Reflecting on a Decade of Service in Education

On March 16, I formally tendered my voluntary resignation, stepping down from teaching service. Writing a resignation letter was both emotional and fulfilling moment for me and my family. It filled with uncertainty and deep reflection. Perhaps, it offered a moment to reflect on a decade of purpose, growth and service within Bhutan’s education system. 

My journey began on February 15, 2013, in one of Bhutan's most remote District—ZHEMGANG. Fresh out of college, I was young, determined and slightly apprehensive. But I stepped into the classroom driven by a single conviction: to make a meaningful difference.

In Bhutan, schools are more than institutions, they are sacred spaces of transformation. When I joined Zhemgang Central School (ZCS), I did so with the hope of nurturing young minds and growing alongside them. The early days were challenging. Adjusting to the civil service, understanding school culture and living up to the expectations of being a role model demanded deep self-awareness.

Every word and action of a teacher is watched with hope and trust. I tried to meet that responsibility with great humility –remaining disciplined, punctual and mindful in all that I did. Over the next eight years, I chose not just to stay in one of Bhutan’s remotest schools – I chose to engage both within and beyond the school campus. I became a mentor, guide and in many cases, a guardian to students who gathered with hope and aspiration.

I owe much of my growth to Principal Rinzin Namgyal, whose compassionate leadership helped shape my professional outlook. Alongside dedicated colleagues and disciplined students, I found purpose and strength in a shared journey of learning.

In 2021, I transferred to Damphu Central School (DCS) –my alma mater. Returning as a teacher to the very classrooms I once sat in was both surreal and humbling. At DCS, I worked with a great team of educators and students from all walks of life. Each moment on campus left a lasting impression.

A highlight of my time at DCS was participating in the Bhutan Baccalaureate (BB) initiative under The Druk Gyalpo’s Institute. As the lead for the “Emotional Domain,” I witnessed first hand a shift in Bhutan’s education system that focused on holistic, student-centered learning. The experience was among the most defining of my career.

Outside the classroom, I embraced multiple roles: curriculum developer, test developer, examiner, club coordinator, Head of Department and media coordinator. Among the projects closest to my heart was the successful installation of a SkyHydrant water filtration system at ZCS. Carried out in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Thimphu and Aue Yeshey Dorji, this clean water initiative remains a source of pride especially as it later inspired similar projects in schools across Bhutan.

In April 2023, I took Extraordinary Leave (EOL) to pursue higher studies in Australia. The decision came with a lot of emotional cost –most profoundly, leaving behind my two young children who remained in Bhutan with family.

Perhaps, I have spent some of my best years in a far remote corner of Zhemgang educating and embracing both challenges and opportunities.

Across eight years at ZCS and three fulfilling years at DCS, I found not only a career, but a deep sense of nation calling. Resigning was not a decision I made lightly. It emerged from personal obligations and long-term aspirations. But as I submitted my resignation, I reminded myself that service to education need not end with a job title.

Though no longer in the classroom, I carry the lessons, the relationships and the purpose with me. I move forward with pride, knowing I served the nation “Tsa-Wa-Sum” with utmost integrity and great dedication.

The questions will stay with me: Have I done enough? Was I worthy? But perhaps, it is in these reflections that I still continue to think about Bhutan’s progress in education and development.

The classroom doors may have closed behind me, but the conversations never stopped. I still engage meaningfully with students and teacher colleagues—sharing, listening and learning from each other. "Once a teacher, always a teacher" isn't just a phrase. It's a quiet truth I continue to live by.

