Bhutan King Leads Prayer with Thousands for Victims of Delhi Blast; PM Modi on 2-Day Visit
PM Modi hailed the Fourth King of Bhutan for his vision of Gross National Happiness
His Majesty, the fifth King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on Tuesday led a prayer with thousands of Bhutanese citizens at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu for the victims of the Delhi car blast.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present, as he is on a two-day visit to the country starting today.
Earlier in the day, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay extended a warm welcome to PM Modi upon his arrival. Bhutan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, Governor of Paro, and Deputy Royal Chamberlain were also present at the airport.
Before his departure from India, Prime Minister Modi said, “It would be my honour to join the people of Bhutan as they mark the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King.”
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will attend various programmes in the country.
Addressing the gathering at the 70th birthday celebrations of the Fourth King in Bhutan, PM Modi spoke about the deadly blast that occurred last evening in a congested area near the Red Fort in Delhi, which has claimed 12 lives so far. Many remain critically injured.
“Today, I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrific incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone. I understand the grief of the affected families. The entire nation stands with them today,” PM Modi said in his address.
The Prime Minister stated that he had been in touch with all the investigating agencies throughout the night.
“Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said.
“Today, while the Global Peace Prayer Festival is underway, devotees are also visiting the Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha. At the same time, we are witnessing the 70th birthday celebrations of the Fourth King. The event, marked by the dignified presence of so many people, reflects the strength of the ties between India and Bhutan,” Modi added.
He continued, “Many of you may not know that Vadnagar, my birthplace, is connected to the Buddhist tradition. My workplace, Varanasi, is also a centre of Buddhist devotion. That is why coming to this ceremony is special. May this lamp of my prayer for peace illuminate every home in Bhutan and across the world.”
The Prime Minister also hailed the Fourth King of Bhutan for his vision of Gross National Happiness, saying that it has today become a pioneering parameter for defining growth across the world.
He further praised Bhutan for its carbon-negative vision and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Bhutan fifth King, also known as Druk Gyalpo, said, "Let us all come together and pray for India, pray for Prime Minister Modi. May all your aspirations, your vision, and your service to India bear fruit. May you overcome each and every single obstacle. And may your dream of an even brighter, stronger, more prosperous India be fulfilled. But above all, we would like to take a moment and pray for the people who sadly lost their lives yesterday in Delhi. We'd like to pray for them."
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