The Fourth Dragon King

The monarchy institution is deeply revered in the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is known that Monarchs in Bhutan have guarded the people and country well even at the cost of their life. All monarchs are considered by people to be the manifestation of Buddha and other Buddhist saints. 

His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, during his 35 years reign has brought more peace and prosperity to already happiness accustomed society. HM was always a concern for his people and the country's well being. He traveled the length and breadth of the country to discuss the issue with people. HM always ask people that they should be at the forefront to take responsibility themselves to tell the government on what are the needs of the people. In this way, HM seems to have initiated many reforms including the political structure of the country. In the midst of enjoying continued peaceful journey under HM, there was a sudden announcement on devolving full executive powers to the Lhengye Zhungtsho (The council of the Ministers), elected by the National Assembly by HM in 1998. The Lhengye Zhungtshog was empowered with full executive power except on the need of informing the king on the matters concerning the country’s sovereignty and security. 

Though His Majesty asks people not to keep the responsibility on the king on the country's sovereignty and security during the HM's formal discussions on the draft constitution with people of twenty districts in 2005 people managed to task the King on responsibility for country’s sovereignty and security. 

The elected Minister chaired by the Lhengye Zhungtshog on a rotational basis in a sequence of the number of highest votes obtained during the election. For there only people started realizing HM's initiative of decentralization of power to people in a gradual manner. The District Development Committee in 1981 was instituted and the Block Development Committee was formed in 1991. The people were made to shoulder responsibility for the peace and stability of the country in the future. The king was firmed on establishing and strengthening the human resource and institution capacity by making citizens of all levels to participate in the socio-economic development process of the country.

I heard that in one of the Assembly sessions, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo proposed the vote of confidence for the King. The proposition was not new to Bhutan to be asked by the king. The third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had also asked National Assembly in 1969 for the vote of confidence in him.  This initiative was taken to judge the king, primarily on the performance and capability to lead the country, not by the virtue of the birth. However, none doubted the prophetic initiatives of all the kings and instead reassured the faith, dedication and commitment towards the king in his support to lead the country for further positive change in the country.

On 4^th September 2001, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo briefed the Council of Ministers, Chief Justice, and Chairman of Royal Advisory Council on the need for a written constitution in the country. The thirty-nine members consisting of each representative from the twenty districts, two members from the Monastic Body, the National Assembly Speaker and the member of the Royal Advisory Council formed a drafting committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Bhutan. The first draft was submitted on 9^th December 2002 followed by numerous rectifications and resubmission of the draft. On 18^th July 2008, the constitution was formally adopted at Tashichoedzong Kuenrey after extensive deliberation by the First Parliament after the inception of democracy.

The Fourth Druk Gyalpo shocked the nation during the National Day Celebration at Tashiyangtse District on December 17^th,  2005 by declaring that he will abdicate the throne for the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was formally given the charge of leading the Kingdom on 14^th December 2006. The Coronation was held on 1^st November 2008. The Fourth Druk Gyalpo insisted that it is his wish and prayer to remain Palden Drukpa strong and glorious, achieving greater prosperity with the sun of peace shining on our people during the reign of the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar  Namgyel Wangchuck.

Drukgyel Zhipa also guided the Kingdom to conduct a successful election to form democracy government in 2008. The election was successfully conducted in line with democratic principles. It took a long time for people to wake up from the shock of his abdication but was reassured that His Majesty the King is equally good like his father to lead the nation.  People are enjoying the same peace and stability under the guidance of His Majesty the King. 

The Fourth Dragon King, after accession to the throne in 1972, there were tremendous positive changes in the county that were arisen from the heart of the wise leaders.  The development process accelerated unprecedentedly in the country and saw phenomenal accomplishment in access to education, health, power, telecommunication, and building roads. The national goals and policies were not mere-based on “Socio-Economic Progress” but also taking account of the emotion and spiritual well-being of people. Therefore, ‘Gross National Happiness’ has become more important than Gross Domestic Product in every policy of the country. 

If we review the pattern of socio-political reforms of the country,  it is always taken by amazed at the success and the flow that knitted with the time and situation of our country. Thank you His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

*** No words of expression can articulate His Majesty the Fourth King’s contributions and insights. This simple article is just to offer my sincere gratitude to My beloved Druk Gyalpo during HM's 58th Birthday. 

(The opinion is of self and at no time represents anybody’s assessment including my employer. If anyone is offended or disrespected by the article I would like to kindly beg for forgiveness to my innocence. I shall ever remain grateful)