In The Shoe of Rinzin Namgyal Sir

Rinzin Namgyal Sir. Photo: Sancha Rai

Rinzin Sir (R) & Kuenzang T. Sir (L). Source: Sancha Rai

Rinzin Namgyal, who served as the School Principal of Zhemgang Central School (ZCS) from 2013 to the end of 2020, is regarded as one of the most dynamic leaders in the school's history.  Coming from the small village of Langthel in Trongsa, he began his career as a Physics & Maths teacher and later served as vice-chair at Jigme Sherubling CS in the east before taking on the role of Principal at Zhemgang CS. Rinzin Namgyal, a man of few words yet a reservoir of wisdom and great personality has made Zhemgang CS heard at the national level not just in academics but also in other disciplines.  His tenure, marked by unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, transformed the school into a beacon of excellence in the heart of Bhutan. With an innate ability to lead, Rinzin sir embodied the qualities of a true leader—one who sacrifices for the greater cause of his students, school, and community. When he took over Zhemgang CS, the institution was in need of a strong hand to guide it through challenging times.  Rinzin sir's approach was not one of quick fixes -instead, he focused on small gradual yet meaningful change. With a quiet determination, he worked hard to restore the school’s infrastructure, improve academics, and instill a sense of discipline among the students. Rinzin Sir's efforts did not go unnoticed. Over time, I have seen ZCS began to flourish under his arm, with some even describing the campus as a "Resort" —a testament to the cleanliness, order, and beauty. It feels good to be around the campus.  Rinzin sir's influence extended beyond the physical transformation of the campus. He was a leader who believed in the power of education to shape lives and futures.  His background as a teacher, and his experience as vice-principal of Jigme Sherubling CS in the east, provided him with a deep understanding of the educational needs of his students. He always seemed to have a holistic view, ensuring that academic excellence was paired with character development and community involvement which I believe is the core for survival in any sphere of life. Throughout his eight-year stay, Rinzin sir’s far-sighted vision and commitment to the success of the school became evident in every aspect of ZCS operations, -academic, sports, and discipline. He was not just a Principal but a mentor figure, and a pillar of strength for the entire school community.  His legacy at ZCS is one of transformation, leaving behind a school that is not only well-equipped for academic success but also a place where students can live in a disciplined, nurturing environment at all times.   A Brief Background of Zhemgang Higher Secondary School to Zhemgang Central School Zhemgang High School, originally established in 1958 as a community school, has a long history of excellence. It evolved into a junior high school under the leadership of Mr. Jacob, as the first principal and became known for producing both high-achieving students and strong academic results.  The school, along with other prestigious institutions like Punakha HSS, Damphu HSS, Yangchenphug HSS, Jigme Sherubling HSS, and Sherubtse College, was designed with durable, earthquake-resistant structures, a testament to the vision of Father William Mackey. More Importantly, the priorities of Bhutan’s Second and Third Kings. The school's distinctive design, particularly its "shining marbles," reflects its legacy of excellence. These buildings, with solid foundations and unique architecture, stand as a symbol of the school’s historical significance and quality.   My Opinion of the School Campus I had the privilege of serving at Zhemgang CS for eight long years under and along with the wise and farsighted leadership of Rinzin Sir. He created a strong, independent, and wise institution, even in challenging circumstances. Unlike many leaders, Rinzin Sir rarely attended workshops, seminars, or training sessions unless absolutely necessary.  As a teacher I have seen him sharing not just his role but also opportunities with his colleagues to attend different programs. Therefore, his commitment to the school and his shared vision made a lasting impact. Perhaps, I have always seen him as a servant leader!   His Future Now, as the Principal of Babesa Higher Secondary School in Thimphu, Rinzin sir carries forward his legacy of leadership and excellence. His journey from a humble school teacher to a respected Principal is a testament to his great leadership qualities and his unwavering dedication to the cause of education.  And I am in no doubt that no one would regret working under his wing and I am sure colleagues and students at Babesa HSS are reaping the best side of Rinzin Sir's vision.  I wish him a lot of happiness and a successful life-long journey not just as my boss, but also as a good and kind human being.  Disclaimer: The story of Principal Rinzin Namgyal is the author's own and does not claim to represent anyone else's views, or experiences. The account is based on the author's personal observations over the past eight years while working under him and is not intended to suggest any personal favoritism, or bias in any forms.

Eight Years in Kheng (Zhemgang)

For the last eight years, Zhemgang has become my new home. The eight defining years have made me a more wholesome man altogether. 

 

Honestly I do not have any plan beyond Zhemgang CS. This just happened because of some unavoidable circumstances. I wouldn't have left this place for anything, but sometimes we've to make important choices that are more important than beautiful places. I never thought I'd spend eight long years in this place that others call it "least developed dzongkhag".  

 

Indeed, eight years was a hell of time. I had eight fulfilling years in Zhemgang. One can do many things. So many things have changed around the places and within me. My first batches of science students have already started earning and most of them would have become parents or started families or some have their kids ready for Kindergarten and few to abroad. People came and went. I'm among the few who came and stayed for eight years and started a family and had many golden opportunities. Perhaps, eight years have slipped so quickly keeping each moment just like a distant memory.  

 

I have packed all my belongings to Tsirang. Some call it a vegetable bowl –it's my hometown. There is nothing exciting since I had all my upbringing and 13-year of education in this place. If everything favors, I would be going back to my old school, indeed in the same old classroom of Damphu CS. I would be toiling the same path, which I've trodden thousand times as a student. 

