A final year student of Institute of Language and Cultural Studies won the nationwide poetry competition organized by the Tarayana Foundation to celebrate the 100th National Day. The prize comes with a cash of Nu. 180,000.

Kesang Wangmo’s poem entitled “The King beyond praise” is a tribute to His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo.

Awarding the prize, Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck said His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo has put the needs of his people before his own at all times.

“It was in him we believed since he took the crown so long ago and it was he who for 34 years put the needs of his people before his very own.
Because of him we are proud to be Bhutanese and it is because of him Bhutan is admired internationally. His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck has not only graduated with the highest honours as a king but through his deeds transcended into a realm untouchable by time. We pay homage to all our beloved monarchs who have in the service of our country given the very best. In the fifth king His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck we pledged our loyalty and we know that his Majesty will lead our nation to greater prosperity and greater glory,” said Her Majesty.

Around 200 people participated in the Tarayana poetry competition. Of that 74 entries were short listed. The short listed poems will be published as a book in 2008. Source: Kuenselonline