Nation celebrates His Majesty's birthday

February 22: As the nation celebrated the 28th birth anniversary of His Majesty the King, tens of thousands of people from all walks of life gathered at the RBP ground in the capital to take part in the celebrations. His Majesty was born on 21 February 1980.The celebration in the capital was broadcast live on BBS. The celebrations began after the Chief Guest Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji was escorted to the ground in traditional chipdrel procession.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji said within a short span of time since His Majesty assumed responsibilities as monarch and head of state, several initiatives have been taken for the present and future wellbeing of the nation and the people.

He said thousands of people have been granted land kidu and the price of sand and stone made affordable for the general public. He said His Majesty has first hand knowledge of the hardship faced by the people having traveled across the length and breadth of the country accompanying His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo from an early age.

He said His Majesty has taken measures to take Kidu to the people understanding that vulnerable communities who are in genuine need of Kidu will not be able to travel to Thimphu to seek Kidu.

To build a strong economy as a firm foundation for a vibrant democracy, the National Tourism Board and Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) were established as per the command of His Majesty the King.

The GNH Commission was established to mainstream the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) propounded by Hs Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo into the kingdom’s development plans.

As part of the celebrations in the capital, students from Thimphu presented a cultural programme. People BBS spoke to said the day is an occasion to pray for the long life and good health of His Majesty the King. They said it is also an opportunity to pay homage to His Majesty and reaffirm their loyalty and dedication to the King, country, and the people.

Coinciding with the birth anniversary celebration, the National Steering Committee for Coronation and Centenary Celebrations and Department of Information Technology launched the Coronation and Centenary Website www.bhutan2008.bt.

Bhutan Post also released the world’s first documentary CD-ROM postage stamps entitled 100 years of monarchy and in harmony with nature. The first CD stamp portrays a short history with photos and videos of the contributions of the monarchs of Bhutan. The second CD stamp highlights Bhutan’s pristine environment and conservation efforts.

The celebration ended with the Tashi Lebay.

www.bbs.com.bt