18 December, 2009 - His Majesty the King conferred the National Order of Merit (III) to a teacher from India, Mr Gaur Hari Manna, as the country celebrated its 102nd national day at the Changlimithang stadium in Thimphu on December 17.

Mr Manna received the bronze medal together with four other Bhutanese teachers in recognition of their service to quality education in Bhutan.

Mr Manna, who is currently working at Yangchenphu Higher Secondary School is from Kolkotta, West Bengal and has been working in Bhutan since 1979.

The National Order of Merit has been established by His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, as a system of recognition to promote outstanding initiatives and efforts in the country.