Thinley Namgay

His Majesty the King awarded 13 National Order of Merit (Gold) and eight National Order of Merit (Silver) to individuals from various backgrounds at the 117th National Day celebration at Changlimithang in Thimphu yesterday.

The gold medalists included late Leki Wangchuk, who worked for the home ministry; Lieutenant Jigme Pelden Dorji, the first Bhutanese to summit Mount Everest; Dr Mahesh Gurung, a cardiologist at the National Referral Hospital, Colonel Sisir Chhetri, an officer on special duty at De-Suung; Tashi Penjor, director of the MoIT; Lam Kezang, CEO of the Office of Holy Gold Script; and Hanyoung Kim, Honorary Consul General of Bhutan to Korea. 

Other gold medalists include Ian Patrick Triay Guerrero, Honorary Consul General of Bhutan to Spain; Dr Ryoichi Nagata, Honorary Consul General of Bhutan to Japan; Esufally Abbas, Honorary Consul General of Bhutan to Sri Lanka; Cornelis Klein, Honorary Consul General of Bhutan to the Netherlands; Atul Bagai; and Henry Ho, a jeweller in Thailand.

Late Leki Wangchuk was awarded in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Bhutan’s cultural heritage and architectural preservation. He oversaw the construction of Dungkar Dzong, ensuring adherence to traditional designs, and contributed significantly to the conservation of Dechenphug Lhakhang and Wangdue Dzong.

Lieutenant Jigme Pelden Dorji was recognised for his extraordinary achievement as the first Bhutanese to summit Mount Everest.

Dr Mahesh Gurung was recognised for his pioneering contributions to Bhutan’s healthcare system as the country’s first interventional cardiologist.

Colonel Sisir Chhetriwas recognised for his exemplary service in law enforcement, disaster management, and international peacekeeping.

Tashi Penjor was awarded for his outstanding contributions to urban planning and infrastructure development in Bhutan. As director of the Department of Human Settlement, he spearheaded numerous transformative projects, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City and the Thimphu Structure Plan.

“It’s a very big day for me, my family, and my colleagues. I am deeply honoured and privileged to receive recognition from His Majesty,” Tashi Penjor said.

He added that the recognition is a testimony to the collective effort of everyone who has worked with him on several nationally significant projects. “I re-dedicate my sincere services to His Majesty the King and reaffirm my commitment to work harder in realising His Majesty’s vision for the country and the people of Bhutan.”

Esufally Abbas was recognised for assisting Bhutanese nationals, facilitating repatriation during Covid-19, and hosting National Day events at his personal expense.

Ian Patrick Triay was recognised for promoting Bhutan through exhibitions, fostering educational opportunities, and supporting Bhutanese interests in Spain; Cornelis Klein for strengthening Bhutan-Netherlands ties, supporting Bhutanese students, and facilitating collaborations between institutions; and Dr Ryoichi Nagata for fostering Bhutan-Japan relations through educational initiatives, high-level visits, and support for agricultural and veterinary advancements.   

Lieutenant Jigme Pelden Dorji said, “I am deeply honoured to have received the National Order of Merit (Gold), and it is all because of His Majesty’s blessing. It is a motivation for me to serve the Tsa wa Sum with utmost dedication and loyalty.”

The silver medalists were Dr Dechen Wangmo, a recipient of nine medals from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Sri Lanka; Karma Jigme, the President of Paro FC; Namgay Wangchuk, a civil servant; Choeying Jatsho, a music producer and owner of M-Studio; Charmi Chheda, a film and theater director; Orawee Tadtiang, a performance director and choreographer from Thailand; Ugyen Deepak, a hairdresser; and Tashi Lhendup from the Home Ministry.

Dr Dechen Wangmo was awarded for her unparalleled academic achievements. Karma Jigme was recognised for his outstanding contributions as an entrepreneur, conservationist, and promoter of Bhutanese football; Namgay Wangchuk for his steadfast commitment to waste management and environmental awareness, and Choeying Jatsho for his transformative impact on Bhutanese music and culture.

Charmi Chheda was recognised for her contributions to Bhutan’s performing arts and cultural landscape as a creative director, playwright, and choreographer.

Orawee Tadtiang was awarded for helping Bhutanese youth through volunteer dance workshops and choreography for national performances, enriching cultural exchange between Bhutan and Thailand. Ugyen Deepak was honoured for his exceptional contributions as a skilled hairdresser and mentor, and Tashi Lhendup for his pioneering work in mural conservation and the restoration of Bhutan’s sacred heritage sites.

Karma Jigme, President of Paro FC, said the honour is not just his recognition but one for all Bhutanese football lovers, Paro FC founders, the Paro FC family, coaches, technical staff, and all the players who were there from the beginning.

Karma Jigme also thanked the Bhutan Football Federation and the Bhutan Olympic Committee for their unwavering support and belief in Paro FC’s vision. “Together, we continue to grow Bhutanese football. This achievement is a testament to what we can accomplish as a community.”

Namgay Wangchuk, the founder of a Facebook group ‘Trashnology Toppers’ and a waste collector, said: “I am most humbled, and I hope we will collectively get better each day in managing our waste. I wasn’t expecting it at all. It’s the greatest surprise and greatest blessing of my life.”