As we all excitedly await the forthcoming 117th National Day, I had the good fortune to come across a heartwarming sight: a life-size standee beautifully adorned with the Royal Portrait and the lines of our National Anthem at the entrance hallway of Motithang Higher Secondary School’s academic building. The standee is flanked by the National flag and the school flag. I could not help but share this exemplary initiative by the school. I believe this mindful initiative will go a long way in preparing the children to be great nation builders. It continuously reminds both children and teachers of the Kingdom’s values and aspirations, fostering a brighter, stronger, and more prosperous future through the collective strength of the people’s love and loyalty to our Monarch.
The National Anthem
Druk Tshenden Koipi Gyelkhap Na
Pel Lug Ni Tensi Chongwai Gyon
Druk Gyelpo Ngadhag Rinpoche
Ku Jurmay Tenching Chhap Sid Phel
Chho Sangye Tenpa Darshing Gyel
Bang Deikyed Nyima
Shar War Sho.
In the Kingdom of Druk, where cypresses grow,
Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions,
The King of Druk, precious sovereign.
His being is eternal, his reign prosperous,
The enlightenment teachings thrive and flourish,
May the people shine like the sun of peace and happiness!
The national anthem profoundly reflects the nation’s identity, honoring the natural beauty of the land, the revered sovereign of the institution of the Monarchy and the spiritual heritage, while expressing aspirations for enduring peace and prosperity. Each poetic line is laden with meaning, reflecting the unique Bhutanese worldview that harmonizes tradition with modernity, and spirituality with governance. The national anthem serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to be Bhutanese, encapsulating the essence of the nation’s heart and soul. It deeply reflects the country’s unique blend of spiritual reverence and devotion to its sovereign, each line testifying to Bhutanese pride, culture, and the hopes for a prosperous future.
Although I may never fully capture the profound significance of each letter and word of the national anthem, I would like to humbly attempt a line-by-line commentary.
Druk Tshenden Koipi Gyelkhap Na
In the Kingdom of Druk, where cypresses grow
This opening line immediately evokes a vivid image of Bhutan’s natural beauty. The cypress tree, our National tree, often considered a symbol of longevity and resilience, represents the enduring nature of the Bhutanese kingdom. It sets the stage for understanding Bhutan as a land of timeless beauty and strength, where nature plays a crucial role in the national identity.
Pel Lug Ni Tensi Chongwai Gyon
Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions
Here, the anthem honors the dual role of His Majesty The King. His Majesty is not just a political leader but also a guardian of Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage. This line underscores the unique governance model of Bhutan, where His Majesty The King is seen as a custodian of both spiritual and worldly matters, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and the integration of spirituality in everyday life.
Druk Gyelpo Ngadhag Rinpoche
The King of Druk, precious sovereign
This line emphasizes the reverence and loyalty that the Bhutanese people hold for His Majesty The King. Addressing His Majesty The King, the “precious sovereign” highlights the value placed on the monarchy as a stabilizing and unifying force. His Majesty The King is not just a ruler but a cherished symbol of the nation’s unity and identity.
Ku Jurmay Tenching Chhap Sid Phel
His being is eternal, his reign prosperous
This line is a prayer for His Majesty The King’s enduring presence and the continued prosperity of Bhutan. It reflects a desire for stability and continuity, essential for the nation’s well-being. The wish for an “unchanging” leader symbolizes a hope for sustained guidance from His Majesty the King.
Chho Sangye Tenpa Darshing Gyel
The enlightenment teachings thrive and flourish
Referring to the Buddha, the “enlightened one,” this line highlights the centrality of Buddhism in Bhutanese life. It is a call for the preservation and flourishing of Buddhist teachings, which are integral to the country’s cultural and spiritual fabric. This line signifies the importance of spiritual growth alongside material prosperity.
Bang Deikyed Nyima Shar War Sho !
May the people shine like the sun of peace and happiness!
The anthem concludes with a universal wish for peace and happiness. The metaphor of the sun shining over all people suggests a future where peace and well-being are pervasive. It encapsulates the Bhutanese aspiration for a harmonious society, aligning with the country’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over mere economic growth.
The following is an excerpt from my book, “Hercules of Tongchudrak – Learnings to Unlearn and Relearn to Build a Great Nation,” in which I propose some idea to use the National Anthem to reinforce our nation-building efforts.
“…The “National Anthem” holds significant importance as a solemn song that embodies hope, devotion, and loyalty towards the national identity of a country. In the context of Bhutan, it represents our unity and commitment to the prosperity of the nation, guided by the wise leadership of our beloved Monarch.
I firmly believe that the National Anthem should be viewed as a pledge to serve the Tsawa Sum. While many of us may have learned and sung the National Anthem during our school days, it is common to forget it over time due to a lack of formal occasions to sing it. Therefore, it is essential for those who have forgotten to relearn and be able to sing the anthem by heart. This would enable us to proudly and confidently sing along during formal occasions, including the National Day celebrations in Changlimithang, Thimphu.
Even in situations where the National Anthem is played from a recording, it is important for those in attendance to actively participate by singing along, rather than simply letting the music play. I further propose that efforts should be made to encourage even those who are non-literate to learn the anthem by heart through various means. Making the National Anthem a mandatory part of the non-formal education curriculum would be a meaningful step towards ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of their educational background, are familiar with it.
Additionally, I suggest that reciting the National Anthem by heart should be a prerequisite for job interviews and promotions. By fulfilling this requirement, individuals demonstrate their respect and dedication to our nation, reaffirming their commitment to the values and principles it upholds.
In essence, the National Anthem should be cherished as our collective national song, and it is imperative that every citizen, using all their senses, learns and recites it by heart. Let us unite in our commitment to the Tsawa Sum and proudly sing our National Anthem on every occasion, reaffirming our love for our country and our unwavering loyalty to its progress and prosperity…”
Palden Drukpa Gylo!
Contributed by Dorji Dhradhul, Author and Creativist