Friday 30 July 2021

We Are the World’s Blogfest # 51: the King of Bhutan sets an example for his people - educating them about Covid …

 

This to me this is what a leader should do … in the time of crisis – they should go above and beyond …

 

King and Queen, with
the Emperor of Japan
Any leader should always set examples, let their people know what is going on – in simple terms, keeping them informed and warning them of impending dangers ….

 

 

Kingdom of Bhutan,
in the Himalayas

The King of Bhutan travelled round his country by foot, car and horse to all the remote hamlets - overseeing the measures warning his tiny kingdom about the coronavirus outbreak that has flared up in neighbouring India.

 

 

Rice Terraces in a fertile
valley
He really has set out his stall as leader … so wearing a baseball cap, a knee-length traditional gho-robe, carrying a backpack -  Bhutan’s king has walked the jungles avoided  leeches and snakes, trekked mountains all the while informing his 700,000 citizens how to protect themselves again this dreaded virus.

 

Women of Bhutan
It is evident that his efforts have proved helpful to his people … only 2,506 cases, with 2 deaths as at yesterday’s date.

 

 

I also wanted to add in how he described his wife, and Queen:


The Queen in
2014

For the Queen, what is most important is that at all times, as an individual she must be a good human being, and as Queen, she must be unwavering in her commitment to serve the People and Country.

 

As my queen, I have found such a person and her name is Jetsun Pema. While she is young, she is warm and kind in heart and character.

 

 These qualities together with the wisdom that will come with age and experience will make her a great servant to the nation.



 

The King in 2007
in his Gho-robe
He seems to be a very caring, humble King … and if I lived in Bhutan I’d be hugely impressed that he’d gone to that trouble for me and my family … a King, who puts his people first and cares for them …

 


We are the World Blogfest

In Darkness, be Light

 

 

Jigme Dorji National Park

Hilary Melton-Butcher

Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

49 comments:

Janie Junebug said...

I'm so glad you've shared this story with us. What a good leader the king is. Although most leaders can't travel their countries in the way the king has, many could do more to help people understand COVID and the importance of getting the vaccine. I love the way he describes the queen.

Love,
Janie

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
True dedication and leadership of a sort almost extinct elsewhere... YAM xx

Liz A. said...

That's great. That's what true leadership looks like.

Inger said...

With all the useless Kings I can think of, this is such an inspiring post. Backpack and all, this is a true Leader.

And Hilary, I hope all is well with you. Take care.

mail4rosey said...

More precious than gold when the leader cares about the people he or she is leading.

Botanist said...

Stories like this remind us that there is hope for humanity after all.

Hels said...

Ahhh a leader showing his people moral leadership, science and love of family! I am not sure if world leaders are horrid before they grab power .. or are perfectly fine until power goes to their heads. But many world leaders have been appalling.

Gail M Baugniet - Author said...

Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story about a true leader, Hilary. The king's extraordinary example is a lesson to the world. And I am amazed by his glowing remarks about his wife.

Pradeep Nair said...

Exactly, that's what leaders should do. Be one with the people, and show the way!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Wasn't he also the man who said he was not so much interested in the Gross National Product as in the Gross National Happiness? The last thing I want from our royal family in a time of crisis however is having them turn up on my doorstep wearing baseball caps.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Janie – that’s great … I just thought it was a wonderful story about a leader too – and also to remind us where Bhutan is to be found. Thanks – I thought his appreciation of his Queen was worth mentioning …

@ Yam – thank you … yes true dedication and leadership from their King.

@ Liz – it’s a delightful story …

@ Inger – great to hear from you – I know lots of Kings/leaders we look back on and wonder … but one with a back-pack prepared to walk around his country explaining the dangers from Covid is exemplary …

@ Rosey – wonderful comment from you … a leader who cares about their people …

@ Ian – yes, another wise comment … let’s hope his example rubs off on a few other leaders and on many people …

@ Hels – you’re so right … a leader showing his moral leadership … we seem to have a world full of self-centred rulers … forgetting the reason for their appointments …

@ Gail – thanks … I thought this post would stimulate some appreciative comments from our blogging fraternity – the King made those remarks to his Parliament on introducing his future wife, and Queen … just wonderful …

@ Pradeep – thank you … yes, exactly what leaders should do – be one with their people … all of them …

@ John – yes, you’re right he did say he was more interested in the Gross National Happiness in Bhutan – which I thought was wonderful to read about.

