His Majesty the King awarded Service and Gallantry medals to 239 individuals, today. They were awarded medals at the Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu.
Ten senior most officers of the armed forces were awarded the gold medal- the Drakpoi Rinchen Tshuktor. Others received the silver medal- Drakpoi Norbu Yoedsel. The awards also included three posthumous medals.
Medals were awarded to nine desups and two civilians as well. The medals were awarded in recognition of their meritorious and distinguished service to the tsa wa sum and for exemplary acts of patriotism and sacrifice in service of the nation.
His Majesty expressed his appreciation to the recipients for having served the nation with unwavering loyalty and said that the entire nation owes them a great deal of gratitude. 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 Zimpon, Ugyen Namgyel. Zimpon Ugyen Namgyel has a degree in diplomatic studies from Oxford University and has been serving as Changkhap 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 accompanied by her Majesty the Gyaltsuen visited the Dechenphodrang Monastic School and offered prayers and Nyendar for continued peace and prosperity in the country. His Majesty also met the monks and granted soelra. The monks offered prayers to His Majesty.
Towards the evening, His Majesty and the Gyaltsuen also visited the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral hospital. At the hospital, Their Majesties visited the paediatric ward and spent time with the children there. They shared a cake and presented them with toys and other gifts.
Their Majesties also visited the patients’ guest house and met with patients and their relatives. The 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.
