While Celebrating Sherig Centenary 2012

This year marks the beginning of Sherig 2012, and next year will conclude Sherig 2013. These two years will be filled with significant reflections, memoirs, symposiums, poems, arts, songs, dances, and stories from the birth children of the Bhutanese modern education system. The dragon on the national flag will come alive as schools across the nation celebrate the hundred years of Bhutanese education. Amidst this joyful celebration, it is crucial not to forget the teachers of this country. Teachers' professional efforts greatly influence the fate of the world, making them the most responsible and important members of society. Our eyes reveal the truth - without proper education, the world becomes chaotic. The country's economy will fail, and the state will struggle to support developing governmental infrastructure, civil society, and stability if teachers do not dedicate themselves to their profession. The world becomes a dangerous place not because of problematic people but because of the intellectual impairment of these nation builders.

In other Asian countries, many governments strive to enhance education for their citizens. In the Philippines, both the president and the senate continue to offer free high school education and teacher improvement plans. Teachers directly impact the lives of children and young people, shaping the nation's future. Similarly, the United States exemplifies intellectual vibrancy. Founders like Hamilton, Jefferson, Washington, Adams, Jay, Henry, Franklin, and others possessed enviable intellectual dexterity due to quality education and educators, leading to the creation of the admired American Constitution. One of America’s greatest “Intellectual Presidents” was Thomas Jefferson, who believed that America's success depended on a high-quality educational system. This system required teachers with the training, authority, and freedom to challenge students and change lives. America's prosperity and global dominance are not accidental but the result of a meticulously planned constitution, excellent leaders, and world-class education. President Barack Obama is a product of this high-quality education, having attended renowned schools and received extra tutoring from his mother.

In Bhutan, we must not compromise the values of education and our educators. We should take inspiration from these world-class intellectuals and dream big for the Tsa-Wa-Sum (the king, people and country). Without quality education from teachers, we cannot have a bright future. Education plays a vital role in liberating people from poverty and ignorance. If a country remains in poverty, it is because the people lack good education. Many people cannot apply for better jobs due to inadequate education. This is a barrier to escaping ignorance, something I know from my experience with the good Bhutanese education system under great teachers.

There is no finer word than 'teacher,' yet people fail to appreciate its value, blurring the image of their children's future. A teacher is like a lighthouse guiding ships safely; people hear about shipwrecks but not about the ships safely guided. In Bhutan, parents and stakeholders often criticize teachers, trying to shatter their morale. They point fingers and sometimes even take legal action against teachers. However, they fail to see that teachers work tirelessly, even during their leisure hours, to educate their children. They expect teachers to be perfect and do not forgive small mistakes, making it hard for teachers to provide effective teaching.

Despite low morale, low pay, and low societal status, teachers embrace their profession with compassion and non-violence, setting a perfect example. They work tirelessly to realise the visions of our beloved kings, knowing that “a nation’s future will mirror the quality of her youth.” Teachers are inspired by the words of our kings and know their duty to the king, people, and country. Their primary focus is the children in school. What could be more satisfying than building the foundation for future nation builders? We must express gratitude for teachers, for without them, we cannot achieve vibrant democracy, good governance, GNH, or preserve our culture.

Teachers can tell us where we started and guide us along the way. Young students enter school innocent, but through their association with teachers and peers, they learn about their country's history, traditions, culture, and values. Teachers pass down this wealth to the next generation, molding them into future leaders.

No one achieves success alone; we all had teachers who helped us. Teachers stimulate ordinary people to achieve great things. One student from a village, who struggled initially in his studies, but due to his teachers' support and quality teaching coupled with his hard work, he received a top-notch scholarship from the Royal Government of Bhutan to study a medicine in Japan. He wrote to his teachers, thanking them for their guidance and crediting them for his success. This illustrates the profound impact teachers have on awakening curiosity, educating young minds and enabling to materialise their dreams.

You cannot see the results of a teacher's work immediately. The impact of their teaching becomes visible over time, as students grow and contribute to society. Teachers affect eternity, and their influence on society is long-lasting. They shape the future of the country and the world.

(Heartily participated to commemorate a Sherig Centenary in Bhutan)