Bhutan Queen Mother Honoured with Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award 2025

Queen Mother of Bhutan Receives Prestigious Humanitarian Honour

Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck , the Queen Mother of Bhutan, has been conferred the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025 at a special ceremony held at Bodoland University in western Assam. The honour recognises her lifelong dedication to humanitarian service, social upliftment, and inclusive development, while also symbolising enduring people-to-people ties between Bhutan and India.

Recognition of Lifelong Humanitarian Commitment

The award was presented by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust , which cited the Queen Mother’s sustained efforts to promote equity, dignity, and empowerment among marginalised communities. The citation highlighted her leadership in advancing rural livelihoods, social justice, and community welfare, particularly in remote and underserved regions of Bhutan.

Tarayana Foundation and Grassroots Development

The Queen Mother is the founder-president of the Tarayana Foundation , a pioneering institution in Bhutan’s social sector. The foundation works across poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, education, healthcare access, and preservation of cultural heritage. Its development approach emphasises community participation, sustainability, and self-reliance, aligning social progress with Bhutan’s broader development philosophy.

Award Ceremony and Cultural Context

The ceremony held at Bodoland University carried deep cultural significance, honouring the legacy of Upendra Nath Brahma , revered as Bodofa —the guardian of the Bodo people. The award comprised a formal citation, a statuette of Bodofa, traditional Bodo artefacts such as the sereja, aronai, and dokhona, along with a cash award of ₹2 lakh .

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya , who attended as the chief guest, described the honour as a celebration of shared humanitarian values, compassion, and commitment to social justice.

Strengthening Regional and Humanitarian Ties

The event was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Hagrama Mohilary , Bhutan’s Home and Cultural Affairs Minister Tshering , Assam Minister U G Brahma , and Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority Governor Lotay Tshering . Their presence underlined strong cultural, humanitarian, and regional cooperation between Bhutan and Assam.

Important Facts for Exams

• Upendra Nath Brahma is popularly known as Bodofa , the guardian of the Bodo community

• The Upendra Nath Brahma Award honours exceptional humanitarian and social service

• Tarayana Foundation works in rural development and cultural preservation in Bhutan

• Bodoland University is located in Kokrajhar district of Assam

• The award includes a cash component of ₹2 lakh