The Bhutanese Leading the way.
His Majesty on his birthday visited children and other patients at the Thimphu referral hospital. His Majesty also appointed the new Gyalpoi Zimpon and the ROM Director
His Majesty the King awarded gallantry and service medals to 239 Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bhutan Police, and Royal Body Guards personnel, Desuups and civilians on 21 February 2013.
The 10 senior most officers of the Armed Forces were awarded the Crown Jewel of the Armed Forces – gold (Drakpoi Rinchen Tshuktor) medal.
Two hundred twenty nine others received the Light Treasure of the Armed Forces – silver (Drakpoi Norbu Yoedsel) medal. This included 218 officers and personnel of other ranks from the armed forces including three posthumous awards. Nine De Suups were also awarded the medal along with two civilians.
The medals were awarded in recognition of the meritorious and distinguished service to the Tsa Wa Sum and exemplary acts of patriotism and sacrifice in service of the Nation.
His Majesty the King expressed his appreciation to the recipients for having served the nation with unwavering loyalty. His Majesty also said that they should continue serving the country with the same dedication.
Earlier, His Majesty the King granted Dhar to the new Gyalpoi Zimpon, Ugyen K Namgyel.
Zimpon Ugyen Namgyel has a degree in Diplomatic Studies from Oxford University, and has been serving as Changkap to His Majesty the King since 2003.
His Majesty the King also granted kabney and patang to the new director of the Royal Office for Media, Gelay Jamtsho.
On the occasion of His Majesty’s 33rd birthday, His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, visited Dechenphodrang Monastic School and offered Nyendar and prayers for the continued peace and prosperity of the nation.
His Majesty met the monks and granted soelra at the school. The monks offered prayers for His Majesty.
Later, their Majesties visited the Paediatric Ward at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital and spent time with the children there. They shared a cake and presented them with toys and other gifts. Their Majesties also visited the Patient’s Guest House and met with the patients and their relatives staying there. The Patient’s Guest House accommodates long-term patients who do not have a place to stay in Thimphu and also those patients who have no one to take care of them.