 

Last few weeks were busy and different –packing and clearing bills. I've made great friendships with people of all walks of life hidden behind the Black Mountain and great Mangduechhu. However, on the other hand, I'm quite sure I may have disappointed some friends and colleagues, but it was never intentional. In my eight years in Zhemgang, I tried everything within and beyond, some worked well and some still in pending. Everything I did was to benefit my school and the community nearby. Toilet thing was great but I could do just little, the waste thing didn't rise well in the community, filter water was enormous and large, the reading thing did well only with a few gangs, but I could put up my timing culture well to the class I've taught if not for the whole school. 

 

I hope someday I'll find time to come back to finish my long overdue project of writing a book on "Birds of Zhemgang", exploring rich Khengpa forest and pursuing my photography passion. However, opening up a book café in the town was my long awaited dream but couldn't start. For the last eight years it came out of my mind and I secretly ruined myself. I shared my dream with a few of my friends. However, I couldn't make it. Perhaps, I'm going out with many regrets and shame. But I'm happy that I could at least plant some trees and some flowers. The plan for "Orchid Garden" was all in vain. This place has taught me a lesson –beyond the call of an ordinary teacher. I'm happy that I'm going out with many memories of my lifetime. 

 

Many of my friends, including my own parents used to frequently ask me –in deed so often this question –Why am I so glued to this isolated and least developed place for so long? My reply used to be very simple and straight –"Bhutan is almost very same whether you live in Thimphu or in Laya –development, people and landscape are almost the same." Therefore, I don't find any difference living at Zhemgang or at Thimphu. So I love Zhemgang like any other place. 

 

My love and passion for this great learning institution (zcs) will never change. The institution and the wonderful people, lovely students made all the difference in my life. However, my teaching career has to go on elsewhere. I will dig and start all over again in a new place with new people, management and young pupils. I have done it in Zhemgang and I will do it in other places with utmost loyalty and dedication. 

zHEMGANG dZONG

Can Zhemgang Become the Model Dzongkhag?

Lately, Zhemgang Dzongkhag caught national attention for being "pitifully removed from the Tourism Flagship Programme, 2019". Heart-breaking not only for Khengpas but also to other business flocks. Sadly, nothing under the sun has changed despite utmost Pangbang MP's espousal vibes. Perhaps, everything wrapped up in pique and extreme malaise. However, there is no reason to regret and look back. Instead, it is time to come together to discuss, and rethink lapses and way forward to make "Kheng" a tourist destination. 

Whatever?

We must not feel down, neglected and unconcerned. Government's decision to replace Zhemgang upon Sarpang Dzongkhag is very appropriate. Although Zhemgang had lost around 10M but that is not the end of the world. There is always a second chance! I saw it as a blessing in disguise not only for the people here, but also for all the policy makers to look back, and plan relevant activities with what the heart can give and the head can think.  

Time is Now or Never!

Although for long Zhemgang is graded as one of the underprivileged and low-income Dzongkhag, Zhemgang has lots of things to be proud of –undisturbed and high biological diversity (flora and fauna), substantially intact and relatively unexploited forest, unique Kheng culture and tradition, natural and free flowing streams and rivers, beautiful mountains and valleys, and great birding sites. Thus, I believe it has a strong potential for tourism business to flourish in the "Land of Khengpas" than any other places.

Nevertheless, lazy developments and antiquated brains are actually fettering both national and international visits to Zhemgang. It is not easy to invite foreigners, when we acutely lack accommodation, food, and communication facilities. Further facilities like recreational places, handicraft shops, museums, galleries, cafes, coffee shops, banking facilities, health facilities, water systems, public toilets, safe roads and good transportation system also should be in place. 

Do we have all these facilities in place?

I strongly feel Zhemgang is no way ready for the tourism business at present. I foresee the tourism fate only if everything is planned properly and is in new-fashion. Otherwise, without any proper planning and infrastructure developments, do not propose Zhemgang for a tourism business. It will be a disgrace for Bhutan.   

Where are our urban developers?

We are in need of good engineering skills. We need more innovative minds, dedicated servicemen, and modern minds who can possibly think outside the box; who can give some "wow look" to our towns and roads?

The following are my points of reference to attract both national and international visitors to Zhemgang.

1.      Roads: For a few years back, I was seriously engaged in collecting pictures of roads across Zhemgang. The furthest I had collected was of Namling Brak. It's not because all our roads are beautiful and safe; our roads are perilous and worrisome. I wish those turnings, bends and arcs would be in the "Guinness Book of World Record". I fear what if our architectures fail? One single mistake can put you near to death or even spot dead. Every year, the road accidents are increasing and it isn't really pleasing –unimpressive number for a tiny nation. 

Where are the faults?

