16 November 2004, Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi - On the occasion of the 49th Birthday of His Majesty the King, Dr. Bhisma Narian Singh, President of the India-Bhutan Friendship Association (IBFA) hosted a reception on 15 November, 2004 at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi.

The chief guest for the occasion was Hon'ble Mrs. Meira Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. The reception was attended by distinguished gathering comprising a few ambassadors, diplomats and members of the IBFA.

During the occasion, Bhutan's Ambassador to India, H.E. Lyonpo Dago Tshering was presented the Unity International's "Excellence in Diplomacy Award". Mr. Jagjyoti Jain, Vice President, IBFA read out the citation. He said, 'Lyonpo Dago Tshering, the distinguished Ambassador of Bhutan in India and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, through his personal charm and dynamism, has blazed a new trail in the realm of diplomacy. During his five year tenure here he has added new dimensions to India-Bhutan friendship.'

He further added, 'Lyonpo Dago Tshering highly appreciates the activities of IBFA and is instrumental in opening the Association's Chapters in Chandigarh, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Guwahati and Siliguri.

Lyonpo Dago Tshering encourages interaction at people to people level. On his initiative several high-level visits have taken place at the government and people to people level between Bhutan and India, which laid a strong foundation of trust and mutual understanding between the two countries.'

He stated, 'Unity International Foundation is proud in presenting the Award for the year 2004 to H.E. Lyonpo Dago Tshering for his untiring efforts to promote closer ties between India and Bhutan.'

Lyonpo Dago Tshering expressed appreciation for the efforts made the members of IBFA in promoting the friendship between the two countries. He thanked the organisers and stated that he was accepting the award on behalf of the friendship associations and chapters in both the countries and officers and staff of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi without whose support it would not have been possible for him to work towards strengthening Indo-Bhutan friendship.