Widening the Gap.

" Political Ploy "  DNT cries against  insurance fraud case recently  filed by OAG ( Kuensel issue  of 15th May ).

DNT Party Vice President and RICB officials are charged by OAG for insurance scam.  If not successfully refuted, the ricb officers face termination from service.  It is a huge lesson for all employees in civil or corporate services. Pleasing your bosses overly can land your families in high and dry spots because you can be docked in high end game.

This court case puts former RICB executive director Sonam Dorji and co- principal defendant Dasho Sherab in very unpleasant public light. And puts those serving insurance officials in terrible livelihood situation. If convicted these victims of whirlpool of corporate corruptions stands to lose their jobs and service benefits. Their families will lose entire livelihood means because their bread earners had followed the unethical orders of their Boss. The gap between rich and poor widens.

I understand the damage to the Party and the hurt personally to Dasho Sherab who otherwise had devoted so much part of his life to Tsawa Sum. However, I feel that at least in this particular case, DNT Party must stop crying " Political Ploy " and shedding crocodile tears. Instead spare some crumbs of sympathy for those real victims who never benefitted personally and yet will suffer the most.  

Druk Nyamrup Tshokpa ( DNT ) General Assembly at RIM Hall Simtokha.

I thought that the least one can do to appreciate the endeavours of those who actively participate in national politics and democratic governance was to attend the General Assembly of a Political Party as an observer ( if such is permitted by a Political Party ).

DNT was  holding its General Assembly today the 13th May, 2018 at RIM Hall, Simtokha, Thimphu. And there was open invitation for all in fb. Thus I took the opportunity to have a look. 

Turned out to be well organised and well attended too. The Secretary General and the President spoke eloquently. Between the two, one can imagine the rough and tough trail of a  Bhutanese Political Party inspirations and formative years. An idea that spun inbetween friends at an eatery serving momos and that peaked with participation in the Primary Election in 2013. The crash that followed and again getting back on feet under a new President and same General Secretary.

Today Dr. Tandin Dorji the President and Mr.Tenzin Lekphel the General Secretary of Druk Nymrup have every reasons to beam and take pride as they gazed from the stage towards the packed hall of over 1500 gatherings and near about 47 candidates seated in the front rows.

Inbetween there were several speakers explaining their reasons for joining the Party and their individual faith in Dr. Lotey Tshering the Presidential nominee. DNT did a good job in displaying clips of royal speeches that it believes provides  inspirations and guidance to the Party's objectives and goals.

The Party's goal is to close the gap between the rich and the poor. The statistics given is that 90% of Bhutan's wealth belongs to 10% of population. And among that about 110 people ( or was it families?  ) is supposed to own most of the 90% of wealth according to DNT.   I have no idea about statistics but I do agree that  there is much to do to raise the living standard of many Bhutanese families. And national resources are concentrated among  handful of groups.

No, DNT is not talking about repeating  Chairman Mao's cultural and social revolution in Bhutan. The stated aim is to raise up the condition of havenots. I guess  
the way forward will be spelt out in the actual campaign but the wealth of the top 10% will not be confisticated according to Dr. Tandin Dorji. But now the new President is Dr. Lotey Tshering. And I did not stay to listen to him.  I thought it would not be proper for an individual private  observer to witness the  Party President and Vice President election process and gauge the mood of the congregation as the newly elected President gave his acceptance speech and the way forward. That is completely an internal Party affair which will be shared publicly in good time by the Party.

I used the tea break interval to examine the seating capacity of the RIM Hall for future information and later left as DNT members were getting ready to cast " Yes " and  " No" votes for Dr. Lotey Tshering the only  Presidential nominee and for Dasho Sherab Gyeltshen the only Vice Presidential nominee. I just hope no one would be so crazy to  cast a " no "  vote. The excited mood of the gathering plus so much efforts devoted to accomplish what was achieved in hosting this Meet,  deserved 100% yes votes for the candidates.

PS. Some readers who follow me maybe wondering how I came about attending the DNT Meet after having opposed DNT Court case against the Government. Well, I have no special love or distaste  for any Political Party. Just my respects.  I still feel that DNT or any other Party is wrong in taking the Government to Court during the time the Kingdom was facing national sovereignty Doklam Crisis.  Party supporters of any Party can never see but their own reflections. So for those non-party supporters of DNT and PDP, let me reproduce the following Constitutional Clause.

Article 18
The Opposition Party

Clause 6

" The Opposition Party shall aid and support the Government in times of external threat, natural calamities and such other national crisis when the security and national interest of the country is at stake."

