“Today is a very important day in my life as I have been awarded Bhutan’s highest civilian honor.”
Thimphu:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first foreign head of government to receive Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Dragon Gyalpo, and dedicated this honor to the 1.4 billion Indians.
While accepting the award from the King of Bhutan on Friday, Prime Minister Modi said: “This honor is not my personal achievement, but the honor of India and the 1.4 billion Indian people. I humbly accept this honor on behalf of all Indians.” “Great land of Bhutan, I sincerely thank you all for bestowing this honor on me. “
“Today is a very important day in my life, I have been awarded Bhutan’s highest civilian honor. Every award is special, but when you receive an award from another country, it shows that both countries are on the right path… ….”
“On behalf of every Indian, I accept this honor and thank you for it…” said Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Bhutan today for a two-day state visit.
Based on the determined ranking and order of priority, the “Order of Drum Gyalpo” was established as a lifetime achievement medal and is the pinnacle of the Bhutanese honor system, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals. Since its inception, the award has only been awarded to four outstanding individuals.
Previous recipients of the award include Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in 2008; Jay Thrisul Tenzin Theindup (Bhutan’s 68th) in 2008 Khenpo Rengye) and Khenpo Khenpo Chukku Ngawang Jigme Chodela in 2018. Je Khenpo is the chief abbot of the central monastery in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s highest civilian honor was awarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his “outstanding display of national, regional and global leadership” and how India has become the world’s fastest-growing economy.
Prime Minister Modi’s award speech read: “On December 17, 2021, His Majesty the King awarded the highest honor of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Order of Drum Gyalpo, to His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. Modi is a national, regional and an outstanding example of global leadership. Under his leadership, India has become the fastest-growing economy in the world and will become the third largest economy by 2030.”
Bhutan’s relations with India are exemplary among nations and Prime Minister Modi’s friendship and support for all Bhutan’s goals and initiatives have made the bond between the two countries stronger than ever.
“Prime Minister Modi has become a man of destiny, transforming India’s ancient civilization into a vibrant hub of technology and innovation. His commitment to protecting the environment and investing in renewable energy has led to truly comprehensive progress in India. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership Putting India on a path of transformation, India’s moral authority and global influence continues to grow,” the citation reads.
Prime Minister Modi’s Neighborhood First policy strengthens South Asia and paves the way for collective progress.
“The award recognizes the personal achievements and leadership of His Excellency Prime Minister Modi and his contribution in strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Bhutan. It also recognizes India’s emergence as a global power under his leadership and celebrates Dan’s special connection with India,” the award citation said.
The statement said that Bhutan is honored that such a statesman is a true friend of the Bhutanese people.
Prime Minister Modi is a staunch supporter of Bhutan’s national vision to become self-reliant and a developed country.
The award speech read: “Today, we witnessed an important ceremony in which His Majesty the King personally conferred the Order of Drum Gyalpo to His Excellency Narendra Modi.”
Earlier today, when Prime Minister Modi arrived in the Himalayan country, he received a special welcome from the country’s youth at his hotel in Thimphu, who performed a cultural performance of the song “Garba” composed by Prime Minister Modi.
To make the Gujarati folk dance more elegant, the youngsters wear the traditional costumes of Gujarat, Ghagra-choli and Kurta Pajama.
The show came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Indian expatriates and locals from Bhutan who gathered outside a hotel in Thimphu, the national capital.
People in Indian society expressed happiness at meeting Prime Minister Modi and said they were honored to meet him.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit is in line with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and the government’s priority policy on neighboring countries.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
