The 14th and 15th Golden Youth Award winners

Ngawang Palden Jamtsho from Motithang Higher Secondary School in Thimphu bagged the 2022 Golden Youth Award (GYA) while, Sangay Yeshi from Gongzim Ugyen Dorji Central School in Haa wins the 2021 GYA title.

By Tenzin Lhaden

“My biggest source of inspiration is His Majesty the King, who is selfless and a brave king, a leader like no other who puts his people before himself and always works to bring happiness and joy in the lives of the people”, said Ngawang Palden Jamtsho. “His Majesty’s powerful words of wisdom were the reason for me and many of us to keep going in life and to work hard with dedication and perseverance”, she added.
Mon Maya, Ngawang’s class teacher said that Ngawang has eagerness to learn, a voracious reader, self-motivated, persistent, courteous behavior and, respects everyone. “She is an academically outstanding and well behaved child in the class and moreover, she has a history of carrying out leadership roles in her previous school and during covid lockdowns, she has reached out to youths through Youtube to motivate and inspire them,” she said.
Ngawang has been recipient of academic excellence certificates from pre-primary grades and a award from His Majesty for her excellence in academic and active scout member. “I as a class teacher, I am one of the happiest person to hear about Ngawang’s winning this prestigious award and this has made the whole family of Mothithang Higher Secondary School proud,” her class teacher added.
“It is an overwhelming experience for the school to be honored with this award to one of our students but more than winning, she sets an example and inspiration to other students in the school”, said Jigme Choden, principal, Mothithang Higher Secondary School.
Ngawang Palden Jamtsho believes in working harder when others are working hard and raising the goals in life. She speaks passionately about how Bhutanese are blessed with everything and responsibility of paying back and not working for self-gratification but for community and Country.
Sangay Yeshi’s class teacher, Sonam Yonten said, ‘‘Sangay is a astounding student. He has been given the responsibility of class captain and monitors the class well in our absence. He is also cordial kid and always ready to help everyone.
“I am on cloud 9. I am fortunate to have many happy moments in my life. However, winning the golden youth award will be the happiest moment of my life”, said Sangay Yeshi.
It is unforgettable moment for me, when His Majesty the King gave us audience on the third day of our camp. His Majesty addressed us to follow our passion and inculcate reading habits, Sangay Yeshi added.
He said, “His Majesty looks after his people with such grace and dignity, yet his unwavering compassion is the greatest inspiration for us”.
The competition has been stressful to all the participating students but Sangay Yeshey says that all the nominees from twenty dzongkhags were friendly and he even made many joyful memories and all these made them forget the sense of competition. He also added that “I request all the youths to follow your passion and be highly integrated.”
A total of 40 students from 2021 and 2022 cohorts from 20 Dzongkhags competed for the GYA title which was held from 21-23 August in Thimphu. The Vice President of Youth Development Fund, Her Royal Highness Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck graced the closing ceremony of the GYA camp.
Every year one student from class X is awarded the title “Golden Youth of the year” after a series of local and national level competitions. For the final selection, the selected students across the country come together to participate and compete for the Golden Youth Award title.
The Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF) says that due to COVID-19 pandemic, the GYA camp could not be organized as a yearly event as in the past. Therefore, this year two cohorts of GYA: 2021 and 2022 for classes XI and X students respectively are being organized.
The winners will receive prestigious scholarships to pursue higher studies abroad.
The Award was initiated in 2005 to commemorate the 50th Birth anniversary of His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the founder of The Bhutan Youth Development Fund. It is aimed to motivate and reward outstanding youth portraying excellence in academics, sports, cultural activities, leadership, social contributions and exceptional talents. The first award camp was organized in 2008.