Let alone any other Party or individual, even the Opposition Party is mandated to stand with the ruling Party in times of national crisis. Thus Court cases must await national crisis to passover.

Like Mr. Sonam Tobgay of BKP, I feel Dr. Tandin Dorji and Mr.Tenzin Lekphel have devoted so much time and effort to keep the DNT Party afloat. Such endeavours deserve respect whether one is a member of a Party or not. Hereafter, the show is led by new Presidents in whom the Party members and leaders have reposed their faith. And that has been how history have evolved over the centuries and Bhutanese politics is no different. And as an observer today, I wish Dr. Lotey Tshering and Dasho Sherab Gyeltshen successful leadership of DNT Party.

       

Horrible conclusion of BBIN- MVA Dialogue. Truth so ugly and shameful.

A Regional Policy Dialogue was held at New Delhi beginning 2nd May for 3 days. And Kuensel shared a piece on it in its Monday issue ( 7th May, 2018 ).

The highlights of BBIN- MVA.

1. The Truck routes covered under BBIN - Motor Vehicle Agreement are known as the "  economic corridor ".

2. This " economic corridor " has more women engaged in activities. Mostly widows and elderly not young women afraid of security concerns.

3. The risk of diseases like HIV and other communicable disease are high.

4. Women would remain more vulnerable especially in sex industries.

So it seems Bhutanese women can look forward for close and flourishing economic activities of sex with truck drivers from Bangladesh, India and Nepal once the BBIN- MVA is ratified by Bhutanese Parliament.

The PDP government was unable to get the BBIN- MVA Treaty ratified in the 1st attempt. Would the next Government go for the sex industry under the guise of women run economic corridor of multi- racial and multi- national truck drivers ?

DISGUSTING is this BBIN- MVA ( BANGALADESH , BHUTAN, INDIA and NEPAL  - MOTOR VEHICLE AGREEMENT ).  The mini- SAARC's first joint venture is directed against women.

Safer for  women to abolish BBIN.

The risk and wisdom of replacing sitting MPs in the coming General Election of Bhutan.

Setting aside the personal individual feelings of replaced sitting MPs and their immediate family and supportors, I think it is enevitable that changes in Party candidates will take place when preparing for next fresh general  election. The reasons will be varied.  Whether sound or undound or justifiable or common good of a Party may depend on which side of the fence you are sitting.

Recently Kuensel carried news about replacements of  PDP candidates among sitting MPs for the coming General Election. The sheer number of changes may be a surprise to many readers though few changes would have been expected.  Unlike 2013 wherein PDP was the undedog competitor, in 2018,  PDP has wider pool of candidates. So the temptation to be selective can be irresistible for 2018. There is a saying " a bird in hand is worth two in the bushes ". But in politics the more wider the pool of available candidates the more arbitary way the selection committee may function. Sure the President of a Party would haven the final say but it is not correct to blindly assume that  such a "say " is just based on personal like and dislike or worse personal whim and fancy. Concensus building is crucial when a Party is preparing for General Election. And a President among all members would conciously adhere to this criteria.     

It is said that PDP changes are based on feedbacks from fields and performance percept  among other  parameters ( not mentioned are two crucial factors: Party loyalty and financial contribution to campaign fund but these are the two most fundamentals in any political party ).

It is never an easy decision to replace the candidature of a sitting MP in an election. There are huge risk including backlash of supporters. So proper weigh-ins would be there in such a process.  PDP better hope that those feedbacks from local points are genuine.  In my personal perception, feedbacks from few outspoken  local people and heresay comments in social media are rather unreliable. Much of such feedbacks and comments  are manifestation of personal prejudices and not ground reality. So there has to be other vital reasons for replacement introduced. In cases of replacements of sitting MPs, I  feel that more important than the decision to replace is the manner of severance. Such must be done gently with due respects for the sentiment and dignity of the severed candidates.

In 2013, DPT replaced few sitting MPs with what seemed far stronger candidates. And PDP replaced quite a number of Primary candidates during the final General Election in 2013. It is hard to convince oneself that DPT lost because of the those few changes even though the deemed strongly positioned replacements lost the seats as did many sitting MPs . But for sure PDP did fared better because of the changes. Maybe that instinct prevails in the PDP political guideline this time also.

One thing is for sure here. PDP seems to be doing away with as many sitting MPs as it feels prudent but the Party still has far more sitting MPs competing in the Primary Election than the Opposition DPT.  So the bold decision would not negatively affect the Party success  even if few turn out to be wrong. In the final General Election, no matter which of the two among the four or five Political Parties make the round, there will be changes in Party candidates.

