Why PM Modi became the first foreign head of govt to get Bhutan's top civilian award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, became the first foreign Head of the Government to receive Bhutan’s highest civilian award - the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck awarded the Order of the Druk Glyalpo’ to PM Modi.

PM Modi dedicates award to 140 crore Indians

“Honoured to be conferred with ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award by Bhutan. I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians,” PM Modi posted on X.

Honoured to be conferred with 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' Award by Bhutan. I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians. https://t.co/gNa7YlcFfG

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2024

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Since its institution, the award has been conferred upon only a handful of eminent personalities.

Previous recipients of the award include:

1 - Her Majesty Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck on November 7, 2008

2 - His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan) on November 7, 2008

3 - His Holiness Je Tulku Jigme Chhoeda, 70th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, on 17th December,
2018.

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As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honour system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.

Why PM Modi was chosen for Bhutan’s highest civilian award?

The award has been conferred to PM Modi in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the growth of India-Bhutan relations and for his distinguished service to the Bhutanese nation and people.

“The Order of Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian award, has been conferred to His
Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, as a mark of deep
appreciation from the people of Bhutan for his leadership and personal efforts towards
strengthening the exceptional relations between Bhutan and India,” the media release by Bhutan government read.

Announcement of honour made in 2021

The announcement for the honour to PM Modi was made by the King of Bhutan during the 114th National Day celebrations on December 17, 2021.

The Indian PM, however, received it during his two-day State visit, his third since he took over as the prime minister in 2014.

Bhutan King praises PM Modi

The Bhutan King said his country’s highest civilian award was presented to PM Modi “is a symbol of our gratitude to India, for having always been our true friend and ally, for our close unity and friendship."

“We all know that Prime Minster Modi has serious responsibilities with global implications. So we are honoured and happy that he is here today as our guest. The fact that he has chosen to be in Bhutan at this time is a gesture that speaks volumes about his support and friendship for Bhutan,” the king said.

‘Great joy to see India succeed in every field’

“For Bhutan our neighbourhood is of vital importance and Bhutan-India relations, particularly, is a unique and time-tested partnership. It brings us great joy to see India succeed in every field, to see her global stature grow, and her people achieve greater prosperity. Bhutan also stands to benefit when India succeeds. We feel reassured about the future of our neighbourhood,” the king said.

‘PM Modi shoulders responsibility to lead 18% of world’s population’

The Bhutanese King further said nations need a great leader to progress and prosper, but such leaders are rare.

“A great leader must be compassionate, must care deeply for the country, and be willing to give everything in the service of the nation and people. Additionally, a great leader must be visionary and immensely capable and competent. A great leader must be powerful, not for the sake of power, but to effect real change with the wholehearted support of the people,” the king said.

“In my view, Prime Minister Modi embodies all these qualities. He shoulders the responsibility to lead 1.4 billion people, 18 per cent of the world’s population. And his leadership has been extraordinary and exemplary,” the king added.

‘With PM Modi at the helm, India’s future is bright’

The King further said: “With him at the helm, India’s future is bright. And as I said before, a successful India means a bright future for Bhutan.”

What does citation on the award conferred to PM Modi reads?

The citation of the award conferred by Bhutan to PM Modi reads:

“On December 17, 2021, His Majesty The King conferred the Order of Druk Gyalpo, the highest recognition of the Kingdom of Bhutan, to His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India.”

“Shri Narendra Modi is an outstanding embodiment of national, regional, and global leadership. Under him, India has become the fastest growing economy in the world and will be the third largest economy by 2030.”

“Prime Minister Modi has emerged as a figure of destiny, transforming the ancient civilization of India into a dynamic centre of technology and innovation. His commitment to safeguard the environment and invest in renewable energy makes India’s progress truly well rounded. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has set India on the path of transformation, and India’s moral authority and global influence have grown.”

“PM Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy has strengthened South Asia, and paved the way for collective progress.”

“Bhutan is honoured that a statesman of such stature is a true friend of the Bhutanese people. Prime Minister Modi is a firm supporter of Bhutan’s national vision to achieve self-reliance and become a developed nation.”

“Bhutan-India relations is exemplary among nations. Prime Minster Modi’s friendship and support for all of Bhutan’s objectives and initiatives have made our bonds stronger than ever.”

“This award recognises His Excellency Prime Minister Modi’s personal accomplishments and leadership, and his contributions to strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Bhutan. It also honours India’s rise as a global power under his leadership, and celebrates Bhutan’s special bond with India.”

“Today, we witness a momentous ceremony, in which His Majesty The King presents the Order of Druk Gyalpo to His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, in person.