The former education minister, Thakur Singh Powdyel’s latest book titled Gyal-Khab: Reflections on State, Citizen, and Citizenship Education was published recently. Dedicated to nation-building, the book is the culmination of a sustained dialogue between the author and the nation over many decades.
The idea of flourishing is central to “Gyal-Khab”. The author believes that for a state to flourish holistically, its citizens must flourish in all their multiple dimensions – physical, social, intellectual, economic, cultural, aesthetic, emotional, spiritual, and above all, ethical or moral. Citizens flourishing in all these aspects will naturally lead to the country flourishing in the true sense of development.
Written by one of the foremost Bhutanese educationists, “Gyal-Khab” addresses several vital issues and themes that link the citizen and the State. The book highlights the need for citizen-education and citizen-engagement at deep levels befitting the dreams of our country and the aspirations of our people in the making of a great nation that we all aspire for.
“Gyal-Khab” is not only for students, educational institutions, or the education system but for every Bhutanese in every sphere of life who has a stake in the future of our country.
“This book is a conversation. It is a dialogue between me and my relationship with my country. I have expressed many of the ideas in this book in many forms over many years. This book actually talks about how we relate as citizens to the life of the state on different levels,” said Thakur Singh Powdyel, the author.
Talking to us, the author said the book stresses the importance of citizens and the state flourishing at the same time.
“Citizens flourishing will naturally lead to state flourishing and that is what our ultimate goal is. This country flourishing and becoming a country of our dreams and our hopes will be the one that we will be happy to leave behind to our future generations. That is actually the main message of my little book.
“This book is based on my deeply held believes, my convictions, my ideals about what ought to be the relationship between the state and citizens, between citizens and citizens, and between the present and the future. I believe this book speaks on many levels and it is my wish and my prayer that my fellow-citizens look into themselves and see as to whether we could operate at a level that is guided by honour, integrity and hope for the future of this country,” he added.
The modest 67-page book comprises of about 14 condensed chapters each dealing with an important theme related to the State and citizens.
“Gyal-Khab” is Thakur S Powdyel’s fifth book dedicated to the country and his fellow-citizens.
His books have also found deep resonance outside Bhutan. The former minister’s book titled “My Green School”, for instance has already been translated into six major languages with other translations underway. It is taught in schools and institutions in some countries as part of their curriculum.
