“Destiny has put me here. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing. This is how I shall serve you as King.”

These were some of the most inspiring and animated words of the speech, the newly crowned fifth King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyei Wangchuck, gave in his first public address to the nation, on Friday morning at the Chaglimithan stadium.

The stadium was packed with 25,000 Bhutanese. Several thousands waited outside and roared and waved at the new King.

The Bhutanese, many of whom had trekked for days to turn up at the venue were ecstatic. Each one of them carried the Bhutanese national flag.

The King reminded the Bhutanese people of changing times. But any change devoid of peace, security and happiness had little significance, he said and added that change should not destabilise the fundamental qualities of Bhutanese society.

Recalling that the essence of Bhutanese philosophy was ‘gross national happiness’, the King said, “Our generation of Bhutanese have been gifted a strong and dynamic nation by our forefathers. I am confident that as long as we are willing to work with their commitment and dedication and follow their example, we can bring peace, happiness and prosperity to our country.”