John Elliot was the first foreign journalist to interview His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo at length in Thimphu, in 1987. John, a British Journalist, who was in Paro to attend Gross National Happiness Conference recently, said His Majesty, who was only 32 at that time, had spoken on social harmony, political stability, corruption, preservation of culture and traditions and most importantly on contentment and happiness.
“He spoke for maybe an hour and a half and spoke of his worries and ideas and things that needed to be achieved in Bhutan.” John, who was 25 at that time, was working with the Financial Times.
John said as His Majesty gradually opened up, His Majesty was clearly worried about some of the developments and issues like corruption and culture. “He was exploring a way forward as he talked. The priority, he said, is creating an efficient, strong, and clean dynamic government.”
John said the interview was great and it was a privilege to meet him. He said His Majesty had met one or two foreign journalists, but never spoke at length as he did with him.
John said all the issues His Majesty spoke about then apply now. “All the issues that he raised with me are issues which are very important now as the country opens up.”
Now retired, John takes every opportunity to speak of the memorable interview and his articles published in the Financial Times.
