsholing - 380 km - 9 hrs 30 min

Radio and Television

For many years, Bhutanese prided themselves on keeping their culture clean from outside influences, and as such, modern technology arrived into the Kingdom many years after it was universally accepted in nearly all other countries. The first radio service was broadcast for thirty minutes on Sundays (by what is now the Bhutan Broadcasting Service) in 1973. Bhutan became one of the final nations to receive television service, in June 1999.

Medias in Bhutan

1. BBS Bhutan Broadcasting Service (Radio & TV)

2. Kuensel (Daily News Paper)

3. Kuzoo FM90 (Youths Program FM Radio)

4. Radio Valley 99.9 FM (FM Radio)

5. Centennial Radio 101 FM, 104 FM, 105 FM (Radio Station)

TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2009

1 Punakha Dromche Punakha 3rd – 5th March

2 Punakha Tsechu Punakha 6th -8th March

3 Bulli Mani (Chummi) Bumthang 12th – 14th March

4 Tharpaling Thongdrol Bumthang 11th March

5 Tangsibi Mani Ura, Bumthang 11th – 14th March

6 Gayden Chodpa Ura, Bumthang 24th – 26th March

7 Chorten Kora Trashiyangtse 11th March & 26th March

8 Gomkora Trashigang 2nd – 4th April

9 Paro Tsechu Paro 5th – 9th April

10 Chhukha Tsechu Chhukha 7th – 9th April

11 Ura Yakchoe Bumthang 5th – 9th May

12 Nimalung Tsechu Bumthang 30th June – 2nd July

13 Kurjey Tsechu Bumthang 2nd July 10th

14 Wangdue Tsechu Wangdue Phodrang 26th – 28th September

15 Tamshingphala Choepa Bumthang 28th – 30th September

16 Thimphu Drupchen Thimphu 23rd – 27th September

17 Thimphu Tsechu Thimphu 28th – 30th September

18 Tangbi Mani Bumthang 3rd – 5th October

19 Shingkhar Rabney Ura, Bumthang 24th – 28th October

20 Jakar Dzong Tshechu Bumthang 26th -29th October

21 Jambay Lhakhang Drup Bumthang 2nd – 6th November

22 Prakhar Duchhoed Bumthang 3rd – 5th November

23 Sumdrang Kangsol Ura, Bumthang 13th -16th November

24 Mongar Tsechu Mongar 25th – 27th November

25 Pemagatshel Tsechu Pemagatshel 25th – 27th November

26 Trashigang Tsechu Trashigang 26th – 28th November

27 Namkha Rabney Tang, Bumthang 27th – 28th November

28 Nalakhar Tsechu Bumthang 2nd – 4th December

29 Chozam Rabney Tang, Bumthang 2nd – 5th December

30 Trongsa Tsechu Trongsa 25th – 27th December

31 Lhuntse Tsechu Lhuntse 25th – 27th December

32 Nabji Lhakhang Drup Nabji, Trongsa 31st Dec. 09– 4th Jan.10

Monks and Monasteries - Lhakhang

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Paro Bhutan

Monks join the monastery at six to nine years of age and are immediately placed under the discipleship of a head Lama. They learn to read chhokey, the language of the ancient sacred texts, as well as Dzongkha and English. Eventually they will chose between two possible paths: to study theology and Buddhist theory, or take the more common path of becoming proficient in the rituals and personal practice of the faith.

The daily life of the monk is austere, particularly if they are stationed at one of the monasteries located high up in the mountains. At these monasteries food is often scarce and must be carried up by the monks or their visitors. The monks are poorly clothed for winter conditions and the monasteries are unheated. The hardship of such a posting is well-recognized; to have a son or brother serving in such a monastery is very good merit for the family.

Bhutan Monks (Lamas)

A monk’s spiritual training continues throughout his life. In addition to serving the community in sacramental roles, he may undertake several extended silent retreats. A common length for such a retreat is three years, three months, three weeks and three days. During the retreat time he will periodically meet with his spiritual master who will test him on his development to ensure that the retreat time is not being wasted.

Each monastery is headed by an abbot who is typically a lama, although the titles are distinct. The highest monk in the land is the chief abbot of Bhutan, whose title is Je Khenpo. He is theoretically equivalent in stature to the king.

The Central Monk Body is an assembly of 600 or so monks who attend to the most critical religious duties of the country. In the summer they are housed in Thimphu, the nation’s capital, and in the winter they descend to Punakha dzong, the most sacred dzong in Bhutan, where Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s mortal body has been kept under vigil since the late 1600s.

People and National Dress

Bhutanese women have traditionally had more rights than women of surrounding cultures, the most prominent being the presumptive right of land ownership. The property of each extended Bhutanese family is controlled by an anchor mother who is assisted by the other women of the family in running affairs. As she becomes unable to manage the property, the position of anchor mother passes on to a sister, daughter or niece.

Bhutan National Dress Gho for Men

Men and women work together in the fields, and both may own small shops or businesses. Men take a full part in household management, often cook, and are traditionally the makers and repairers of clothing (but do not weave the fabric). In the towns, a more ‘western’ pattern of family structure is beginning to emerge, with the husband as breadwinner and the wife as home-maker. Both genders may be monks, although in practice the number of female monks is relatively small.

