An Internal Legal Auditor for ACC?

Both social and monetary corruption must be tackled and it will be a continuous battle for ACC. However is it time for ACC to have an in house independent  Legal Auditor Team comprising members with proven experience in legal, financial and administrative fields? This will reduce chances of ACC fomenting prosecution cases based on hearsay, suspicions, personal instincts and prejudices, public and political pressures. The conviction rate will also improve.

A deep introspection is called for since the much hyped anti-corruption case against health ministry’s doctors and officers has ended up being a wild goose chase (reference Kuensel 22^nd May issues on High Court acquittal of the accused). Devoting huge financial, human and time resources of the Nation to prosecute the innocent, disregard established administrative process and procedure and bullying individuals and families into miseries and submission is not just horrendous but calls into question the supposed holistic stamp of Constitutional Bodies. Anticorruption campaign must not be a ‘crusade’. The term crusade is a Christian term to justify all means to convert the populace (heathens) to Christianity. Hounding the innocent is no fool proof deterrent to corruption.

Today with Constitutional Bodies in the person of Dasho (Aum) Neten Zangmo Chief Anti-Corruption Commissioner and the 4^th Estate the media in person of Mr. Thinley Dorji, the Chief Executive Officer of Bhutan Broad Casting Service that invades every mind and home of Bhutan through its TV and radio networks hold Executive Power in day-to-day running of the Government. It blurs all lines of distinction between government administrative Agencies, constitutional institutions and the media.

Such situation of overlapping jurisdiction calls for strict discipline and code of conduct for individual Agencies in performing their professional tasks without prejudicing their interim extra-curricular authority or vice versa. And an independent internal legal auditor team could contribute corrective measures to prevent the tipping of scales to just one side. Internal checks or self examination can go a long way in bringing about cohesion within family and nation towards the royal guided GNH path.

My thoughts on Party Presidents Meet, BBS TV, 8th May, 2013

It was lengthy by any standard but not much of a standard in content to compare to any other forum excluding NC candidates’ debate.

One could summarize that Chirwang was for younger leadership, Nyamrup for equity from inequity, Druk Phuensum for continuation and better days and People’s Democratic for a complete change. The ideologies are prerogatives of each individual political party and anyway their charter and manifesto are already approved by the Election Commission. So there is no comment.

However, just to excite my viewers on the blog, here are my views on some issues raised during the Presidents Meet.

1.       Leadership young or old

Democracy grants voters the choice of leadership. Therefore change in leadership cannot be granted or dictated by any Political Party or group of individuals. All can make their case to the people so that Bhutanese voters can make their choice of leadership.

2.       People must be alert lest power falls in the hands of one or two individuals

This concern was voiced quite frequently by most of the party presidents. That was revealing. When challenged by the former Prime Minister, PDP President said he was expressing future concern. Is there a concern among Bhutanese that the country may be heading towards dictatorship or revert to King’s rule due to political disarray?

3.       Rupee crisis and loans

Rupee crisis and loans will remain part of financial complexities for Bhutan no matter which Party comes to power. Progress and development need fund and our internal resources are limited. Even after 2020, it will not be possible to be free of loan or rupee crisis unless our external relationship dynamo changes and we receive major aid packages. Most Nations in the world are undergoing such monetary crisis even in developed European countries.

In my view if any Political Party assures continuous prosperity and at the same time fulfillment of people’s aspirations without loans and without rupee crisis, then there is one looming danger, the fate of Kingdom of Sikkim. No loans, no rupee crisis and no sovereignty but continuous development to meet social and economic needs of the people. India upholds all responsibilities for the state of Sikkim.

4.       Road and foreign relations

The former Prime Minister did not specifically make reference to these two subjects. In fact rural road condition issue was raised by PDP President. However, the President of DPT did state that the performance report of 1^st Democratic Government was submitted to the nation in the last session of the Parliament. In that report it was highlighted that new motor roads exceeded all that were constructed prior to 2008. And diplomatic relation expanded greatly. Statistic figures were provided to illustrate the leaps and bounds.

I felt that comparison of pre and post 2008 developments in road and diplomatic relationship need to be delicately handled and especially accurately and realistically recorded. Many view such declaration as unfair criticism of past government under the 3^rd and 4^th Kings.

The fact is that any and all diplomatic efforts of the 1^st Democratic Government pales in comparison to membership to Colombo Plan, United Nations, Non-Aligned, SAARC, many international organizations and opening of international agency offices within Bhutan. During the reigns of the 3^rd and 4^th King, diplomatic relationship was purposefully restricted to the most indispensible and beneficial to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

The fair weather road connections to almost all geogs of the Kingdom is admirable and even if some of these roads are not pliable during snow and rain yet I am sure unlike the sneering urbanites, the farmers in rural Bhutan are very grateful. The farmers would rather have a fair weather road than no road at all.

Due to budget, time and human resource constraints, such farm roads had to be of fair weather condition. However, it will be easier for the next government to improve upon what have been laid already. Likewise during the government lead by the Kings, other priorities and pressing urgencies had to be met from limited financial and human resources. And because so many essential social and economic needs were fulfilled prior to 2008, these very achievements enabled the 1^st Democratic Government to fulfill majority of their commitments.

5.        Relationship with India is non-negotiable was one of the declared political stand

Indo-Bhutan relation has always been and probably will ever be always the corner stone of Bhutan’s foreign policy. Bhutan cannot forsake India under any circumstance and India should realize the futuristic wisdom of allowing Bhutan necessary sovereignty in its foreign relation especially with China.

However in so far as relationship is concerned be it personal, national, international (bilateral or multi lateral) are negotiable. There is no such thing as status quo (stagnation) or non-negotiable. Relationships have to mature, improve, change for better and be in tune with the changing time, maturity and aspirations of individuals, groups and nations etc.

Sino-Bhutan Relationship was not directly mentioned but indirectly the declared political stand “Indo-Bhutan relation is non-negotiable” maybe alluding to anonymous sources’ criticism of Lyonchen Jigmi Y Thinley meeting with Chinese Premier.

I have always respected India and will always remain grateful to Prime Minister Nehru for making the arduous journey to give birth to Indo-Bhutan friendship. However, I am in favour of better relation with China. My feelings on Sino-Bhutan relation was made public long before the advent of Bhutanese Democracy.

