Motithang Higher Secondary School in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, has concluded its Golden Jubilee celebrations, commemorating five decades of educational service, institutional growth and contributions to nation-building. Her Majesty Queen Mother Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck graced the closing ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history.
The celebrations, which began in April 2026, brought together generations of teachers, students and alumni to reflect on the institution’s journey and its evolving role in Bhutan’s educational landscape.
Established on April 1, 1975, as Motithang Central School, the institution has witnessed substantial transformations in infrastructure, teaching methodologies and educational opportunities. Over the years, it has developed into a respected educational institution in Thimphu, nurturing generations of students who have subsequently contributed to various professional and public service sectors.
Beyond academic achievements, the school’s enduring legacy lies in the relationships cultivated between teachers and students.
Dr Dinesh Pradhan, a paediatrician at Thimphu National Referral Hospital who attended the school during 2002 and 2003, reflected on how the institution has evolved while retaining its fundamental values. Despite changes in facilities and educational approaches, he observed that teachers continue to demonstrate personal commitment to students’ academic progress and overall development.
According to Dr Pradhan, these relationships frequently extend beyond graduation, with teachers maintaining contact with former students and following their professional journeys.
Another alumna, Deepika Adhikari, a freelance consultant specialising in health, research, communication and media, highlighted the school’s growing reputation among families in Thimphu.
She noted that Motithang has increasingly emerged as a preferred educational institution over the past 10 to 15 years, with many parents aspiring to secure admission for their children.
The Golden Jubilee also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of educators and administrators whose collective efforts have shaped the institution’s identity across successive generations.
The anniversary comes at a time when Bhutan continues to emphasise education as a foundation for national development, social progress and the preservation of cultural values.
Motithang’s journey illustrates how educational institutions can adapt to changing expectations while preserving the human relationships that define meaningful learning.
As the school enters its next chapter, its five-decade legacy offers both a foundation for continued progress and a reminder that education extends beyond classrooms, examinations and academic qualifications.
The celebrations ultimately honoured not only an institution’s longevity but also its enduring influence on the individuals and communities it has served.
