December 3 2024, The first cohort of the first batch of Gyalsung Cadets completed their training today with Passing Out Parades (POP) held simultaneously across the four Gyalsung Academies in Khotokha, Pemathang, Jamtsholing, and Gyalpozhing.
His Majesty The King graced the ceremony in Khotokha, and addressed Gyalsups across all four academies. Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck accompanied His Majesty. The Prime Minister, officers of the armed forces, senior government officials, lopens of the Zhung Dratshang, foreign dignitaries, also attended the ceremony.
His Royal Highness Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Her Royal Highness Princess Kesang Chodren Wangchuck, and Her Royal Highness Princess Dechan Yangzom Wangchuck, graced the parades at Gyalpozhing, Jamtsholing, and Pemathang respectively, as His Majesty’s representatives. Families of Gyalsups were invited at the four Academies to celebrate the important event.
Addressing the Gyalsups, His Majesty said that Gyalsung is an essential element of our nation-building process, and Gyalsung training a transformative journey for every future generation of Bhutanese to grow stronger, more capable, and prepared to serve the nation.
His Majesty spoke about our goals as a nation- to hand over the nation- our greatest wealth and inheritance, intact to the future generations. “It is the responsibility of every Bhutanese to not only protect what we have but also ensure progress and continuity, “ His Majesty said.
“We need intergenerational transfer and compounding progress—building on the achievements of the past so that each decade, each generation, and each century sees greater prosperity and happiness for Bhutan.”
His Majesty said that National Service is a vital part of what we are doing today for the security, stability, and well-being of our country and people, for all time. By empowering each Bhutanese to embody the strength and capabilities of ten persons, the nation can magnify its impact and secure a future grounded in unity, discipline, and shared purpose.
The Passing Out Parade marked a significant milestone in the lives of 2,001 young men and women of the 2024 Gyalsung batch, symbolizing their transition from Cadets to full-fledged Gyalsups. The event served as a celebration of their achievements and readiness to shoulder the responsibilities of loyal citizens of Bhutan.
The training program, launched on September 5, 2024, encompassed an integrated three-month curriculum that included Basic Military Training (BMT), covering physical fitness, obstacle courses, and weapon handling. In addition, the Gyalsups also engaged in sessions on National Education, Bhutanese history, domestic security, Choesay Larim, and leadership skills.
Looking forward, the Gyalsups are now poised to render National Service when called upon by the Gyalsung Headquarters. Opportunities for further development include voluntary programs such as “Gyalsups for Gyalsung,” which provides specialized on-the-job training in professional and technical skills through engagement in national projects like the construction of Gyalsung Academies.
Gyalsung – Bhutan’s National Service, was announced by His Majesty The King on Bhutan’s 112th National Day in 2019, as a visionary program designed to empower Bhutanese youth to play a central role in nation-building while safeguarding the nation’s peace, security, and sovereignty.
