His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck: An Epic King
Bhutan had been, and I feel it will always be, blessed with selfless rulers who put the country before self. Having said that, I think the fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, will always stand apart. What Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal initiated 400 years ago, the fourth Druk Gyalpo consolidated and strengthened in order to ensure that this unique little kingdom would continue to exist and thrive not only in the 21st Century, but for all time to come.
Monarchs like His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck are a rarity. He always maintained that monarchy was perhaps not the right form of governance, and in hindsight, we realize that the fourth Druk Gyalpo already had his master plan for Bhutan by the tender age of 17 when he took over the governance of the kingdom. He single-mindedly strove to fit together Bhutan’s democracy jigsaw, piece by piece, over his 34-year reign. Right from the start, His Majesty worked untiringly to empower the people; he placed them centre stage, meeting all the people in the 20 dzongkhags and consulting them on the five-year development plans. The gradual devolution of power with the establishment of the Dzongkhag and the Gewog Yargye Tshogchung and the setting up of the Council of Ministers has finally culminated with the introduction of parliamentary democracy in 2008. The legacies of this wise, dynamic, far-sighted and visionary monarch also include the new development philosophy GNH, Gross National Happiness, environmental conservation and the preservation of Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage.
In addition to being a great statesman and general, the fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, is a true patriot who has always put the country before all else. He has always lived a simple life. I have never known His Majesty to take a holiday outside the country, nor have I ever seen His Majesty live a lavish lifestyle. His Majesty displays an innate sense of simplicity – from food to clothes to many other activities that surround him.
The fourth Druk Gyalpo is also very thoughtful and sensitive to the needs of those around him. I will always remember how deeply touched I was by this quality in our King. It was in the 1970s, when His Majesty took a whole group of young officers, including myself, on a mountain trek. We had walked the whole day and it was wet and the whole place was covered in snow. We were thirsty and hungry. Provisions were low and an attendant offered an orange to His Majesty – one of few remaining. His Majesty asked for all the fruit, peeled and then distributed the oranges equally among all those accompanying him. I was really moved by his display of human sensitivity. I know that, over the years, all who have come in touch with the fourth King have witnessed this compassion and sensitivity and been struck by these qualities.
His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck is my inspiration and to me, the greatest man that the world has seen. I would say that perhaps Bhutan is too small for the greatness of our King, the fourth Druk Gyalpo, and for the legacy he has left behind. We see the same traits in the fifth King, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and I am confident that His Majesty will lead Bhutan to even greater heights.
Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup Former Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister
Source: The Legacy of a King