Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade RGOB
Celebration of His Majesty The King’s 38th Birthday as a Special Event to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan
The 38th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The King on 21 February 2018 was celebrated at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi as a special event to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India. Her Excellency Shrimati Sushma Swaraj, Hon’ble Minister for External Affairs of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. His Excellency Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, also graced the event. The event was attended by senior officials of the Government of India, members of the diplomatic corps in Delhi, Indian friends and well-wishers of Bhutan and the Bhutanese community in New Delhi including Bhutanese students studying in and around New Delhi.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Shrimati Sushma Swaraj on behalf of the Government and the people of India, extended warmest greetings to His Majesty The King on the joyous occasion of His Majesty’s birthday and wished His Majesty good health, happiness and continued success in His pursuit of peace and prosperity for the friendly people of Bhutan. Her Excellency Shrimati Sushma Swaraj stated that India is proud of the special and exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which are built on shared values and aspirations, utmost trust and mutual respect. Her Excellency said that relations between India and Bhutan is a unique partnership built on the historical and cultural linkages and stated that 2018 is a milestone moment for India-Bhutan partnership as the two countries celebrate the accomplishments of the last five decades of our time-tested and special ties. Her Excellency Shrimati Sushma Swaraj, on behalf of the Government and the people of India, also reaffirmed India’s abiding commitment to nurture and advance the special and privileged partnership with Bhutan.
His Excellency Lyonpo Damcho Dorji in his remarks said the firm foundations that were laid for India-Bhutan relations 50 years ago have grown, blossomed and flourished. He said that India-Bhutan relations is a relationship that has since been carefully nurtured and strengthened under the wise leadership of our visionary Monarchs and successive dynamic leaders of India cutting across party lines. On behalf of the people and the Royal Government of Bhutan, Lyonpo also expressed appreciation to the people and Government of India, for India’s generous and unstinted support, friendship and cooperation in Bhutan socio-economic development. Lyonpo stated that the people and the Royal Government of Bhutan attach the highest importance to its relations with India.
During the event, the Hon’ble Chief Guest Smt. Sushma Swaraj and Lyonpo Damcho Dorji jointly launched Commemorative Bhutanese Stamps published by Bhutan Post specially for the Golden Jubilee celebrations and the Special Issue of ‘Bhutan Panorama’ magazine published by the India-Bhutan Friendship Association in coordination with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy. The Hon’ble Chief Guest also awarded prizes for the top three winners of an essay competition organized by the Embassy amongst all Bhutanese students studying in India on the theme ‘India-Bhutan relations’.
Artistes from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts, popular Bhutanese actors, singers and comedians as well as Bhutanese students in India presented cultural performances. Cultural performances were also presented from the Indian side.
The Golden Jubilee will be celebrated through the year with a series of cultural events, exhibitions, seminars, commemorative events that have been planned both in Bhutan and India.