Sino-Bhutan relation has always been a concern to Bhutan since ages and more so from the time Tibet became an autonomous region of China. We have held many sessions of border talks in the most cordial atmosphere and officials of both countries have exchanged visits. In the Sino-Bhutan Border Agreement, we have committed to promote friendly relations between the two countries

No nation in the world is ignoring China. Our next door ASEAN neighbour Myanmar has finally broken the trade and diplomatic embargo imposed by the West only because China did not fail Myanmar. The public pretext of European and American overtures to Myanmar is participation of Aung San Suu kyi in politics but actually the same military government holds sway even today. One could close the eyes and wish away reality. But even those blind in-sights cannot refrain from sensing the dominating presence of the world’s most populace, resource rich and influential China. Therefore, I hope that whichever Party comes to power in the next session, Bhutan will have progressive relationship with China. By this it does not necessarily mean that DPT has to return. After all, the 1^st Democratic Government has been unable to push through the exchange of establishment of Embassies between Bhutan and Japan. Japan was ready yesterday but Bhutan hesitates even though we have diplomatic relation and Japan has been much economic help for decades. I personally think that Mao Khola Bridge and possibly other major funding from Japan await the exchange of Embassies of the two countries.  

Wishing everybody everyday politicking in this season of Primary and General Elections. Good luck and great speculations!

Salutation to His Holiness the 70th Jhe Khenpo Trulku Jigme Chhoeda.

Coinciding with the welcome arrival today of the Dratsang to Thimphu from its winter residence in Punakha, I wish to share the salutation I had drafted in August, 2012 after attending the Thri-Lung-Wang in Haa Dzongkhag. His Holiness has many followers within and outside the Kingdom of Bhutan and in sharing my thoughts I hope to hear from other disciples their sentiments.

In the name of Dharma, propagation of faith in Buddha and promotion of peace and the well-being of Bhutan, I humbly offer salutation to the greatest of living Buddhist Saint, your Holiness Trulku Jigme Chhoeda.

1.       Your Holiness has travelled the length and breadth of this Kingdom and have bestowed upon the   multitudes of Bhutanese of all walks of life the opportunity to receive Thri-Lung-Wang Blessings.

2.       In the history of Bhutan no Saint has been able to bring the Teaching of Lord Buddha to doors of so many households in such a short span of time. The people of 20 Dzongkhags are fortunate that such a Jhe Khenpo presides over the Institution of Buddhism in Bhutan.

3.       Your Holiness has the unique knack of relating Buddhist Teaching to scientists and house wives, to everyday life happening and historical events, to both Buddhist and non Buddhists.

4.     And your Holiness possesses the energy of the ocean. I just cannot comprehend how it is ever possible to impart teaching from dawn to dusk, everyday and in every Dzongkhag. Age 57 is well past those energetic 20’s and 30’s and yet the serene smile, the compassionate composure and social enthusiasm with the unique dharmic voice never diminishes.

5.   Cremation was the most problematic task that faced bereaved families. Now thanks to benevolent rules introduced and implemented (yes implemented which is the most important part of a rule), cremation procedure is so simple if one is satisfied with simplicity. One needs fire wood, a match stick and the corpse for funeral. Everything else is done by the Drastang in the twenty Dzongkhags. But ofcourse if the bereaved family wishes to show case the funeral, then it involves more money to pitch colourful tents, arrange banquet for hundreds of guests who come with gifts, seek special Wongku Lopen and construct new impressive Thakur.

The Mitruk Lhakhang at the Thimphu cremation area is a wonderful refugee for all the disadvantaged families and the lost souls of their members that need direction to the next world through the period of void. I wish that the Royal Government is more forth coming in copying the exemplary venture that your Holiness has under taken with Mr. Shamab Rinchen, in other Dzongkhags.

At the national level, I wish to express my deep gratitude for the televised appearances that your Holiness made to console and provide moral and spiritual strength to the nation during last year earthquake and the Wangdue Dzong destruction by fire. It was thoughtfully gracious of your Holiness to share the public fears that such natural disasters inflict and attempt to fill the void that hearts cannot escape from experiencing.

I now have realized that the Drastang has a special role in the hearts of the people during such national crisis. When such fear and losses strike, the direct and allied victims feel haunted and hopeless. An honest approach to such calamity is the best condolence. At their weakest moment, people do not want to hear official interpretation and censored news. Your Holiness provided a much needed truth and consolation. I also wish to thank and express my appreciation to the Zhung Drastang Lopen who was heartbroken and publicly spoke the truth -“a lot of Nangtens could not be saved”.

Initially the official and BBS version was as if the fire of Wangdue Dzong was prearranged. The Dzong burnt away as if it was a temporary hut made of bamboo mats and yet the officials and news broadcast claimed all relics were saved. Why does victims need to be further victimized by more lies? There is something so rotten with some people’s way of addressing national grief.

Please your Holiness continue the way you and the Lopen had approached the calamity regardless of how bad the situation was and how much grief would be further caused by the truth. The people of Bhutan have the right to know the truth.  How do people regain their faith and trust if they are deceived in their weakest moment by their own officials and news channels? 

Now as a Haap, I wish to touch upon what seems to be a historical bond between Miriphensum, Ap Chhundu and Trulku Jigme Chhoeda.  Haa just happened to be the first to receive Thri Lung Wang from the 70^th Jhe Khenpo. And Haa I think just happened to be the first to be blessed with the 1^st Moenlam Chhenmo by the 70^th Jhe Khenpo. (May I thank your Holiness for enabling the built up of Haa Moenlam Chhenmo fund and for so graciously blessing the system I had set up for proper management of the fund). It seems Haa also just happened to be in the western most part of Bhutan and yet have so many devotees from other Dzongkhags come and sponsor events and offer Ku Sung Thue Mindrel during Moenlam Chhenmos and especially during this year’s Thri Lung Wang. Somehow religious events in Haa conducted and blessed by Trulku Jigme Chhoeda always had a flair of festivity, happiness, rainbow adorned sun, the orderly flow of the events and the pureness of mind and soul that forms an unbreakable chain link between the guru and the devotees.

How can we Haaps ever thank your Holiness for all the days of “enlightenment that Haaps experience” every year for that brief duration of your visit? If someone else told me about it, I would have taken it as a great fairy tale too good to be true. I feel most fortunate to be one of the many grateful Haaps to be so privileged. 

 Miracles I feel fortunate to be a part of during the Thri Lung Wang at Haa from 2^nd to 18^th July, 2012.

1.    The recitation part was over for the day and explanation talk to help ordinary devotees to comprehend the teaching was about to begin. It was raining heavily and the sound of rain falling on the tin roof rather deafening. His Holiness says, “I will try to get through to you despite the sound of the rain”. Suddenly as if it was controlled like tap water, the thudding roof sound softened. I looked out, the shower had just turned to drizzle and within 5 or so minutes, it stopped completely.

2.       In our village, household members don’t sleep at night. They are out patrolling the fields against wild animals. And yet invariably the next day someone’s field has been devastated. Then three days into the Thri Lung Wang, when I returned home at 7 pm, there was smile. The reason “the fields were untouched last night”. And so it continued even the next day. After the 5^th day, I asked people from other villages and they too confirmed the sudden halt to marauding wild animals.

