As the nation gears up to celebrate the 115th National Day tomorrow, it is time to reflect and revisit this historically significant day that changed the course of Bhutan’s history forever. The day marks the coronation of the First Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck in 1907 and the establishment of a hereditary monarchy under the Wangchuck dynasty.
On 17th December 1907, a historic genja or agreement was signed, enthroning Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the First Hereditary King of Bhutan. His Majesty was born at Wangdichholing Palace in Bumthang in 1862. His father was Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal and his mother was Ashi Pema Chhoekey.
Reminiscing the formative years of His Majesty, the President of the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies, Dasho Karma Ura, said the First Druk Gyalpo was a self-made man with an inborn leadership quality.
“Ugyen Wangchuck was just 20 at that time. It was not his father who made him, it was himself, and he was a self-made man with great leadership skills. Now, 20 is really a delicate age to face big leaders in the country like dzongpoen and penlops. I think he was very astute.”
Giving glimpses into the educational life of the First King Ugyen Wangchuck, Dasho Karma Ura said His Majesty received a fast rate of education from the then-renowned spiritual personalities. One of His Majesty’s close mentors was Lama Choeing Rangdrel of Kurtoe Goenpa Karpo in Lhuentse.
It is said that by 1890, Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck established a great sense of leadership and was in a position to appoint penlops and dzongpons around the country.
His Majesty’s fame and diplomacy had also exceeded the borders of Bhutan and earned a great name among the British leaders.
“I think it is probably the effects the early conflicts had on him combined with his Buddhist outlook which always prepares human beings to be very profound about life, about samsara, about tragedy and hardships. It develops deep perspectives on human life and events. I think that really sharpened him to be a great diplomat,” continued Dasho Karma Ura, who is also a prolific researcher and historian.
Crowning His Majesty as the First Hereditary King of Bhutan on 17th December 1907 scripted a new chapter for Bhutan and her people, an era of profound social changes, unprecedented peace and prosperity. More than a century later, Bhutan is still witnessing profound development under the wise leadership of our beloved monarchs.
Therefore on the National Day, it is an opportune moment for the Bhutanese from all walks of life to express their deepest gratitude to the Wangchuck dynasty.
“National Day celebration is as same as a celebration of His Majesty’s birthday. His Majesty always valued our happiness. So I pray for His Majesty’s long life and good health. I am thankful that common people like us are living a good life because of His Majesty’s compassionate leadership,” said 72-year-old Dema in Thimphu.
Tshering Yangden, a student in Thimphu is also excited to celebrate the National Day in person at the Changlingmithang tomorrow. As the country’s future generation, she feels the significance of the National Day should be etched in the minds of youth with a deep sense of gratitude and patriotism.
“National Day is celebrated on 17th December to mark the coronation day of his Majesty first Druk Gyalpo, Ugyen Wangchuck, I think National Day is very important for the Bhutanese people because it is the day when our country has gained sovereignty and also peace.”
Some others resonated with her thoughts about 17th December.
“I think all of us know the significance of the National Day. It is the day our First Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned and signifies harmony and prosperity for all times to come,” said Tshegay.
According to the history, the last civil war was fought at Changlingmithang in 1885. Like the past National Day celebrations, it will be again on this historic ground to mark the country’s most significant national event tomorrow.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Pema Lhaden