A trend once set is there to stay though I doubt the re-occurence of mass exodus as with 2013 DNT that informally merged DNT with PDP.

Losing ticket through Party candidate reshuffle contest or losing seat from  defeat in election contest are part and parcel of political venture. One has no choice but to cross the bridge when it comes. Do it with the least public acrimony and make the best out of a seemingly unfortunate or unfair deal. Life is never totally in the hands of others. One has a lot of say provided one garners the will to move on with optimism.  

                

His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck the Third King of Bhutan. Celebrating the 89th Birth Anniversary!

Born:  2nd May, 1929, Trongsa, Bhutan.
Married:  1951 in Paro whilst as Paro Penlop.
Coronation: 27th October,1952
Died 21st July,1972, Nairobi, Kenya ( Africa ).
Reign; March 1952- July 1972.
Father: His Majesty King Jigme Wangchuck the Second King of Bhutan.
Mother: Her Majesty Queen Phuentsho Choden Wangchuck. 

Royal Siblings from Her Majesty Queen Pema Dechen Wangchuck the second Queen of King Jigme Wangchuck and  sister of Queen Phuentsho Choden Wangchuck:   

1. HRH Princess Choki Ongmo Wangchuck
2. HRH Prince Namgyal Wangchuck the Paro Penlop
3. HRH Princess Deki Yangzom Wangchuck
4. HRH Princess Pema Choden Wangchuck

Queen: Her Majesty Queen Kesang Choden Wangchuck daughter of Deb Zimpon Sonam Tobgay and Rani Chuni Dorji sister of Sikkim Chogyel.

Royal Offsprings:

1. HRH Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck
2. HRH Princess Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck
3. HRH Prince Jigme Singye Wangchuck ( His Majesty 4th King of Bhutan ).  
4. HRH Princess Pema Lhadon Pem Pem Wangchuck.
5. HRH Princess Kesang Choden Wangchuck.

King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck achieved in 20 years reign what Bhutan is still struggling to maintain since then.

Incredible Royal Visions and Deeds.

1. Made Thimphu the Capital of Bhutan and led Bhutan into the modern world. The King is reverred as Father of modern Bhutan.

2. Laid the foundation of Democracy through establishment of National Assembly and Royal Advisory Council with members elected by the People and which functioned in unity. Abolishing serfdom and carrying out the 1st national land distribution task  and reducing rural taxes to nominal level.  

Today we have the same democratic structure under different nomenclature of National Assembly and National Council. Unfortunately more disunited than united. I guess that is the nature of democracy practised elsewhere in the super modern world.

3. Strengthened the promotion and preservation of culture and tradition and accorded recognition and role to Dratsang the source of Bhutan's culture, tradition and political wisdom in the administration of the nation. Dratsang ( Monk Body ) was part of both National.Assembly and Royal Advisory Council as well as Royal Audit Authority.  Today it stands banned from all political posts as well  as national administrative posts.

Dratsang is now a subordinate  national institution though reverred but whose activity to even  practise Dharma teaching in public is banned during political election years as in 1918. The irony of once a Buddhist Kingdom now in secular mode to our spiritual detriment. 

4. His Majesty the Third King had an early retirement  plan  and crowning his son the Crown Prince as the  successor. It was announced to the National Assembly but could not be fulfilled because of his own sudden death at the age of 43.

His son the Fourth King fulfilled that royal plan of early retirement and crowning the successor.

5. The Third King surrendered the Royal.  Prerogative Power over National Assembly.  No Royal Assent was required for National Assembly Resolutions to take effect. 

Today Royal Assent is required for Resolutions of the Parliament to take effect. The philosphy of Wangchuck Dynasty Rule may not have changed but political scenario seems to have drastically evolved. Bhutan has had to be extra sensitive since the Kingdom of Sikkim became a part of Indian Union as per supposed decision of elected representatives  without the consent of the Chogyel and without a nation wide referendum.

6. His Majesty the Third King had to quell an uprising in Southern Bhutan in the 1950s. A similar uprising but on a larger scale had to be put down in 1989-1990s during the Fourth King reign. The His Majesty the reigning  King is very attentive to all regions and emotions including the not so transparent sentiment in the Southern Belt. I wish a Southern Highway right along the Bhutan side of Indo- Bhutan international Boundary has been built. It can prevent cross border infiltration the historical root cause of political abd social disturbsnce in the South. And ofcourse it would be a great boon to Bhutanese economy and freedom.of travel within Bhutan un- subjected to political disruptions in the Indian States of WestvBengal and Assam through which Bhutanese are still compelled to travel from one part of Bhutan to reach the other part. A disgrace after completion of planned development of 55 years ( 11 numbers of 5 years socio- economic development Plans ).

