Samtse College of Education Students Explore New Creative Horizons at Bhutan Echoes Festival
Students from Samtse College of Education (SCE) embraced a unique opportunity to delve into literature and culture at the 13th edition of the Bhutan Echoes Drukyul’s Literature and Arts Festival. Held in Thimphu over three days, the festival provided a vibrant platform for artistic expression, literary discussions, and cultural immersion.
The festival, a prominent event in Bhutan’s cultural calendar, featured a rich tapestry of activities, including film screenings, panel discussions, literary sessions, art exhibitions, and musical performances. This year’s edition was graced by Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the Royal Patron of Bhutan Echoes, who shared her deep love for storytelling and highlighted the importance of taking the festival to an international stage. Her Majesty also engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue on the topic of “Exploring the Mysteries of Rebirth” with Meru Gokhale, a veteran in the publishing industry and founder of ‘Editorially.’
For the students of SCE, the festival was an invaluable experience. They attended a variety of sessions and workshops, gaining insights into diverse topics such as “What it Means to be Bhutanese,” presented by Dr. Dorji Wangchuk and Phub Dorji, and an exhilarating Flamenco performance by Rebeca Ortega and her team. One of the standout sessions for the students was a discussion on “AI in Editing: Shaping Tomorrow’s Media Landscape,” where Meru Gokhale and other esteemed panelists explored the evolving role of AI in writing and editing. “The insights shared on the use of AI in literature were incredibly valuable,” remarked Dorji Khandu, one of the participating students.
The festival also offered students the chance to engage in casual conversations with renowned authors, designers, entrepreneurs, and artists. Bhutanese writers such as Kunzang Choden and Chablop Passang Tshering, along with international authors like Roopa Dai and Binod Chaudhary, shared their creative journeys and provided inspiration to the young attendees. Karma Dechen, another student, reflected on the experience, saying, “Interacting with these authors has inspired me to write more, even if it’s just in a daily journal. It’s clear that persistence in writing, despite challenges, will eventually pay off.”
As the Bhutan Echoes Festival continues to grow in prominence, it remains a cherished tradition for the students of SCE, offering them an annual opportunity to broaden their intellectual and creative horizons. This year’s festival further solidified its status as a premier destination for lovers of literature, art, and culture in Bhutan.
