PM Modi Honored with Bhutan's “Order of the Druk Gyalpo”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Bhutan's highest civilian decoration, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. This prestigious honor is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation or achieved remarkable feats in their respective fields.

In a historic and momentous occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first-ever foreign leader to be conferred with Bhutan's highest civilian decoration, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon him by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, during a public ceremony held at the Tendrelthang in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo: Bhutan’s Highest Civilian Honor

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is Bhutan's highest civilian honor, reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation or have achieved remarkable feats in their respective fields. As per the ranking and precedence established, this order stands as the pinnacle of Bhutan's honor system, taking precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals.

The award was instituted as recognition for lifetime achievement and is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to the betterment of society.

Significance of the Award

The conferment of this prestigious award on Prime Minister Modi holds immense significance, both for India and Bhutan, as well as for the broader context of the two nations' longstanding friendship and cooperation.

Recognition of Prime Minister Modi's Contributions: The award recognizes Prime Minister Modi's exceptional contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership. The citation accompanying the award highlights that it also honors India's rise as a global power under his leadership and celebrates the special bond that exists between Bhutan and India.
Honoring India's Transformation: The award acknowledges Prime Minister Modi's leadership in setting India on a path of transformation, where the country's moral authority and global influence have grown significantly. It serves as a testament to India's emergence as a major global power under his guidance.
Strengthening India-Bhutan Ties: The conferment of this honor further cements the deep-rooted and special relationship between India and Bhutan. It symbolizes the mutual respect, trust, and appreciation shared between the two nations, and serves as a catalyst for further cooperation and collaboration in various spheres.

Historic Moment and Prime Minister Modi's Reaction

Prime Minister Modi expressed his profound gratitude and humility upon receiving this esteemed honor. He underlined that the award was not just a personal recognition but an honor bestowed upon the 1.4 billion people of India. Furthermore, he emphasized that the award is a testament to the special and unique ties between India and Bhutan, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and camaraderie between the two nations.

Bhutan's Recognition of Prime Minister Modi's Leadership

The decision to confer the Order of the Druk Gyalpo on Prime Minister Modi was announced by His Majesty the King of Bhutan during Bhutan's 114th National Day celebrations held at the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu in December 2021. The announcement highlighted the recognition of Prime Minister Modi's people-centric leadership and his contributions to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship.

Previous Recipients of the Order of the Druk Gyalpo

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is a rare and prestigious honor, with only four eminent personalities having received it since its institution. The previous recipients of this award include:

Her Majesty Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck (2008)
His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, 2008)
His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra (2018)

Je Khenpo is the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, a highly revered spiritual leader in the country.

Conclusion

The conferment of the Order of the Druk Gyalpo on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a historic milestone in the annals of India-Bhutan relations. It not only recognizes Prime Minister Modi's exceptional leadership and contributions but also serves as a testament to the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between the two nations. This honor will undoubtedly further strengthen the bonds between India and Bhutan and pave the way for enhanced cooperation and collaboration in various domains.