Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, received the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025, at Bodoland University in Kokrajhar, Assam. The honour recognised her lifelong work in humanitarian service, social development and inclusive growth. The award was presented by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust and brought into light her role in rural development through the Tarayana Foundation.
About the Award
The Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award is named after Upendra Nath Brahma, widely revered as Bodofa, meaning guardian of the Bodo community. The award includes a citation, a statuette of Upendra Nath Brahma, traditional Bodo artefacts, and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh. It is given to personalities associated with social service, human dignity and community welfare.
Queen Mother’s Contribution
Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the founder-president of the Tarayana Foundation. The foundation works in remote areas of Bhutan and focuses on:
- Poverty alleviation
- Women’s empowerment
- Education
- Healthcare
- Preservation of cultural heritage
Her work has been widely recognised for combining social welfare with rural empowerment and cultural protection.
Ceremony in Kokrajhar
The award ceremony was held in western Assam and attended by several dignitaries from India and Bhutan. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was the chief guest. Other attendees included leaders from the Bodoland Territorial Council, Bhutan’s Home and Cultural Affairs Ministry, and representatives of student and community organisations. The event also reflected the cultural and people-to-people ties between Assam and Bhutan.
Significance for Exam Preparation
The award is important for current affairs because it links Bhutan’s royal philanthropy, Bodo identity, and cross-border cultural relations. It also marks the role of civil society institutions in recognising humanitarian work and preserving indigenous heritage.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026