SCE Celebrates 58th Foundation Day
Samtse College of Education celebrated its 58th Foundation Day on 29 May at Namgyel Khangzang, marking 58 years of dedication, commitment, and service in shaping Bhutan’s educators and nation-builders. The special occasion was attended by the Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dasho Dzongda, along with dzongkhag officials, school principals, alumni, faculty members, staff, and students.
The celebration began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by the offering of butter lamps, Tashi Tsekpa, the Marchang ceremony, the National Anthem, and Zhabtoen. The Chief Guest later led the ceremonial cake-cutting.
In his welcome address, the President reflected on the institution’s humble beginnings, established to train homegrown teachers at a time when most educators in Bhutan came from outside the country, particularly India. He noted that the college started with only 41 students and now serves more than 900 students. Referring to the current trainees as “the heartbeat of SCE and future teachers of the nation,” the President also paid tribute to the seven past presidents of the college.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Dasho Dzongda said that the vision of the Third Druk Gyalpo, who sowed the seeds of the Teacher Training Centre, continues to flourish through SCE as a proud constituent college of the Royal University of Bhutan. He highlighted the institution’s contribution in producing over 8,000 teachers and 500 counsellors through various programmes. The Chief Guest also spoke on the changing global landscape, concerns surrounding youth migration abroad, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
Referring to the Gelephu Mindfulness City as “a new kind of civilization,” he encouraged the youth to remain rooted in Bhutanese values of commitment, responsibility, and service while preparing for future national initiatives, including Gyalsung, De-suung, Pel-sung, and the vision of GMC.
The celebration featured a series of cultural performances, reflection-sharing by alumni, the official launch of the Shes-Rig Pages, the biannual newsletter of the college, and the publication of Medicinal Plants of Samtse, Bhutan: An Ethnobotanical Study by M.Ed 8 Biology students, presented by Councillor Pema Lhaden. A video tribute honouring past leaders, educators, and students highlighted the college’s enduring legacy and contributions over the decades.
Another major highlight of the celebration was the Sherab Yarphel Talk Series, featuring speakers Mr. HB Vishwa and Mr. Tshueltrim Dorji, and moderated by Mr. Jigme Wangdi, on the theme “Transformation of the Education System.” The college also presented tokens of appreciation to the Sherab Yarphel guest speakers and representatives from JSS in recognition of their valuable contributions and support to the event.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Programme Coordinator, Mr. Pema Drukpa.
