Bhutan - His Majesty grants audience to scholarship students

Mar 16 2012

His Majesty the King and Gyaltsuen granted audience to about 184 undergraduate scholarship students at the Royal Banquet Hall this morning.

These students will be pursuing higher studies in various universities outside the country. His Majesty congratulated the students for their achievement and prayed for their success.

In an informal discussion with the students, His Majesty said that they should be proud and be good ambassadors of a strong, peaceful and special Nation. His Majesty also spoke at length about values and the importance of becoming good human beings.

His Majesty also added that “learning how to lose is the first principle in life, and failure is the prerequisite to success”.

Refreshments were also served to the students.

Meanwhile, His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Joint Secretary, North of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Akhilesh Mishra. While in the country, the Joint Secretary met with the senior government officials to discuss the issues related to bilateral affairs.

Bhutan - Nation celebrates His Majesty’s Birthday

Feb 21 2012

His Majesty the King and Gyeltsuen joined with the people of Sarpang to celebrate His Majesty’s 32^nd Birth Anniversary today. Thousands of people gathered at Gelephu public ground to mark the day.

His Majesty the King and Gyeltsuen were received in a traditional chipdrel ceremony followed by Jepai Pawo and Marchang.

Rabdey, civil servants, Thromdey, armed forces and the public of Sarpang Dzongkhag offered Kusung Thugi Mendrel to His Majesty the King.

A guard of honour was also presented by the Armed Forces. Students from different schools then performed the March past.

Addressing the gathering, His Majesty the King expressed gratitude to the fourth Druk Gyalpo for giving him knowledge,

skills and trust and to the people for wonderful support and prayers.

Various cultural activities and entertainments were performed by the students. Their Majesties took part in the entertainments programmes.

His Majesty the King and Gyeltsuen personally met and interacted with the people and students.

The day ended with Trashi Labey. A lunch was also served to the people gathered.

Celebrations in Thimphu and other Dzongkhags

In Thimphu, thousands of people gathered at the Changlimithang stadium to observe the day. His Royal Highness Prince JigyelUgyenWangchuck also graced the occasion.

The Chief Guest, Minister for Works and Human Settlement,Yeshey Zimba, highlighted the significance of the day. He called on the nation to join him in paying tribute to His Majesty the King on His Birthday. “Let us all, especially the youth who are here today and those across the country, pledge to His Majesty the King to stop indulging in unwanted activities like drug abuse and other problems.”

Students from different schools in Thimphu performed various cultural programmes as part of the celebration.

In Punakha the celebration was graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck.Over in Paro, His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Dorji Wangchuck graced the celebration at the Ugyen Pelri Palace ground. Students from schools in Paro, Gewog dancers, and mask dancers performed various cultural activities. Hundreds of people took part in the celebrations.Similar celebrations, including the offering of butter lamps for His Majesty’s long life, and for the peace and prosperity of the Kingdom, were observed in all the 20 Dzongkhags.

Bhutan - His Majesty the King offered prayers and Khadars to the Kudung of late Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche at Dagophu in Paro today.

His Majesty the King and the Gyaltsuen, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Their Majesties the Queen mothers and the princesses offered prayers and Khadars to the Kudung of late Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche at Dagophu in Paro today.

Bhutan - His Majesty the King graced the Opening Ceremony of 8th Session of Parliament today

4 January 2012, Thimphu: His Majesty the King graced the Opening Ceremony of 8th Session of Parliament today. His Majesty was accompanied by Her Majesty Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.

The members of the parliament took the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, as per the Constitution.

Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley, the Chairperson of the National Council, Namgye Penjore and the Opposition Leader Tshering Tobgay offered gratitude to His Majesty the King for His selfless service to the nation and the people. They also offered felicitations and expressed happiness on the Royal Marriage of His Majesty the King to Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, on behalf of the members of the parliament.

Bhutan - His Majesty joins Haaps to celebrate Lomba

Haaps and Parops will remember this Lomba for years to come. This year, they are celebrating the Lomba with His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen.

Lomba is celebrated as the New Year by the Haaps and Parops.

As the entourage arrived in Haa, Their Majesties were received by the monks of the Haa rabdey at the Lhakhang Karpo where the royal couple stopped briefly to offer prayers.

His Majesty is visiting Haa and Paro to assess the reconstruction of houses damaged by the September 18 earthquake.

His Majesty and Her Majesty then joined the people of Jangkakha village in Bji Geog.

Speaking to the people, His Majesty said he was happy to be in Haa as they celebrate Lomba.

