Bhutan: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck redefines leadership with visionary plans

Bhutan: Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fifth King of the current line of Dragon Kings, is working towards achieving a ‘transformation’ in his country through the implementation of a new educational structure, reforms in governance and upliftment of infrastructural projects and connectivity. 

Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, has always attracted tourists with its exceptional monasteries, fortresses or dzongs and dramatic landscapes. It offers mesmerizing experience with the beauty of its steep mountains and valleys. Besides the beauty and tourist attractions, the country has crafted its unique place in the world in a distinct way with its initiatives such as the only negative country in the world; happiness prevails over GDP and the kind abdicated the throne for Democracy. 

Preserving the distinctiveness of Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is leading the way in the development, aiming to transform the country in a remarkable manner, bringing about great progress and happiness. In one of his speeches, King reiterated his commitment and said,” I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing. I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your own children. I have no personal goals other than to fulfil your hopes and aspirations.”

Hence, the King is on the path to devise numerous visionary plans and initiatives for the wellbeing of his country, aiming not just for development but also to make Bhutan a thriving nation in the world where people live joyfully and happily without any hardship. 

He has been working on the different socio-economic aspects of Bhutan and seeking to strengthen the society. The King’s transformation mission for Bhutan encompasses multiple facets, each contributing to holistic progress, such as working to invite global investment. Working diligently on his plans, King’s reign has been primarily focused on Gross National Happiness (GNH) which prioritizes the wellbeing and happiness of citizens over economic growth. Additionally, he is powering his Desuung’ programme (Guardians of Peace) for youth volunteers with an intent to enhance the contribution and involvement of the young generation for the nation building. 

Moreover, with King’s strong advocacy for gender equality and education, steps have been formulated to strengthen the education access to women and girls in Bhutan. He has also fostered the participation of women in politics and other field that have traditionally been dominated by men.

The visionary leadership of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck gave birth to the Bhutan Baccalaureate, leading to a new direction in the education sector of Bhutan. Bhutan Baccalaureate is inspired by the teaching of Guru Padmasambhava, which encompasses education innovation, and the country has implemented it through a decentralized approach to both academic and operation. His innovative and developmental approach toward Bhutan can be evidently witnessed in his policies for good governance and bureaucratic reforms. 

His plans for bolstering Bhutan’s environmental agenda with a new Tourism policy have also provided a new direction to fulfil sustainability goals. He imposed a $ 200-a-day sustainable development fee resulting in becoming a pioneer in sustainable development. King Jigme has also been working on strengthening the connectivity and digital technology of Bhutan. 

Hence, through his prudent steps and innovative schemes, the King of Bhutan set a new paradigm of leadership and monarchy.