I somewhat agree … a chap, be he a King or my leader, I’d be very surprised to see them on my doorstep … well they won’t come here – so I’m safe!!

Thanks so much for your appreciative comments … and it’s given me a chance to remind us about a small country, having borders with some powerhouses … he seems to be an excellent thoughtful King. Enjoy your weekends and coming week – cheers Hilary

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I spent three weeks in Bhutan in 2007, Hilary, and it is in many respects a remarkable country, and the monarchy seems especially enlightened. There was so much that was magnificent about the country and the people (and birdlife, of course), but it was truly depressing to see the volume of garbage, even in remote forested regions of the Himalayas. Now if only the king would tackle that issue!

Joanne said...

That is a leader - 'nuff said.

Keith's Ramblings said...

As inspirational stories go, this is right at the top of the pile. Not just a King but a servant to his people.

Computer Tutor said...

I love reading this story, Hilary. I often ponder what type of government serves the people the best. A sole ruler (king, queen, dictator) always seems so iffy but not here. Thanks for sharing this.

Jemima Pett said...

Thank God there are still leaders like this in the world.

Lynda Dietz said...

I hope his people love and appreciate him! It's so rare for a leader of any type to care so much for individuals. This king seems to have gone over and above across the board.

D.G. Kaye said...

Excellent example of leadership. Wouldn't it be great if more country leaders did the same? Hugs xx

Anabel Marsh said...

I’d love to visit Bhutan some day, it sounds fascinating.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ David – that must have been amazing … and interesting to have your knowledgeable comment – about the country, people and birdlife (your specialist area).
I wonder if the abdication of the present King’s father at about that time … has made a difference in these intervening 14 years. Your comments remind me of the tribal lands found outside various towns on Vancouver Island …

@ Joanne – as you” ‘nuff said” … a leader par excellence …

@ Keith – it’s a great story isn’t it … as you say a servant to his people …

@ Jacqui – thank you … I’m glad it triggered some thoughts relative to your sagas …

@ Jemima – pleasure and yes thank goodness for leaders like him …

@ Lynda – I’m sure they do … I expect there’s a lot of respect; as you say he’s gone above and beyond …

@ Debby – just wouldn’t it be so wonderful if we had leaders like this …

@ Anabel – it would be a brilliant place to visit – just so fascinating … but I so admire you and your travels …

Thanks to you all – great to see you … we really could do with lots of leaders like these … have good weeks - Hilary

retirementreflections said...

What an uplifting story...and a wonderful contrast to all of the darkness in the news. Thank you for sharing this.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Thank for sharing this great story

Lisa said...

I had no idea! Thanks so much Hilary, for writing about this man and I agree with you completely. This is what leadership should look like.

Sandra Cox said...

OMGosh. What an impressive leader. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I am not familiar at all with Bhutan. But this makes me want to learn more.

Mason Canyon said...

That is a good leader and a person the world needs more of. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring post, Hilary

BWitzenhausen said...

Perfect example of true leadership, not just a figurehead. Great post Hilary! Thank you so much for posting and for being a part of #WATWB! Hope you have a wonderful week! :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Donna – thank you … I just thought it highlighted a country that doesn’t get much attention … so I’m delighted everyone’s been interested in reading the #WATWB post …

@ Jo-Anne – thank you …

@ Lisa – great to see you … and yes I thought it was just an excellent example of a leader … and it seems you all do too …

@ Sandra – that’s good to read you’re now interested in finding out more about Bhutan … I just loved the storyline …

@ Mason – don’t we need more leaders like this … I’m glad it’s inspired you …

@ Belinda – yes I thought it was a great example of true leadership too. Pleasure – I enjoy joining in the #WATWB monthly posts …

Thanks for visiting everyone … and I’m just so pleased you’ve enjoyed reading about this King – especially his attitude to his Queen. Stay safe and look after yourselves – cheers Hilary

Susan Scott said...

