The celebrations in
Trashigang to mark the 107th National Day was a display of nationhood,
patriotic sentiments and a glorious day to mark the one event of the highest
prominence that led to the birth of the Bhutan of now – modern and advancing
with the times.
The battles of old that
was fought across the land in ancient times, the final and ultimate battle of
Changlimethang that ended all civil wars in those days, a king that was elected
unanimously and crowned to justly and fairly rule the country, the successful transition
of monarchy from one king to another till today – all this is inclusive like a slideshow
in every mind when the Day comes by and everyone looks back amidst the retro
moment so solemnly generated.
The day is also huge in
importance as the great deeds of the kings past and present assume hallmark significance
in light of it. People will recall and graciously say thanks and prayers
recalling the birth, the crowning of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme
Singye Wangchuck during whose reign, a tiny nation such as ours made remarkable
achievements, achieved the mantle of being a shining example among global
nations with the Gross National Happiness philosophy, started and instituted
the democratic system of governance.
The day is representative
of all that and it needs no re-mention for any citizen.
His Majesty the King’s
address stirred national sentiments to make one and all reflect on the single
acts of every individual that goes into shaping the country’s stability, peace
and eventual prosperity.
His Majesty’s speech
touched on highly crucial areas in development and practice that affected the
nation in positive and negative ways.
Corruption was pointed out
as an evil not desirable for the nation. His Majesty’s words strike a note on a
high level of revelation as he stated that there cannot be omissions for ‘small
or great corruption’ as the very act of corruption is not a thing in line with lawful
abidance and His Majesty said that ‘no one is above the law.’
His Majesty in his
address to the nation relayed that the budget for the 9th five-year plan was
Nu. 70 billion, and one hydropower project was initiated during that time.
During the 10th five-year plan, the budget increased by over 100% to Nu. 146 billion,
and 4 hydropower projects were initiated. With the 11th five-year plan, we have
a budget of more than Nu. 213 billion, and besides the Kholongchu project,
feasibility for 4 more hydropower projects are being considered. This means in
the near future, we will be tasked with the implementation of 9 hydropower
projects, which is a heavy responsibility for the government.
Passing His observations and wisdom on the trend,
His Majesty told the people that while ambition or being ambitious may be a
good thing, one should also be taking into account the increasing risks and
possible failures, which are part of the process.
“It is good to be
ambitious. From one standpoint, more is better and having something is better
than not having anything at all. But we must also realize that increased
workload compounds associated risks and possible failures. We must ask
ourselves, ‘are we willing and able to take on this responsibility? Can our
financial resources be matched by our human capital?” – His Majesty’s words.
His Majesty said the realization of these goals
depends more than ever on the government’s commitment to good governance, which
should include check and balance, openness and transparency. The people must
take individual responsibility and make a collective effort, instead of
depending solely on the government.
Published as Business Bhutan Editorial on December 20, 2014
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