King urges youths to take over responsibility
Kanglung, April 10: In his second public speech after ascending to the throne, His majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk asked the youths to act responsibly to solder the responsibility to shaping the future of the country to good.
Addressing the 11th convocation ceremony at Sherubtse College in Kanglung on April 10, he said, "As a small society Bhutanese citizens, more than those of larger countries, bear a greater responsibility and role in the success of the nation."
He credited the achievements made so far to parents and asked the students to carry out the works that lies ahead.
"Individual success depends on success as a nation – no one succeeds when the nation has failed. There can be no Bhutanese without Bhutan," he added.
He also highlighted that the immediate duty of all the Bhutanese is make the transition taking place in Bhutan a successful. "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," he stressed.
King also stressed for a strong dynamic economy suited to Bhutan's needs.
"We no longer live in a small hidden kingdom. We are very much a part of this new globalized 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," he further said.
"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. 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," he added.
To encourage the youths, he said their aspirations will be his goals and expressed commitments to fulfill them.
About 487 graduates of 2004 and 2005 attended the convocation ceremony.
Their Royal Highnesses Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck and Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck, education minister Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho and representatives from Delhi University, the Indian Embassy and international organisations were also present in the function. Bhutan News Service