“As you plan your new house, I would like to remind you about the importance of maintaining the traditional architecture. I have always cherished my visits here because of the beautiful houses that reflect our age-old culture and traditions,”

His Majesty also reminded the people that the earthquake in September will make the people and the government more prepared.

The people expressed their gratitude to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen for celebrating Lomba with them.

His Majesty the King also took part in traditional games like Khuru and Soksum.

Bhutan - India’s president hosts banquet in honour of His Majesty

The President of India Pratibha Patil hosted a banquet in honour of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen at the Rashtrapati Bavan last night.

Welcoming His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to India, President Pratibha Patil said it was an honour and a privilege that His Majesty’s first visit abroad after his wedding is in India.

His Majesty said they were humbled by the manner in which they were received.

“Deciding to visit India, a week after our marriage, it came naturally. After all, India has always been a home away from home.”

“Your Excellency, your invitation is an unprecedented gesture of warmth and solidarity towards me and towards Bhutan, a gesture that Jetsun and I accept with great humility and deep gratitude and one that we will over the course of our lives always try to live up to as your closest friend.”

Prior to the banquet, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen met with President Pratibha Patil.

Yesterday afternoon, His Majesty granted an audience to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and National Security Adviser Shiv Shankhar Menon.

Bhutan - His Majesty arrives in Delhi

Sunday, October 23, 2011

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen left on a state visit to India this morning.

This is the first visit abroad after the royal wedding on October 13.

Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the royal couple was received by Union Minister for State Deora Milind Murli, Chief of Protocol Ruchira Kamboj and the officials from the Royal Bhutanese Embassy.

They were also greeted by a large number of Indian journalists representing almost every media organisation.

While in India, His Majesty will meet the Indian leaders and discuss matters of mutual interest and cooperation.

The royal couple is accompanied by the Home and Cultural Affairs Minister Minjur Dorji, the Minister-in-Charge of Foreign Affairs Khandu Wangchuk and the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army Major General Batoo Tshering.

This morning, His Majesty King and Her Majesty the Queen were seen off by Their Royal Highness the Princes and Princesses and the Paro dzongkhag officials.

Bhutan - His Majesty assures help

Doteng & Tsento, Paro 30 September, 2011 - His Majesty the King visited the gewogs of Tsento and Doteng in Paro yesterday, to examine the extent of damage caused by 18 September earthquake.

His Majesty spoke to residents of Tsento and Doteng, and also listened to their concerns and needs, and urged residents to share their personal experiences during the earthquake. Paro dzongkhag has reported more than 2,100 houses affected by the earthquake, the highest number of any dzongkhag.

“I can’t tell you not to worry,” His Majesty said. “However, I assure you that we, the government, people and king, will work together to restore your lives.”

His Majesty said that he was aware that lack of labour caused by rural to urban migration, and the upcoming harvest season will conflict with repair efforts. His Majesty assured those affected and requiring assistance that the army will be dispatched to aid and reconstruct homes and be provided necessary finances.

Once repair and reconstruction works commence, His Majesty said that he would return periodically to inspect the effort.

During the visit to the two gewogs, His Majesty also entered to inspect some houses that had been deemed too risky for inhabitation.

The head of one household, Kipchu, 54, said the happiness and gratefulness he felt would pass on to his next life by the royal visit. Kipchu, and his family of seven, live in a makeshift structure roofed with tarpaulin, next to their severely damaged house. Kipchu said His Majesty had told him and his family that they would have a home again.

During the interaction with the people of the two gewogs, His Majesty also pointed out that earthquakes are unpredictable and could happen at any time, ranging anywhere from years to days. His Majesty said that the best preparation is to have well constructed and sturdy houses built.

His Majesty the King also pointed that a positive aspect of these tragedies is that “we are all learning from these experiences, and getting more prepared and better skilled to deal with these disasters.”

While saddened by the damage caused His Majesty said, “It warms my heart to see the whole nation, the government and the people working together.” His Majesty added, “We rejoice together, we grieve together.”

By Gyalsten K Dorji

Bhutan - His Majesty and Queen-to-be visit Lungtenzampa

His Majesty the King and Queen-to-be Jetsun Pema visited Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School yesterday. They watched a variety show especially dedicated to them. His Majesty the King and Queen-to-be Jetsun Pema are both alumni of Lungtenzampa.

As they walked hand in hand along the school campus, they were greeted by messages written by the students. They also gave autographs to the staff and students of Lungtenzampa.

At the end of the programme, students sang a song of commitment to His Majesty the King, the country and the people.

His Majesty then interacted with the students after the programme. He told the students to always dream and to work hard towards achieving their dreams.