3.     His Majesty the King visited Haa and came to see His Holiness. All devotees were seated in the arena of wang complex. What I noticed was a strong breeze out of nowhere as if to announce the presence of invisible deities and petered off gently as the two temporal and spiritual personalities sat in the antechamber next to the Kikhor. Later others tell me of double rainbow around the sun. A friend had even taken a photo to show around. Definitely a good omen for His Majesty, His Holiness and the Nation.

4.     The religious programs start at 5:30 am and end at 6 pm. There were breaks for 25 minutes at 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. And lunch break from 12:30 pm to 2 pm. It did rain in Haa as it rained in other parts of the country but somehow as devotees travelled to attend the blessing in the early mornings or returned to place of residence late evenings, there was no rain to hinder. I never had to use an umbrella to take my breaks which is a rare convenience in the mist of monsoon.

Most devotees felt these were miracles performed by the Jhe Khenpo. I felt otherwise. I do not think His Holiness would want to interfere with the working of the nature. But someone was controlling the weather. That’s for sure. I think it was the Deities of Haa who were being exceptional host to their exceptional guest His Holiness Jhe Khenpo.

His Holiness shares close affinity with Haaps and their Deities. The Deities welcome and protects him and the people of Haa, a few years ago, even requested His Holiness to become a Haap and have census under the Haa Dzongkhag. I don’t think we Haaps should be so selfish. We have to share His Holiness with all others though it is our prayer and wish that the annual blessings in Haa be always an occasion to renew our love and reverence for His Holiness and receive blessings from him.

  

The Title of Jhe Khenpo in Bhutan

I remember reading some articles in the past where heads of other buddhist sects or high lamas and trulkus were referred to as ‘Jhe Khenpo’. This type of trend is both confusing and disturbing. In the Kingdom of Bhutan, there is only one holy person who has the right to hold this title, ‘Jhe Khenpo’ and that is the Head of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan. I feel that the Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs needs to put emphasis on this decorum which should be followed by all those residing or visiting Bhutan.

His Holiness was addressed as ‘Yishey Norbu’ by the Tibetan Drastang educated Khenpo Tandin Situ of Haa during his off the sermon very entertaining talks to the public in Haa. The salutation ‘Yishey Norbu’ is generally used by Tibetans for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I agree that Trulkus are in a way jewel of god but let ‘Yishey Norbu’ be the accepted reference for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and let us the Bhutanese preserve and protect the title of Jhe Khenpo for our Head of the Central Monastic Body. Let us not corrupt or dilute the unique references. I think the saying ‘to each his own’ is a good advice to follow. The other Trulkus in Bhutan, regardless of Buddhist sects, must acknowledge that there is only one Jhe Khenpo title in Bhutan and that is the official title for the Head of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan just as the title of Druk Gyalpo is for the King of Bhutan.

Buddhism in Bhutan

As a citizen of Bhutan, I am very proud of our King, our Dratsang and our democratic government. I realize that the Dratsang is financially well endowed and well regarded by His Majesty the King and the Council of Ministers led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. His Majesty the King and the Cabinet have diligently stood by the age old tradition of paying their homage to the Shabdrung instituted Dratsang every time the winter and summer change of residence takes place for the Kham Soum Singye and the Dratsang led by His Holiness the Jhe Khenpo.

Buddhism is an integral part of Bhutan and is the soul of sovereignty, culture and tradition. Its part and parcel of Bhutan and Bhutanese life as is the snow on the summit of Mount Jhomolhari throughout the seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Did any Bhutanese see Jhomolhari without its snow cap or for that matter does anyone want the snow cap to melt and suffer the consequences of eco-system collapse?  The Constitution of Bhutan has taken away this soul of Bhutan. Buddhism has been relegated from its centuries old position as the State religion of Bhutan. It was Buddhism that nurtured and consolidated the Kingdom that we now cherish as our Home and Country. How can we disown the very architect of our unique existence?  I have pleaded in vain against this act of monumental sacrilege and gross breach of Thadamtsi. However my voice is a cry in the wilderness and so never heard. And yet I continue to do so because I believe the echo in the wilderness can still be heard by Kuenchosoum if not by people.  A good seed thrown into the wind will take root someday, somewhere to bear fruit. And a good thought if uttered in all goodness of tradition will someday make possible the crowning of lotus upon the ocean of Bhutanese polity.

I hope that in the foreseeable future, the leaders of Bhutan and the legislators will take unto their consideration the absolute necessity of reinstating Buddhism to its national status for the wellbeing of Bhutan and the Bhutanese people.  I do not think that we need to chop our head to fit the new cap of constitutional monarchy.

Dratsang is not a political institution and monks are barred from political activities including voting. This I think, in a way, is in keeping with the tradition. The Dratsang has had no direct role post Shabdrung era as to which Penlop killed which Penlop and then occupied the national administrative seat of the Deb Raja. But all Deb Rajas still revered Buddhism as the State religion. I do not think any foreign nation or new religious groups that crop up in Bhutan has any spiritual or moral right let alone political right to demand otherwise. Buddhism as State Religion of Bhutan does not in any way hinder the practice and spread of other religions in the Kingdom.

May our Kingdom be always blessed with truly Holy Souls representing Lord Buddha like His Holiness Trulku Jigme Chhoeda.

In remembrance of Dasho Zillnon Dorji Wangchuck

It was reported that the car he drove went off the highway near Ganglakha in the early morning of 18^th April, 2013. This stretch of Phuentsholing Thimphu highway between Sorchen and Jumdra area is prone to foggy weather. There could be many reasons for the fatal accident like fast driving which most young people do without such fatal consequences. It could, however, very well be low visibility in the early hour fog.

Dasho is the son of Her Royal Highness Princess Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck and Dasho Thinley Dorji. But a straight forward short cut comprehension of who he really is would be to simply state that Dasho Zillnon Dorji Wangchuck is the 1^st grandchild of their Majesties King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the 3^rd King of Bhutan) and Her Majesty Queen Kesang Choeden Wangchuck. By Bhutan’s strict official definition he is not a royalty but royal blood definitely gave birth to him. This paradox of birth - being neither royal nor commoner can be as confounding and difficult to adjust as would be an unprepared person of a tropical region teleported suddenly to a hostile tundra region. Dasho being the 1^st grandchild, he was old enough to remember the grand old days but not mature enough to cope with the social changes in status that came about in the 1990’s. For anyone, I feel, it is a tragedy to have to travel through a no-man land. And it is much more difficult if one had never been prepared for such a trek.

 I met Dasho in person few years back, lean, handsome and charmingly soft spoken. Dasho’s resemblance to the 4^th King amazed me. By then he had his share of life’s joy and sorrow, love, wives and children. I believe he had on occasion darker moods but generally a gregarious personality of immense goodwill and passionate character so I am told.

