Features
- Feb 20, 2021
- 20974
The extraordinary People's King of Bhutan
It is a rare occasion to have a leader who shoulders responsibility like a father with a will to make immediate interventions in times of hardships, even at the stake of his own life.
2020 has been an unusually difficult year for all. The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 pandemic resulted in economic shutdowns and loss of jobs for thousands of people. But, in Bhutan, in the face of hardships and tribulations, we are being sheltered by the affections and concerns from His Majesty the King.
His Majesty the King has always been a guardian and the nation's conscience during testing times like this.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is magnificently referred to as the People’s King. And he has constantly lived up to the reference. In 2020, every Bhutanese will clearly remember His Majesty being at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. He compassionately and selflessly reaches out to people from all walks of life, without considering his personal safety.
Where else in the world can you find a leader who leads in the frontline?
When the first imported case of COVID-19 was detected in Bhutan, His Majesty had personally visited the hospital and remained there the entire night. He showed genuine concerns and ensured that the patient receive the best medical attention.
Following that, His Majesty gave the first Royal Address, infusing healing words for unity, solidarity and strength. The Royal Address signifies the concerns shouldered by His Majesty for every citizen living in Bhutan and abroad. Under the command of His Majesty, repatriation flights were arranged for Bhutanese living abroad to return home.
Understanding the hardships faced by the majority of Bhutanese, The Druk Gyalpo Relief Kidu was launched to support those affected individuals by providing financial support. The Kidu scheme has benefited around 25000 Bhutanese, the majority of them from the tourism sector.
His Majesty also went on Royal Tour in the southern and eastern borders, to monitor the situations and inspect measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 even though the birth day of the second Royal Child was nearing.
It is a rare occasion to have a leader who shoulders responsibility like a father with a will to make immediate interventions in times of hardships, even at the stake of his own life.
Having witnessed the worst of years, and the extraordinary level of leadership qualities demonstrated by His Majesty in the worst of times, demonstrated the value of being born as Bhutanese ruled by a compassionate, selfless, and kind Monarch.
On this joyous occasion of the 41st Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King, we take pride in offering our love, deepest respect, and prayers for his Majesty’s happiness and longevity.