First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training
Bhutan’s first 2025 Gyalsung cohort has completed their three-month National Service training with a grand Passing Out Parade attended by His Majesty The King. Discover how this visionary programme empowers Bhutanese youth for national unity and progress.
The inaugural cohort of Bhutan’s 2025 Gyalsung programme successfully completed their intensive three-month National Service training on 28 June 2025, marking an inspiring milestone for the kingdom. Passing Out Parades (POP) were held simultaneously across the four Gyalsung Academies in Pemathang, Gyalpozhing, Khotokha, and Jamtsholing.
Royal Presence Across Four Academies
King Jigme Khesar personally graced the parade in Pemathang, Samdrup Jongkhar, and addressed Gyalsups at all four academies. Representing His Majesty elsewhere were His Royal Highness Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in Gyalpozhing, His Royal Highness Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck in Jamtsholing, and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay in Khotokha.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
In his address, His Majesty expressed heartfelt thanks to the Gyalsups and their families for their unwavering support and dedication to the Gyalsung mission, as well as to the Armed Forces for their relentless efforts in delivering the training. His Majesty also extended appreciation to the Government of India, the Indian Army, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for their continued support, which has been instrumental in bringing the Gyalsung vision to life.
Speaking to the Gyalsups, His Majesty offered an inspiring metaphor comparing Bhutan’s strength to a disciplined beehive, emphasising collective unity, agility, and resilience. “A hive moves together, thinks together, acts together, and commands respect,” he explained, encouraging Gyalsups to nurture such values to help Bhutan thrive in an ever-challenging world.
Values That Set Bhutan Apart
His Majesty urged the graduates to stand out by upholding Bhutanese values. “If trust is scarce elsewhere, we must be trustworthy. If selfishness and corruption grow around us, we must choose kindness and integrity,” he reminded them. His Majesty highlighted that national initiatives—including Gyalsung—are designed to empower young Bhutanese to face the future with courage, skills, and confidence.
While acknowledging the road ahead will be demanding, His Majesty reminded Gyalsups of their shared duty to create the secure, proud nation that future generations deserve. “Our descendants deserve nothing but the best,” he affirmed. “It is our generation’s duty to ensure they have a home they will always cherish.”
Honoured Guests and Celebrations
The event was attended by Lopons of the Zhung Dratshang, Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, members of the Armed Forces, foreign dignitaries, and the proud families of the Gyalsups.
Altogether, 2,639 young men and women graduated from this first 2025 cohort, including 56 who returned from abroad—Australia, India, Thailand, and the United States—to fulfil their national service. With this milestone, Bhutan has now trained a total of 6,330 Gyalsups, counting the previous 2024 batches.
Holistic and Comprehensive Training
The integrated curriculum combined Basic Military Training—physical fitness, obstacle courses, and weapon handling—with education on Bhutanese history, national education, domestic security, Choesay Layrim, and leadership development.
Established under Article 8.1 of the Constitution, Gyalsung was announced by His Majesty on Bhutan’s 112th National Day in 2019 as a far-sighted programme to cultivate responsible, capable citizens ready to support Bhutan’s peace, unity, and progress.
Having completed their training, these Gyalsups will now enter the National Duty Phase, where they may be called upon to serve in national projects. Many will volunteer for further programmes, such as Gyalsups for Gyalsung, the Skilling Programme, and Border Duty, gaining valuable experience through projects including the Gelephu Mindfulness City and construction of additional Gyalsung Academies.
A Record of Service and Compassion
Previous Gyalsup cohorts have already stepped up for the country and beyond, contributing to development efforts and international relief, most recently by supporting earthquake-affected communities in Myanmar in March 2025.
The second 2025 Gyalsung intake is set to begin training on 1 August 2025, continuing Bhutan’s transformative journey in empowering its youth for the nation’s future.
