India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Becomes First Foreign Recipient of Bhutan’s Highest Civilian Honor, ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on Friday as he became the first non-Bhutanese recipient of the prestigious Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian award. This landmark moment took place during his two-day state visit to Bhutan, where he met with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Thimphu.

PM Modi’s reception of the Order of the Druk Gyalpo also marks him as the first foreign head of government to be bestowed with this esteemed honor. The award ceremony occurred following the leaders’ meeting in the capital, underscoring the close ties between India and Bhutan.

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo holds significant importance in Bhutan’s honor system, representing a lifetime achievement accolade that surpasses all other orders, decorations, and medals. It is a testament to PM Modi’s remarkable contributions and his deepening relationship with Bhutan.

Previously, this distinguished award has been bestowed upon only four individuals of great eminence. Among them are Her Majesty Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in 2008, His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan) in 2008, and His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra in 2018. The Je Khenpo holds the esteemed position of Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.

In response to receiving the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, PM Modi expressed his gratitude, stating, “Honored to be conferred with ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award by Bhutan. I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians,” showcasing his humility and appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon him by the Kingdom of Bhutan.

PM Modi receives warm welcome

PM Modi received a grand welcome upon his arrival at Paro airport, greeted warmly by Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay. Unprecedented scenes unfolded as people lined the 45 km stretch from Paro to Thimphu to welcome him.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, PM Modi thanked Bhutanese citizens, especially the young, for the unforgettable welcome to their beautiful nation. Upon reaching Thimphu, Bhutanese youngsters welcomed him with a special performance on a garba song penned by Modi himself.

Interacting with Indian diaspora and local officials, PM Modi engaged in discussions outside his hotel, adorned with huge welcoming banners. Later, Modi and Tobgay reviewed bilateral ties, witnessing the signing of agreements on various sectors like petroleum, food, energy, sports, youth, medicinal products, and space cooperation.

This visit stands out as a rarity, with Indian Prime Ministers rarely undertaking foreign trips during election periods. The Model Code of Conduct, currently in effect in India ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, precludes any significant announcements.

Naiteek Bhatt

Recent Posts

Dr Rajeshwar Singh Calls For Bold Goals To Make India A Global Power By 2047

Dr Singh stressed the importance of reaching a GDP of $15 trillion by 2047 to…

13 minutes ago

Gautam Adani Faces Indictment In US: Legal Expert Vijay Aggarwal Dismisses Immediate Repercussions

Criminal lawyer Vijay Aggarwal weighed in on the charges against Adani. He believes the indictment…

25 minutes ago

Adani Group Stocks Recover As Sensex nd Nifty Post Gains

After a major sell-off earlier in the week, Adani Group stocks, led by Ambuja Cements…

2 hours ago

Sensex Soars 1,961 Points, Nifty Gains 557 In Broad-Based Market Rally

A sharp rally in financial stocks and encouraging US labor market data fueled the uptrend.…

2 hours ago

PM Modi Engages In 31 Bilateral Meetings During Three-Nation Tour

PM Narendra Modi held 31 bilateral meetings and discussions during his visit to Nigeria, Brazil,…

2 hours ago

SC Reserves Verdict On Challenge To ‘Socialist’ And ‘Secular’ In Preamble

These words were added during the 42nd Amendment in 1976, under the tenure of Prime…

2 hours ago