I wondered what kind of funeral it would be that day on Thursday the 25^th of April, 2013 at Thimphu crematorium. It was a sobering day not much sun and no rain but it was a royal funeral. Thankfully and rightfully, blood triumphed over official dictates. His Holiness Thrulku Jigme Choedra, the 70^th Jhe Khenpo led the Mitruk prayers with the venerable Lopons and monks of Central Monastic Body. Life after death could be anyone’s guess but it is generally believed that when Mitruk prayer is offered by such a holy lam as His Holiness Jhe Khenpo, the deceased does make a brief appearance. If so Dasho Zillnon would have appreciated the royal honour offered in death. Along with his immediate family members, almost all members of four generations of the royal families were present led by His Majesty the 4^th King. They were all soberly dressed as befitting bereaved families.

Unlike the royal bereaved members, I was dressed differently like few other attendees. It was an important day for me. The Kings have been gracious to me and as a senior Bhutanese citizen and subject of the Kings, I wanted to be properly attired to be presentable when making the final adieu to the royal grandson, royal nephew and royal cousin of the Kings of Bhutan. I took my bath, wore my ancient bura gho, and purified a note of 100, 10 and 5 ngultrums with incense smoke and holy water from the bumpa. If an occasion presented, I intended to pay my respects before the make shift alter customarily placed in front of every funeral pyre. If not I decided to make the offering to the Thimphu river flowing nearby. After all, the ash from the pyre ultimately would have to be immersed in a River.

But an occasion did present itself. I approached the alter decked with offerings, and Dasho’s photo so alive and noble looking placed on the top-most choetri. I bowed, lowered my kabney till the frills touched the sacred ground, offered the Nu: 100 note in lieu of a khaddar and wished Dasho a less complicated and more comforting next life. Then I approached the already lit funeral pyre and offered the NU: 15 as part of Dasho’s offering (chhan-jay) to the next world Lam who will guide his path.

Much later, I had the honour and privilege of being graciously hugged by His Majesty the 4^th King. I wanted to say how sorry I was but the air was already heavy with sorrow and loss. Instead I held the royal person in embrace a second longer than correct protocol. But protocol was far away from the scene of a royal life cruelly felled mid-way and now within a burning pyre.

No outsider can fathom the pain of bereavement. But still I hope as time goes by, it becomes bearable for those near and dear ones left behind so suddenly. I hope Dasho’s children successfully go through school and college so that they would be prepared to fend for themselves along with other citizens of their age. When one is neither royal nor a commoner, the most advisable approach would be to get a good education, mingle with the crowd and learn the ways of both societies. The nobleness will remain within the blood regardless of official definition and practical experiences, education and exposures would provide the required impetus to cope with both the world of the royal and the citizen society of Bhutan.

I humbly offer my prayers to the bereaved royal members especially to Her Highness the royal mother and Her Majesty the Queen Grandmother of Dasho Zillnon. Her Majesty, Grand Queen Mother Kesang Choeden Wangchuck has sacrificed so much and borne so much pain for the Nation, the royal families and now this personal tragedy. I hope the royal mother and the royal grandmother will find solace and comprehension of life in the Buddhist scriptures and prayers.

Hear, Hear ye all whoever care to hear!

Occasionally all so unexpectedly, one is so deeply exposed to another person’s thought and emotion. Many years back, I saw a televised event wherein the present Emperor of Japan was remembering his late father Emperor. The Emperor poetically mourned the absence of his father though the four seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn appeared as usual. This experience, I feel sure, added an extra dimension to my love and reverence for my parents.

Today I was quite overcome by the Bishop of London, His Eminence Richard Chartres. The Bishop was remembering ‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Britain, during her funeral service.

Margaret Thatcher is considered to be a most controversial and polarizing politician who dominated British and to some extent international politics for over a decade. She overcame prejudices against, “women especially women with children”. However, when she got the top job, she was mother of arrogance to many of her colleagues who finally ganged up and sent her packing to retirement. And for the next 2 decades or so, she led a near reclusive life especially after suffering a stroke in early 1990’s and then loss of her beloved husband Denis Thatcher. Fate is a mixture of sweet and sour soap.

In death ( April 8^th ) the international media again racked up old wounds but today at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Bishop of London called upon the gathering of dignitaries, politicians, family members, friends and political adversaries to let it be. “It is not a memorial service, it is a simple funeral service as requested by her”, he said. “The time is for compassion and not political difference,” he implored.  

The cathedral housed more than 2000 mourners headed by Her Majesty Queen of England and Duke of Edinburgh. There were family members, Prime Ministers of Britain, past and present, Head of governments and representatives of over 170 Countries. Henry Kissinger was also there. The Archbishop of Canterbury was there to offer prayers. It was impressive and it was a state funeral in all sense. The Britons really know how to come together and showcase memorable historical events.

To this august gathering of mourners, the Bishop of London admitted that Thatcher was a controversial and polarizing figure but she did successfully serve Britain and the British when it mattered. This same sentiment was also expressed by Prime Minister Cameron a few days earlier, “She was there when our country needed most”.

The Bishop offered his condolences to the family members ( children and grandchildren ) and dedicated friends of the late Prime Minister especially to those “who stood by her side in later years”.

His Eminence Richard Chartres looks much younger than Mrs. Thatcher but it seems they were good personal friends and confidants. He talked of Margaret Thatcher’s view of individual and religion. He recounted that Margaret Thatcher said that Christianity did not provide political and economic solutions and that she had also said “Happiness and Salvation cannot be achieved in isolation but only as part of a society”.

I feel fortunate and enriched by experiencing this live telecast from the St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. And I reverently salute the Bishop of London, a religious personality with immense political knowledge and great eloquence that brought about a healing touch to the living and a memorial tribute to Baroness Margaret Thatcher. Perhaps in his memorial address, he succeeded in bringing about the personal side of the former Prime Minister without alienating her political adversaries and providing a much needed conciliatory gesture to enable a great nation to remember an extraordinary woman. Sometimes it is a great relief to find a person of such nature who uses extraordinary talent and humanness to bring dignity to a society often torn apart by political differences.

The Gyalpozhing Land Case.

The trial court in Mongar passed its verdict. It seems neither side was satisfied. Critics thought it was too lenient and the penalized people thought it was unfair. The cases are under appeal in High Court. And now it’s the turn of the four High Court Drangpons to centre stage the nation.

                                                          

The cases are between two sets of authorities: The Committee for Land allotment and the Anti Corruption Commission. The former is accused of high jacking the “Kasho” and the latter whose commissioners are now in their 7^th or 8^th year of supreme reign against the constitutional 5 year tenure is accused of high jacking legitimacy. And out in the open air, we the public spectators are ever ready to swing with the wind and also enjoy pot-shots.

