Around the time I started this blog, the world was caught up with the ongoing McCain-Obama electoral campaigns. Basically the world had gone gaga over Obama. I was in Bangalore during the month of November, 2008; and could then spot many Bangalorians sporting T-shirts in support of Barack Obama. At first I didn't know how to react, I mean I don't think I cared enough to react. A bunch of people going bust and now they all need a new saviour. Well God help their saviour, is the most I could come up with.
A close friend of mine decided to visit Bhutan around the same time. He was accompanying a delegation of Indian Bureaucrats and thus had access to elaborate tours and sightseeing plans in Bhutan. It was a call from him that got me interested in this small Himalayan country. I learnt that it had recently - November 6th, 2008 - crowned its new King, the youngest monarch in the world at 35, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. Druk Gyalpo, the 5th Dragon King.
On reading further on him, I found that his accession to the throne was marked by him taking on the responsibility of overseeing the democratization of his country. In fact he went on state in his coronation speech that "to make democracy work was the challenge before the Bhutanese people in the next decade". His first task as the new King was to travel to different parts of Bhutan to speak to its civilians, especially the youth, to convince them to accept democracy as the furture for governance in Bhutan.
I have a few batchmates from Bhutan and recently I had asked them about their opinions regarding democracy. Most of them believe it to be an inevitability under this King, however wish it were not so. King Jigme Singye, the 4th Dragon King, had slowly industrialised his country building roads and adequate infrastructure, while also ensuring that the masses reaped the benefits of the same. He had infact coined the term "Gross National Happiness" and had used the same to get his point across at the United Nations meet. Bhutan is not a part of the world free trade community - infact for foreingers other than Indians, Bhutan charges a daily fee equivalent of $100 for each day's stay in Bhutan- nor does it plan to open its economy completely. Bhutan's greatest potential industry is tourism and yet it maintains severe restrictions on outsiders entering the country. It does not wish to exploit its beauty, thereby leading to its ruin. My friend informs me that Bhutan is pristine and beautiful, and so are its women. Apparently only women serve alcohol at Bhutanese liquor stores, which are found alongside every grocery store - just, random input.
Anyways, the new King is determined to see his father's initiatives through. It was his father who started the democratization of his country by first introducing limits to his own absolute power. The new King now officially governs with the advice of a democratically elected cabinet.
The people of Bhutan are scared that their good kings will be replaced by corrupt politicians as in their neighbouring countries such as India.
There are good times and there are bad times. What kind of people, or even what kind of system shall allow for the maximum welfare is something about which one may argue to no end. However, after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that the answer to the aforementioned questions, lies with the seeker. Its not 'who can save the world?' thats important. Its about 'who can save you?' or 'what can save you?'. The best part is you get to decide.
Some people are born into roles and both Obama and Jigme Khesar were born into their's. This is not to judge either, but just to take your own personal pick. King Jigme is my pick to save the world.
On reading further on him, I found that his accession to the throne was marked by him taking on the responsibility of overseeing the democratization of his country. In fact he went on state in his coronation speech that "to make democracy work was the challenge before the Bhutanese people in the next decade". His first task as the new King was to travel to different parts of Bhutan to speak to its civilians, especially the youth, to convince them to accept democracy as the furture for governance in Bhutan.
I have a few batchmates from Bhutan and recently I had asked them about their opinions regarding democracy. Most of them believe it to be an inevitability under this King, however wish it were not so. King Jigme Singye, the 4th Dragon King, had slowly industrialised his country building roads and adequate infrastructure, while also ensuring that the masses reaped the benefits of the same. He had infact coined the term "Gross National Happiness" and had used the same to get his point across at the United Nations meet. Bhutan is not a part of the world free trade community - infact for foreingers other than Indians, Bhutan charges a daily fee equivalent of $100 for each day's stay in Bhutan- nor does it plan to open its economy completely. Bhutan's greatest potential industry is tourism and yet it maintains severe restrictions on outsiders entering the country. It does not wish to exploit its beauty, thereby leading to its ruin. My friend informs me that Bhutan is pristine and beautiful, and so are its women. Apparently only women serve alcohol at Bhutanese liquor stores, which are found alongside every grocery store - just, random input.
Anyways, the new King is determined to see his father's initiatives through. It was his father who started the democratization of his country by first introducing limits to his own absolute power. The new King now officially governs with the advice of a democratically elected cabinet.
The people of Bhutan are scared that their good kings will be replaced by corrupt politicians as in their neighbouring countries such as India.
There are good times and there are bad times. What kind of people, or even what kind of system shall allow for the maximum welfare is something about which one may argue to no end. However, after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that the answer to the aforementioned questions, lies with the seeker. Its not 'who can save the world?' thats important. Its about 'who can save you?' or 'what can save you?'. The best part is you get to decide.
Some people are born into roles and both Obama and Jigme Khesar were born into their's. This is not to judge either, but just to take your own personal pick. King Jigme is my pick to save the world.
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