Thinley Namgay   

In a show of enduring friendship, Bhutan took part in celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day at the Indian Embassy in Thimphu on August 15.

Keeping with the tradition, Gyalpoi Zimpon Ugyen K Namgyel presented a Tashi Khadar (ceremonial scarf) to the Indian Ambassador, Sudhakar Dalela. This gesture symbolises goodwill, friendship, peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Cabinet Secretary Kesang Deki, Foreign Secretary Pema Choden, and Chief of Protocol Ugen Chuzom also attended the event, along with more than 1,500 people from the Indian community and well-wishers from Bhutan. 

The Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, led the Indian community in unfurling the national flag of India, followed by the singing of the national anthem.

In his address to the gathering, Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela emphasised the long-standing, close, and unique ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, anchored in spiritual and cultural linkages, mutual trust and understanding, and strong people-to-people relations.

The Ambassador highlighted India’s commitment to working closely with the government and people of Bhutan to fully harness the potential of the bilateral partnership and to explore new avenues of cooperation that align with the vision of His Majesty The King and the priorities of the Bhutanese government.

He applauded the long-term vision of both nations, as Bhutan aspires to become a high-income country by 2034, while India aims to be a developed country by 2047.

The celebration also featured a tree-planting ceremony at the Embassy, as part of the ‘Plant4Mother’ campaign, recently launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhutanese dignitaries and the Ambassador participated in this symbolic event, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental conservation.

Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela read excerpts from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu’s address on the eve of Independence Day. 

One of the key messages in the President’s address was youth development. The speech highlighted that Amrit Kaal, the ongoing quarter-century leading up to the centenary of India’s independence,  will be shaped by the youth. “Their energy and enthusiasm will help the nation reach new heights.”

In her address, the President underscored the importance of cultivating young minds and creating a mindset that blends tradition with contemporary knowledge. She also mentioned government initiatives aimed at skill development and employment opportunities for the youth, including plans for 10 million young people to undertake internships with leading companies over the next five years.

The event also featured performances of patriotic songs and dance by members of the Indian community, artists from Bhutan, and the Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Centre.

India gained independence from the United Kingdom on August 15, 1947.