“There is a higher responsibility – not written in any legal document but instead enshrined in humanity and history – a natural responsibility and duty that we all must shoulder equally, irrespective of who we are.”

His Majesty The King’s words of wisdom are truly reflected in the services rendered by our friends in orange.

Eleven years ago, not much was known when 120 young graduates and mid-career professionals were trained as the first batch of de-suups at the Military Training Centre in Wangduephodrang. Many then joined to prepare themselves in basic disaster response.

Today, 26,257 de-suups have been trained in 48 batches, providing services and taking volunteerism and community service in the country to a new height.

The volunteers in orange are everywhere. From assisting security forces to volunteering to battle forest fires, connecting water to parched houses in rural villages, guarding the borders against the pandemic, and constructing roads. They are serving the country in various capacities, irrespective of who they are. They are making the difference.

They have also taken the service beyond the borders by providing voluntary assistance to the victims of the Nepal earthquake in 2015 and in Rajgir, India, when His Holiness the Je Khenpo conducted Moenlam Chenmo. Trained de-suups in Australia also come together whenever necessary.

Initiated as the brainchild of His Majesty The King, De-Suung is expected to promote the spirit of volunteerism, the positive influence of ethics, and the values of community service, integrity, and civic responsibility. Our men and women in orange have always shown it.

While volunteerism, cooperation and leadership were the themes of the De-Suung training programme, the commitment to serve makes those in the line of duty special. It takes selflessness, kindness, and compassion to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of individuals, communities, and the nation.

Yesterday was the 11th De-Suung Raising Day: the day to commemorate our guardians of peace.

Let us all take some time to thank de-suups who have volunteered to make a difference in society. De-suups will never get the time they so graciously give. Without owing us anything, they give us so much. They are priceless.

Since we can’t repay the de-suups for all the services they render, let us show our appreciation.

The De-Suung Raising Day was also the day for de-suups to reflect their contribution to the society. Let us also hope that the ones who have not been as active as they promised to do more.