“How Can I be a Good Citizen?”

It is a wise saying that, “Having drunk the country’s water, one should follow the country’s law”. Our forefathers sacrificed their lives to make Bhutan a heavenly abode and peaceful country that passed to the next generations of the citizens of Bhutan. Comfortably enjoying in the peaceful landlocked country as a result of our forefathers’ sacrifices and their patriotic nature; is me a good citizen? If isn’t, how can I be a good citizen? In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it” and in the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, “Citizenship consists in the service to the country”. Demonstrating disloyal nature and having negative thoughts to the service of Tsa-Wa-Sum will not be accounted as a good citizen. Following are some of the ways how I can be a good citizen.

Citizen of an everlasting peaceful country, Bhutan, one must possess civic sense and sense of belongingness. The actions resulting to our comfort must not be as an outcome of someone’s sufferings. Serving Tsa-Wa-Sum to the best of our abilities and keeping in mind the concept of Gross National Happiness as a guiding and development philosophy, an outcome of one’s work must not be detrimental; rather it must be of some help to the society. Valuing and appreciating somebody’s masterpiece, developing sense of perseverance and showing a positive attitude to an assigned task are considered as the feature of a good citizen. A people to consider as a good citizen should have a great zeal to thrive for knowledge and wisdom. Such type of people initiates an activity which ultimately leads to protection and preservation of Bhutanese culture and tradition.  Ensuring and putting it into action, the principle of Equity and Justice, our conduct must not involve corrupt practices and instead one must render a full support and strong cooperation to curb corruption, and other unethical practices. Genuinely shouldering the responsibilities assigned and not considering it as a burden, a good citizen of Bhutan must efficiently, transparently and punctually devote one’s work for the well-being of others.

The manner we work and the attitude we possess must not deviate from the principle of Cause and Effect. Avoiding evil thoughts to the earthly creatures, respecting to the elders and erudite person, helping the needy people and participating in alms-giving and moreover showing a caring attitude to our juniors, people naturally deserves respect from the public. Our bodily conduct, the thought process of our mind and speech must always be as per the country’s norms and Buddhist code of ethics. People influenced by Buddhist philosophy must not commit any of the ten negative actions and must focus on accumulating ten positive actions by following sixteen virtuous acts so that our work can be concentrated in combating corruption and help in alleviating poverty.  Avoid vandalism, participate and initiate voluntary activities for a social benefit. Discouraging unethical practices such as robbery, burglary and theft are some of the strategies for one to become a good citizen.

In conclusion, as a student, one must have a great sense of devotion and obey to the teachers, follow the norms of the institutes by not violating the rules and regulations, being time conscious while studying and actively participate in the co-curricular activities. Seek an appropriate advice, obey the boss’s command if he or she directs toward a right track, as a leader one must not go for self benefit and must think and work for the general motive. The work performed by us must be accountable for the general well-being and ensure building employer-employee relationship. Our thoughts, words and deeds must be accounted and one must be faithful to oneself, must not cheat others and in nutshell, a good citizen must practice the sixteen virtuous acts, ten positive deeds and avoid its negative consequences.