The King of Bhutan and “Kidu”

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has today granted an audience to 163 people at the Tashichhodzong in order to grant them citizenship as part of the “Kidu” tradition. There are a number of “census” issues throughout Bhutan and it is one of His Majesty’s aims to have these resolved.

Kidu means “wellbeing” of the people and is a fundamental responsibility of the Bhutanese monarch, having been a traditional “royal prerogative” and now enshrined in the Constitution of Bhutan.

During the coronation festivities

According to the Kidu Foundation, Bhutanese monarchs consider it, “their sacred duty to provide for the most vulnerable sections of society”.

To underline King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck thoughts on Kidu, we can go back to the 6th November 2008, when His Majesty made the following pledge during his Coronation:

“Throughout my reign, I will never rule you as a King. 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; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality”.

Filed under Bhutan
Tagged Audience, King Jigme Khesar of Bhutan.