Madeline Drexler, writing for the Atlantic, in its February 10, 2021 issue, wrote about, “The unlikeliest pandemic success story,” how a tiny, poor nation had just one death from the corona virus. In May 2021, as the virus ravaged through South Asia, UNICEF Bhutan Representative Dr Will Parks, said the Kingdom of Bhutan is literally the last country in South Asia still standing. “Let us remain a beacon of hope for the region and the world,” he said. On January 10, 2020, World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative to Bhutan, Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, told Kuensel Bhutan is not just lucky, Bhutanese are blessed and that His Majesty has spent a lot of time and personally provided guidance to the whole nation including the health ministry on how to respond to the pandemic. “This kind of commitment from the highest authority is something extraordinary,” he said.
And today is a date to be noted; for two years back, on March 5, 2020, Bhutan had her first Covid-19 case, which was reported in the media a day later. It is time for all of us to reflect on events that unfolded and with a crystal mind reflect why Bhutan is the “unlikeliest pandemic success story.” The answer is not something elusive. It is there in Dr Rui’s words; it is because of His Majesty’s extraordinary leadership, commitment and sacrifices.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2021, Bhutan’s Prime Minister shared to the world that as the Covid crisis unfolded, “we in Bhutan uncovered the true essence of our King’s leadership.”
This is unquestionable, undeniable and indisputable, more that truth, if there is a word. We know this and everyone when asked about the lesson (s) learned in the last two years have a short, yet powerful and emotional phrase, “The Love of a King.”
We have seen His Majesty journeying across inaccessible, remote corners of the country, under the scorching sun and continuous torrent, to ensure and assure that none of His people goes to bed without the most decent meals and needs; setting up protective shields, monitoring activities and inspiring the people. Those who have been fortunate to hear His Majesty will know the strength of the soothing balm that come with the golden words. We have seen rays of His Majesty's love; empathy and compassion reach out to warm souls dampened by the pandemic. We continue to see sublime service from a King to the people.
There can be no greater service than protecting and saving lives and this has been His Majesty’s focus, for a life is not about just one person. It is about an entire family, relatives and other close acquaintances, who bear the consequences and collateral effects of that single life. We read about those that suffer and perish; seek answers, pray and forget. We cannot fathom the pain His Majesty undergoes, hearing such accounts, for they are His Majesty’s parents, brothers and sisters.
Sacrifices of all kinds have emanated from the Golden Throne. Commanded by His Majesty, in April 2020, the National Resilience Fund (NRF) was established to provide economic relief through the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu (DGRK). A year later, His Majesty commanded the continuation of the DGRK for 15 more months. From April 2020 – March 2021, 52,644 individuals applied for the support and a total of Nu 2.25 billion was granted. Loan interests of individuals, rich and poor are borne by His Majesty. And thousands continue to benefit.
This support did not come from the coffers of the government. In an unprecedented move, the NRF was funded in its entirety from His Majesty’s Kidu Fund and the Sungchob Fund. Between June 15 and July 15, 2021, 15,640,000 shares held in the names of Sungchob Fund and Kidu Fund were sold.
There are others which showcase His Majesty’s love, altruism, compassion and empathy. In April 2020, the Royal Guest House in Mongar was converted into a Covid-19 hospital. And just recently, on March 1, 2022, the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS) at Phuenstsholing has become a public hospital, at the command of His Majesty.
A constant message from His Majesty has been the need to move along with time. We see this in the new strategy formulated for Covid-19. The Prime Minister said that at His Majesty’s command, work towards this has been going on for quite some time. This is wisdom and vision, for our King is aware that new measures are now required. We cannot be more fortunate.
It is said that the nation breathes through its people. Bhutan breathes through His Majesty. Many have referred to His Majesty as the North Star. Yes! But the North Star, though a beacon of inspiration and hope, is a star. It’s not the Sun and cannot be seen clearly during the day and cloudy nights. His Majesty is more than the North Star.
And today is a date to be noted; for two years back, on March 5, 2020, Bhutan had her first Covid-19 case, which was reported in the media a day later. It is time for all of us to reflect on events that unfolded and with a crystal mind reflect why Bhutan is the “unlikeliest pandemic success story.” The answer is not something elusive. It is there in Dr Rui’s words; it is because of His Majesty’s extraordinary leadership, commitment and sacrifices.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2021, Bhutan’s Prime Minister shared to the world that as the Covid crisis unfolded, “we in Bhutan uncovered the true essence of our King’s leadership.”
This is unquestionable, undeniable and indisputable, more that truth, if there is a word. We know this and everyone when asked about the lesson (s) learned in the last two years have a short, yet powerful and emotional phrase, “The Love of a King.”
We have seen His Majesty journeying across inaccessible, remote corners of the country, under the scorching sun and continuous torrent, to ensure and assure that none of His people goes to bed without the most decent meals and needs; setting up protective shields, monitoring activities and inspiring the people. Those who have been fortunate to hear His Majesty will know the strength of the soothing balm that come with the golden words. We have seen rays of His Majesty's love; empathy and compassion reach out to warm souls dampened by the pandemic. We continue to see sublime service from a King to the people.
There can be no greater service than protecting and saving lives and this has been His Majesty’s focus, for a life is not about just one person. It is about an entire family, relatives and other close acquaintances, who bear the consequences and collateral effects of that single life. We read about those that suffer and perish; seek answers, pray and forget. We cannot fathom the pain His Majesty undergoes, hearing such accounts, for they are His Majesty’s parents, brothers and sisters.
Sacrifices of all kinds have emanated from the Golden Throne. Commanded by His Majesty, in April 2020, the National Resilience Fund (NRF) was established to provide economic relief through the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu (DGRK). A year later, His Majesty commanded the continuation of the DGRK for 15 more months. From April 2020 – March 2021, 52,644 individuals applied for the support and a total of Nu 2.25 billion was granted. Loan interests of individuals, rich and poor are borne by His Majesty. And thousands continue to benefit.
This support did not come from the coffers of the government. In an unprecedented move, the NRF was funded in its entirety from His Majesty’s Kidu Fund and the Sungchob Fund. Between June 15 and July 15, 2021, 15,640,000 shares held in the names of Sungchob Fund and Kidu Fund were sold.
There are others which showcase His Majesty’s love, altruism, compassion and empathy. In April 2020, the Royal Guest House in Mongar was converted into a Covid-19 hospital. And just recently, on March 1, 2022, the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS) at Phuenstsholing has become a public hospital, at the command of His Majesty.
A constant message from His Majesty has been the need to move along with time. We see this in the new strategy formulated for Covid-19. The Prime Minister said that at His Majesty’s command, work towards this has been going on for quite some time. This is wisdom and vision, for our King is aware that new measures are now required. We cannot be more fortunate.
It is said that the nation breathes through its people. Bhutan breathes through His Majesty. Many have referred to His Majesty as the North Star. Yes! But the North Star, though a beacon of inspiration and hope, is a star. It’s not the Sun and cannot be seen clearly during the day and cloudy nights. His Majesty is more than the North Star.
