Beyond the party
25 October, 2008 – As we anticipate the big party there is a need to look beyond the Coronation week to make it truly meaningful. For us the Coronation is not just an event. It symbolises a new chapter of Bhutanese history, an era that must inspire generations of Bhutanese people in the future.
His Majesty the King has been repeating his vision for the future to leaders of the government, to the people, and mostly to the youth. This week His Majesty shared his priorities with the graduates of 2008: the peace and well-being of the people, sovereignty and security of the country, building a vibrant democracy, realising GNH, and economic self-reliance.
This is a broad vision for Bhutan’s future. To get there we need to start with small practical issues on the ground, like the urgent touching up of Thimphu city for the Coronation. The painting of roofs and houses, widening of roads, coordinating traffic, fixing public facilities, and completing building projects should not be a Coronaton special. They should be routine work. But it took the Coronation of our King to even move the motor vehicle workshops to their designated spot.
Can we hope that this week’s awakening may be permanent… that we do not slip back into the malaise that is becoming the real routine? The challenge is that we do not direct traffic just for three days but through the year. As it is, re-enforced traffic policemen are standing and watching motorists break all the rules without seeming to notice.
His Majesty has made it clear that the Coronation is not an extravaganza but that it must be a meaningful occasion for the Bhutanese people. This week there is the need to look beyond Thimphu so that the celebrations are meaningful for all Bhutanese. In the age of television there is a tendency to organise performances for the screen. But, in Bhutan, we want the occasion to be a celebration of the people and not something that they can watch on television. We must convey Thimphu’s excitement to rural Bhutan.
Modern day celebrations are too often characterised by colour and noise. The Coronation is a happy and sacred occasion so it must convey both the joy of the occasion and the aura of the momentous event.
Let us celebrate the empowerment of yet another great leader.
“The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope”
Source: Kuenselonline