This is leadership with a capital L Hilary! What an extraordinary man, a King in all senses. His tribute to his wife is so lovely. Great #WATWB post thank you ...

Elephant's Child said...

That is beyond impressive - and certainly puts many so called leaders to shame.
Thank you so much for this post - it has lifted my heart.

Sandra Cox said...

We need the king to visit in some of the states here.
Cheers,

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Love this! YES!! Leaders should be working for the people who voted them in not for their agendas or beliefs.

Teresa

Yolanda Renée said...

Now that is leadership. An example for the world!

Chrys Fey said...

The King of Bhutan sounds like a true leader. We need more like him.

Sherry Ellis said...

He sounds like a caring, dedicated king.

Sandra Cox said...

That last picture looks like pretty rough terrain.
YOU have a great reading day.

cleemckenzie said...

What an inspirational leader that king is. Other world leaders could take a page from his book, couldn't they? His queen is lovely.

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

Lovely! Bhutan is an amazing country.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Susan – isn’t it leadership with a capital ‘L’ – I loved it … as too his tribute to his wife …

@ EC – I so agree … and shows many leaders up … I’m so glad it’s lifted your heart …

@ Sandra – thanks for both your comments – we need the King here too … while that terrain does looks very daunting to me, as you mention …

@ Teresa – thank you … good to see you; as you so rightly say leaders should be working for their people (us), not their own agendas …

@ Yolanda – yes it’s leadership par excellence …

@ Chrys – don’t we just need more leaders like him …

@ Sherry – too true: a caring dedicated King …

@ Lee – Inspirational is the word – I do wish our leaders would learn from the good ones; and yes his Queen is beautiful … he obviously loves her dearly …

@ Rebecca – have you been to Bhutan – but you’d so appreciate those ‘hikes’!!

Thanks to you all – so pleased this King stood out for you – he has much to teach many in the world … and we can all learn from him. Cheers Hilary

presstfortime said...

Imagine that. Amazing.

Deniz Bevan said...

I hadn't known about this! But I can totally see why Bhutan is considered one of the happiest countries :-)

Sandra Cox said...

Can you believe there's only been 2 deaths in his kingdom? Amazing.
Cheers,

diedre Knight said...

A heartwarming story, Hilary. And a perfect example of good leadership. How refreshing!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Leadership carries a great burden. It's not about the leader. It's about those he or she leads.

Denise Covey said...

Wow, Hilary, thanks for sharing. This is a rare story when so many governments seem okay with thousands being infected and dying. Heartwarming.

Ju-Lyn said...

Such inspiring leaders - we need more like them!

Tyrean Martinson said...

He sounds like an impressive and caring King.
Thank you for sharing!

Steve said...

Great post always something to learn.

Michael Di Gesu said...

I couldn't agree more, Hilary. What an AMAZING ruler! WE should be so lucky in our countries. Politicians. in general, only care about themselves, Money, and power, NOT about the people. If they did, COVID would be no more. Thanks for sharing!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Presstfortime – good to see you here …

@ Deniz – thank you … and yes you too remembered the fact about the country being one of the happiest in the world …

@ Sandra – I know only two deaths … and this fact we can accept – some countries we’re not so sure about the numbers …

@ Diedre – I love this story and you’re right it’s a refreshing example …

@ Lynda – you’re so right – leadership should carry a great burden … as they should be a servant to ‘their’ people …

@ Denise – thank you … I just thought it was worth writing up – reminding us how others are led …

@ Ju-Lyn – thank you … we definitely need more leaders like him …

@ Tyrean – I love your description of him: an impressive and caring King … delighted you enjoyed learning about him …

@ Steve – thank you – I’m happy to see you here …

@ Michael – as you say ‘an amazing ruler’ – and yes it’d be nice if we had leaders like him …
The way the world would be dealing with this Covid pandemic if this King was leading us would be very different and would be planned and controlled …

Thanks so much to you all – so pleased you agree with me – re this King … cheers Hilary