If is most auspicious for all of us to have gathered here today to observe the sacred occasion of Zhabdrung Kuchoe at Pungtang Dewachenpoi Phodrang, the principal seat of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

All the people of our country were joyously united in offering prayers when our son was born in February this year. I express my appreciation to all the people of 20 dzongkhags for your prayers, support and love, and wish you Tashi Delek on the auspicious occasion of Zhabdrung Kuchoe.

Today is a very significant day in an exceptional year filled with propitious events. The year marks the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche and the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung’s arrival in Bhutan.

Along with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, I and my son offered our prayers today to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the sacred Machen Lhakhang for the present and future wellbeing of our people and country.

Never before has there been a time when the Royal Grandfather, Father and Son of the Wangchuck Dynasty come together at the same time to offer prayers in the sacred temple of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This has come to signify a most fortunate event on a most auspicious day.

As I have said before, The Gyalsey is not just the prince of The King and The Gyaltsuen, but a son to all the Bhutanese people. After profound contemplation, He has been named Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck in the sacred Machen Lhakhang.

Jigme means fearless. It symbolises great courage to overcome any challenge that He may confront in future as He serves our country.

Namgyel means victorious in all directions and victory over all obstacles. It is a name taken from the revered Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who enabled the Dharma to flourish in all directions as prophesied by Guru Rinpoche.

Wangchuck is the name of the royal lineage and dynasty.

When the time comes for Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck to serve His country, He must always place the concerns of His country above all else and serve His people justly with great love and dedication. It will be His sacred responsibility to build a harmonious and just society, and thereby, fulfill all the aspirations of His people.

He must live such a life as a good human being and serve his country in a manner that it will be exemplary and worthy of emulation.

He will also have the responsibility to preserve and foster the legacies and teachings of Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

My heartfelt prayers and aspirations are that during His reign, our people will be able to enjoy even greater peace, security, prosperity and happiness than they have in the past. I thank all the people of the 20 dzongkhags for your continued support, loyalty and dedication.