BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
As the first cohort of Gyalsung embarks on its transformative journey with the launch of the program on September 5, 2024, the future of Bhutan shines with renewed hope, strength, and resilience. This historic moment marks the beginning of a national service that will mold Bhutanese youth into strong, capable citizens, symbolizing a new era of unity and growth for the country. The Gyalsung program, envisioned by His Majesty, is not just a project but a gift, a timeless investment in the future generation of Bhutan.
Announced by His Majesty The King during the National Day celebrations in 2019, the Gyalsung program represents a landmark initiative aimed at empowering young Bhutanese to become productive, resilient, and morally grounded citizens. It is designed to imbue the youth with a true sense of being Bhutanese, cultivating a deep-rooted connection to the nationโs values, culture, and aspirations. The program goes beyond academic learning, focusing on holistic development, including physical fitness, vocational training, and civic responsibility.
The youth of Bhutan are indeed fortunate to be part of this initiative. His Majestyโs foresight in creating Gyalsung ensures that every young Bhutanese has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly complex world. As they undergo rigorous training at one of the four Gyalsung academies in Khotokha, Pemathang, Gyalpozhing, and Jamtsholing, these young Gyalsups will not only learn essential life skills but also discover the strength, courage, and resilience that define Bhutanese identity.
During a recent visit to the Pemathang Academy, His Majesty met with the Gyalsups and the team responsible for managing the program. His emphasis was clear: the well-being, both physical and mental, of the Gyalsups is paramount. His Majesty stressed that the youth must be well taken care of, comfortable, and happy throughout their training. This concern for the holistic development of Bhutanโs youth reflects His Majestyโs deep care for the nationโs future. The Gyalsups, nurtured under such attentive guidance, will emerge not just as skilled individuals but as compassionate leaders committed to serving their country.
At the launch ceremony at Jamtsholing Academy in Samtse, His Majesty The King addressed the Gyalsups at all the academies. In his speech, His Majesty expressed profound gratitude to the armed forces, the core Gyalsung team, ministries, departments, civil servants, and especially the parents of the Gyalsups. His Majestyโs words acknowledged the collective efforts that have brought this national service program to life, recognizing the devotion and commitment of all those involved.
His Majestyโs vision extends far beyond the immediate benefits of the Gyalsung program. He spoke of Bhutanโs goal to become one of the most relevant countries within a region of over two billion people. To achieve this, Bhutan must maximize its strengths, talent, coordination, discipline, and intellect, while fully understanding the intricacies of the world we live in. His Majestyโs words emphasizes on the importance of strategic thinking and ambition in shaping the nationโs future.
โWhat 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,โ His Majesty stated. These words encapsulate the enduring legacy of the Gyalsung program. It is not just a national service for todayโs youth, but a transformative experience that will resonate through the generations, shaping Bhutanโs future for centuries to come.
