Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome with a Gujarati Garba performance by the youngsters at the Thimphu Hotel in Bhutan on Friday. The performers danced to the song, Garbo, penned by PM Modi himself.
The Prime Minister arrived in Bhutan earlier today on a two-day State visit to further strengthen India’s unique relations with the Himalayan nation as part of the country’s Neighbourhood First Policy. PM Modi was welcomed by Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay.
During PM Modi’s visit, a special welcome was given to him as a group of performers from Bhutan danced to the song, Garba, written by him recently, as per the officials.
PM Modi was seen enjoying their performance with rapt attention and applauded at the end of the performance. Modi also greeted the officials gathered at the hotel located in the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu.
Indian culture and songs featured prominently in the cultural celebrations at the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, during PM Modi’s two-day State visit to Bhutan. Gujarati songs and Hindi songs were used during the performance.
PM Modi was also conferred with Bhutan’s highest civilian honour. With this honour, PM Modi has become the first foreign Head of Government to receive Bhutan’s highest civilian award. The King of Bhutan conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo on PM Modi.
As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honour system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.
Bhutan PM Tobgay congratulated PM Modi for receiving Bhutan’s highest civilian award on behalf of the entire country and all the Bhutanese people. Speaking on the occasion, Bhutan’s PM said that his country is deeply grateful that PM Modi visited Bhutan despite his busy schedule. Bhutan had some problems with the weather, but he overcame that and today he arrived in person to receive the award.
In addition, PM Modi, whom he refers to as his elder brother, has offered his support, and his government’s assistance, for their 13 five-year plan. And for that, on behalf of all the people of Bhutan, he offered his gratitude to PM Modi and the people of India.
Ministry of External Affairs earlier this week said that the visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on bilateral and regional matters of interest and deliberate on ways to expand and intensify the country’s exemplary partnership for the benefit of its people.