The appeal courts - High Court and Supreme Court, may now need to examine just more than what accusers and the accused have stated in the trial court.

The basic question is why was the committee formed? If it was simply to allot plots as per the command then there was no need to set up a committee. The Dzongda, as representative of the King, was there to implement straight forward directives.

Were the committee members paid sitting fee like Board Directors of a corporation? If so, it was an additional responsibility with additional pay, therefore, each member is accountable. If no fee were paid, then the work of the committee was an additional burden and is it reasonable or fair to demand that a beast of burden carry more than its share of baggage?

I have heard a saying something like ‘Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done’ It validates the essentialities of general perception. A widely held perception is a law unto itself. It influences people’s thoughts and actions and paves way for general acceptance.

Presently the national land commission holds sway over all private land holding in urban and rural areas. However a few years back, it was not so. The Town Committees allotted land and the Town administrations registered or deregistered plots in urban areas. There existed unquestionable general perception that Town Committees had the necessary authority over urban plot allotment and registration.

If the plots are to be allotted only to the original land owners then the very land should have been left in the possession of original owners. The Government could have developed the plots and charged the costs to the land owners or in lieu take possession of the part of the land holding as development cost. And if the plots were to be allotted only to business license holders, how does that benefit the original land holders? And anyways who really are the license holders? These people are not necessarily original inhabitants from the locality. Most are fast track people with financial means and acquired knowledge to complete the required formalities to possess business license, in time to get plots. Therefore, should the so called influential people or cousins be less eligible than shrewd businessman or an alerted acquaintance who acquired timely business license.

The indisputable facts are:

1. The original land holders lost out in all the declared modern urban areas from Gyalpozhing to Khuruthang to Bajothang and countless other urban areas. The law and administrators just chose to pay minimum compensation and take away the land. After that whether a minister got a plot or a mistress got a plot or a business man got a plot, it really does not impact the life of the original land owner.
2.  Those who have the financial means and necessary connections bought plots through allotments and maybe few could have got plots without payment through Kidu process.
3. The accepted norm in the past for acquiring plots in declared urban areas was to apply to the Town committee. Everyone high, middle or low followed the procedure because general perception was that the Town Committee was the authority for plot allotments.

Whatever “Kasho” or even letter of Zonal Administrator that are being cited in the ongoing case were not available in public domain. Therefore only three authorities were and are equipped to interpret these documents - the two issuing authorities and one implementing authority.

Like other lay men, I am impressed with legal jargons used by lawyers fighting the case but Drangpons from same schools as that of prosecuting and defending lawyers might not so easily be impressed or stupefied.

The crux of the debates between opposing lawyers are the interpretation of Kasho and zonal administrator’s letter. Did these documents empower the committee? Did the committee error?

Now will the High Court provide the interpretation of the nuances of the Kasho and that of the zonal order? Would the judicial interpretation be in line with the thought and intent of the originators of the Kasho and zonal letter? Is it necessary or advisable for sake of delivering Justice to seek views of the originators before any Agency or Court goes ahead in its interpretation of the implied meanings / nuances of the documents especially when the accused parties are disputing the opinions of the prosecuting Agency?

Precedence: In Judiciary, past verdicts on similar cases does matter. Prior to this Land committee case, there was a construction committee case. Not just any construction committee, it was the committee for Supreme Court construction.

A drangpon of the then highest Court of the Land (High Court) was a member of the committee. According to media report, Supreme Court’s verdict was that the committee erred and in fact manipulated to award the contract to a particular construction firm. The Supreme Court directed High Court to order concerned Ministry (Work and Human Settlement) to take disciplinary action against committee members. The matter ended with that Ministry issuing a reprimand note to those committee members still under civil service. Upon legal complaint by another aggrieved party, the tender was cancelled and recalled and the contract given to other parties. Likewise in Gyalpozhing case, it is possible to revert back the allotted plots to government ownership if there were compromise of norms. Thus in both cases lasting damage is prevented / preventable.

In terms of monetary value, the Supreme Court construction could well exceed the total proceeds that Government received from the allotment of Gyalpozhing plots. A Government Committee is a committee whether of land or construction. If the Land committees erred, can the penalty be different from that of the construction committee that had erred and compromised norms.

In a court of Law, the standard of process and basis for Justice should hold true and same for both a doorman or a cabinet minister or a committee. Equal Justice under Law cannot remain a decorative plaque heeded only occasionally nor is it fair on one’s part to demand leniency for some and harsh penalty for some because before the law, it is assumed that all are equal.

Sangey of Haa Wangcha 

An appraisal of the 1st Democratic Government led by Prime Minister Jigmi Yoezer Thinley (April, 2008 – April, 2013).

I am impressed by the 3 hour presentation of the 5 years report. The ability to create a feeling of one to one conversation to a 3 hour long address may be what keeps the Prime Minister connected to the persons on the dusty farm roads.

1. The 10^th Five Year Plan

A whole lot of Government Agencies, Corporations, delivery systems, administrative wings, Private Sectors, the people themselves worked in unison under the Cabinet team to successfully implement the most ambitious 5 year Plan in the 52 years of planned development. His Majesty the King provided the inspiration and the guiding light including clear timely advises as acknowledged by a grateful Prime Minister. The armed forces especially the Royal Bhutan Army bore the brunt of various successive natural calamities of flood, fire, windstorms and earthquakes whilst His Holiness, the Dratsang and many religious institutes and Lams offered prayers successfully for the nation to overcome the difficulties. And NGOs headed by their Majesties the Queen Mothers made important much needed social contributions. DHI was there to value add the income generations of government corporations. The Nation has much to thank India and other developing partners for the success of the 10^th Plan.

It seems according to media stories that critics of DPT Party are attempting to separate or disassociate the tasks performed by implementing agencies, delivery systems, administrative apparatus from the cabinet team. It is, I believe, a futile effort to divert performance credit away from the DPT Leadership. The reason behind such an attempt could be two kinds. a)  It may be difficult to find fault with the overall success of the 1^st democratic government of royal Bhutan. b) The lack of self experience in the art of governance, the absence of insights and broader perceptions, all of which are must qualities if one must go for the jugular of any Ruling Party which seemingly is in comfortable command.

The cabinet and all the associated governance apparatus be that local government, law agencies, government corporations, administrative wings or implementing agencies are together as a wholesome body called the Government. For the historic 1^st 5 year of democracy in Bhutan, the people installed DPT Party at the helm and provide the necessary leadership in governance. Therefore both the success and failures must be attributed to the political party that is in charge of the national governance irrespective of whether that party in leadership chair was directly, indirectly or by way side involved in the success or failure for the given period.

