The Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law (JSW Law) marked a momentous milestone today as Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck presided over its fourth graduation ceremony, held at the school’s campus in Paro.
The event, which coincided with the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, celebrated the achievements of 35 graduates who successfully completed their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Post-Graduate Diploma in National Law (PGDNL).
The Laytshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body presented the traditional graduation scarves, while medals were awarded by Her Royal Highness. The ceremony also saw graduates take their oaths of service at JSW Kachhen before receiving their formal degrees.
In her address, Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck congratulated the graduates and urged them to see the day as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to justice and public service.
“I believe in you and know that your journey ahead will be filled with purpose and meaning,” she said. “Today, we make the promise to work together to serve our King, country and people to the best of our abilities.”
Her Royal Highness expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, and his wife, acknowledging India’s pivotal role in establishing JSW Law. She credited the partnership with creating a “world-class campus” that would benefit generations of Bhutanese legal minds.
Ambassador Dalela, serving as chief guest, encouraged graduates to uphold the school’s guiding principles—“Justice, Service, Wisdom.” He described the motto as a tribute to the vision of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, who gifted Bhutan its Constitution, introduced democracy, and championed sustainable development well ahead of global consensus.
For graduates, the day was as much about legacy as achievement. Choki Pelden Lhamo, recipient of the Mirror of Wisdom Award for academic excellence, reflected on the responsibility of carrying forward the ideals embodied by the school’s namesake.
“His Majesty’s legacy lives through us as we uphold the values of Justice, Service and Wisdom,” she said.
Founded by Royal Charter in 2015, JSW Law welcomed its first class in 2017. With this year’s graduates, the institution has now produced 112 legal professionals dedicated to advancing Bhutan’s unique path to justice and governance.
