As the nation celebrates the 108th National Day, today, His Majesty the King awarded National Order of Merit: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, to over a hundred people, in recognition of their hard work, commitment, and dedication to the country.
His Majesty the King granted Lifetime Service Award to 45 former civil servants who had served from 1985 to 2011. His Majesty said, civil servants have a great role to play in the society and the award is granted to motivate them in the future.
Six educators were awarded National Order of Merit, Gold, 22 teachers National Order of Merit, Silver, and 22 teachers National Order of Merit, Bronze.
A Buddhist monk from Wales in the United Kingdom, Lama Shenphen Zangpo, 58, was awarded a National Order of Merit, Gold for helping Bhutanese, especially youth, suffering from addiction, recover.
A 77-year old retired diplomat and Executive Chairman of Pro Bhutan, Germany, Harald Nestroy, was awarded a National Order of Merit, Gold, for his 28-years of contribution in health and education sectors in Bhutan.
Dr. Sanduk Ruit, an internationally renowned eye-surgeon from Nepal was awarded National Order of Merit, Gold. He has given numerous trainings to Bhutanese eye surgeons and doctors. He also helped provide HPV vaccine to Bhutanese children.
Zopoen Rinchen, 60, and Zopoen Naku, 78 from Punakha were awarded National Order of Merit, Gold, for their contribution in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs.
Dozop Chado, 74, from Wangdue Phodrang was awarded National Order of Merit, Gold for his contribution in the construction of Dechencholing Palace and other dzongs.
Lhadrip Sonam Dorji, 60, from Trongsa received National Order of Merit, Gold for his mural paintings.