His Majesty the King celebrated his 35th birth anniversary with over one thousand scouts of all ages in Thimphu yesterday. His Majesty also inaugurated the first National Scouts day and interacted with the scouts. His Majesty the King was accompanied by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen.
His Majesty the King was first presented with a Zhabten (Prayer for His majesty’s long life) by the scouts.
Following the Zhabten, the scouts listened with excitement as His Majesty said he shared a deep bond with scouts in Bhutan, and that he has addressed every annual event.
His Majesty the King also told the scouts that they were all custodians of Bhutan’s Culture, heritage and National Identity. His Majesty said that they must always strive for excellence.
His Majesty the King and Gyaltsuen then cut a birthday cake offered by the scouts. Later, His Majesty visited different stalls set up by the scouts and interacted with them.
Scouting started in Bhutan in 1996 upon the command of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It was launched in Punkaha when His Majesty was at the age of 16.
Today, there are over 23,000 scouts in the country.