His Majesty the King studied in Lungtenzampa from 1989 to 1993.

Queen-to-be Jetsun Pema studied in Lungtenzampa from 2001 till 2005.

Bhutan - His Majesty graces graduate convocation

His Majesty the King advised graduates from colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan who are attending their convocation to aim high, use time wisely and work with wisdom and courage.

This is the first joint convocation to be held for graduates from various colleges under the university. In the past, the convocations were held separately with the graduates travelling to their respective colleges to attend the ceremony.

His Majesty the King, who is also the Chancellor of the Royal University of Bhutan, was accompanied by the would-be Queen Jetsun Pema.

His Majesty asked the graduates to serve the country with dedication saying they can do much to ensure a better future for both themselves and the country.

One thousand and eighty eight university graduates of 2008, 2009 and 2010 attended the convocation.

The convocation ended with Tashi Moenlam from the Tsula Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang, the graduates and the faculty members of the member colleges.

cr: bbs.bt.com

Bhutan - His Majesty grants dhar and kabney to the Gups

His Majesty the King granted dhar and kabney to 190 Gups at the Tashichhodzong today. They are the first democratically elected Gups. A Press release from the Royal Office of Media says that the award of kabney to Gups by His Majesty is unprecedented and symbolises the importance and apolitical nature of the local government in the new governance era.

Speaking to the Gups, His Majesty said in the few years since 2008, we have conducted the general elections, adopted the constitution and formed the houses of parliament, constitutional bodies and the Supreme Court. His Majesty said today we have accomplished yet another milestone in establishing the first local governments under democracy. He said all the founding pillars of democracy in Bhutan have been laid so early in his reign as he fulfills the vision of his father of a vibrant democracy.

His Majesty said as a symbol of the independence and importance of local government, he is awarding them kabneys from the throne. “Local government is not the lowest level of government,” His Majesty said. He said it is the nearest and closest level of government for the people. For rural Bhutanese, local governments are indispensable avenues for participation in democracy and development. In the long run, the success of democracy in Bhutan His Majesty said will be determined by the success of local governments.

His Majesty added that the Gups might think that His Majesty have detailed their duties and responsibilities and the importance of local government but have said few words of felicitation and praise for their success in the elections. He said their work is yet to begin and praise will not solve any of the problems facing the people.

His Majesty said he will be the first to commend and praise their achievements, if, after five years he finds that the Gups have served their constituencies well, that they have worked hard and without prejudice and above all without hurting the sentiments of the people.

The Gups led by the Venerable Yangbi lopen of the central monastic body offered tashi moenlam prayers to His Majesty the King. The Gups said they felt privileged to have received such recognition from His Majesty the King. They will now serve for a term of five years. According to the Gyalpoi Zimpoen Dasho Penjore, Gup’s kabney like any other position-tied decorations can only be worn for the duration of the tenure.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Bhutan - 25 promoted as colonels

His Majesty the King today promoted 25 lieutenant colonels of the armed forces to the rank of colonels. This includes 14 Lt. Colonels from the Royal Bhutan Army, seven from the Royal Body Guards and four from the Royal Bhutan Police.

The officers received Tashi Khadhar from His Majesty the King at the throne room of the Tashichhodzong.

Following that, His Majesty granted an audience to the officers and their family members at the courtyard of the dzong.

Bhutan - ~The Royal Couple~

Our Druk Gyalpo with Jetsun Pema, the future Queen of Bhutan.

Cr : Facebook ~His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ~

Bhutan - His Majesty’s address to the 7th session of parliament today

It is now almost three years and three months since the start of democracy. Our nation has so much to be proud of. The first years of democracy have been a great success, made possible by the blessings of the Dharma and our Guardian Deities and the foundations laid through the selfless efforts of our forefathers and Kings and the good fortune and karma of the People of Bhutan.

Our generation embarked on a profound process of democratization, with little experience but armed with the strength of our unity of vision and aspirations. Our people, government, religious institutions and bodies, private sector, media, legislature, constitutional bodies, judiciary and the armed forces have all served the country well under this new system, and have worked to slowly shape a strong and effective democracy. Through your hard work, it has been possible in the midst of such a dramatic transition to oversee the vast socio-economic development plans and projects we had in the 10th 5-year plan.

The government has worked tirelessly in all sectors such as hydropower, tourism, agriculture and industries. Remote villages are being connected with roads and electricity is being made accessible to villages while education and health facilities are being broadened or improved. Our traditions and cultural values continue to be strengthened and rural lhakangs are being renovated. The government has moved with intensified efforts to renew foreign relations according to the changing times. I am happy that our relations with India are as strong as ever. The people of Bhutan must appreciate all these efforts being made by the government.

