What Is The Order Of The Druk Gyalpo? Bhutan's Highest Civilian Honour Conferred Upon PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Bhutan's highest civilian honour, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, during his state visit to the country, on Friday.

Expressing gratitude, it was said by Modi, "Honoured to be conferred with 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' Award by Bhutan. It is dedicated by me to 140 crore Indians." This award was first announced in December 2021 during Bhutan's National Day.

Photo Credit: X-@MEAIndia

What makes the Order of the Druk Gyalpo significant in Bhutan?

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan's most esteemed civilian accolade, is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to society, embodying values of service, integrity, and leadership. Instituted as a decoration for lifetime achievement, paramount importance is held by this honour in the Himalayan Kingdom.

Recipients of this prestigious award are carefully selected based on their outstanding accomplishments and positive impact on society, with their contributions assessed in alignment with Bhutanese values, emphasizing holistic development, cultural preservation, and regional harmony.

Why was Modi awarded?

PM Modi's selection as the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honour highlighted the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. The citation accompanying Modi's award emphasizes his leadership, characterized by an unwavering commitment to progress, which closely aligns with Bhutan's national vision of achieving self-reliance.

According to a citation on the award conferred to PM, "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 safeguarding the environment and investing 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.