The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Embassy of India in Thimphu celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the laying of the Foundation stone of the India House Estate. The event was organized to celebrate 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relationship between Bhutan and India.
The event was graced by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck and other members of the Royal Family, His Excellency Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Indian Ambassador Jaideep Sarkar, ministers and other high ranking officials from various agencies.
The event kick started off with the Lighting of Lamp by Their Majesties, Lyonchhen and the Indian Ambassador at the Foundation Stone followed by Ceremonial March Past by IMTRAT and RBA Bands, Bhangra dance performance procession followed by the release of Balloons in the air as a mark of cordial friendship between the two countries.
“On behalf of everyone present here today, I can say that whatever we’ve achieved here today would not have been possible without the blessing of the Royal Family of Bhutan. It is their Majesties wisdom and guidance more than anything else which has steered and cherished friendship. Just as we look in the past to honor those who made it, we must look to the future and educate those who will make it,” said Ambassador Jaideep Sarkar. He also added that the elders present in the room have the responsibility to teach the new generation of their precious inheritance.
His Excellency Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay also thanked the government of India and the former and incumbent Indian ambassadors on behalf of the people of Bhutan for their generous financial support for the five year plans and true friendship.
“I do believe that the time has now come to build few more monuments, perhaps two more monuments in addition to the monuments that is the India House. The first monument is the Sunkosh Hydro Power Project and the second monument is the Cancer hospital that is going to benefit each and every family in Bhutan. As we celebrate 50 years of Indo-Bhutan friendship, it is befitting to pay tribute to this monument of Indo-Bhutan friendship,” said Lyonchhen.
The event was further celebrated with high quality cultural performance by Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam dancers from India and a high quality dance performance by Bhutanese youth conceptualized and choreographed by Charmi Cheda. This was followed by the raising of toast, cake cutting, opening of champagne on the stage along with band performances and Rigsar dance by Bhutanese youth.
