Bhutan is the only country in the world where Vajrayana Buddhismis predominantly practised, and spiritual values are still a dynamic force in the day to day life of the people. It is one of the few countries which aims, as the national policy, to increase happiness and not material wealth.
Bhutan has now joined the league of democracies of the world, and a newly elected government is in place. Bhutan’s transition to democracy has been an unprecedented model in many ways. It was initiated by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who achieved unprecedented socio-economic development. He is the epitome of a Buddhist King, a role model of a world leader, and a true nation builder of the 21st century.
Our past represents a period of peace and stability under the reign of the Wangchuk Dynasty. The succession of Kings prepared the Kingdom for a new era. As His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk said, “Democracy was nurtured in the womb of the monarchy”.
The nation took a momentous step in 2008, making the transition from monarchy to a parliamentary democracy. The first general election was held in March, 2008 and the first joint sitting of the elected parliament in May, 2008. His Majesty the King and the elected representatives of the people signed the Constitution of Bhutan on 18th Jul, 2008. In 1907, the people reposed the power of governance to the Kings; in 2008 the Kings bestowed this power back to the people.
Such a historic initiative represents the ideals that Bhutan is becoming known for. In recent years, Bhutan reminded the world that happiness is more important goal than material developments. The development vision of Gross National Happiness emphasizes traditional values against the forces of globalization. Bhutan has dared to be different. At this moment of time , we have reasons to celebrate and we have reasons for anxiety. Most importantly, we have reasons to hope.
Before Coming to Bhutan
Kingship and wisdom-engineering
Bhutan is the only country in the world where Vajrayana Buddhism is predominantly practised, and spiritual values are still a dynamic force in the day to day life of the people. It is one of the few countries which aims, as the national policy, to increase happiness and not material wealth.
Bhutan has now joined the league of democracies of the world, and a newly elected government is in place. Bhutan’s transition to democracy has been an unprecedented model in many ways. It was initiated by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who achieved unprecedented socio-economic development. He is the epitome of a Buddhist King, a role model of a world leader, and a true nation builder of the 21st century.
Our past represents a period of peace and stability under the reign of the Wangchuk Dynasty. The succession of Kings prepared the Kingdom for a new era. As His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk said, “Democracy was nurtured in the womb of the monarchy”.
The nation took a momentous step in 2008, making the transition from monarchy to a parliamentary democracy. The first general election was held in March, 2008 and the first joint sitting of the elected parliament in May, 2008. His Majesty the King and the elected representatives of the people signed the Constitution of Bhutan on 18th Jul, 2008. In 1907, the people reposed the power of governance to the Kings; in 2008 the Kings bestowed this power back to the people.
Such a historic initiative represents the ideals that Bhutan is becoming known for. In recent years, Bhutan reminded the world that happiness is more important goal than material developments. The development vision of Gross National Happiness emphasizes traditional values against the forces of globalization. Bhutan has dared to be different. At this moment of time , we have reasons to celebrate and we have reasons for anxiety. Most importantly, we have reasons to hope.