In a historic and momentous occasion, Bhutan’s National Service program was officially launched yesterday at four Gyalsung Academies spread across the country. His Majesty the King attended the launch ceremony at the Jamtsholing Academy in Samtse and addressed Gyalsups from the other academies, marking the beginning of this significant national initiative.
The Gyalsung Academies, located in Khotokha in Wangdue, Pemathang in Samdrupjongkhar, Gyalpoizhing in Mongar, and Jamtsholing in Samtse, are the foundation stones of Bhutan’s ambitious National Service program. His Majesty’s presence at Jamtsholing underscored the importance of this new chapter in the nation’s history.
In his address, His Majesty praised the dedication and courage of Bhutan’s armed forces, acknowledging their crucial role in ensuring the success of the National Service. He also expressed his gratitude to the Gyalsung core team, various ministries, departments, civil servants, and the people of Bhutan, with a special mention to the parents of the Gyalsups.
His Majesty eloquently described the National Service as a reflection of Bhutan’s core values—courage, resilience, humility, righteousness, discipline, culture, and values. “The National Service has been built based on who we truly are,” His Majesty stated. “It is grounded in our vision for the future of Bhutan and our commitment to achieving it.”
Emphasizing the gravity of the moment, His Majesty spoke of the lasting impact of the decisions made today. “What we do here today will live on, in the time of our children, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren, and long after we are dead and forgotten,” he remarked.
The King outlined Bhutan’s goal of becoming a significant player in a region with over two billion people. He highlighted the comprehensive transformation underway to secure the nation’s future, stressing the need for talent, coordination, discipline, and intellectual acumen to complement Bhutan’s numerical constraints.
“It is our good fortune that we get this honour and privilege of building that beautiful Bhutan,” His Majesty said. “We all love our country very much. We are proud of who we are. But I truly believe we can become even better.”
With a commitment to frequently visit and support the Gyalsups, His Majesty expressed confidence in their growth and transformation. He assured that they would embody the values necessary to achieve greatness and contribute to Bhutan’s prosperity.
The National Service program commenced with over 2,000 Gyalsups joining the pioneering batch. Their three-month training will encompass basic military training, national education, Driglam Namzha (national etiquette), Choeshey Larim (spiritual and moral education), leadership development, and life skills. This multifaceted approach aims to equip the young trainees with the tools needed to navigate future challenges and opportunities.
His Majesty also extended Bhutan’s gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government of India for their invaluable support and encouragement in this ambitious endeavor.
As Bhutan embarks on this transformative journey, the launch of the National Service stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to its values, its future, and its role on the global stage.
