Vision as a challenge (REPRODUCTION)
Addressing the students of Sherubtse, the message reaching out to the entire nation, His Majesty the King outlined some of his royal vision last week, a vision for Bhutan and for the future. It is a foresight that lights up the future in a vivid perspective of past perceptions and current realities.
Bhutan has been moving from a romantic era of being a mystical hidden land to being a small player in a global village, having to stake its claims in the real world. Personifying the aspirations of the young generation His Majesty views this challenge with optimism.
Geo politics has always been a sensitive issue that Bhutanese leaders have understood and respected. Like everything else, geopolitics is changing and His Majesty points out that not only are the dynamics between India and China changing, both are now global economic giants. As a buffer Bhutan has much to gain.
While preserving Bhutan’s strengths like the strong legacies of a pristine environment, rich culture, and the noble goal of gross national happiness, His Majesty emphasises the importance of understanding our weaknesses. The need to build a strong economy has been a consistent advice from the Throne since the royal address to the nation on December 17. His Majesty sees this as a foundation for Bhutan’s growth.
The words that should continue to ring among the youth is the need to understand their responsibilities, another important message for all Bhutanese. As the kingdom seeks good governance through a unique democracy the commitment is that “failure is not an option”.
His Majesty continues to celebrate past achievements. At the same time the nation’s academic elite, the students of this high institution of learning, are reminded that Bhutan is enjoying the fruits of labour of our parents and ancestors. Theirs is the challenge to ensure that the kingdom of Bhutan continues to take a lead role in human development.
The inspiring message that comes through is that it will be done. Small does not mean helpless, remote does not mean cut off, and every challenge is an opportunity.
Only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find his right road
(Kuensel Editorial 17 April, 2007)