Designers, developers, policies, engineers, landscape, workers, contractors, drivers, cars or weather? Some turnings and arcs around and within Zhemgang town are extremely scary and unsafe to ply both by cars and on foot. Luckily, we don't have many cars. I think our engineers and contractors need to develop more compassion, follow the middle path and cultivate Buddha nature while taking national risk. Thus, their mistakes and complacence become a national concern and it affects the whole nation.  

Despite the road being one of the key factors for any kind of developments, roads are never given a priority and chance. We never thought to have safer roads –roads with a good drainage system, railings, protection wall, and rock bolting measures, tie-back system or covering with a shotcrete system. 

What about tunneling our roads at necessary points?

We never look back at our mistakes. Like me, I am sure others too might have experienced some terrible times driving around Zhemgang town. Moreover, it's more irritating when you have an old-fashioned car. Thus, I have identified some section of roads, and especially turning which needs serious rethinking and reforming soon.

2.      Town: "Town" is a great thing for villagers; something very special. Town is a place of God. It's a meeting point, talking point and a point of romance. In fact, almost everything happens in and around town –business; buying and selling. But, how is our town? Impressive, terrifying, hunted or haggard? However, for me a town should look refreshing, engaging and entertaining. Let us plant some good-looking trees around our town and roadsides as it would look cool and beautiful. Let us drive, walk, and make some romance under the shade of trees. Let us organize our town in a new fashion yet clean and green. Well organized towns can tell almost 70% of our strength, unity, and power.

3.   Water: Bhutan is rich in mountains and valleys. Apart from these, water is the natural element available in abundance. But why is every part of the country hit high with a water crisis almost throughout the year? Where have we failed? Policy, grand, implementation, engineers, education, society, or government? Water is a fundamental element required for survival. In order to make drinking water available and safe in every household, we don't need any foreign investors, and a policy maker. It is a national problem and we must come together to solve this issue. If we do not address it now, it never will be! 

According to PHCB 2019, households without access to reliable sources of drinking water are still very concerning, and the rest of the world is already experiencing very high-end technology, and existence over the other planets. Zhemgang could be one amongst the highest hit districts without proper supply of drinking water available. Almost all 31 schools across Zhemgang have a very severe water crisis. I feel pity and so sorry for our innocent school kids and particularly unlucky boarding students for not having access to sufficient water when they need the most. Nevertheless, we are still proud of our undisturbed and natural biodiversity. 

4.      Sanitation (toilet): If one thing that always bothers me, is our toilet. Toilet is a big problem everywhere in Bhutan; schools, public, Dzongs, hotels, community, homes, and highways. Having worked with BTO for almost five years now, I have learnt so many things about toilets and particularly the challenges. Through my experiences in different avenues, toilets are very easy to manage than any other facilities anywhere; in the town or at home, but that is only with good human habit and simple self-discipline. All toilet problems soared around are entirely due to our poor users, design, mindset, and unavailability of resources.

I suggest Dzong to have good toilets inside the working office and not outside. It is indeed a big shame to have a toilet outside these days. I suggest auto-flush urinals for males and few good toilets for females. Let's change this time for our own benefit and I bet, all employees will love going to the office even during holidays. The good thing is that it won't even cost a one-year TA/DA of one senior officer. For enjoyable working hours in the office, a clean, healthy, and good smelling toilet is a must. Toilets that are 50-100 meters far, are not advisable although it may benefit some untamed servants as they get time to escape their official duty time-to-time. However, a good toilet has lots of health benefits and other social benefits.

I strongly suggest Dzongs to have a very good toilet system because this place is usually the meeting point for almost every head from different agencies. It is difficult but we can. Dzong should be a model for many things –administrative, design, culture, campus, toilet, and many more. Culturally, we are a disciplined society. So, we don't need any foreign actors to promote our toilet culture. 

Urinals for male - My Dream

5.      Leisure or recreational place: Keep your mind and heart open to change all the time. Welcome it and be ready for the change. It is the twenty-first century and everything needs to be realigned and modified according to the need of time. No looking back as the needs are different and smart. Hence, most of our planning and policies have to be changed now. In order to engage oneself in leisure times after office hours or during holidays, recreational places have become a very necessary part of everyday life. 

