The Order of the Druk Gyalpo stands as the pinnacle of Bhutan's honor system, symbolizing lifetime achievement and excellence. It holds precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals in the country. Established with a distinguished ranking and precedence, this prestigious award is a testament to exceptional contributions and service to the nation.
During his two-day visit to Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with this esteemed honor, becoming the first non-Bhutanese head of state to receive such recognition. Graciously accepting the award, PM Modi expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that the honor extends to the entirety of India and its 140 crore citizens.
Conferred by the King of Bhutan himself, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo symbolizes a deep appreciation for PM Modi's dedication and leadership. In his remarks, PM Modi underscored the significance of India's unwavering support for Bhutan's aspirations, emphasizing a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors, including connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and energy.
Highlighting Bhutan's remarkable progress towards becoming carbon neutral and its shared goals with India, PM Modi expressed confidence in the two nations' ability to address global challenges, such as climate change. He noted the alignment of aspirations between the youth of both countries, with India aiming to achieve developed nation status by 2047 and Bhutan aspiring to attain high-income status by 2034.
The significance of this honor is further underscored by its rarity, with only a select few individuals having been conferred with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. Previous recipients include esteemed personalities such as Her Majesty Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan), and His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra. These individuals epitomize excellence and dedication in their respective fields, embodying the values of Bhutan's rich cultural heritage.
By conferring this prestigious award upon Prime Minister Modi, Bhutan not only acknowledges his individual accomplishments but also reaffirms the enduring bond of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. This historic moment signifies a milestone in bilateral relations, paving the way for continued collaboration and mutual prosperity.
