03/06/2026
๐ ๐ต๐๐บ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ฎ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ณ๐๐น ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ชท
As my colleagues at The PEMA and I join the nation in celebrating the auspicious birth anniversary of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, I find myself pausing to soak in all that Her Majesty has meant to this institution, to our team and to me personally.
There was a time when discussions surrounding mental health were rare and often whispered. Programmes addressing these โsensitive topicsโ would appear but seldom took root. However, for our nation, Her Majesty understood that the wellbeing of both mind and heart could not remain subjects that were quietly ignored.
Her Majesty wholeheartedly championed this cause, raising it from the shadows and placing it firmly within the national consciousness within a short period of time. As The PEMA approaches its fourth anniversary, it is clear that, under Her Majestyโs exceptional leadership, our momentum continues to accelerate, not by day, but by hour. I dare say โby the hourโ, and not merely by the day, because that is how Her Majesty leads.
From providing overarching guidance to personally ensuring systems and mechanisms are in place, from shaping programmes and plans to touching lives, listening to the stories of people who need love and care the most, Her Majestyโs commitment has been deeply personal.
Having had the privilege to serve Her Majesty and witnessing many initiatives unfold firsthand, I cannot help but share a few anecdotes of this extraordinary humanity in action. For instance, when discussions arose about creating a shelter for children in difficult circumstances, Her Majesty did not envision merely a building. Her Majesty envisioned a home. A place where children would feel warmth rather than institutional walls. A place where they would feel safe, accepted and valued. For children who may have experienced neglect and hardship, every detail mattered. If the door felt too heavy, Her Majesty worried that a child might struggle to push it open.
These may seem like a small detail, but they reveal something so profound. They speak of a leadership rooted not in grand speeches or distant directives but in genuine empathy and resolute conviction to shape the values of a nation. Even today, I find myself struggling to find words that can truly capture the depth of such compassion. It is a rare kind of leadership that makes people feel seen, heard and loved.
In every heart at The PEMA, we know that the true strength and spirit of this institution come from Her Majestyโs extraordinary compassion and unwavering conviction. It is Her Majestyโs unique ability to see beyond challenges, to reach people in their moments of greatest need, and to lead with love and humanity that continues to inspire our journey.
For me personally, Her Majesty embodies the purest expression of selfless service. She pays attention to the smallest details, not because she has to, but because every life matters deeply to her. Every gesture, every initiative, and every act of kindness reflects her profound love and concern for the people of Bhutan.
Even as I write these words, Her Majesty is working tirelessly to bring hope where there is despair, comfort where there is pain, and dignity where it is most needed. The countless lives touched by Her Majestyโs compassion- from an abandoned child yearning for love, to a young boy consumed by addiction, to a helpless prisoner seeking a way to support his family- may never all be known.
Yet each life carries a story of healing, resilience, and renewed hope. Behind every transformation lies the quiet presence of a Queen whose heart beats for her people and whose unwavering compassion continues to light the way for those who need it the most.
Today, as the nation offers its prayers and tributes on this special occasion, my colleagues and I celebrate not only Her Majestyโs birthday but the profound humanity that defines her. We remain forever grateful for leading with example, forever inspired by her service, and forever committed to carrying forward the values she so beautifully embodies.
๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐๐๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐, ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฒ!
Humbly,
Dechen Wangmo
June 4, 2026