7. His Majesty the Third King established the bilateral relationships with India the giant neighbour in the South. The 1st Prime Minister of Bhutan Honourable Jigme Palden Dorji played the trusted  key role in developing the Indo- Bhutan interactions under the guidance of the King.

The 2nd Prime Minister of Bhutan, His Excellency Jigmi Yoeser Thinlay attempted to initiate a working relationship in 2012  with China the larger neighbour of Bhutan in the North. But that was scuttled by political forces of some kinds. There is much confusion about the whole episode.

So today even after more than 50 years of  establishing bilateral relation with the neighbour in the South by the Third King, the successive governments of Bhutan have failed to establish diplomatic relationship with China in the north. A kind of malignant wart in the heart of Bhutan's foreign affairs history. 

8. His Majesty the Third King achieved the herculean task of getting  Bhutan admitted to United Nations in 1971. That further diluted the implied essence of 1949 Indo- Bhutan Treaty Clause II that required Indian guidance for Bhutan's external affairs. Bhutan had never willingly agreed to such a term that encroached upon sovereign dignity.

That Clause II  which was a copy cat of term imposed by British-India upon Bhutan in the Sinchula Treaty was altogether done away with in the renegotiated Indo- Bhutan Treaty of 2007. The re- negotiation of the 1949 Indo- Bhutan Treaty took place in New Delhi over several days between the Bhutanese Delegation led by His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Indian delegation led by Prime Minister ManMohan Singh of India.

The finished product was ditto old 1949 terms except two vital clauses were removed. The one about seeking Indian guidance by Bhutan in matters of her foreign affairs and the other that required India to pay Bhutan an annuity for the 18 Duars territories of Bhutan that were annexed by British-India. The renegotiated Agreement was signed by HRH Crownn Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck of Bhutan and His Excellency Pranab Mukerjee the External Affairs Minister of India.

Since Bhutan's entry in UN  ( 1971 ),  in the last 48 years, Bhutan has been unable to establish diplomatic relationship with any of the  5 Permanent Members of the United Nations.

During the 1st democratic government tenure ( 2008 to 2013) , diplomatic relationships were established with a number of Countries but not with any major power or donar nations. During the 2nd democratic Government (2013 to 2018 ), total concentration was devoted to relationship with India. And that blew up into the face of the Kingdom when the Indian Army' transgressed  upon Doklam in June, 2017. Indian Army only  retreated in the face of strong opposition from the Chinese forces.

9. After the Third King passed away, Bhutan faced both external and internal threats. His Majesty the 4th King averted similar fate that befell upon Sikkim in 1974. Quelled the Southern uprising of 1989- 1990. Vanquished the Indian Militant Forces from Southern Bhutan in 2003 and constituted an administrative system akin to democratic system elsewhere. The health, education, communication and transport systems were improved and expanded. Druk Air was established. Major hydro-power projects undertaken with vision to harness what was termed " white gold ". Major international and regional organizations like Non- Aligned and SAARC came with much promise but now whimpering to defuct status due to major upheavals in in regional and world  geo-political situation.  

10. Today the old East- West highway in Bhutan is being expanded to double lane. Tashi Airways joined Druk Air. Mobile and Internet system and Cable TV provides convenience and exposure to outside world. Electrification and rural road system connects most parts of the nation.
Development progress under successive Governments with guidance from the Throne are laudable. 

11. In my personal.view, what Bhutan now needs in addition to development works and nuturing of the democratic political institutions, is that  the nation must exercise true sovereign responsibility in matters of  Foreign Affairs. The Third King exercised sovereign Powers as in demanding India sponsor Bhutan's entry into UN. Bhutan's entry to UN was also backed by China. And Bhutan was the first nation to  recognise Bangladesh as a sovereign Country even before India did. 