6.      Green service:

a.      Vegetable market: We emphasize so much on organic farming. It became a national headline and concern in many forums. Few educated young stars even left school in order to pursue their farming hobby. It seems some of them are doing well with their organic farming. Nonetheless, places like Zhemgang have no proper vegetable shed to sell farm products. The Policies have failed this time for the people of Zhemgang. In fact, our hard-working farmers are the ultimate losers. To promote more organic farm yields, there must be a proper outlet – a vegetable market. I hope they get a chance this time.

b.      Tree or Fruit Plantation: We truly believe that trees are the wealth of our country. One large tree can supply oxygen for four-to-five people for a day. However, it also absorbs carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gases. One thing that we feel proud of are our TREES. But, how far shall we fully rely on our ugly and old trees. How many trees do we plant without waiting for any special occasion? One, two or just a few? Let's build a tree planting society around offices, towns and homes. Honestly, we have almost all trees grown naturally and not planted. For that, thank nature and not Bhutanese people and policy makers. How cool for a Carbon Negative Country? Alternatively, we also need to plant some fruit bearing trees around town, empty spaces, and roads, so that whoever comes in town and drives around can freely plug and enjoy fruits in a long bumpy road –hopefully not tiring. Remember! Planting of trees or some fruit trees neither require any complicated programming nor some newest celebrities to promote the skills. Why is planting trees around towns, near roads, offices, and homes so difficult?

c.      Flowers: Let's make flowers loving society, and not flower skulking society. I have heard that His Majesty himself has personally bought some special varieties of flowers, either as seeds or saplings from abroad and unfurled the culture of flower loving society. To promote the culture of flowers, there were several high-level Royal Flower Exhibitions held at different parts of the country. In fact, the Royal flower exhibition carried a Big Royal Message. Contrary to His Majesty’s Effort and very Royal Initiatives, many offices had failed. However, inspired by His Majesty’s Effort and Royal Initiatives, people have started with the flower plantation but we still have a very long way to go.

Being a Buddhist, we make an offering of flowers and fresh water every morning in front of Gods we worship. I don't know how impressive our Zhabdrung and Guru Rinpoche with the selfsame offerings. Do we have flowers in our garden? Do we have flowers around our offices, and around our towns, and roads? I would love to see our newly appointed beautiful beautification officers to propagate HM's vision of flower loving society, and not flower stealing society. Let's try this culture of flowers because flowers have power to heal broken hearts and calm stressful minds. Do you know, we can use flowers for our funeral?

7.      Health service: For a GNH society, timely and quality health service are mandated. We need to rethink upon our old services and failed promises. It is high time to dash our complacent health service. We don't need any easy excuse of failed ambulance services nor blame online services when our delivery services fail. We are in need of more caring health officials.

8.      Education: "If education fails, nothing will succeed, and if education succeeds nothing will fail". More than a beautiful salary for teachers, safe infrastructures and smart classroom settings have become a very necessary part of learning tools for our kids these days. We don't expect our kids to be old thinkers. They cannot learn like what we used to do in the past. Everything has changed. In addition, good and safe school campuses are also an important part to recount knowledge and values. Few schools within Zhemgang Dzongkhag have the potential to become model schools not only for Khengpas but also to East, and South. Led by the Dzongkhag Education Office and other leaders, we have the power to create a good education city that will indeed benefit every "Tom, Dick and Harry" of Zhemgang.

9.      Shop: One thing that equally irritates me is the shops in Zhemgang town. Some of the shops are out of standard and humane. Charging above M.R.P (inclusive of all taxes) has become a very normal part of business in Zhemgang. How greedy? How ravenously our shopkeepers are into daylight robbing and cheating our people? What if we look for another alternative to fix this long gruesome behavior of greedy shopkeepers? One thing could be imposing bar-code reading system on every item. The other could be timely monitoring by the concerned officials. It has two sided benefits –firstly it benefits the government because ultimately a huge chunk of revenue goes to the government as tax from shopkeepers and secondly, it benefits the general public as they need not have to pay for over-written prices. I have travelled to almost all the Dzongkhags and nowhere I found shopkeepers selling –beyond M.R.P. Zhemgang is truly exceptional. No other alternative for common people living around to burden the extra charge silently. Government and other concerned officials can make a huge difference when the iron rod is still hot.

10. Meat shop: Except for a few holy minds, everyone survives but not without extrapolating meat on their daily diet. Indeed, no meal is complete without a meat dish. Banning meat for two holy months in a year has rather built some illegal business to flourish silently. Because no way we can stop or reduce the usage of meat items at home or anywhere. Considering the craziness, one or two reliable and dedicated meat shops are required. I see it's an urgent agenda for Zhemgang DT to discuss. 

If things change like I foresee, a tourism dream for Zhemgangpas won't be difficult, and far. Thus, place becomes of what we create but more holistically, and mindfully. Nevertheless, good developments are the symbol of unity, strength, and power of the nation; it's the national property after all! 

The Random