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Bhutan Politics |
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Bhutan Politics |
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National
Day 2007 - Celebrations |
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The
Bhutanese population came together to celebrate National Day with grand
festivities organised in all the 20 dzongkhags. The royal family made a
special gesture in reaching out to the people in remote corners of the
country. Their Royal Highnesses the Princes and Princesses celebrated National
Day with the people in Gasa, Dagana, Tsirang, Sarpang, Mongar, Bumthang,
and Punakha. Formally addressing the people, Their Royal Highnesses expressed
their dedication to His Majesty the King and their complete support for
the royal aspirations for Bhutan's future.
For
people around the country, the royal family remained a focus of the National
Day celebrations. People walked long distances to meet Their Royal Highnesses,
who had come to their dzongkhags as special representatives of His Majesty
the King.
 His
Majesty Jigme Kheasar Namgyel in Thimphu |
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the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
and
the 4th Gyalpo, HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| It
was with deep appreciation that the people of Bhutan looked back at the
past 100 years as the kingdom celebrated the 100th National Day on December
17, 2007. People around the country were moved when His Majesty King Jigme
Khesar offered a traditional bow to His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo,
symbolising the people's appreciation for the past and their solemn pledge
for the future. |
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In
Thimphu, many people said they were inspired by His Majesty the King's address and his vision for the future. The people listened intently as His Majesty
the King outlined responsibilities for different sections of society. "His
Majesty's presence will be critical for the success of our democracy,"
said a senior civil servant. "We must take his command as a tool to guide
us towards establishing a vibrant democracy."
The
ambassador of India to Bhutan, Mr Sudhir Vyas, said that he believed Bhutan
was entering perhaps the most important year in its modern history. "The
country will witness not only the centenary of the Bhutanese Monarchy but
also the formal Coronation of His Majesty as the fifth Druk Gyalpo with
transition to democratic governance," he said. "The historic importance
of the occasion was evident this morning on the faces of the people as
His Majesty addressed them."
"I
really felt the enormity of the day and the significance of what was going
to happen in the coming year," said the Resident Coordinator of the United
Nations agencies in Bhutan, Mr Nicholas Rosellini. "His Majesty referred
a lot to the responsibilities of the people to make democracy work. It's
now important for the people to take this responsibility seriously."
The
most emotional moment of the celebrations for all the people came when
the fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, received His
Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, at the celebrations in
Thimphu and Their Majesties greeted each other with their Royal Scarves
lowered in the traditional gesture of respect.
It
was also with profound hope that people around the country reflected on
the next 100 years and celebrated the coming of a new era. Inspired by
the concept of GNH, His Majesty Jigme Khesar is seen as the continuation
of the wise leadership that aims to set standards, by example, for other
nations.
"Our
young Monarch is both visionary in his understanding of the goals of GNH
and practical in his understanding of the vitally central role of education
in our future as a nation, education both in skills and in culture," said
a Bhutanese citizen, who hoisted a national flag at his residence in California
on National Day.
| Ashi
Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck in Mongar |
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A
student of Mongar higher secondary school, Sangay, said that he was extremely
fortunate to have received a free education. He now had the opportunity
and the ability to serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum.
| Ashi
Sonam Dechan Wangchuck in Punakha |
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Chencho
Wangmo, a farmer in Punakha, said that, at a time when people were all
talking politics, National Day was an opportunity to remember the services
of Bhutan's Kings and to pray for the future of the Monarchy.
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| Dasho
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in Gasa |
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In
Gasa, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, herders, farmers, and students
gathered to celebrate National Day. "On this great day, I pray for a long
reign by the new Druk Gyalpo," said Tshering Dorji, a Class VII student
from Bjishong. "We know that he'll bring peace and happiness."
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| Ashi
Kesang Choden Wangchuck in Bumthang |
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In
Bumthang, Kunzang, 73, believes that Bhutan's forefathers, who sealed the
historic Genja on December 17, 1907, would be proud of their decision.
"Let us remember those men for giving us this legacy," he said. "It was
them who elected a great Monarch, whose dynamic offsprings have ensured
the happiness of the Bhutanese people."
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| Ashi
Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck in Tsirang |
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The
people of Tsirang gathered early for the celebrations. "I came to think
about the golden period of our Monarchy," said Dhanmang Tamang, 65, of
Shemjong gewog. "I hope that our Kings will rule forever."
| Dasho
Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck in Sarpang |
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In
Sarpang, Pushpala Kandal, 50, who walked 25 kilometres from Drajeytang,
said that she had come to pray for the unity and happiness of the people
under the reign of His Majesty the King.
| Dasho
Khamsum Singye Wangchuck in Dagana |
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In
Dagana 18-year old Pasang Lham of Drugaygang middle secondary school said
that students in remote schools were blessed to meet the royal family.
According to Dorjimo, 73, of Chumey, she attended the National Day celebrations
only because the people were able to meet their royal family
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| This
article was contributed by Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2007. |
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National
Day 2007: Members of the Royal Family |
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Tashichhodzong |
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