From climate change to faltering global economic system to Bhutan’s development philosophy Gross National Happiness the Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley delivered the Fourth Professor Hiren Mukerjee Memorial Lecture before the Indian Parliament yesterday.
The annual parliamentary lecture is instituted in memory of the outstanding parliamentarian, late Prof. Hiren Mukerjee, a parliamentarian from the first Lok Sabha to the Fifth Lok Sabha, who left a profound impact through his power of articulation, intellectual and erudition.
Lyonchhoen in his opening address expressed his appreciation for Indian democracy at work. He said that Bhutanese closely observes it and admire the wisdom and deliberations in the Lok Sabha.
Paying tribute to Professor Hiren Mukerjee, Lyonchhoen said that “we come to positions of leadership through an expression of trust at the time of elections”. But, “we are often the object of suspicion and scorn by the very same voters from the moment we assume our role. Too few among us carry the trust of the people we represent and, as a consequence, lack the conviction to do more.”
Prime Minister also presented greetings of His Majesty the King to the august assembly. He added that Bhutanese goodwill for the people of India “will always be immeasurable.”
Expressing his appreciation for the support rendered by the successive governments Lyonchhoen said “in return, you have in my country a trusted ally and friend, with a growing capacity to contribute to mutually enriching and beneficial cooperation.”
The Prime Minister also spoke at length about the leadership role of India in the SAARC and the world.
Lyonchhoen said that as the largest democracy and as a powerful and rapidly expanding economy representing 17 percent of humanity, it is the destiny and obligation of India to be among those who, in a real sense, set the global agenda and have a profound role in shaping the destiny of mankind.
The Vice President of India, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister, Dr. Monmahan Singh, and the Speaker Meira Kumar, expressed appreciation for Lyonchhoen delivering the fourth lecture in the series.
The Prime Minister arrived in the country after a three day visit to the Indian capital, New Delhi.