When Prime Minister Pandit Nehru of India wrote to Late Prime Minister Jigme Palden Dorji expressing India's anxiety about some rumoured talk of Bhutan establishing relationship with a third Country, the Third King put the letter from Nehru before the National Assembly of Bhutan. The response to Nehru was that Bhutan was not yet ready to establish relationship with a third Country but when Bhutan finds herself ready and makes such a decision, India a good friend of Bhutan  will be informed. The third country though not named by India or Bhutan was China.  His Majesty was very clear about the sovereign right of Bhutan to decide upon foreign relation with any Country including China. The Clause II of 1949 Indo- Bhutan Treaty even at that time in early 1960s was considered by Bhutan a dead residue of Sinchula Treaty imposed by British-India and never accepted by Bhutan. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck hadcrefused to leave New Delhi until India agreed to delete the offensive clause during the re- negotiiation of 1949 Treaty in 2007 between India and Bhutan. Therefore,  Bhutan should  not be  failing in exercising the sovereign right to determine her own foreign affairs and external relationships.  

However, Today Bhutanese democratic Government has our sovereign status fluttered by Indian wind and whim.  There is unhealthy hesitation in concluding the Sino- Bhutan Boundary Talks. And Bhutan is the only Country that is shy of necessary political will and confidence in establishing formal ties with China despite sharing long international borders with China. But with the blessings of our Deities and the spirit of past Kings and guidance of present Kings, courageous wisdom and political will should be taking charge of Bhutan's future path  without further delay.

May the Blessings and the  endeavours of the Third King, the 4th King and His Majesty the reigning King make  possible for Bhutan to secure friendly and lasting equal relationships with the giant two neigbours India our friend and benefactor and China the friendly economic super power of the world.

Palden Drukpa Gyal Lo. 

The World holds her breath as history smiles upon the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Jong Un is the formidable Leader of North Korea. The young leader who stood firm in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. And now he is on the historic thresh hold of achieving the dream of the people of  North Korea and 3 generations of great Kim heirachy. May he succeed. 

Chairman Kim Jong Un is now around 33 years old and he had  come to power more than six years back. Towards end of 2017, he was characterised by America and her Allies as the very devil whom they heavily sanctioned and issued threats against.  

Come April, 2018, Kim Jong Un suddenly becomes the darling of all Powers that be.

China the ever steadfast friend of North Korea quietly and graciously had welcomed Kim Jong Un and wife to Beijing several weeks back. Today the 27th of April, 2018, the North South two Korean Leaders held their Summit on the South Korean side of Ponmunjom village. The Summit was celebrated by a State Dinner comprising of two Korean cuisine. There was genuine air of friendship and relief.  

Sometime in June, Chairman Kim Jong Un of North Korea and President of America Donald Trump will hold their historic Summit. The two were initially proposed to meet in May but now deferred to June. Perhaps other events are scheduled in- between especially for North Korean Leader.

Before that Chinese President Xi Jinping may make a visit to North Korea. There is talk of Russia inviting Chairman Kim Jong Un for a visit to Moscow. Japanese Prime Minister Abe  also wants to meet the North Korean leader but I guess Mr. Abe will have to wait his turn and possibly never if his Party calls for a change in leadership after June. Since Japan's support for Indian Army transgression at Doklam, I had longed for Abe to vacate the Prime Minister post.  

It was always China and Russia who called on America and her Allies to stop threatening North Korea and instead demonstrate meaningful friendly gestures to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. But Japan was always calling on America to punish North Korea.  

China and Russia have always stood by North Korea. However, for world political posturing as well as for other regional relations at large, both Russia and China had joined lasyt year the latest round of UN  sanctions initiated by America and her Allies including Japan against North Korea for testing Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.   

The numerous sanctions against North Korea are still in place. And the nation and her people have been paying a heavy price in maintaining their sovereignty. But finally the world Powers especially America and her Allies have come to realise that North Korea cannot be bullied into submission. Japan suddenly found herself politically orphaned when President Trump agreed to meet North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un as proposed by South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Japan was not consulted. I recall that President Trump was always open to a Summit with Chairman Kim from his Presidential  Campaign days in 2016.

Against all odds and despite heavy and comprehensive sanctions, North Korea under the leadership of Chairman Kim Jong Un now possess ICBMs that can strike ant part of United States if a nuclear war comes about. And that is what changed the world political scene. Finally North Korea got Super Power America to have serious respect for Chairman Kim Jong Un.

It will take time to secure lasting peace at Korean Penisula but firm steps in that direction has been taken at Ponmunjom Summit today. As we look forward,  I do not believe that American grip on South Korea will loosen anytime soon. The armed forces of America will still rule the political and security roost of South Korea.  And North Korea can never give up the nuclear capability that she has achieved through decades of struggle and hardships. However, North Korea may  never risk the first use of her ballistic missiles to threaten neighbours like South Korea and Japan. And in return America and her  Allies will have to gradually ease the economic sanctions imposed on North Korea to encourage her to behave as a responsible member of world community.