2. The hall marks of the 1^st government of royal democracy of Bhutan

The accomplishments during the 5 years are astounding. However, the success does in no way be-little what were achieved pre-2008 years. The multiplying effect is always more dramatic. It’s like population explosion. Nevertheless, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Jigmi Yoezer Thinley led government has genuine demonstrated reasons to report great strides in most aspects of national development that ranges deep and wide from education, health, agriculture, communication link ups, new roads, media proliferation, enhanced private sector participation, playing leading roles in the international arena especially on gifting to the world at large the GNH approach and establishing more diplomatic ties.

3. Controversies of McKinsey, Tobacco law, green Tuesdays and rupee shortage

a) McKinsey contract

I have always maintained that it was fundamentally wrong for DPT formed royal government to hire McKinsey as the overall advisor for national governance. In my perception, the fee of Nu: 430 million is irrelevant whether it is adjudged to be more, less or recoverable. The disagreeable act is bringing in an outside pathfinder when the people of Bhutan overwhelmingly voted for Druk Phuensum Tshogpa to be the first ever pathfinder of royal democratic government of Bhutan. It took Bhutan several decades to do away with various advisors from India. The last advisor post that we finally managed to abolish was that of the police advisor from India.

It is my sincere belief that only the true sons and daughters of the soil can craft the required national statesmanship that can serve the Bhutanese national interests. I have always had absolute faith in the ways of our Kings and the Bhutanese statesmen who have led the nation. A nation is like a child and the best guardian for nurturing the child is the birth parents who have inexhaustible love and concern and are totally selfless when it comes to the wellbeing of the child.

A foreign consultancy firm could be used as a sounding board for specific project, idea or policy but never as overall path finder of national administration. As most who should know Bhutanese are aware, the CEO of McKinsey has been convicted with jail term by an American Court for criminal corporate fraud of the lowest kind, insider trading (a corporate crime equivalent to selling the soul of the mother). I feel that the very presence of McKinsey not just with their fingers in all our pies, is a defilement of the home of GNH, the two-way allegiance between the King and his subjects, the trust between the government leadership and the voters, the extended family system and the open character and religious sentiments of the Bhutanese and our youths the promise of the nation.

I am not just against McKinsey. I am against any foreigner holding executive post in the royal government of Bhutan. That’s why I was aghast 3 years back when I realized that the Director of Royal Education Council was a foreigner (now replaced) and on the spur of the moment I made my feeling known in an article. Only much later, a thoughtful reader of the article told me that the foreign director was a royal tutor. So I guess professionally he was qualified but the issue was nationality not professional capacity. And likewise, I am in no position to be-little the technical capacity of McKinsey. They must be efficient because others have availed their services.

However, the McKinsey factor kept nagging my conscience and I was forced to analyze the issue for peace of my mind. Whether I hit the bull’s eye or not, I stopped worrying about McKinsey once I arrived at the following rationality. Like the whole Kingdom, DPT leadership must been equally bewildered by the kingdom shaking land slide election victory. Whilst the inexperienced underlings and supporters rejoiced with glee, the thoughtful senior leadership of DPT especially Lyonchoen Jigmi Y Thinley must have been relieved but also perplexed by the result. What could have been so totally different between DPT and PDP?  At the leadership level ofcourse the Representatives of the people in the National Assembly always preferred Lyonchoen Jigmi Y Thinley but between the other candidates of the two political parties, how could the choice be so startling? A thoughtful leader had reasons to be jittery. Were the people of Bhutan looking for more drastic change in the substance of national governance that was beyond the past experiences and knowledge that the nation had at hand?  Maybe that made the otherwise most talented and confident Prime Minister seek the arm rest of a highly recommended foreign consultancy firm to guide his government.

Fortunately for Bhutan and luckily for DPT, the Prime Minister recouped his wits early on and quickly gained mastery of the national rudder. By then the McKinsey contract was signed and sealed. So McKinsey limped along with few publicity stunts like compact agreements and what is touted as major management innovation ( though the software is already available in the market ) the online governance . It is actually similar to ATM except ATM is far more reliable and speedy. The Government did not need McKinsey to introduce this system. However there is no denying the novelty of the G2C. It is at cradle stage now but if nurtured to full potential with the same sincerity as shown by DPT led government, it will do wonders for equality and efficiency.

b) Tobacco Law

It was National Council baby fertilized by Health Ministry and supported by majority of MPs of the National Assembly. His Majesty gave Royal Assent to the Tobacco Bill, possibly out of political compulsion rather than belief in the goodness of the Law. Just imagine what the Monarchy detractors of modern world would have said if His Majesty returned the devilish Bill conceived by National Council and backed by almost all parliamentarians and its draconian claws obscured by the silhouette of better health and social goodness screens.

But from henceforth, I pray that His Majesty the People’s King never again sign a Prohibition Bill on socially acceptable vice like tobacco, doma or alcohol into law because such laws do little good and causes major social despair, acrimony and fear. It makes the otherwise decent people into criminals and the King appear to assume the role of devil‘s advocate seeking to make saints out of his citizens. Saints are God’s angles not the King’s subjects. Discourage social vices but not jail! The tobacco hunting teams discovered tobacco goods of humble value at the home of a single mother of 3 children. The mother was arrested, tried and jailed. The eldest son was taken off schooling to look after the two siblings and manage home. Would that single mother and her doomed 3 children believe that they have a People’s King and a social conscious Prime Minister?

I have never met the mother or the 3 children but facts can be ascertained from Thimphu Judiciary Court or Police. Yes I did make online protests in an effort to draw royal attention to find ways to protect his subjects from such draconian laws. A moderation came about from the law makers but to what extent? Maybe His Majesty the King could grant pardons to all prevailing and future victims of the draconian laws until the MPs learn to tamper law making with social decency.

c). The green walk of Tuesdays.

Thankfully this has been lifted or should I say modified. I do not question the goodness behind the green walk especially because it was so publicly championed from Lungtenzampa by the cycling King and walking Prime Minister.

The national green walk in the urban centers is philosophically sound like Lord Buddha’s Teaching of abstenism but confronted with hard realities of everyday earthly family life, who and how many have luxury of both time and energy to walk for walking sake. The over-burdened working parents, helpless single mothers, hard pressed Teachers juggling early morning hours between home and school chores, the humble salaried workers bereft of taxi fares or additional fuel expenses for winding detour car routes and many others who simply cannot even take morning or evening walks to prolong their lives, for various domestic and economic reasons.

