The soil of Dewathang spawned with the pace of parade, as air filled with codes and commitments, and orange became the brightest colour in the peaking heat of Samdrupjongkhar. The spirited display blended well with the history and spirituality that Dewathang is always known for.

About 120 young men and women merrily joined the De-suung fraternity here today, along with 1,511 others graduating from different training centres in the country.

“You all now become a part of the special institute that originated from His Majesty’s heart,” Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, who joined the celebration at Dewathang, shared with the enthusiastic lot. “Not everyone who aspires to become a De-suup gets to become one. It is only through the merits accumulated that one is bestowed with the prefix ‘De-suup’ for your names.”

Lyonchhen said the earlier comprehension of De-suups as simply volunteers who fight forest fire or manage crowd, for instance, changed since the onset of the pandemic. Besides meeting the required numbers through the accelerated programs, the De-suups were the frontliners offering unconditional reinforcement during nation’s fight against the pandemic.

Simultaneous engagement of De-suups in numerous programs are underway in an unprecedented way. It ranges from skilling programs to water and road projects that ride on sophisticated technology to national events like dog population management and million tree plantations.

As much as the De-suung training infused sense of purpose and volunteerism, one must also learn to embark on the opportunity it offers, to attain 21st century knowledge and skills. That will not just endow oneself but generate livelihood and support family.

“Making oneself capable enough to secure the livelihood of your family is also a way to fulfill His Majesty’s wish and serve the nation,” Lyonchhen said.

“Putting all the pieces together, De-suung is now becoming the key ingredient in societal transformation and economic progress of Bhutan, and no one else could have done it better,” he said, thanking His Majesty from the heart.

Meanwhile, the common conception of De-suups generally was the orange uniform they wore. But, irrespective of what they wear or where they are, Lyonchhen said their thought, conduct, action and speech must reveal that they are De-suups.

“Afterall, you all are the eyes and arms of His Majesty and your presence at homes, communities and country at large must be felt in a profound way,” he said. “Disciplined individuals result in a disciplined nation, which is the pillar of success and prosperity and this should be the way forward.”

Among others, Lyonchhen also shared his personal anecdotes from Nepal earthquake during which Bhutanese team of doctors and De-suups offered solace and invited approval from everyone during the disaster.

Prime Minister will continue to stay in Samdrupjongkhar and visit the gewogs in the coming days.