Statement Of The President Of India On Her Visit To Bhutan

The following is the statement of the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on the conclusion of her visit to the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan: -

"I am deeply privileged and honoured to be here to rejoice with the people of Bhutan on the Coronation. The enthusiasm with which the people of Bhutan have participated reflects their respect and reverence for the Monarchy. It is not often that a father has the opportunity to confer his blessings on a son in the manner I witnessed at the Coronation. It exalts both.

The Ceremonies at the Dzong were marked by solemnity, piety and grace and I was deeply touched. The ceremonies elsewhere were colourful and full of gaiety.

With democratic elections earlier this year, His Majesty the Fourth King has ushered in democracy in Bhutan, reposing his faith and trust in his people to continue Bhutan on its path of peace, progress and prosperity. A new youthful generation will now guide Bhutan towards a brilliant future under the able leadership of the young King. I see, at the same time, how deeply rooted the people are in the tradition and culture that quintessentially define Bhutan. I am deeply impressed.

This year has been an historic year with the Coronation of His Majesty, the celebration of the centenary of the Wangchuck Dynasty and the establishment of a democratically-elected Government. By a happy coincidence, it is also the golden jubilee of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's visit to Bhutan in 1958, a landmark year for our bilateral relations. We are delighted that this extraordinary convergence has been celebrated by the visits of the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh to Bhutan, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan H. E. Lyonchhen Jigme Y. Thinley, to India which have laid the foundation for taking our relations to a new high. I am confident that our bilateral ties will become deeper and even more fruitful over the coming years.

This is my first visit to Bhutan and I am delighted that it takes place on such an auspicious occasion. The warmth and spontaneity with which we have been received in this beautiful country is truly touching. It is an experience that I will cherish forever. I extend my warm felicitations to His Majesty the King and wish him a long, peaceful and bountiful reign. To the friendly people of Bhutan, I send my best wishes for their happiness and continued progress. I have extended an invitation to His Majesty the King to visit India at his earliest convenience. We look forward to welcoming him."

This release issued at 1700 hrs.