His Majesty honours service to nation
At the 102nd National Day celebration at Changlingmithang in Thimphu yesterday, His Majesty the King honoured 20 individuals from different walks of life and a filmmakers’ association for their dedicated service to the nation.
His Majesty conferred red scarves and patangs on Sangay Khandu, Secretary of Land Commission, Bharat Tamang, Managing Director of Bhutan Power Corporation, Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director of Druk Green Power Corporation and Dr Tandin Dorji of Royal Bhutan Army(Retired). Describing them as humble and less known but dedicated and hard working individuals, His Majesty commanded that with the honour he was not giving them power, but responsibility. His Majesty said that, since the red scarf signified Lord Buddha’s robe, those who adorned it must always remember to conduct themselves in the Buddha’s immaculate ways.
Conferring Druk Thugsey, the highest civilian honour, on 56-year-old master sculptor, Lopoen Karma, His Majesty said Karma should be considered the nation’s jewel for his contribution to building the objects of worship in the country, either by himself or through his students. His Majesty also conferred the National Order of Merit on 16 citizens comprising farmers, sweeper, craftsmen, curriculumweaver, hairdresser, school teachers, education officials, and on an association of filmmakers. Among the recipients of the National Order of Merit was also a teacher from India, Gaur Manna, who has been teaching in Bhutan since 1979.
This year’s awardees had been nominated under two themes – dignity of labour for the general public and excellence for quality education for teachers. On the royal command, the nominations were made by a high-powered committee formed by the government. The National Order of Merit has been established by His Majesty the King as a system of recognition that promotes outstanding initiatives and efforts in the country.
In his address to the nation, His Majesty offered his gratitude and prayers to His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo and best wishes to the people of 20 dzongkhags. He congratulated Prime Minister, ministers, parliamentarians, and public servants on their dedicated service to the nation.
Thousands of people partook of the National Day celebrations. His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, members of the royal family, senior government officials and students also took part in the celebrations.
Prime Minister and ministers joined the National Day celebrations in different dzongkhags.
Source: bhutanobserver