The schools in Thimphu observed a week-long dedication time, starting in October 26 till yesterday, to express their gratitude to the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, as part of the 60th Birth Anniversary celebrations. Schools also reflected on how the Fourth King worked tirelessly to provide free education to every Bhutanese child.
Chairman of the National Council, Dasho (Dr) Sonam Kinga launched the dedication week to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo at Motithang Higher Secondary School.
Schools began their morning prayer with the offering of Zhabten and speeches by students on how the Kings have helped to enhance education system in the country.
A teacher with Yangchen Gatshel Lower Secondary School, Karma Sonam Rigdrel, said that the school is observing “Special Dedication Week” to express gratitude and offer prayers for His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s long life. He said that the school also had a mass drawing and painting activity with the theme ‘Kadrinchhe Meewang Chhog’.
“Our children do have an awareness of how much our Monarchs are doing for us,” he said.
According to Dasho (Dr) Sonam Kinga different types of programs have been carried out by so many agencies and people in the country in an admirable way to celebrate the Royal Birth Anniversary. As a message to the students on the dedication week, he said that the one singular theme that connects all these events and programs is the sincere expression of gratitude to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
Further, he added that all must build upon this noble and proud legacy under the leadership of His Majesty the King.
Meanwhile, the teachers and students of Changangkha Middle Secondary School launched a school website, school magazine and a big prayer wheel (mani dungkhor) dedicated to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
“May you live a long and peaceful life, dear beloved King,” teachers and students said prayers during the consecration ceremony.
During the whole dedication week, students and teachers were involved in delivering speeches, offering prayers, essay and painting competition, inauguration of new religious objects, etc.
“I am happy that a whole week is dedicated to celebrate Fourth King’s birthday,” said a student Pema and added King Jigme Singye Wangchuck is a national hero and may the flag of Pelden Drukpa continue to flutter high under the reign of the Wangchuck Dynasty.