Desuups- The Guardians of Peace

Desuups program first started in 2011 under the patronage of His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan. So far 4,457 Bhutanese have trained as Desuups since the programme was initiated in 2011.

Dessuup is the highest form of the voluntary act in Bhutan. The volunteers wearing an orange uniform will be easily spotted in any event of disasters, charitable work and to help manage the crowd during festivals and celebrations. The first syllable of the word "De"(bde) originates from the word "Dekyid" meaning peace or tranquility and "De" is commonly understood to be the shortened version of Dekyid. The second syllable "Suung"(Srung) is commonly referred to as the act of guarding or protecting. Therefore, the phrase - "De-Suung" means "Guardians of Peace". Desuups are volunteers from all walks of life. From the graduates to the executives of the country; the orange uniform unifies all Bhutanese and promotes community vitality.

The main aim and objectives of Desuung are to cultivate the values of amity, allegiance, unity and harmony, to encourage all citizens to be active in the greater role of nation-building, provide useful and appropriate skills and knowledge in the field of disaster management. It's an initiative that strives to instil a greater sense of community, harmony and cooperation as a group and individual members of society.

Through the programme, good traits and values are fostered such as discipline, integrity, teamwork, commitment and dedication to work, respect for elders and seniors, sense of ownership, accountability and responsibility. Citizens are encouraged to enhance the spirit of volunteerism and to undertake charitable work.

Desuups program first started in 2011 under the patronage of His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan. So far 4,457 Bhutanese have trained as Desuups since the programme was initiated in 2011. Under the command of His Majesty The King, the Desuung Integrated Training Programme is instituted to be a value-based personal development program with the main objective to encourage active citizenry in Bhutan. 

The majority of the Bhutanese have a lesser degree of understanding of issues pertaining to disaster risk management. Most of us do have the right technical skills to combat disasters.  Therefore, the programme trains citizens to be ready to assist the community when the times call for it. Through the programme, desuups learn about search and rescue operations, relief operations, rehabilitation and reconstruction. In the event of any emergencies or acute shortage of skilled manpower, the desuups stand ready to be the first responder.

The underlying premise of the training programme is built upon the spirit of “volunteerism” and the positive influence of community service, integrity and civic responsibility. It is also expected that any citizen who has undergone the Desuung training programme to actively volunteer themselves during disaster operations, participate in charitable activities and be of service to others throughout their lives.

Today, on the joyous occasion of the 9th Desuung Raising Day, Bhutanese offers Tashi Delek to all the Desuups across the country with the hope and prayers that the volunteers will continue to serve the King, Country and People (Tsa-Wa-Sum) with unwavering loyalty and dedication.

Find out more comprehensive details about Desuung Programme and the Desuups.