Bhutan National Dress Kira for women

Marriages are at the will of either party and divorce is not uncommon. The ceremony consists of an exchange of white scarves and the sharing of a cup. Marriages can be officially registered when the couple has lived together for more than six months. Traditionally the groom moves to the bride’s family home, but newly-weds may decide to live with either family depending on which household is most in need of labor.

All Bhutanese citizens are required to observe the national dress code, known as Driglam Namzha, while in public during daylight hours. Men wear a heavy knee-length robe tied with a belt, called a gho, folded in such a way to form a pocket in front of the stomach. Woman wear colorful blouses over which they fold and clasp a large rectangular cloth called a kira, thereby creating an ankle-length dress. A short silk jacket, or toego may be worn over the kira. Everyday gho and kira are cotton or wool, according to the season, patterned in simple checks and stripes in earth tones. For special occasions and festivals, colourfully patterned silk kira and, more rarely, gho may be worn.

Additional rules apply when visiting a dzong or a temple, and when appearing before a high level official — a white sash (kabney) is worn by male commoners from left shoulder to opposite hip, with other colors reserved for officials and monks. Women wear a narrow embroidered cloth draped over the left shoulder, a rachu.

Culture and Religion

Cradled in the folds of the Himalayas, Bhutan has relied on its geographic isolation to protect itself from outside cultural influences. A sparsely populated country bordered by India to the south and China to the north, Bhutan has long maintained a policy of strict isolationism, both culturally and economically, with the goal of preserving its cultural heritage and independence. Only in the last decades of the 20th century were foreigners allowed to visit the country, and only then in limited numbers. In this way, Bhutan has successfully preserved many aspects of a culture which dates directly back to the mid-17th century.

Bhutanese culture derives from ancient Tibetan culture. Dzongkha and Sharchop, the principal Bhutanese languages, are closely related to Tibetan, and Bhutanese monks read and write the ancient variant of the Tibetan language known as chhokey. Bhutanese are physically similar to the Tibetans but history does not record when they crossed over the Himalayas and settled in the south-draining valleys of Bhutan. Both Tibetans and Bhutanese revere the tantric Guru Padmasambhava the founder of Himalayan Buddhism in the 8th century.

Religion - Tantric Buddhism

Bhutanese society is centered around the practice of Tantric Buddhism. Religious beliefs are evidenced in all aspects of life. Prayer flags flutter on hillsides offering up prayers to benefit all nearby sentient beings. Houses each fly a small white flag on the roof indicating the owner has made his offering payments to appease the local god. Each valley or district is dominated by a huge dzong, or high-walled fortresses, which serves the religious and administrative center of the district.

Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Speech on Coronation Day

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 commitment 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 hundreds 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 our 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 inspiration, 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 Himalayan 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.

Fifth King of Bhutan: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk

5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk

“THE PEOPLE’S KING”
(February 21, 1980)

On December 17 2005 His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk announced that from 2008 he will abdicate the throne to the Crown Prince of Bhutan

Khesar is the eldest son of the fourth and previous Dragon King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and his father's third wife, Queen (Ashi) Tshering Yangdon. He has a younger sister, Princess Dechen Yangzom, and brother, Prince Jigme Dorji, as well as four half-sisters and three half-brothers. He is unmarried.

After completing his higher secondary studies from Yangchenphu Higher secondary school, Bhutan, Khesar studied abroad at Phillips Academy (Andover, Massachusetts), Cushing Academy and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, United States, before graduating from Magdalen College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, where he completed the Foreign Service Program and an MPhil in Politics.

He has travelled abroad; officially representing Bhutan on several occasions and has an active role in numerous cultural, educational and economic organizations. In December 2005, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced his intention to abdicate in his son's favour in 2008, and that he would begin handing over responsibility to him immediately. On 14 December 2006, he announced that he had abdicated and transferred the throne to Jigme Khesar Wangchuck. He was officially crowned on 6 November 2008, in the month of the male earth rat, at Tashichhoedzong in Thimphu. The coronation ceremony comprised an ancient and colourful ritual, attended by thousands of foreign dignitaries, including President of India Pratibha Patil, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Khesar will witness the first Indian sponsored performance, Astad Deboo, on 7 November, followed by shows to create a jugalbandi with Bhutanese performers. Astad will be backed on stage by 30 Manipur pungcholam drummers. The series of special performances were choreographed by Padma Shri Astad Deboo. The young king began his unusual reign overseeing the democratization of his country, by presiding over the last sessions of the present parliament where electoral laws, land reform and other important issues were deliberated. He stated that the responsibility of this generation for Bhutanese was to ensure the success of democracy. He also traveled extensively around the country to encourage participation in the upcoming democratic exercises, speaking mainly to the youth of Bhutan on the need for Bhutanese to strive for greater standards whether in education, business, civil service and the need for people of a small country to work harder than others. He signed a new treaty of friendship with India in February 2007, replacing the 1949 treaty. Many government initiatives were undertaken by the new king with a view to strengthen the system in preparation for the democratic changes in 2008. After an extensive period waiting for the completion of parliamentary elections, in November 2008 a coronation public ceremony was performed.