The King of Bhutan awarded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration, during a public ceremony held at Tendrelthang in Thimphu. This award is significant because Prime Minister Modi is the first foreign leader to receive it.
During Bhutan’s 114th National Day celebrations held in December 2021 at the Tashichhodzong, Thimphu, His Majesty the King of Bhutan announced the conferment of an award to Prime Minister Modi. The award recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership. The citation further highlights that the award is an acknowledgement of India’s rise as a global power under his leadership and celebrates Bhutan’s special bond with India. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has set India on the path of transformation and has resulted in the growth of India’s moral authority and global influence.
During his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the award by highlighting that it was not just an honour bestowed upon him, but a tribute to the 1.4 billion people of Bharat. He stressed that the award was a testament to the enduring friendship and unique ties between the two nations, which have grown stronger over the years. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the recognition and pledged to continue working towards strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is an esteemed honour in Bhutan, reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society, the country, and the world at large. It is a lifetime achievement decoration, representing the highest level of recognition that can be bestowed upon an individual in Bhutan. Established with a set ranking and precedence, it holds the most significant place in the country’s honour system, taking precedence over all other awards, decorations, and medals. The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is a symbol of exceptional merit and is a testament to the recipient’s dedication, hard work, and selfless service. It is a privilege to receive and an honour to hold.