The 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025 was conferred on Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, at Bodoland University, Kokrajhar.

About the award

• The Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award was instituted in 2004 by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust.
• It honours the ideals of Upendra Nath Brahma (Bodofa), who stood for human dignity, social justice, human rights and cultural preservation.
• The award recognises individuals with lifelong contributions to humanitarian service and inclusive leadership.

Why the Queen Mother was honoured

• Recognised for her lifelong humanitarian work, especially in:
  • Women’s empowerment
  • Social welfare and compassion-driven leadership
  • Preservation of culture and heritage
• Her work reflects ethical governance and people-centric development, aligning closely with Bodofa’s ideals.

Key highlights from the ceremony

• The award was presented by the Governor of Assam.
• The Queen Mother highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Assam and Bhutan.
• She spoke about Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan’s vision of development that balances:
  • Economic growth and spiritual harmony
  • Green innovation and traditional values
• Emphasis was laid on youth empowerment and sustainable prosperity through mindful development.

India–Bhutan and Bodoland connection

• Bodoland and Bhutan share rivers, cultural links and mutual respect.
  • Bhutan shares a border with all the Bodoland districts i.e Kokrajar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur, Udalguri.
• The award ceremony symbolised people-to-people diplomacy, complementing formal India–Bhutan relations.
• The event reinforced the idea that regional cultural bonds strengthen neighbourhood diplomacy.

One-line wrap

The conferment of the Soldier of Humanity Award on Bhutan’s Queen Mother reflects the shared humanitarian values linking Bodoland, Assam and Bhutan.

Exam Hook – 

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award was instituted to promote ideals of social justice and human dignity.
2. Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is associated with Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City vision.
3. The award highlights people-to-people cultural ties between India and Bhutan.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Correct answer: (c)

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