Bhutan today confirmed it’s highest civilian award Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo or the Order of The Druk Gyalpo on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of it’s National Day. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first outsider to receive the highly coveted award.
Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering, shared a tweet sharing the news with netizens, stating that “Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji’s Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo.”
Moreover, the PMO Bhutan posted, “HM highlighted all the unconditional friendship and support Modiji extended over the years, particularly during pandemic. Much deserving! Congratulations from the people of Bhutan. In all interactions, seen Your Excellency as a great, spiritual human being. Looking forward to celebrating the honour in person.”
Bhutan government established this highest civilian award in 2008, with a Breast Star and Sash Badge. It celebrates those who have devoted their lives to helping Bhutan’s nation and individuals. This honour might have come due to the close ties of India with Bhutan. So, in recent months, India has kept close coordination with Bhutan. India has also retained the Himalayan nation in goals for the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award adds to a long list of civilian honours bestowed upon PM Modi by other nations. Here is a list of awards received by PM Modi from countries:
1. Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (2016) The highest honour of Saudi Arabia awarded to non-muslim dignitaries
2. State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (2016) The highest civilian honour of Afghanistan
3. Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (2018) The highest honour of Palestine awarded to foreign dignitaries
4. Order of Zayed Award (2019) The highest civilian honour of the United Arab Emirates
5. Order of St. Andrew award (2019) The highest civilian honour of Russia
6. Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin (2019) The highest honour of the Maldives awarded to foreign dignitaries
7. King Hamad Order of the Renaissance – First Class (2019) Bahrain’s top honour.
8. Legion of Merit by the US Government (2020) The United States Armed Forces award given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements
In addition to these, PM Modi has also been honoured by global organisations.
Awards to PM Modi by organisations/foundations:
1. Seoul Peace Prize (2018) Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation’s biennial award to those individuals who have made their mark through contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations and world peace.
2. Champions of The Earth Award (2018) The UN’s highest environmental honour
3. First Philip Kotler Presidential award (2019) Offered to the leader of a nation
4. Global Goalkeeper Award Honour by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2019)
5. Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award (2021) Awarded by the Cambridge Energy Research Associates CERA for commitment of leadership towards the future of global energy and the environment
