karmachoden

Book Review Title: A Journey of Two Nations in Time

Book Title: Eternal Note
Author and Publisher: IMS
Contained in 134 pages, the book ‘Eternal Knot’ describes the friendship between two nations; India and Bhutan starting from the signing of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of 1949 till the dawn of the new era in the journey of the two nations. The book exudes the vivid history of the two nations starting from His Majesty The Third King in Bhutan and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in India to His Majesty The Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in Bhutan and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in India and till the time covering His Majesty The King in Bhutan and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in India.
The ‘Eternal Knot’ has captured the journey of the friendship between the two countries very well that one can recommend the book as a source of history as well as the resource material for teaching history and social studies in the schools.
The descriptions decorated with beautiful pictures are a plus point of the book. This book contains a rich collection of some rare pictures through which one can not only see but visualize the whole journey of the two countries.
I would highly recommend the schools to enrich their libraries by adding a copy or two of this book and encourage our children and teachers to keep updated with the journey that Bhutan has embarked on.
It is a must read for our generations and future generations to find out how forefathers built the friendship between Bhutan and India at the same time maintaining our identity and sovereignty.

Book Review Title: Legacies of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo

Book Title: Immortal Lines: Speeches of the 4th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Book Author:
Publisher: Bhutan Times Ltd., Thimphu.
Year of publication: May, 2007
Immortal Lines is a collection of speeches of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is almost like a sequel to the ‘Gems and Jewels’ the review of which I presented earlier. Published in May, 2007, Immortal Lines covers address of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo including the last National Day Address at Trashiyangste and the Royal Kasho declaring the stepping down of the 4th Druk Gyalpo from the Golden Throne.
Like I mentioned in the review of the ‘Gems and Jewels’, the ‘Immortals Lines’ shares additional thoughts, visions and aspirations of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo for Bhutan and her people through the various royal addresses.
Many of whom haven’t come across the Royal Khasho (Edict) issued on 9th December, 2006, His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo said, “I am confident that a very bright and great future lies ahead for Bhutan with leadership of a new king and a democratic system of government that is best suited for our country, as enshrined under the Constitution. I have every confidence that there will be unprecedented progress and prosperity for our nation in the reign of our Fifth King.’
The last Kasho (Edict) issued by His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo is followed by the 99th National Day Address of His Majesty The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on 17th December, 2006 at Changlimithang where in His Majesty The King said, “Addressing the nation on the auspicious occasion of the National Day of Bhutan, I find myself at a loss for words. For 34 years, His Majesty the King has been the heart and essence of the nation, her King and guardian, our parent and inspiration.”
“To our parents, elders and many generations of Bhutanese I offer my deep gratitude for your loyalty to His Majesty the King, my father.” (His Majesty The King, December 17, 2006)
“To our youth, I say, that as the leaders of the future you will find in His Majesty’s reign the inspiration, motivation and example for our own road ahead.” ((His Majesty The King, December 17, 2006)

Words of Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew- The Founder of Singapore

Book Title: The Wit & Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew
Author:
Published by: Editions Didier Millet Pte Ldt, Singapore.
Year of publishing: 2013
The Wit & Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew is a compilation of quotes of Lee Kuan Yew on everything starting from Singapore to Singaporeans to himself and his family. The book containing 165 pages gives us the vivid outlook of Lee Kuan Yew in his entire political life spanning from 1950s to 1990s covering varied topics on Singapore, Colonialism, Merger and separation with Malaysia, The future of Singapore, Greening of Singapore, Arts and Heritage, Politics, Democracy, People’s Action Party, Leadership, Corruption, His Critics, Media, Equality, Immigration and Emigration, Language, Race, Religion, International Relations, Security, Communism, China, Economics and Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Life, Asian values, Family, Education, Discipline, and many more.
There is a lot one can learn from this great figure who has inspired many people in Singapore and in the world. Not surprising to know that many great leaders would go to seek advice from Lee Kuan Yew as reflected in the publisher’s note, “Although Lee stepped down as Prime Minsiter in 1990, his opinions are still keenly sought out in Singapore, in ASEAN and indeed across the globe. Whether he is talking about the environment, corruption, democracy or the world’s future, his voice is one that few can ignore.”
Lee Kuan Yew is not in this world anymore but I guess he still lives in spirit in each and every one’s heart and these wise words of wisdom will keep on inspiring every individual who comes across his works.
Every individual should grab a copy of this book as every quote of Lee Kuan Yew gives us rooms for introspection and self realization of one’s values and aspirations in life. I further recommend this book to every politicians and aspiring future politicians to discern what it means to be a politician vis-a-vis being a human being at heart.

Book Review Title: Wise Words of wisdom of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck

Book Title: Gems and Jewels

Author: Sherubtse College
Year of Publication: February 2001.
Pages: 121

Contained in 121 pages, Gems and Jewels carries forth sixty two royal addresses of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The royal addresses ranging from royal proclamation in 1972 to the celebration of silver jubilee of the Fourth Dyalpo’s reign in 1999 and addresses on different occasions ranging from National Day celebration, national assembly, felicitation messages, convocation, International Year of the Child, silver jubilee celebration of Sherubtse college, SAARC Summit, and many more, this book indeed is “A sovereign’s gift soaked in love and wisdom, each address of His Majesty, our beloved king, is worth a basket of Gems and Jewels.” As put by Thakur Singh powdyel, the then vice principal of Sherubtse College, in the preface of the book.
The preface in the book by Thakur Singh Powdyel sums up the royal addresses quite eloquently that just steers any readers to flip the pages non-stop. One shall not only discover the character and leader in His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo through these royal addresses but also come to know His Majesty’s love, care and concern for the people of Bhutan.
These royal addresses also reveal His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s vision and aspirations for Bhutan and her people.
Thakur Singh Powdyel says, ‘…this selection of our beloved king’s addresses, should be much-coveted treasure for scholars and researchers as well as others interested in savouring the nectar of one of the finest minds of the contemporary world.’
Personally I have been carrying this book like a bible. Having read and re-read the book I feel like I have personally attended all the occasions where His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo gave his royal addresses.

I highly recommend this book to all to get a glimpse of the journey of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo in fending Bhutan and her people.