In spite of all our achievements and the peace and prosperity we have experienced for so long – in fact because of this success – we must remember to never be complacent. If even a small fraction of the problems that plague other nations appear in Bhutan, our small society will be forever afflicted and we may never regain our jewel of a nation.

As we move forward, we must be guided by the most sacred and unchanging national goals – the security and sovereignty of our Nation and the peace, unity and harmony of our People. Today, as I have said before, our immediate and foremost duty is the success of democracy. That is our foundation for the future success of Bhutan. But democracy can only flourish if all Bhutanese uphold the rule of law; if there is good governance; if corruption is eradicated and if the delivery of public services is fair and effective.

As a small landlocked nation, the only way for us to fulfill these is to carry out our duties through cooperation, sharing and consultation. I know that each ministry, government institution, parliamentary body or public agencies has its own mandate. Still, you must work together, not in competition. Henceforth, I ask all of you to establish the practice of meeting regularly, sitting face to face every now and then, so that you will always be in collaboration as you carry out your separate responsibilities. And all problems may be resolved without being allowed to fester and grow.

Such shared effort will be in the true spirit of Gross National Happiness.

Today, at this auspicious gathering, I would like to make a short announcement to all the people of the 20 Dzongkhags.

As King, it is now time for me to marry. After much thought I have decided that the wedding shall be later this year.

Now, many will have their own idea of what a Queen should be like – that she should be uniquely beautiful, intelligent and graceful. I think with experience and time, one can grow into a dynamic person in any walk of life with the right effort. For the Queen, what is most important is that at all times, as an individual she must be a good human being, and as Queen, she must be unwavering in her commitment to serve the People and Country.

As my queen, I have found such a person and her name is Jetsun Pema. While she is young, she is warm and kind in heart and character. These qualities together with the wisdom that will come with age and experience will make her a great servant to the nation.

This union does not mean that I am starting my own family. From the very day I received the Dhar Ngay-Nga from the sacred Machhen, the people of the 20 Dzongkhags became my family. Such is the duty and privilege of all Kings of Bhutan. It is through this union, that I shall have a Queen who will support, and work with me, as I serve the People and Country.

The wedding will be in accordance with age-old tradition, to seek the blessings of our Guardian Deities. I ask the government not to make any plans for a grand celebration. The happiness of my beloved father and the blessings of our People will give me the greatest joy and happiness.

Bhutan - His Majesty issues Kasho on Local Goverment Elections

During the audience granted to those who had appealed against their disqualification, His Majesty the King said that their appeal and the submissions made by the Prime Minister on behalf of the National Assembly, National Council and the two political parties, was with regard to the failure of the respective political parties to abide by the laws on procedures for de-registration in particular and on the interpretation of the laws on de-registration in general. Thus, the appeal would merit full consideration from the relevant agencies, if the individuals had themselves acted in accordance with the laws.

His Majesty said that the Election Commission of Bhutan was simply abiding by the Constitutional requirement that Local Governments must be apolitical. His Majesty said, “I have always encouraged political participation and the growth of political parties. Having heeded my request to all citizens to participate in the political process in the past, you may now, as prospective candidates for Local Government offices, be surprised that your participation in political parties have hindered your chances to run for office in Local Government. The Constitution requires apolitical Local Governments for very important reasons. Local Government responsibilities are very different from those of political parties or any other institution. Local Governments are the foundation for grassroots democracy. They must have intimate knowledge of the daily lives of the people in their constituencies; work in constant and close interaction with their people and nurture cooperation, consensus and close-knit communities. In a largely rural country Local Governments are even more important not just in carrying out vital duties towards achieving development objectives of their people, but also in bringing about a harmonious society.”

His Majesty said, “As individuals, having a preference for a political party is not bad. The majority of people will always hold certain preferences. However, in carrying out one’s duties as part of an apolitical institution, we must keep our political affiliations aside. It is as simple as carrying out one’s official duties without being biased by preference for family and friends at the cost of the larger community.”

His Majesty said that he always encouraged institutions to resolve issues on their own, through consultation. He said, “Once the Throne is involved, the Throne will protect the Constitution and the laws in place – it has no other path before it.”

His Majesty said that, “the sacred Constitutional duty of the King is to protect and uphold this Constitution in the best interest and for the welfare of the people of Bhutan. As I do so, I shall seek if necessary, the Supreme Court’s opinion, for the Supreme Court is the guardian of this Constitution and the final authority of its interpretation.”