𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐈𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

By Tashi Tshewang, Thimphu

Do we truly deserve to call ourselves concerned citizens when our actions or silence contradict the very principles our King has entrusted us to uphold? This is not a question of loyalty alone or of respect in formality. It is a question of conscience, integrity, and the kind of society we aspire to be.

His Majesty the King has consistently reminded us that the foundations of a strong nation rest not only in policies or institutions but in the everyday choices and behaviour of every citizen. “Where we live must be clean, safe, organised and beautiful for the national integrity, national pride and for our bright future. This too is nation building,” His Majesty has said. These words are a call to action, a reminder that the physical and moral environment we create reflects the identity and dignity of our nation.

Equally, His Majesty has emphasised that the future of Bhutan is not the responsibility of a few. “Future of Bhutan is collective responsibility and shared dreams of all its citizens.” Each citizen is not merely a spectator but an active participant in shaping the country’s destiny. In every reminder about environmental protection, His Majesty has clarified that it is “not only a national duty, but also a personal responsibility of every Bhutanese.” These are not words for ceremonial applause. They are principles meant to guide our choices every day in our homes, communities, and public spaces.

As a teacher and a Desuup, I have tried to live by these principles. I believe fulfilling civic responsibility is not about authority or recognition, but conscience. It means acting respectfully and calmly when I see actions that harm the community. It means speaking up, not for control or power, but because I care deeply for the country I call home.

Recently, I faced a situation that forced me to confront the limits of this responsibility. I observed a private bus being washed in an area where such activity is clearly prohibited. A signboard stated that violations could result in hefty fines. I politely reminded the driver that washing vehicles there was not permitted.

Instead of understanding or compliance, I was questioned about my authority. Moments later, I was attacked from behind with a bucket of water, and as I turned, I was punched repeatedly across the face and head. I survived, but the incident left me shaken. More importantly, it forced me to reflect deeply on a question I cannot ignore. If acting responsibly invites violence, what hope is there for the values we hold dear?

This is not merely a personal grievance. It reflects a broader societal challenge. Sadly, the very citizens who infringe upon the law and disrespect our shared spaces are also members of our nation, those who apparently have lost sight of the values and morality that bind us together. Allowing such behaviour to continue unchecked undermines society and threatens the principles our King has asked us to uphold. Should we ignore lawbreakers and turn a blind eye when our environment and community are disrespected? Or do we have a shared civic duty to hold one another accountable, always with respect, whenever actions harm the environment or contravene the values His Majesty has called upon us to uphold?

If speaking up leads to threats or violence, what signal does this send to those who wish to live responsibly? Silence may feel safe, but it comes at a cost. If fear prevents us from acting, responsibility becomes meaningless. Conscience is exercised in the face of choice, not merely when convenient.

Being a concerned citizen is not about wielding authority. It is not about seeking recognition. It is about conscience, empathy, and courage. It is about caring enough to speak up even when uncomfortable and acting with respect and non-violence. It is about embodying collective responsibility in deeds, not just words.

I raise this issue not to accuse but to provoke reflection. Our King has shown the path. The principles he has shared are clear: the wellbeing of communities, protection of the environment, and integrity of shared spaces are the responsibility of each citizen. How we respond- whether with courage, indifference, or hostility- will determine the character of our nation for generations.

The responsibility is ours. It lies in the small acts of daily life: reminding a neighbour of the rules, cleaning a shared space, or speaking against actions that degrade our environment. These are acts of citizenship in their purest form. They sustain not just the physical beauty of Bhutan but the moral and social fabric that makes us a community and a nation of shared dreams.

We must ask ourselves, do we deserve the title of concerned citizens if our actions or inaction betray the trust our King has placed in us? True citizenship is measured not by words, but by deeds. It is measured by courage, conscience, and the persistent choices we make to uphold integrity, respect, and shared responsibility. The path has been shown. The question remains, will we walk it together?