In a way, it is regrettable that green walk just could not be sustained by the inadequate urban masses. However if carbon emission control was the goal, that is being easily achieved albeit in a less palatable way. High inflation figures, escalating fuel prices and the continuous downturn of world economy will also affect our economy. There will be less industrial and commercial venture carbon emission, due to lesser activities. A downturn in economy translates to less carbon emission as well as more oxygen for health and less money for pockets.

d) The Rupee Shortage

The popularly known and widely felt rupee crunch is actually a shortage of foreign currency in the national exchequer. If we had dollar, pound or euro in sufficient quantity, rupee shortage is easily overcome. But we do not have. An underdeveloped nation like ours does suffer from this economic malaise because our needs are more than our output. The export is far less in value than import. And acute shortage of rupee is particularly felt because we need to import everything from India. If India had insisted on hard currency like dollars for payment Bhutan would be facing dollar crunch not rupee crunch.

In the last 10 years, the per capita income has jumped and Bhutanese are in position to enjoy the fruit of the success of our past economic policy. For example, at one time majority of Bhutanese parents struggled to provide uniforms to our school going kids in Bhutanese schools. Today Bhutanese parents including many in rural Bhutan are funding education of their children at colleges in India. Our enhanced ngultrum prosperity outstrips the national rupee inflow. When we purchase goods or services from India using ngultrum through banks or shops in Jaigoan or Siliguri, ultimately the government has to provide the rupee counter value for ngultrum we spend.  Unlike rupee status in Bhutan, our Bhutanese ngultrum is not a legal tender in India. Thus the main culprit if one can so name it behind rupee shortage is the new found prosperity of individual families and private sector of Bhutan.

Therefore the DPT cannot be solely blamed for the rupee shortage. Yes RMA and Finance Ministry could have done a better job at managing the crisis. In a political musical chair game, the National Council heaped the blame for rupee crisis upon Finance Ministry and RMA.  It is a political charade.  It was National Council that vetted the RMA Act that gave sweeping monetary powers to RMA not Finance Ministry. Moreover the proposal of Finance Ministry for tax hikes on certain imported goods like vehicles were watered down by the parliamentarians. Dasho Rinzin Rinzin of National Council states that the Finance Ministry’s tax increases were not convincing enough. At the way the ngultrum economy was bulging, foreign currency crisis (especially rupee) had to happen. When a naked person is standing in the front, is it really necessary for someone else to again reiterate that the naked person has no clothes on?

There is another fundamental flaw in the resolution of National Council directing Cabinet Secretary to take punitive action against RMA and Finance Ministry after the term of the 1^st Parliament. The members of the Parliament must be held accountable along with RMA Governor. Why should other officials of the two agencies be disciplined? And any way the Constitution has the Chief Justice of Bhutan as the Head of interim government not the Cabinet Secretary. Many members of the National Council have performed with great dedication till then. How could it suddenly play cheap politics on its last day of the session?

And another thing, National Council wanted the Entitlement Act amended but when it was handed over to them on a platter by the National Assembly who initially had blocked the same; the National Council could feel the past hurt ego but not sense the legislative victory. They could have had the cake and eat it too. The disparity between the MPs of the two Houses could have been nullified forever. It makes me wonder if a deal to suit the NC members had been secretly hatched somewhere before the NA proposal.

4. Major achievements of the government : hydro-projects, roads and communication, the historic Meeting between Bhutan and China.

a) The Hydro-Projects

His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck emphasized on the two pillars of economic policy: 1) The education of Bhutanese children 2) The development of hydro-power. The King referred to the water resources of Bhutan as the liquid white gold. The King’s nature conservation policy has much to do with preserving water resources as it does with preservation of eco-system. That’s my hindsight intelligence. Quite some time back, I decided to strengthen my faith in the ways of the Bhutanese Monarchs on major royal policies because it was proving to be quite an unimaginable task to clearly comprehend the broader designs of a royal decree at the time such is issued.

The 1^st democratic government of Bhutan under Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley is not the originator of hydro-power projects. But the zeal and commitment by this government to 10,000 MW of hydro-power is admirable and their efforts laudable.

I am also most impressed and grateful that for the first time in the history of Bhutanese development era of 52 years, the victims of progress have been given a share in the fruit of progress. I am referring to the 10,000 units of electricity per acre of land sacrificed for hydro-projects for the life of projects. To my national conscience, I appreciate the significance of the symbolism that this gesture represents. It warms the heart, assuages the sentiment and most importantly the gesture acknowledges the obligation of the nation to the victims of progress in concrete and tangible manner.

The hydro-projects are a boon to Bhutan as envisaged by the Monarch. And even if we have 6000 instead of 10,000 MW by 2020, the other 4000 MW will come by 2022 and definitely Bhutan will reap dividends. I do not think that our economy will reach so bountiful a stage by 2020 or 2025 whereby we would be hard pressed to utilize the rupee earned from hydro projects. I am referring to Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk’s response to Dasho Damchoe of Opposition Party who expressed his misgivings of economic impacts of hydro projects beginning from Chukha and Tala projects executed under direct administration of the King to the ongoing hydro projects. Lyonpo Khandu was understandingly reacting in the necessary manner to douse the ill intended fire of criticism. On a lighter note, it was amusing to hear someone other than victims of hydro project land acquisitions bemoan the ‘ills’ and another painting a rupee utopia in times of rupee crunch. That in a way is parliamentarian flair for political non-sense and humour.

b) Roads and Communication. 

The 1^st democratic government truly has nurtured the seed of democracy introduced by the Monarch. And hence forth freedom of speech, movement of people and freight, information exchange, people interaction will blossom due to mobile telephones, internet, TV, radio and newspapers and above all road connectivity extending to the extreme rugged interiors.

I was never worried about mobile, TV, internet connectivity. These will have to come about by force of global modernization in such fields but that we now have it so soon is glorious. My desire or dream was to have a national circular road that connects the Dzongkhag centers through our own line of control. A road through Samtse to Phuentsholing, Lhamoizingkha, Manas, Nganglam, Pema Gatshel in the south and Gasa, Laya, Lingshi, Soe, Drugyel Dzong through Haa to Samtse. I think the 1^st democratic government has made that dream a sure reality. And my other dream is to store excess monsoon water for lean season to run hydro plants. I hope that the next government will lay concrete foundation for such a goal starting with proposed Bunakha reservoir.

c) Indo-Bhutan and Sino-Bhutan relationships

His Majesty the King profoundly dwelt upon Indo-Bhutan friendship but made no mention of China or any other nations during his sobering address marking the end of 1^st parliament of Bhutan.

In his 5 year report, the Prime Minister devoted considerable time to emphasize on the importance and goodness of Indo-Bhutan friendships. He said one line on Sino-Bhutan relation. He was aware of opposing views but Sino-Bhutan relation can be only good for Bhutan, he said. Maybe national leaders are sometimes in priestly silence never in position to say aloud their inner thoughts. However, the Prime Minister did meet Chinese premier and that speaks volumes of Bhutanese aspirations.

