Coinciding with the National Day, His Majesty The King also awarded the National Order of Merit, Gold to three individuals in recognition of their services to the Tsa-Wa-Sum in promoting cultural heritage.
58-year-old Kinley Wangchuk from Wangdue Phodrang is one of the recipients. Kinley Wangchuk is a heritage site specialist with the Department of Culture under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs.
He has served as the Project Engineer for Punakha Dzong Renovation. He also served as the Project Manager for Trongsa Dzong Renovation, Chukha Dzong Construction and Pema Gatshel Dzong Construction.
And from 2014 to 2022, he was the Project Director for the reconstruction of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
“A month ago, on the 11th of November, the members of the Royal Family, His Holiness the Je Khenpo and government officials graced the consecration of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. I was happy. And today, during National Day, His Majesty The King awarded the National Order of Merit to us. I am overwhelmed with happiness,” said Kinley Wangchuk.
Lhaten Dorji from Sarpang was also awarded the National Order of Merit, Gold. He works with
the Department of Culture as a Principal Engineer. The 57-year-old has served as the Project Engineer for Tsirang Dzong construction, and as the Project Manager for Rinpung Dzong Renovation and Pema Gatshel Dzong Construction.
Similarly, 45-year-old Namgay Dorji from Wangdue Phodrang also received the National Order of Merit, Gold. He is an Engineer with the Department of Culture. He has served as the Project Engineer for Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong Renovation. He worked as the Project Manager for Paro Ta Dzong Renovation, and Drukgyel Dzong
Reconstruction projects.
The history of national decorations and honours in Bhutan was introduced when the first king Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, introduced the Coronation Medal in 1907.
Karma Wangdi/Tashi Yangden/Namgay Dema
