Building a Nation that “Works Together for Development” :
The Purpose and Function of the King’s Provincial Visits in Bhutan
2021 Volume 2019 Issue 31 Pages 85-117
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2021 Volume 2019 Issue 31 Pages 85-117
His Majesty the King of Bhutan is often called “the People’s King,” or “the Bodhisattva King,” and the people love and respect him. Although the King’s influence is strongly reflected in Bhutanese society, there has been little discussion about the role of the monarchy in the country’s nation building. This paper seeks to identify the impact of the King’s provincial visits on nation building by analyzing the purpose and function of the visits, using the newspaper- Kuensel, published from 1967 to 2000. The King has repeatedly advocated for participation and cooperation in development in the course of his visits around Bhutan, delivering speeches and interacting directly with the people. His provincial visits have been closely linked to development plans, and functioned as a venue for defining and reinforcing “Work Together for Development” attribute in the context of changing social conditions.
