The Selfless Jewel King

At 16, when youngsters of his age were enjoying their youthfulness, an enormous, heavy responsibility of shouldering a landlocked country befell him. He beheaded his youthful life when his father, the then 3^rd King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk left untimely for a heavenly abode. However, he stood more than strong to spearhead his country that he’d planned ahead. His vision for his country was sky clear and farsighted. He is a man above extraordinary. He is our selfless Jewel King, His Majest Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

From oceanic noble steps that he strode for his country and people, following are a few ripples from many that make him a role model for an entire world.

At his age as a Monarch, is beyond stretch of my imagination how he could lead small, landlocked country, wedged between two economic titans. However, he was firm and by then he’d his focus made clear on paths that he shall walk for his country. He was formally crowned two years later, hitting the annuals of world record as youngest reigning monarch then.

Started rigorous decentralization process in a bid to fast track decision making process, and this has finally led to Constitutional Democratic form of governance. Though people were reluctant to accept the noble priceless gift from throne, His Majesty was confident on his part to usher his country into Constitutional Democracy. Through his farsighted lens of leadership, he’d seen it timely for the transition. This profound action of his shall be an epitome for all leaders around the globe.

Putting his life as secondary in the interest of nation’s sovereignty, His Majesty personally led the troops to flush out illegal militants who camped by southern belt. He is a great warrior in many ways. This brave action of his shall be an epitome for all leaders around the globe.

Source: Google Images

His Majesty is a great thinker: he whispered eloquently to the world that Gross National Happiness is a better measuring stick for economic development of the nation than Gross Domestic Product. He is a father of Gross National Happiness. This brainchild of him, climbed to the world stage when UN happily gave a nod to it by introducing Internal Day of Happiness on 20^th March every year.  This noble think of his shall be an epitome for all leaders around the globe.

He travelled extensively to the remote pockets of the country, tirelessly through rugged terrains and climbed snowcapped mountains to understand conditions dwelling around his subjects. He’d brought about immeasurable developments within his reign of 34 years as a Monarch.  This tireless effort of his shall be an epitome for all leaders around the globe.

For the first time in the history of nation, he abdicated his kingship to ascend his heir to the throne. At his age then, his health and intellectual capabilities were invaluable to continue reigning for next decade. But he gave away his throne to his successor. This hallowed action of his shall be an epitome for all leaders around the globe.

During the golden reign of 34 years, the nation had witnessed an unprecedented growth and prosperity in a whole gamut of social-economic and political spheres.

Long Live His Majesty, the 4^th Drukgyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk!

PS: My tribute through small account of His Majesty, the fourth Dragon King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck as nation gears to celebrate 60^th Birth Anniversary. Any statistical errors and omissions could be excused as article is just a minute fraction from his ocean wide initiatives and developments.