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His Majesty speaks on Bhutan's future

Addressing the graduates of Sherubtse college in Kanglung yesterday at its 11th biennial Convocation His Majesty, King Jigme Khesar highlighted the achievements of the nation and said that all Bhutanese were rightfully proud of our country. However, the younger generation should not become complacent, "In fact we have to be extra cautious. All that our country has achieved are the accomplishments of our parents ? not ours. Our work lies ahead of us - what we have to do has not been done before."

As a small society Bhutanese citizens, more than those of larger countries, bear a greater responsibility and role in the success of the nation, His Majesty said. "Individual success depends on success as a nation - no one succeeds when the nation has failed. There can be no Bhutanese without Bhutan. This is the fundamental truth for a small country like ours."

the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck His Majesty said that the young graduates were entering a crucial phase in their own lives as well as that of the nation's history. The immediate duty of every Bhutanese, His Majesty said, is to bring about a successful transition to democracy "because a good democracy will ensure that the aspirations of the people will always be fulfilled. It is a task that must be achieved. Failure can never be an option."

It is exactly at such a time when we have a strong culture and traditions; environmental wealth; transition to democracy in a time of peace and prosperity; socio-economic success; our development philosophy of Gross National Happiness; and sovereignty and security ? that we must ask ourselves, "What is the role of this generation in the history of our nation? What do we have to do to make the things we love and value so much, sustainable? How do we preserve everything that is special to Bhutan, yet take our country to greater heights?"

His Majesty said, "In this globalised and modern world there can only be one answer- a strong dynamic economy. We need resources, we need national wealth - and this can only come from the economy." However, His Majesty said, we must build not just a strong economy but a strong economy suited to Bhutan's needs. His Majesty said that Bhutan had succeeded not only in building a unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness but also embarked on an unprecedented democratic transition unique to Bhutan. "In the past we embraced modernisation on our own terms and conditions. If we plan ahead and work hard we have a special opportunity to build a dynamic economy - once again on our own terms and conditions."

But the economy was not only a goal to strive for, His Majesty said, it is a weakness that Bhutan must first accept in order to be a successful nation. "We cannot just display our strengths and achievements - we must also recognise our weaknesses - our weakness today is the economy."

"We no longer live in a small hidden kingdom. We are very much a part of this new globalised world. At the end of the day, what it will always come down to is - how can Bhutan stand on her own feet? How can we make a good living? What can Bhutan sell that the world wants to buy? How can Bhutan compete with other nations as equals? We are not competing with each other, we must compete with the rest of the world. It is no longer enough to say 'I am the best in Bhutan' you have to be the best wherever you go in the world."

His Majesty said that whenever people spoke of the Bhutanese economy they always spoke of the immense challenges for a small country.

His Majesty told the youth that they must not be daunted. As a small nation Bhutan had faced many challenges in the past and would face even greater challenges in the future. "But I firmly believe that every single challenge can be turned into an opportunity if we plan ahead and work hard."

"People say that Bhutan is a small country. Yes, its true, but our size is our greatest strength. As a small country with a small population, we can manage our country better, and plan our economy better. We have a small family of Bhutanese but a family that has common goals and aspirations - and a family that truly loves their country."

"Some say we are a country landlocked between two giant neighbours - yes we all know that being landlocked has its disadvantages but in building a strong economy our geopolitical location is going to be our biggest advantage. Within a few decades India and China are expected to dominate the world economy. So, in the context of opportunities we are definitely not landlocked - I think we have the world at our doorstep!"

His Majesty said that India was a true source for optimism for the future. "As our closest neighbour and friend, Bhutan's rapid socio- economic growth was assisted by India's steadfast support. As the world's largest democracy, our young democratic system will always benefit from India's experience. As an economic power of the future, our economy will only benefit from cooperation with India," said His Majesty. "I know that India is deeply committed to Bhutan's growth as a democracy and as a neighboring economy, so India's growth and success will be Bhutan's success as well."

His Majesty said, "Bhutan is a nation full of promise and potential. We have the security and confidence of our own culture and traditions, an unspoiled environment and most importantly, a young population full of dynamism and promise."

"My message to you, the young leaders of Bhutan is - we have everything it takes to build a strong economy and safeguard everything we cherish - but on one condition - that we start today - with big ambitions, and we work hard."

His Majesty urged Bhutanese to "rise to the challenge, change our mindset, our way of working, think big and work hard. The time has come for us to stand on our own feet, to compete as equals with other nations and to succeed through our own hard work and sweat, on our own terms and merit."

His Majesty said that if this generation succeeded in fulfilling their duty of building a strong Bhutanese economy, then they would have laid the foundation for a sound democracy, for Gross National Happiness and for peace and prosperity for all Bhutanese now and in the future.

"I have no personal goals," said His Majesty. "I will adopt your aspirations as my own and work towards fulfilling them. Therefore, you must have big ambitions and hopes and for our country." With these words, His Majesty then proceeded to grant degrees to the graduates, most of whom were deeply moved and emotional. "After 16 years of education, today is the moment to celebrate, how much better can it get," said Kuenga Lhendup, presently a trainee at Royal Institute of Management in Semtokha. "I cannot be luckier than this."

"We are the most fortunate lot," said Tashi Tshering, who works as the human resource officer at RCSC. "It further inspires us to rededicate ourselves to contribute to society. It's a dream come true."

For Kesang, an English Honours graduate, it was a significant beginning for another phase of life. "We are now entering another phase of our life which is a more challenging journey and with His Majesty's words we are better prepared for that," he said.

Ugyen, a Commerce graduate said, "I initially felt lucky just to receive my degree from His Majesty himself, but when His Majesty spoke to us with so much advice and then gave each one of us our degrees and spoke to us one by one, I really felt blessed to be born in this country."

Many senior civil servants who spoke to Kuensel said that they felt His Majesty was not speaking to the youth alone but to all Bhutanese, especially those in positions of responsibility. One Dzongda said that it was "an eye-opener and most enlightening guidance for us. We had never thought of the issues in this way. The Royal Address has brought clarity and focus to Bhutan's future. But for us it will be invaluable in carrying out our own duties in our dzongkhags."

Nancy Strickland, from the Canadian Cooperation Office told Kuensel, "This was a memorable event for me but a truly historic event for Bhutan. The stirring speech firmly places the future of the nation in the hands of the new generation, with great faith. His Majesty coming all the way to Sherubtse shows his tremendous commitment in the nation's future."

Sherubtse produced its first batch of graduates in November 18, 1986. This year about 487 graduates of 2004 and 2005 attended the convocation. Over 2,200 students have graduated from Sherubtse until date. Sherubtse became the founding member of Royal University of Bhutan on June 2, 2003.

The convocation was also attended by Their Royal Highnesses Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck and Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck, the education minister, Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho and representatives from Delhi University, the Indian Embassy and international organisations.

Contributed by Rinzin Wangchuk, Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2007

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