The most sure way to secure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula would be to bring North Korea into regional development fold through promotion of trade and investment in North Korea instead of present forced isolation and economic sanctions by the world. And that could be the goal with North Korea committing to stop further development of nuclear arsenal.  

The Leader Kim Jong Un maybe young and his nation poor. But North Korea and Kim dynasty have journeyed through whatever hell America designed since the 1950s Korean war. He is a very confident and well educated leader. And in his person runs the same  blood and marrow interwined by the nerve of courage and determination that had his grandfather weld a war shattered, American bombs wasted North Korea into a nation that refused to bow to anyone. A leader who sacrificed everything for the sovereign existence of his nation. He has not even stepped out of North Korea since becoming the Leader on 17th December, 2011 until the China visit this year.  

I hope that the two self made leaders of North Korea and America will have a historic Summit and the outcome a Asia Pacific region of peace and prosperity.       

   

A Pray to temporal god of corruption.

Please cause a Financial Institution to hand me a gold mine. Enable a billion ngultums loan at low interest and then  borrow the same from me at high interest. Share my spoils thus obtained.

Buy or intimidate or collude with Regulatory RMA and Supervisory Board of Directors. Chain ACC
by Trio Team of OAG, Labour Ministry and Royal Court of Justice.

For select Few, Laughing all the way to the banks in the Nation of corrosive GNH ( Gifts Never Hindered ).

Oh! How openly corrupted society animals we have transformed in a decade ! Not a trace of guilt. Political backing is so wonderfully powerful in a nation to rot. 

MOTOR CAR RALLIES- DEEDS of NGOLOPs in PRISTINE BHUTAN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

There are two brands of Ngolops in Bhutan.

1. The Ones that lead Southern Bhutan uprising against the King and Country.

2.  Those Bhutanese economic and political Tsars who promote Indian Motor Car Rallies in Bhutan destroying the Pristine Nature and Carbon Neutral Policy of Bhutan. They are Ngolops against Druk Yul People and Land. They prostitute our environment for their individual commercial gains. Pollutes the air, congests the road and belittles national aspirations 

 

For dear Students of Bhutan.

Gyel Lyon Bhang Sum translates to:  The three power centres: Institutions of Monarchy + the Governance  Establishment + the Masses.

Similar to the oft used  political phrase " Tsawa Sum ". However, fundamental  intent of application differs. Tsawa Sum is a modern term and often pressed into use in advocating dedication and respect to King, Country and People. On which the law of sedition might be  based.  Gyel Lyon Bhang Sum is a traditional national  vision fostering shared trust and responsibility as in national duty among the three tiers of political heirachy. On which the law of harmony or gnh could be based. The two terms are distinctively different as in discipline and cohesion.

His Majesty the King advocated this national vision during 110th National Day Address in Haa Lhakhang Karpo and the Prime Minister relayed it in his national address on the occassion of the celebration of 38th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King at Thimphu Changlingmithang.

This means collective endeavour is the ultimate formulae for promoting and achieving Druk Yul sovereign dignity and unity.

Bhutanese citizen of all ages have a role and responsibility for the prosperity and dignity of Druk Yul Kingdom. You are important in nation building goal.

Thank you students for your superb and innovative dances and demonstrations that cream topped the national celebrations on the  joyous occassion of Majestic 38th Royal Birth Anniversary.

May Pelden Drukpa grant you A Happy and Successful Academic of Year of 2018 ! ! !

Political thoughts on Druk Yul endangered status.

It is disheartening to read that top Indian team of foreign and military dignatories visited Bhutan recently ( 6th and 7th Feburary, 2018)  from sources who shared Indian media news in fb. Only a dishonest Bhutanese leadership would blackout such critical news from our own media when the same is shared with Indian media by Indian Government.. 

I do not mind  Bhutan being led by  PDP or any other Bhutanese Political Parties or individuals as long as they act out policies  and deeds as true sovereign Pelden Drukpa citizens and keaders. But sadly our sovereignty is being eroded and our own leaders are playing the role of eroding agents with self intent or under manipulation. And the attention of the public is being diverted to Zhemgang gho and kira and childish public controversies/ allegations between PDP and DPT.

True Bhutanese citizens will wear their dedication to Palden Drukpa in their heart whilst others will wear their outward sentiment on their sleeves as in faithfully following gho and kira dictates and duping public with political  gimmicks. 

