The Bhutanese Leading the way.
His Majesty The King travelled to New Delhi on 17 August to attend the State Funeral of the former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who passed away on the 16th of August was accorded a State Funeral in New Delhi.
A prayer ceremony including a thousand butter lamps was offered this morning at the Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong for the late Prime Minister. His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers and members of the Royal Family graced the solemn ceremony. The Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, Chairman of the Privy Council, and senior officials of the Royal Government also participated in the prayer ceremony. The National flag of Bhutan has been flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect to the former Prime Minister.
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Bhutan as the Foreign Minister of India in 1977. He is fondly remembered in Bhutan for his tremendous goodwill towards the people and the leadership of Bhutan. He provided unstinted support to the realization of Bhutan’s national objectives and contributed immensely to strengthening Indo-Bhutan relations and cooperation. He referred to Indo-Bhutan relations as an “‘example of effective South-South cooperation, and a model worthy of emulation”.
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a visionary leader and statesman, an inspirational poet, and a good human being. He devoted his life to the service of his nation and contributed to regional and international cooperation and understanding. He was not only loved by the people of India, but enjoyed the respect of the international community.
The Royal Government and people of Bhutan stand in solidarity with the people of India at this hour of grief said the release.
