11-11-11: A book review

11-11-11: a tribute is among the best Bhutanese coffee table books to hit the bookstore nationwide. Conceptualized by film director and producer Karma Tshering and published by MPC Bhutan Entertainment, the book contains not-much-known early facts of the fourth Druk Gyalpo.

As a fitting tribute, the book was launched at 11 past 11 am on November 11, 2011, to celebrate the 56th birth anniversary of the fourth Druk Gyalpo.

The book is a montage of 11 historically noteworthy noble deeds of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo comprising 11 chapters – 11 early life facts of His Majesty, 11 messages from the prime minister and senior government officials, 11 greatest achievements of a Dharma King, 11 tributes from senior retired officials and royal courtiers of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, 11 royal decrees issued by the fourth Druk Gyalpo, 11 felicitations from the international organisations within Bhutan, 11 tributes by Bhutanese youth, 11 inspirational speeches of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, 11 felicitations from business community and 11 Tashi Moenlam by lamas and rinpoches.

The book is a celebration of His Majesty’s profound wisdom and gross national happiness.

Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck writes that His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, ‘The Jewel of Men’, ‘The Ultimate Patriot’, worked around the clock with a clear mind, focusing only on the interest of his country and the people.

The book contains some never-before-seen photographs of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

In the second chapter, early life facts of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, there is His Majesty’s own account of having been very stressed and embarrassed when he chaired the planning commission meeting in 1971, which was attended by officials from the Indian government. He had no idea about the second five-year plan, with little data available. His Majesty was 16 years old then.

In his tribute to the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley writes, “To a poor nation challenged by history, vestiges of feudalism, extreme poverty and unforgiving geography, the King gave hope, well-being and empowerment at immense cost to Himself…in Him are the rare qualities. Idealism and pragmatism; change and constancy; development and conservation; courage and compassion; diplomacy and sincerity; exacting and forgiving – each is a virtue, separate and often irreconcilable – yet, in Him, they abide with ease and perfect harmony. In Him, graceful humility combines with regal dignity. Selfless and caring, His only want was to give.”

Selfless dedication to the service of nation and its people and an eye for perfection is what describes the monarch who renounced his power and gave his people democracy.

Major General V Namgyel, who served as His Majesty’s aide-de-camp since 1973 until he was posted as Bhutan’s ambassador to India in 2008, writes, “I have been privileged to witness at first hand a great King of Destiny devote His entire reign of 34 years with selfless dedication and single minded focus to building a bright  and secure future for His country and people…He never took holiday and travelled abroad only for official purposes…Back in Bhutan, His Majesty not only attended office regularly to give easy access to ministers and officials to run the government but His mind remained open to work at all times and in all places.”

The book also features ninety-four-year-old Dasho Boto Karp, the longest living royal courtier, and his four stanzas of composition remembering his years of service at the royal court.

“I am just a small girl but I have got a very big heart full of prayers and wishes for my King Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck,” writes 11-year-old Tashi Yangbi, a Class V student of Yadi Middle Secondary School, Mongar. For the tile of her tribute for the King, she has “People say He is Busy Praying for our Happiness”

Edited by Lobzang Dorji and Dorji, the 165-page book costs Nu 2,500.

By Jigme Wangchuk

2 Responses to “11-11-11: A book review”

1. Phuntsho says:

   January 31, 2012 at 3:13 pm

   The tribute interpreted into words and memorable book by Mr. Karma is very interesting and will keep the inspired wisdoms forever.

   Reply
2. lekpel says:

   February 21, 2012 at 1:24 pm

   superb . thats excellent.
   (but cost of the book seems too high,thats my opinion)

   Reply