There is real danger of money and India taking over 2018 Elections no matter who comes to power. In 2008, I had no doubts about the priorities of the leaderships of both Presidents of DPT and PDP. Both Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley and Lyonpo Sangay Ngedrup  were well groomed and  seasoned national leaders. Sons of Pelden Drukpa and dedicated to national sovereign dignity. I believe that Lyonpo Sangay Ngedrup would have made a fine Prime Minister. His record of service as Minister and Prime Minister under absolute Monarchy reign stands as testimonies. And I do not believe that Lyonchen Jigmi Thinley betrayed Tsawa Sum as the 1st Prime Minister of democratic Bhutan. He is too smart and deeply ingrained in the Bhutanese cultural and political system not to have known that national strength comes from Tsawa Sum especially the nation reverred Institution of Monarchy. Too bad that possible misunderstandings cropped up or were deliberately created so successfully. And it is not the first time in the history of modern Bhutan. We still suffer as a nation and as a society from the grievous wounds of suspicions and hurt of 1960s and 70s. There are dark forces out to weaken and wreak a united Bhutanese heirachy.    

I dearly wished that democracy party system was not introduced in Bhutan. Mind you democratic elections for political posts was there for a long time since the reign of the illustrious Third King. Bhutanese public chose their gups, elected their Royal Advisory Councillors and Representatives to the National Assembly.   And from those august Bodies, members moved to Executive and Judicial posts. Thus Bhutanese national administration had elements of grassroot representations long before 2008.    

I am not against principles of democracy. And I sincerely believe in freedom of speech and thoughts that democracy is supposed to value and which I believe are birth right of a human being along with duty of being a responsible member of a community or national society.   Looking back, maybe , in many ways , my inner hesitation to adopt party democracy has been  justified. Today,  I cannot pinpoint one concrete and complete gift of democracy that benefitted the nation as a whole. Sure many more individuals entered the top social pyramid level. We have grossly paid Ministers and MPs and many such elected members owe their positions  to democracy party system  and not to the  grace of the King as was under the old system.  But on the whole, the national sovereign status has dipped under party democracy. We have more political leaders with more confused or self priorities.

There is no certainty what lies beneath the loud public talks of our political leaders.  I am weary of all Political Parties not that they cannot be trusted for their Bhutanese blood or birth.  Simply I fear their pursuit to rule Bhutan may compel them to compromise their Pelden Drukpa aspirations and ultimately reduce Bhuan to a vassal state of India. We are definitely on the path of vassal state. Not just PDP but even another Political Party including DPT may now lack the political will and clout to sign the Border Agreement with China. And BBIN will come back no matter who comes into power. The Southern Highway is dead forever and gradually there will be more cession of Drul Yul priorities  to Indian hegemony.  And such situation will promote internal turmoil of regionalism. Race and religion will boil over as faith in national leadership is worn down.

Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay is not our problem or the weak link in the chain of national pursuit to sovereign dignity.  The nation and we the people are suffering from a disease of confidence level and greed for personal super survival. Thus our inclination to think that only India can gurantee our personal and political aspirations and status. And China overewhelms our national leadership fear psyche. Actually it is not only the  meadow in front but also the forest behind that can sustain the herd. But our political herders are too lazy and over comfortable in set ways and trends to even attempt exploring the unknown forests. 

In real geopolitical and social psyche, it seems we as a society are overwhelmed by white people, scared of China due to brain washing through decades of anti- China propaganda and feel comfortable only with India because Indians were once serfs of British. Its like slaves finding common survival comfort in America but for Martin Luther King who believed in the dignity of existence. Bhutan too needs a Martin Luther type Leader to pull us out of India dominance orbit of life. 

There is no need to prefer China over India. No necessity to accord China the same equivalent privileges like accepting Chinese substitutes or equivalents of DANTAK and IMTRAT in Bhutan.  In fact  the roles of these two military or para- military of Indian Army Forces in Bhutan will have to deminish in future as Bhutan improves her own abilities. Have India as number one friend but acquire China as our number two friend. Sign the Border Agreement and establish diplomatic ties with China.  We are linked by physical geography and historical culture with both China and India. It is an ill advice to ignore the importance of China to Druk yul sovereign dignity.  We must also genuinely  keep fostering understandings and co-operations with Bangladesh and Nepal the other two closest neighbours regardless of the status of those two countries' bilateral relations with China or India. Their bilateral relations are theirs to look out. The Kingdom of Bhutan must build bilateral relations with Bangladesh, China, India and Nepal for our own interests and national comfort.     
  
