It is every so often a point of highlight for every
nation’s youth when they are reminded that they are the citizens of tomorrow in
the making. But it is so rare anywhere that a country’s king places so much
faith and importance in the lot to promote them as the one most crucial element
contributing to a nation in the most sacred, patriotic, dutiful manner.
Speaking recently at the convocation of the Royal
University of Bhutan (RUB) graduates His Majesty said that the achievement of
the graduates was commendable as a lifetime of hard work and effort had brought
them here, and their family, friends and teachers had every right to be proud.
His Majesty highlighted that education is a great asset
to the students but most importantly, it would benefit the country.
His Majesty awarded the most highest of regard to the
students when he pronounced them the ‘Custodians of our National Heritage and
Cultural Identity,’ ‘the guardians of our peace and stability,’ and ‘steward of
our nation’s future.’
“Our country’s narrative helps us define our identity, it
sets us apart, and illuminates our future." His Majesty said. His Majesty
said that our forebears safeguarded an extraordinary and unique cultural legacy
and left for us an exceptional country.
“It will take a lot of effort to preserve our remarkable
heritage, but it will be extremely easy to let it erode. Therefore, it is our duty
to nurture, reinforce, and pass down our rich heritage to the succeeding
generations,” His Majesty said.
The youth were called the ‘greatest asset of our very
small country,’ by His Majesty as he stated that ‘if our people are able to
work together in unity and harmony, nothing can thwart us.’
“If we live as one family, we need not fear any
adversities– for we will be able to brave whatever the future may bring us. Our
strength comes from unity and collective service.”
His Majesty said. “If we want to foresee our prospects
for tomorrow, all we have to do is look at how capable we are today. If our
competencies are mediocre today, our future will also be mediocre, but if we
are driven and competent today, our future will naturally mirror our strength.”
His Majesty also shared the three things about our
country that His Majesty always keeps in mind, that ‘We are a small country,’
that ‘Our neighbouring countries are the two most populous and fastest growing
economies the world has seen,’ and that ‘We are trying to survive in the 21st
century.’
His Majesty said that the world around us is changing–
what has remained resolute for a lifetime in the past alters in a moment today–
this brings opportunities, but also new and unfamiliar challenges.
“We are at the juncture where it is no longer enough to
do as we have done before– we must shoulder greater responsibilities, work even
harder, and be more industrious,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty reminded the graduates that the road ahead
will be long and hard, but also that there is nothing we cannot achieve.
His Majesty reflected on the transience of time,
reminding the graduates that 9 years have already passed since His Majesty
became King at 26, and after 15 more years, the nation would be celebrating the
Silver Jubilee of His Majesty’s reign.
“Collectively, we can ensure that each and every one of
us succeeds in life; collectively we can ensure that our country realizes its
full potential, and in the 21st century, we can be the most successful nation
in the region. I believe that it is possible, and I also believe that failure
is not an option,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty then described how we could succeed as a
country in the 21st century.
“As a small country, we can be far more efficient,
expeditious, and decisive than a large country can ever be,” His Majesty said.
“If we learn to use our smallness to our advantage, we will successfully
navigate through change, overcome obstacles, and guarantee the success of our
nation.”
His Majesty said that the key would be to understand that
as a small country with a small population and limited resources, we can’t
afford to have the problems associated with large nations. Inefficiency, bad
planning and inability to execute plans– these are problems associated with large,
populous nations that are geographically unmanageable and demographically
difficult to govern– and if we have these problems, it will be our undoing.
So if we keep in mind our smallness, and accordingly
formulate plans and policies, translate them into results, guarantee its
success– and occasionally, if need be, change our game plan, we will succed.
Finally, His Majesty said that the greatest and most
valuable wealth that we have in Bhutan is our people. Our land does not exude
gold or oil, but what we have is our people.
“We can never go wrong if we invest in human resource– no
matter how much it costs, that investment will give our nation rich dividends,”
His Majesty said.
“What we lack in numbers, we must make up in talent,” His
Majesty pointed out.
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