Remembering Great 4th, Our Beloved King

 

Source: FB Page

I join the nation to pay my humble tribute to our beloved monarch, the great 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, King of Bhutan from 1972–2006, on his 70th Birth Anniversary.

1. Thank you for taking the throne at the age of 16. At that age, most of us would have barely known how to fend for ourselves, care about our hairstyles, or dress appropriately but our great 4th King took on the charge of leading our nation with wisdom beyond his years.

2. Thank you for giving us Gross National Happiness (GNH). This philosophy is for all of us, even reaching as far as leaders like President Trump of the United States. I remember in grade nine, being asked to create a PowerPoint on GNH for an IT practical exam. At the time, I barely understood and knew GNH, anyway, all round, and even now, I am still learning to grasp the depth of this vision. I aspire to apply its principles in my personal growth, aiming to become a better individual through the GNH effect.

3. Thank you for ensuring the preservation of at least 62 percent of forest coverage at all times. Many of us may not fully understand the importance of forests, but I'm increasingly realizing the wisdom behind this vision not just for Bhutan, but for the world. We live at the intersection of a modern, technology-driven era, soon to be dominated by AI. Yet, no matter the development or technological advancement, even if we land on the Moon, or to different planets, we still need forests to breathe clean air and sustain life. Forests are essential for almost everything, and this foresight is a gift for all generations. 

4. Thank you for bestowing Constitutional Democracy upon the Bhutanese people. Before this, we had little or no experience or understanding of democracy. It was only through the vision of the Golden Throne that we embraced this system. Looking back, it was not only timely but truly timeless in its wisdom. Who could have thought better and more than our beloved king! It makes me go silent and think more.

5. Thank you for the extraordinary legacy you have left for Bhutan. You are perhaps the greatest modern individual I can recall humble, ordinary, simple, quiet, yet profoundly visionary. While Bhutan may not rival the United States or other powerful nations in development, the legacy you set is clear and inspiring. What no ordinary leader could achieve in a lifetime, you accomplished in a less fortunate land through vision and extraordinary leadership. I wish to follow in your footsteps as a father to my two beautiful kids, son to my aging parents, husband to my wife, great neighbor to the community I live in. 

6. Thank you for always recognizing young people as the national asset and the future of Bhutan. The phrase “the future lies in the hands of our young people” resonates deeply. It is a profound message from the throne, encouraging and empowering young people to take responsibility for themselves and the nation. When this happens, the rest follows naturally. And I remember writing a few thoughts on this in my Geography Exam and I can't remember what I have written, but I might have written with utmost honesty by listening to your national speech on empowering young people. 

7. Thank you for providing free education and healthcare. Millions around the world could not access school, and thousands died for lack of healthcare. Yet, our beloved King made these services almost entirely free for the Bhutanese people. Considering our country’s size, population, and economy, this vision was bold but sustainable. I remember paying only Nu. 35 for an entire year of primary school as my school fee. My parents still felt a burden to pay this amount for me and my brother. If this wasn't the case, I may not have had the opportunity to attend school at all. Free access to education and healthcare has shaped generations and will continue to do so. THANK YOU SO MUCH MEWANG CHOG!!!

I will forever cherish these seven gifts and visions of our beloved 4th King. They remain close to my heart, now and always.