PM Narendra Modi Receives Bhutan’s Highest Civilian Honor During His Two-day State Visit

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PM Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to Bhutan, received Bhutan’s highest civilian honour, the “ORDER OF THE DRUK GYALPO”. He became the first non-Bhutanese to receive this award. He was also the first foreign head of government to receive the state’s prestigious civilian honor. The King of Bhutan bestows this honor for PM’s outstanding contribution to the nation and its population. Thai honorable award recipients are specifically those personalities who have made significant and exceptional contributions to society, politics, culture, and humanitarian efforts. This award symbolizes the highest esteem and gratitude of the Bhutanese monarchy for those who serve selflessly for a nation with distinction.

PM Modi said on X “Honored to be conferred with ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award by Bhutan. I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians,”. 

PM Modi, during his two-day state visit to Bhutan, will attend many programs that aim to enhance India—Bhutan bilateral tie-ups. 

PM Modi shared on X formerly Twitter a picture of his departure to the state and also added a caption with it “On the way to Bhutan, where I will be attending various programmes aimed at further cementing the India-Bhutan partnership. I look forward to talks with Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and Prime Minister @tsheringtobgay”.

Highlights of PM’s visit to Bhutan

On friday, during the  visit of PM  Mous were exchanged between both the  countries. After that a group of Bhutanese people all beautifully dressed in traditional  attire performed a garba dance on the Garba song written by Narendra Modi himself to welcome him into their country. 

Upon arriving at the airport, the PM was given a red carpet welcome and was warmly received by the PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay. People lined up on streets 45 km from the airport to the national capital to welcome PM Modi to Thimphu. PM Modi wrote on X and thanked Bhutan’s PM, “I am grateful to the people of Bhutan, especially the young children, for the memorable welcome to their beautiful country”. 

He communicated with the Indian diaspora members, the local population, and officials who gathered to welcome him outside the hotel.  According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi also interacted with the PM of Bhutan Tobgay, and both reviewed bilateral ties and also committed to further strengthening the partnership. Both PMs witnessed the signing of many agreements associated with food, energy, sports and youth, petroleum products, energy corporations, cooperation in medicinal products, sports cooperation, and many more. 

The announcement of this honor was made by the King of Bhutan on 17th December 2021 during the 114th National Day celebrations and which PM Modi received during his two-day visit Friday. The award has been given to only four eminent personalities till date : 

Her Majesty Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in 2008

His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan) in 2008 

His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra in 2018

Je Khenpo is the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.

The Bhutanese official quote states that  PM Narendra Modi is an outstanding embodiment of national, regional, and global leadership. It read. “Under him, India has become the fastest-growing economy in the world and will be the third-largest economy by 2030. Prime Minister Modi has emerged as a figure of destiny, transforming the ancient civilization of India into a dynamic centre of technology and innovation. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has set India on the path of transformation, and India’s moral authority and global influence have grown. PM Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy has strengthened South Asia and paved the way for collective progress. Bhutan is honoured that a statesman of such stature is a true friend of the Bhutanese people. Prime Minister Modi is a firm supporter of Bhutan’s national vision to achieve self-reliance and become a developed nation”.

On this occasion, PM Narendra Modi said, “The relations between India and Bhutan are as ancient as they are new and contemporary. When I became the Prime Minister of India in 2014, it was natural for me to visit Bhutan as my first foreign visit. The welcome and warmth extended by Bhutan 10 years ago made the beginning of my visit on duty as Prime Minister a memorable one”. Further, he added, “Today is a very big day in my life, I have been conferred with Bhutan’s highest civilian honour. Every award is special, but when you receive an award from another country, it shows that both countries are moving on the right path… I accept this honour on the basis of every Indian and thank you for this,”. 

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