KP Sharma and Lhakpa Quendren 

His Majesty The King conferred the National Order of Merit, Gold to Kinley Wangchuk, Lhaten Dorji, and Namgay Dorji in recognition of their services to the Nation through their contributions to promoting Bhutan’s cultural heritage.




“… No substitute for hard work” – Kinley Wangchuk

Kinley Wangchuk from Rubesa in Wangdue started his career in 1988 as a section officer under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. He is currently a heritage site Specialist with the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Culture Affairs.

The 58-year-old served in various capacities in dzong renovation and construction projects. He served as project engineer for Punakha Dzong renovation project, as Project Manager for Trongsa Dzong renovation, Chukha Dzong construction, Pemagatsel Dzong construction and recently as the Project Director for the reconstruction of Wangduephodrang Dzong.

“What I did was my responsibility and I never expected any such a prestigious reward,” he said. He believes in taking on the assigned responsibilities with utmost dedication and sincerity.

Kinley Wangchuk said that this special award would further motivate him to work even harder and serve the country with the highest integrity. “If you work with Tha-Damtshi and be responsible, you will get to celebrate it one day,” he said.

To the youths, he said to work hard and serve Tsawa-Sum with dedication and patriotism at all times.




“… most memorable day in my life” – Lhaten Dorji

Lhaten Dorji, 57, from Sershong in Sarpang is the Principal Engineer with the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, and has served as Project Engineer for Tsirang Dzong reconstruction, and as Project Manager for Rinpung Dzong Renovation, Pemagatshel Dzong Construction, and Chimi Lhakhang Conservation Projects.

He said that being recognised and awarded for his work was overwhelming. “It was the most memorable day of my life when His Majesty placed that medal on me although I feel I do not deserve this award,” he said.

He said that the award also comes with more responsibilities and expectations from him. “As always, I will continue to give my best throughout my career,” Lhaten Dorji said.

“I always believe in creating a strong sense of responsibility at work,” he added. “If I feel some workers are not doing well, I closely monitor them to help them perform better.”

He said that he closely guided his subordinates through the guidance and advice from my director and other officers at the Department of Culture. “We must give the same level of commitment and dedication whether it is for personal, others, or the government,” he said.

Among others, financial security and management are his highest priority. “When it comes to financial-related works including construction procurement, I always make sure a committee is involved to ensure there are no lapses and corruption,” said Lhaten Dorji.




“… privileged and honoured” – Namgay Dorji 

Namgay Dorji is an engineer with the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, and has served as a project engineer for Trongsa Dzong renovation, Dagana Dzong renovation, and as project manager for Ta Dzong renovation, and Drukgyel Dzong reconstruction projects.

Namgay Dorji, 45, from Rukubji in Sephu, Wangdue joined the civil service in 1999. Overwhelmed with the national award, Namgay Dorji said that

“I feel privileged and very much honoured to receive this prestigious medal and with that I am bestowed with more responsibility to work even harder with full dedication than ever before,” he said.