Celebrating the Birth of the Royal Princess at Babesa Higher Secondary School

Today was a day of immense significance and joy at Babesa Higher Secondary School as we had the honor of hosting the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchen Dr. Lotey Tshering, on the occasion of celebrating the birth of the royal princess. This event marked the first visit of the head of the state to our school under the leadership of our new principal, Sangay Wangpo, and the vice-principal, Tsering Tashi. It was a momentous day for the teachers and students of our school as we came together to celebrate the arrival of our prestigious royal highness, the princess.

The day's programs commenced with the recitation of Tashitsigpa Prayers, a deeply spiritual and revered moment that set the tone for the entire celebration. This was followed by the Zhabten, a prayer for the long and prosperous life of Her Majesty Jetshen Pema Wangchuk. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and devotion.

Our students, with their exuberance and talent, added a touch of vibrancy to the occasion as they presented traditional Bhutanese dances. The colorful costumes and graceful movements were a visual delight, and it was heartwarming to witness our youth paying tribute to this significant event in Bhutan's history.

Prime Minister Lyonchen Dr. Lotey Tshering addressed the gathering and emphasized the profound importance of the birth of the royal princess for the Bhutanese people. He reminded us of the blessings bestowed upon our nation by His Majesty the King and the Queen, who gifted us with a princess on this auspicious day, the 25th day of the Bhutanese calendar. It was a moment to express our gratitude and cherish the unity and prosperity of our beloved Bhutan.

The Prime Minister also delved into the pressing issues facing our country, including Bhutan's low economic status and the migration of civil servants to greener pastures, notably countries like Australia. He pointed out that the migration rate ranged from 9% to 19% in different sectors, but the issues most prominently surfaced in the public domain were those concerning teachers and health personnel. These professionals, who play a critical role in society, often felt the challenges more acutely.

Furthermore, Lyonchen Dr. Lotey Tshering emphasized the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), reminding us that it's not about settling for less but rather striving for competence in terms of our economy in comparison to other nations. It's a holistic approach to development and well-being that defines Bhutan's unique path.

As an educator, the part that particularly resonated with me was when the Prime Minister shared insights into the educational reforms underway in the 13th year plan. One notable example he mentioned was the categorization of schools, and it was intriguing to hear that Babesa HSS, being ideally located, could potentially be converted into a boarding school among the Thromde Schools. This move could undoubtedly enhance the quality of education and provide new opportunities for our students.

In conclusion, today's celebration was not only a joyous occasion but also an enlightening one. It reminded us of our collective responsibilities as Bhutanese citizens, the significance of GNH, and the promise of educational reforms that could shape the future of our country. We feel immensely blessed to have been a part of this historic day, and it leaves us with a renewed sense of purpose and hope for the future of Bhutan.