Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the fourth graduation ceremony of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law in Paro today. The school marked the occasion by celebrating its students’ achievements and honouring the legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, on his 70th birthday.
35 students recently completed their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Post-Graduate Diploma in National Law (PGDNL) at the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law.
The Laytshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body presented the graduation scarves, while Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck awarded the medals.
The graduates took their oaths of service at JSW Kachhen and later had their degrees formally conferred.
In her address, Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck reminded the graduates that this marks only the first step in their greater journey of responsibility and service.
“My dear graduates, I join you and your proud teachers and families in celebrating this milestone. I believe in you and know that your journey ahead will be filled with purpose and meaning. Today, we make the promise to work together to serve our King, country and people to the best of our abilities.”
Expressing her appreciation to the Ambassador of India to Bhutan and his wife, Her Royal Highness acknowledged India’s vital role in the establishment of JSW Law and its enduring friendship with Bhutan.
“This world-class campus, home to our students and faculty, would not have been possible without this partnership. Your Excellency and Namrata ji have achieved so much; you have not only contributed to Bhutan’s development but also created friendships and memories across all walks of life that will last far beyond your time here,” said Her Royal Highness.
The Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, who was the chief guest at the event, told the graduates they must live by the school’s motto, “Justice, Service, Wisdom.”
“Justice, Service, Wisdom, the motto of the law school, is a fitting tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, a visionary leader who shaped the ethos of modern Bhutan. His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo gifted Bhutan its Constitution, introduced democracy, foresaw the importance of sustainable development long before the world recognised it, and ensured Bhutan’s unique path of progress,” said the ambassador.
For the graduates, the day was more than just receiving a degree.
For LLB graduate Choki Pelden Lhamo, it meant carrying forward a legacy and honouring the vision of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
She received the Mirror of Wisdom Award for outstanding academic excellence.
She said, “As we carry this responsibility, let us not forget the great leader after whom this very institute is named, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. His Majesty’s legacy lives through us as we uphold the values of Justice, Service and Wisdom.”
Established by Royal Charter in 2015, JSW Law welcomed its first cohort in 2017. Since then, 112 students have graduated from the school.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Sangay Chezom
