December 17: As the nation celebrated the 102nd National Day, His Majesty the King awarded medals to recognize excellence in quality of education and dignity of labour. The recipients of the National Order of Merit are teachers, craftsmen, and blue collar workers like farmers, carpenters, masons, and plumbers.

The medal is a special and rare recognition. In the past, the medal recipients were senior officials or people who have served the nation for their meritorious service. But this time, His Majesty the King awarded gold, silver and bronze National Order of Merit to 17 people including three school teachers and blue collar workers.

His Majesty also awarded the Druk Thuksey medal to Jinzop Karma. Jinzop Karma is from Trashiyangtse. The medal is in recognition of his contribution to the traditional art of sculpturing.

Jinzop Karma told BBS that the honour from His Majesty the King will encourage other craftsmen and his students to excel in traditional arts and crafts to preserve the country’s culture.

Awarding the medals, His Majesty said there are many more teachers and blue collar workers who have served this country with devotion and excelled in their profession. Recognizing all of them is not possible.

His Majesty also took time to take group pictures with the medalists and interacted with them personally.