Some live in the shadows of greatness, serving the nation quietly with loyalty. And when they depart, the nation feels a profound loss. One such soul is late Dasho Dorji Gyeltshen, Gyalpoi Zimpon to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and recipient of the Druk Thuksey Medal. Late Dasho Dorji Gyeltshen, from Paro, died on July 14th at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy that remains etched in the memory of generations. In this story, we honour the life of a man who served three generations of monarchs, Their Majesties the Third Druk Gyalpo, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and His Majesty The King, with humility, dignity, and devotion.
BBS did not publish this story immediately after the demise of the late Dasho, considering the family’s sentiments.
Late Dasho Dorji Gyeltshen served three successive monarchs across six decades, serving as the Gyalpoi Zimpon to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo until his dying day.
His service to the Kings and the nation began at the age of 21.
In 1963, Late Dasho joined the Royal Body Guard and was chosen to serve His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo who was then just eight years old.
According to his son, for the next six years, late Dasho was not only a bodyguard but also a cook and a dog caregiver to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
In 1972, on the eve of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s investiture as Trongsa Penlop, the Third Druk Gyalpo appointed Dasho as Trongsa Zimpon and awarded him the Red Scarf.
Two years later, when His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo ascended the throne, late Dasho became Gyalpoi Zimpon, a role he would serve for the next 34 years, becoming a trusted bridge between the King and his people.
During his loyal and dedicated service, he instituted numerous measures to preserve and promote national culture and tradition, including imparting training and writing a book on Driglam Namzha.
According to his son, the Third Druk Gyalpo had personally tutored him in Driglam Namzha, imparting a lesson that would become late Dasho’s guiding principle.
He coordinated and supervised national events including National Day Celebrations and inaugural ceremonies of the National Assembly, as well as historic events including the Coronations of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and His Majesty The King, the Royal Wedding Ceremony in 1988 and the Royal Wedding of His Majesty The King in 2011, the investiture ceremony of the Trongsa Penlop, and the Coronation Silver Jubilee Celebrations in 1999.
In recognition of his unwavering support to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, particularly in delivering kidu to the people and safeguarding Driglam Namzha, Dasho was awarded the Coronation Gold Medal in 1999.
In 2021, His Majesty the King awarded him the Druk Thuksay Medal for his lifetime of loyal service.
In his final days, late Dasho had been unwell, and according to his son, he passed away peacefully. The State Funeral will be held on Monday.
As Bhutan mourns his passing, the country also celebrates his life, a life that reminds us that true greatness is often quiet, but never forgotten.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
