Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck reaffirmed Bhutan’s long-term vision for nation-building as the Passing Out Parade of Gyalsung Cohort 1 of 2026 was held simultaneously across the country’s four Gyalsung Academies on May 27.
The King graced the ceremony at the Gyalsung Academy in Gyalpozhing, where he addressed Gyalsups gathered across all four academies, including Pemathang, Khotokha, and Jamtsholing.
With the completion of training for the latest cohort, including 44 young Bhutanese from overseas, the total number of Gyalsups in the country has reached 9,860. Bhutan also now has more than 56,000 Desuups.
Addressing the trainees, the King said Gyalsung represents Bhutan’s commitment to preparing for the future with “clear purpose and direction.”
“We are laying the foundations of Bhutan’s future,” His Majesty said.
Using the image of a beehive to explain collective responsibility and teamwork, the King said Bhutan becomes “unified, resilient, and capable of achieving whatever we set our minds to” when Desuups, Gyalsups, and Pelsups work together with a shared national purpose.
The King described national service as a rite of passage, a shared experience, and a social equaliser that creates common ground among Bhutanese youth.
Earlier, on May 25, the King granted an audience to Gyalsung Cohort 1 trainees at the Gyalsung Academy in Pemathang during his ongoing tour of southern and eastern Bhutan. He also visited the academy site, where construction work is continuing.
Ahead of the passing out parade, the King met participants and board members of Pelsung Cohort 3 in Gelephu. Pelsung currently includes 981 participants across three cohorts. The King also met members of the 108 Chorten Project team and officials from Tsirang Dzongkhag during his visit to Gelephu.
The King thanked Bhutan’s armed forces for their contribution to the success of the Gyalsung programme and expressed appreciation to the people of Bhutan for their continued support.
He also conveyed gratitude to Narendra Modi and the Government and people of India for supporting the construction of all five Gyalsung training centres during the pandemic period.
Tseyring Pem Wangchuck attended the ceremony at Gyalsung Academy Khotokha, while Tshering Tobgay and Chief Justice Norbu Tshering attended the parades at Pemathang and Jamtsholing respectively.
Cabinet ministers, armed forces officers, senior government officials, foreign dignitaries, and families and friends of the Gyalsups were also present at the ceremonies across the country.
