A heartfelt tribute to the Indian teachers who helped lay the foundations of Bhutan’s modern education system was unveiled today in Thimphu. Lopens from India: The Glimpses of Their Life and Work in Bhutan, a collection of personal narratives and reflections from 24 authors, chronicles the extraordinary journeys of these trailblazers.
Compiled by former Education Minister Thakur S. Powdyel, the anthology transports readers back to the 1960s and ’70s, when intrepid Indian “Lopens” ventured on foot into Bhutan’s most isolated hamlets. With no roads, electricity or permanent dwellings, they endured harsh winters and monsoon deluges, yet remained steadfast in their mission to teach.
“These stories are gems of resilience,” said Mr. Powdyel at the launch ceremony. “While the initial enthusiasm was high, capturing those memories on paper proved challenging. But today, we are proud to share these genuine accounts.”
Many contributors recount living alongside their students—sharing meals, hauling supplies up mountain trails, and even helping locals de-husk rice in traditional mills. Despite meagre three-digit salaries, their commitment never waned. “They didn’t just manage life; they chose to share it,” reflected Mr. Powdyel. “Teaching, for them, meant offering everything—physical, emotional, mental and ethical.”
Beyond reminiscence, the book probes the enduring power of education. “True teaching engages the head, heart and hands,” Mr. Powdyel writes, underscoring that love for children must come before all else. He lays out three essential qualities for any educator: genuine care for learners, a passion for learning, and faith in knowledge’s transformative potential.
Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela hailed the volume as “a vivid mosaic of memories and experiences.” He noted that over the past seven decades, Indian and Bhutanese teachers have collaborated relentlessly—often under the toughest conditions—to build Bhutan’s schools. He also highlighted ongoing India-supported initiatives, from infrastructure projects to scholarship programmes, that continue to strengthen bilateral ties.
“These narratives will enrich both school libraries and private collections,” the Ambassador commented. “They remind us of the deep bonds forged through shared dedication to young minds.”
A particularly poignant moment in recent history came in 2018, when His Majesty the King invited many veteran Indian teachers back to Bhutan to mark the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations, celebrating their selfless service on Teachers’ Day.
More than an anthology, Lopens from India stands as a testament to quiet courage and enduring devotion. “Their insights travel far beyond classrooms and textbooks,” Mr. Powdyel observed. In preserving these first-hand stories, the book offers readers not only a chronicle of the past, but also a message of hope for the future of education in Bhutan and beyond.
