Enlightened Monarchy
Never in the history of human Endeavour, relating to the small nation state, has so much been done by just one person for the enduring benefit of so many people! Further, those people who have benefited are not just Bhutanese, but people beyond the kingdom of Bhutan, indeed right around the world.
I refer, of course, to the forth King of Bhutan, the king father of Bhutan, and I apologise to Sir Winston Churchill for borrowing his famous World War Two phrase, but it fits the bill relating to this extraordinary man who voluntarily abdicated in favour of his son, H.R.H. the Crown Prince, late last year.
On the occasion, as I entered the royal reception room in Thimphu to meet His Majesty, I was struck by the awe of his presence: a quiet dignity and determination, a wisdom on many matters of challenge to Bhutan and the world. Further, the surrounds were very modest, in keeping with the then king’s focus and uncluttered ways.
His contributions are very many, including the concept of Gross National Happiness, and it is to his everlasting credit that has been successfully webbed into the fabric of the Kingdom of Bhutan, enhancing national well-being in the process. Indeed it is now being closely studied worldwide. Variations of GNH are being adopted in places a long way from Bhutan, including Australia and Canada.
I salute His Majesty, the king father, as a person who it has been a privilege to meet, as a person who fronted up bravely when required to deal with the Assam rebels in the southern forest of Bhutan and as a person who has brought much goodness to a troubled world.
As Bhutan completes 100 years with a designated enlightened monarchy, 1,000 years and more as an enlightened cultural wonderland in southern Himalayan medicine valleys, it shines as a glistening pebble between two giant stones. That this is so, much is owed to King father, the fourth King, and also on a smaller scale to the fifth King. Long may the goodness of Bhutan reign!
The Hon. Tim Fischer AC
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia.
Source: The Legacy of a King