The Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Second Cohort of the 2025 Gyalsung Cadets was held on October 30, 2025, with simultaneous ceremonies across all four Gyalsung Academies: Pemathang, Gyalpozhing, Khotokha, and Jamtsholing. A total of 1,992 graduating cadets took part in this historic event. The ceremonies were graced by His Royal Highness Gyaltsab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, His Excellency the Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, and the Chairperson of the Royal Privy Council. The presence of Venerable Lopens, senior Armed Forces officers and government officials, and the families of the Gyalsups underscored the importance of the milestone event.
On this occasion, His Majesty The King addressed the entire graduating cohort across all four locations from Thimphu. Gyalsung, established as a Fundamental Duty under Article 8.1 of the Constitution, was introduced with the paramount objective of empowering the nation’s youth to ensure the resilience, unity, and continuity of the Kingdom. The Royal Address reaffirmed that the completion of the training prepares our young citizens not just with skills, but with the discipline and sense of purpose necessary for the next chapter of national service.
The Passing Out Parade marks a significant milestone and an important rite of passage for the 1,992 young men and women of the Second Cohort, symbolizing their transition from Gyalsung Cadets to Gyalsups. The occasion celebrates not only their achievements but also readiness to shoulder their responsibilities as loyal and capable citizens of Bhutan.
The present cohort also includes 31 young Bhutanese living overseas who have returned to undergo Gyalsung Training. This is a testament to the strong support for Gyalsung by all Bhutanese families and our youth including those living abroad.
The successful POP marks the culmination of the entire 2025 training cycle, bringing the total number of trained Gyalsups to 8,322. The Gyalsups enter into the National Service Duty (NSD) phase. These Gyalsups will immediately apply their acquired skills to critical national projects, including Border Duty, infrastructure development for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, and the ongoing construction of the Gyalsung Academies. Furthermore, the previous cohorts have already demonstrated the program’s impact through service in national events and international relief missions, solidifying the POP as the moment where training transforms into a lifelong commitment of service to the King, country and people.