With deep respects and love, I feel that only His Majesty the King can soar up the necessary national resolve to sign the Bhutan- China Border Agreement. I pray that our Monarch acts now.   I hear some political leaders say diplomatic relationship with China is essential but not now. And they are tongue tied when asked why not now ? Are we awaiting for a different leadership or are we going to push such a sovereign task from the Third King to the Sixth King?  In all truth if what is taking place is not arrested now, the opportunity to secure our sovereignty as Druk Yul may disappear much before the Sixth King enthronement.

King Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned and Wangchuck Dynasty instituted for the sole objective of safe guarding Druk Yul sovereignty and dignity. Now it is the crucial time that the Kingdom needs the King to fulfill that objective  of 1907 in total. . This certainly is no time for Bhutanese leaders to play hide and seek game of secret collusions with visiting Indian high level delegations.  

Please do not misunderstand or misread  political situation of Bhutan or the political choice of Bhutan. India alone or China alone cannot be trusted to respect Bhutan's sovereignty for good. The reality is that Bhutan cannot put her political relationship in one basket of either India or China. For our sovereign preservation, we need to have diplomatic relation with China too. A Kingdom needs defined international border respected by neighbours. A Kingdom must be in position to establish and maintain internationally recognised position of sovereignty. Respect India as a vital  friend but stop this political homage to a Master. 

We also cannot keep on saying our wise and great King will take care of everything. We have had citizenship infiltration problems, militant infiltration problems in Southern Bhutan and recent Doklam transgression by India and continuous gigantic resentments amongst national Political Parties take place despite our wise and able Kings. It demonstrates that both people and officials must be there upholding respective roles. Only united efforts have found solution to national crisis. The King ofcourse is the ultimate trusted and unquestioned leader.  But even the best and best of world leaders require followers not just following but actively upholding both individual and collective responsbilities.  Even the Almighty God need Prayers and efforts  from believers to grant required salvations. 

Our Monarch too need support of the people and Political Parties and their leaders. And in today's political world such support must be demonstrated for the world to notice. And it is not at all adequate to declare that you conducted your annual Chhoku or scripture reading for the health of Tsawa Sum. Or you took an official tour to foreign land to talk of the King and GNH.  You know and everyone knows your chhoku and annual scripture reading is only meant for your individual self and family upkeeps. And foreign tours have so many other fringe reasons. Likewise today, political leaders and their Parties are clamouring for the chance to govern but rarely for the national interests of sovereign Bhutan. Bhutan needs genuine democratic leadership to lead the nation. Not sticklers that leech onto national positions and bleed Druh Yul to demise.

If there really is in existence in the universe of Druk Yul the Palden Drukpa Chhoe Chhangs, I guess what is happening now are only occurring to cause a major upheaval to enable true establishment of sovereign dignity of nationhood. Maybe Palden Drukpa Chhoe Chhangs are just figments of our beliefs and faith indoctrinated since ancestors' time. Or maybe we cannot leave everything to the Dieties. Perhaps both leadership and people must put in more selfless efforts in nation building. No nation needs an upheaval. We need courage and determination to change the course of nation before the so called " elder sibling " strips us to defenceless nakedness.

Sikkim has sunk into the Indian Union. And not one original Sikkimise leader has survived afloat. Likewise has been the fate of Tibet and her traditional leaders.  Bhutan will not suffer the same fate of total submersion like that of Sikkim due to geopolitical startegic reasons of China and India. Even then none of us will survive with our status intact if an upheaval happens. The common people in general will be carrying on life as they have been since forefathers time under one  leader or another. Perhaps less sure and more uncertain and definitely devoid of national and self pride.  So a united selfless step to secure real sovereign status at this period when we have our Druk Yul as still ours is worth accomplishing over and above shortlived self pursuit of comfort and power.

Sovereign dignity is not just having our own King and elected Prime Minister. A system alone does not represent national dignity.  It is exercising national right to secure our national priorities and our leaders accomplishing such national goals instead of camoflaging failures with grand bilateral Indo- Bhutan priorities. Signing Bhutan-China Border Agreement is Bhutan's mark of sovereignty and  dignity. Not a favour to China or pivot to China policy adoption forsaking India as a friend.   

Thadamtsi must be a two way faith built on honest trust and truth. Lets us be honest and trustworthy leaders and citizens. Serve Pelden Drukpa not Hindustan.  

Pelden Drukpa! Gyal Lo !