Gyalyong Duechen or National Day of Bhutan was celebrated by the Bhutanese students at Subharti University, Meerut. The celebrations
Article by: Mr. Sherab Dorji, Student of B.A.LLB (Faculty of Law)
One of the most important national events in Bhutan is Gyalyong Duechen or National Day. It is not the day when Bhutan was founded because the state of Bhutan started in the 17th century. The day commemorates the installation of Sir Ugyen Wangchuk as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan on 17 December 1907 or on the 13th or 11th lunar month in the congregation hall of Punakha dzong. The pinnacle of the ceremony was the endorsement of the document containing the contract for the new monarchical system.
The National Day observed annually is a celebration of this auspicious and momentous beginning of a new chapter in Bhutan’s history. King Ugyen Wangchuk secured peace and security in the country, initiated the process of modernization although it fully took off only a century later, built a strong relationship with neighbours both to the north and the south, and introduced a politics of leadership that focussed more on the welfare of the people than personal power and control.
On 17th December 2021, we celebrated National Day at Subharti University.
The event was held in Subharti Law college.
The Foreign Director Mr. RK Sharma and the Dean of Faculty of Law Dr. Vaibhav Goel were the Chief Guest. The other teaching faculties were also present at the event. Students from Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh were also invited as guests to the event.
The event was organized by the Bhutanese Students Association which has around 20-25 members. It was a culturally diverse event showcasing Bhutanese art, music, culture, and traditions to the students.
The National Day celebration continued to become more elaborate and festive and the day was attributed with great national significance.
As we celebrate 114 years since King Ugyen Wangchuk (first monarch of Bhutan) was crowned, the day has become a sacred and joyful occasion for the Bhutanese people to come together to celebrate the blessings and achievements of the past, be mindful of the challenges, and to reinforce their commitment to carry on the legacies of the forefathers and work even harder towards the common goals.
