It was with deep appreciation that the people of Bhutan looked back at the past 100 years as the kingdom celebrated the 100th National Day on December 17, 2007. People around the country were moved when His Majesty King Jigme Khesar offered a traditional bow to His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, symbolising the people’s appreciation for the past and their solemn pledge for the future.
His Majesty the King addressed the nation from Thimphu and Their Royal Highnesses the Princes and Princesses celebrated with the people in several dzongkhags around the country. His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo joined the celebrations in Thimphu to mark the 100th National Day as a special occasion.
National Day this year brought into focus a period in the history of Bhutan when the Monarchs of the Wangchuck dynasty built great national institutions, reformed and modernized Bhutanese society, and introduced the magnificent vision of Gross National Happiness.

In the shadow of the Majestic Puna Dewachhenpoi Phodrang, where Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned as the first hereditary King of Bhutan, 78-year old Shacha Rabgay and 81-year old Dotu, 81, remembered the past. “When we look back, all we can talk about is success and success,� said Shacha, who vaguely remembers the first King, served the second King and watched Bhutan transform under the reigns of the third and the fourth Druk Gyalpos . Ashi Sonam Dechen Wangchuk in Punakha.

In Bumthang, Kunzang, 73, believes that Bhutan’s forefathers, who sealed the historic Genja on December 17, 1907, would be proud of their decision. “Let us remember those men for giving us this legacy,� he said. “It was them who elected a great Monarch, whose dynamic offsprings have ensured the happiness of the Bhutanese people.�

Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuk in Mongar. Wangchuk, 55, sat in Mongar town. “This was a forest when I grew up,� he said, pointing to the rows of shop houses. “Within decades it has been transformed into hospitals, schools, agriculture centres, power stations … It is the work of our Kings.�

It was also with profound hope that people around the country reflected on the next 100 years and celebrated the coming of a new era. Inspired by the concept of GNH, His Majesty Jigme Khesar is seen as the continuation of the wise leadership that aims to set standards, by example, for other nations.

“Our young Monarch is both visionary in his understanding of the goals of GNH and practical in his understanding of the vitally central role of education in our future as a nation, education both in skills and in culture,� said a Bhutanese citizen, who hoisted a national flag at his residence in California on National Day.

Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in Gasa. In Gasa, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, herders, farmers, and students gathered to celebrate National Day. “On this great day, I pray for a long reign by the new Druk Gyalpo,� said Tshering Dorji, a Class VII student from Bjishong. “We know that he’ll bring peace and happiness.�

A student of Mongar higher secondary school, Sangay, said that he was extremely fortunate to have received a free education. He now had the opportunity and the ability to serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum.

In Thimphu, many people said they were inspired by His Majesty the King’s address and his vision for the future. The people listened intently as His Majesty the King outlined responsibilities for different sections of society. “His Majesty’s presence will be critical for the success of our democracy,� said a senior civil servant. “We must take his command as a tool to guide us towards establishing a vibrant democracy.�

The ambassador of India to Bhutan, Mr Sudhir Vyas, said that he believed Bhutan was entering perhaps the most important year in its modern history. “The country will witness not only the centenary of the Bhutanese Monarchy but also the formal Coronation of His Majesty as the fifth Druk Gyalpo with transition to democratic governance,� he said. “The historic importance of the occasion was evident this morning on the faces of the people as His Majesty addressed them.�

Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuk in Bumthang. “I really felt the enormity of the day and the significance of what was going to happen in the coming year,� said the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations agencies in Bhutan, Mr Nicholas Rosellini. “His Majesty referred a lot to the responsibilities of the people to make democracy work. It’s now important for the people to take this responsibility seriously.�

The Bhutanese population came together to celebrate National Day with grand festivities organised in all the 20 dzongkhags.

Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuk in Tsirang. The royal family made a special gesture in reaching out to the people in remote corners of the country. Their Royal Highnesses the Princes and Princesses celebrated National Day with the people in Gasa, Dagana, Tsirang, Sarpang, Mongar, Bumthang, and Punakha. Formally addressing the people, Their Royal Highnesses expressed their dedication to His Majesty the King and their complete support for the royal aspirations for Bhutan’s future.

For people around the country, the royal family remained a focus of the National Day celebrations. People walked long distances to meet Their Royal Highnesses, who had come to their dzongkhags as special representatives of His Majesty the King.

Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk in Sarpang. In Dagana 18-year old Pasang Lham of Drugaygang middle secondary school said that students in remote schools were blessed to meet the royal family. According to Dorjimo, 73, of Chumey, she attended the National Day celebrations only because the people were able to meet their royal family.

Chencho Wangmo, a farmer in Punakha, said that, at a time when people were all talking politics, National Day was an opportunity to remember the services of Bhutan’s Kings and to pray for the future of the Monarchy.

In Sarpang, Pushpala Kandal, 50, who walked 25 kilometres from Drajeytang, said that she had come to pray for the unity and happiness of the people under the reign of His Majesty the King. The people of Tsirang gathered early for the celebrations. “I came to think about the golden period of our Monarchy,� said Dhanmang Tamang, 65, of Shemjong gewog. “I hope that our Kings will rule forever.�

Dasho Khamsum Singye Wangchuk in Dagana. The most emotional moment of the celebrations for all the people came when the fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, received His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, at the celebrations in Thimphu and Their Majesties greeted each other with their Royal Scarves lowered in the traditional gesture of respect. Source: Kuenselonline