December 17: The Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley celebrated the National Day with the people of Monggar. Celebrating the National Day the Prime Minister said what “we are today is because of our Kings. What we will be will also depend a great deal on the wisdom and guidance of our King.”

“This is the time and moment to thank our Monarchy and pray for the long life and wellbeing of His Majesty the King,” said the Prime Minister.

He urged the people to celebrate the occasion by coming together, leaving aside their own individual interests and think of the national and larger interests.

On unemployment, he said many Bhutanese children are unemployed because the schools and colleges are turning out huge numbers of educated youth. “Giving them jobs is not easy and takes time but within the three years, the government will do its best.”

On democracy, the Prime Minister said the threats to democracy are mainly from within, reminding the people to be aware of divisive politics for personal gain. He said in many countries in the world, democracy has been hijacked by people who seek power and privilege.

Talking about the natural disasters, he said diseases, famines, floods, fire, and earthquake are happening with greater frequency and fury not just in Bhutan but everywhere in the world. This is mainly because of man’s greed and a way of life that is devoid of human civilized values and the earth is being plundered of its wealth.

The celebrations began with Chipdrel ceremony and the hoisting of the national flag.

Towards the evening, the guests and Dzongkhag officials of Monggar took part in a friendly archery match to celebrate the occasion.