Bhutanese can never discount the importance and goodness of Indo-Bhutan Friendship. India is a friend, major developing partner and socially and culturally the closest. There is very close link between the people of India and Bhutan. Both Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche originated from India. The successive leaders of India beginning from Nehru and the People of India have enriched the People and the Kingdom of Bhutan. And Kings of Bhutan have always held dearly the Indo-Bhutan friendship. I reiterate all these to demonstrate that the people of Bhutan will always remain grateful friend of India and her people.

However, Sino-Bhutan relation must take more concrete forms. In early 1960s Bhutan ended its isolation to embark on modern development plans. In the 21^st Century, the Kingdom of Bhutan cannot afford to isolate itself from China. China is economically and politically one of the most powerful players in the world. Bhutan is the closet neighbour and the only neighbour that does not have diplomatic ties with China? Why is Bhutan being the Keeper of Post 1962 Sino-Indo Frost? And can past, present or future Butanese leaders deny that sovereignty of Bhutan lies intact inspite of the fate of Tibet and Sikkim because of our geo-physical proximity to the vital interests of both India and China.

It may be a fact that India does not wish for closer relations between China and Bhutan. But India’s animosity or distrust has more to do with China. Also India might suspect that China may surreptitiously takeover Bhutan and therefore endanger the whole of north east frontier states of India. It is, I feel, a hypothetical concern. It is for China to reassure India on such accounts. Personally, I feel that India need not feel the Chinese jitters from Sino-Bhutan diplomatic and economic ties.  The Indian foot print in Bhutanese history of development and sovereignty is unshakable by any other power. 

The Kings of Bhutan never ignored China though they have established closer ties with British India and then Independent India. His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck signed a Border Treaty on co-operation and mutual respect with China. And the reigning King His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has to have the core interest of his Kingdom and people to the depth of his self existence. For sake of Bhutan and Bhutanese, His Majesty cannot ignore China and her leaders. Therefore, the road ahead is to gradually develop diplomatic and economic relations with China and never ever dilute in any way our strong bonds with India. We must draw India’s trust upon decades of Indo-Bhutan friendship so that our most reliable and benevolent friend is not deterred by friendly Sino-Bhutan prospects that will increase Bhutan’s international prominence and provide broader economic impetus.

The political parties of Bhutan can play politics all the way. But they must refrain from compromising the future sovereignty interest of Bhutan for short term political gains.  The diplomatic inroads accomplished by the 1^st democratic government must be appreciated and it will bring fruitful national dividend if the next government formed by DPT or another political party keeps the long term interest of the Nation at heart and forge ahead in developing better international ties particularly with China. The competition and animosity between political parties must not overshadow the raw and genuine national interests. It would be self defeating to be-little national strides achieved by DPT government in foreign relations. 

5. His Majesty the anchor and guiding light of Bhutanese democracy 

Democracy was gifted by His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck took over the mantle of leading and nurturing democracy from the initial faltering national steps. The success of the 1^st 5 year of democracy is beholden to the guiding light of the young King. I feel that the 4^th King would have good reasons to celebrate his royal decision to enthrone the next in line.

Many Politicians of the present world would give anything to have the looks, the height, the charm and gift of oratory skills and public interaction that are part of inborn qualities of the Bhutanese King.  It seems that somehow the Wangchuck Dynasty always managed to nurture forth a King especially adapted to the changing needs of Bhutanese history. His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the chosen one to lead and supervise the democratic aspirations of Bhutan. If any grandpas of my age are worried about future of their grandchildren, maybe we could afford a break and let it be in the care of the dynamic King. 

The most important thing for a small nation is to have great Leaders who are able to interact with the populace in their natural environ and who can develop international rapport by virtue of their own personality rather than the wealth or power of the country which Bhutan lacks. And those qualities, our people’s King has in abundance. The people of Bhutan have come to accept the young King as a confidant of their family. It is also most heartening to see the near adulation responses of the citizens of India, Thailand, Singapore and Japan when our King and Queen visited those countries after the royal marriage.

In Bhutan, the highlight of each session of the parliament is the event when the King addresses the nation from the august Hall. It has become a very important tradition and this must be maintained. Whether the King is happy with the government or not, whether he is happy with MPs or not, it should not matter. The Hall of the Parliament belongs to his people and as their leader and ultimate refuge, the King must reassure the people from the seat of the parliament that he is there for them standing vigilant from amongst all the MPs, Ministers, judges, police or local leaders of the nation.

The People’s King of Wangchuck dynasty and Shabdrung lineage will have much more to offer. We are yet to witness greater enlightenment from the dragon that adorns the spirit of democratic Bhutan. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck must continue to keep alight the soul of Bhutan’s democracy and stability.

6. My personal appreciation of the government

The successful implementation of 10^th Five Year Plan deserves to be heartily applauded. I compare the achievement to that of Miss Universe, beautiful but not necessarily virgin nor free of flaws. However on the overall, beauty and art does win the crown.

My admiration is over and apart from the 10^th Five Year Plan. I had partially expressed these in a letter to the Minister of Education Lyonpo Thakur S Powdyel when the year of Sherig Century was being launched last year. (Maybe my letter of 4^th May, 2012 better expresses my feeling of that moment)

The DPT led royal government’s successful leadership of unplanned historical events.

1. The forming of the 1^st democratic government and adoption of the Constitution thus laying the foundation   of democracy both in print and practice.
2. Stewardship of the coronation of the 5^th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and celebration of 100 years of enlightened Wangchuck Dynasty.
3. The hosting of SAARC Summit in Thimphu.
4.  Managing the so called constitutional crisis with political sobriety and national maturity.
5. The Stewardship of the auspicious Royal Nuptial.
6.   GNH at UN- Sharing the royal vision of national hope with the rest of the world.
7.   Celebrating “Sherig Century” the light of intellectual empowerment.
8. The rapprochement with China at the level of Prime Ministers during the ‘The Rio Summit when the great  dragon and little dragon met on the equal level platform’ against the back drop of the gathering of world leaders.

7. The legacy of the 1^st democratic government

Come 20^th April, 2013, Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley and his Cabinet hands over a nation not just intact but much enriched by many historical events, a very confident and proven King with a beautiful Khendum as Queen and partner. Bhutan has a prominent place among nations and is at peace within and outside and a vision to further strengthen democratic ventures and above all a model of proud democratic discipline that sets the way forward. Thank you Prime Minister Jigmi Yoezer Thinley. 

8. A prayer for the future

We all have reasons to take pride in the success of the 5 years of Democracy. However, the mission is an ever demanding journey. And the task of such a journey compounds with passing time and multiplies with increasing population. So forward we march after every 5 year interval into the next election and the next government. The advantage for Bhutan is that we have the same anchor in the King of Wangchuck Dynasty and may we remain the same united people albeit our petty differences. By the grace of Triple Gem, may our tryst with democracy be a destiny of good national fortune.