𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞

…𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒖𝒎 𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔’ 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔-𝒐𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Choden

In a progressive step towards integrating Bhutanese cultural preservation into education, Sarpang Central School has recently inaugurated its very own History Museum. This initiative, rooted in the belief that students should not only learn from textbooks but also engage with the artefacts of their ancestors, marks a unique educational milestone in Bhutan’s school system.

The History Museum, located within the school’s campus, is designed to complement the national curriculum and provide students with an immersive experience in Bhutanese history. It showcases an array of traditional tools and historical items, allowing students to learn first-hand about Bhutan’s cultural and historical journey.

“We believe that education is not limited to classrooms. This museum will enrich our students’ knowledge of history and give them a tangible connection to our country’s heritage,” said Thinley Dorji, the principal of Sarpang Central School, during the museum’s opening ceremony. “Our primary objective is to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in our students by preserving the artefacts that tell the story of our nation.”

The school’s new museum is part of a broader initiative aimed at deepening students’ understanding of Bhutan’s rich historical legacy. It displays a collection of tools, utensils, and equipment that were once widely used in Bhutan but have gradually faded from daily life due to modernization. Each artefact in the museum tells a story of Bhutan’s past, offering students a window into the lives of their ancestors.

Students now have the opportunity to interact with these historical items, which enhances their learning experience and complements the theoretical lessons they receive in the classroom. Teachers act as guides, explaining the relevance of each object and its significance in Bhutan’s historical context. The museum is aligned with the national syllabus, which emphasizes the importance of cultural studies and historical understanding.

“The museum offers a hands-on learning experience,” said Mandap Homagai, the History Museum coordinator and teacher. “It provides a unique platform for students to see the physical representations of the tools and equipment we teach about in class. This way, students can visualize and understand their uses, making the history lessons more relatable and engaging.”

Mandap Homagai, who has been instrumental in the creation of the museum, explained that the museum’s collection is still growing, and the school has ambitious plans to continue adding more artefacts over time. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Our goal is to expand the museum and further enrich this resource for the benefit of our students and the community.”

One of the main objectives of the museum is not only to provide a better understanding of Bhutan’s history but also to foster cultural preservation. In an era where globalization and modernization have rapidly changed the face of Bhutanese society, traditional tools and methods are at risk of being forgotten. By preserving and showcasing these items, the school aims to bridge the gap between the past and present for its students.

“The importance of preserving our heritage cannot be overstated,” Principal Thinley Dorji said. “Through this museum, we hope to teach our students the value of history, culture, and tradition, and the vital role they play in shaping our identity as Bhutanese.”

The museum, in its modest yet profound way, serves as a tribute to the lives and efforts of Bhutan’s ancestors. It gives students the chance to appreciate the evolution of tools and technology over time and realize the significance of retaining traditional knowledge amidst contemporary advancements.

The museum has already left a lasting impact on the students of Sarpang Central School. Tshering Zangmo, a 12th-grade student, expressed her gratitude for the new addition to the school’s campus. For her, the museum offers an eye-opening experience that extends her knowledge beyond the pages of her history books.

“I had only read about these tools and objects in our textbooks,” Tshering shared after her first visit to the museum. “Being able to see and touch them in person gave me a much deeper appreciation for our heritage. It was fascinating to learn how our ancestors used these objects in their daily lives. This experience made history feel so real, and it has enriched my education tremendously.”

For Tshering and her peers, the museum has become a source of inspiration. She emphasized the importance of preserving Bhutan’s culture, not only for future generations but also as part of their identity as Bhutanese. “I feel a sense of pride in our culture and traditions. The museum shows us how far we’ve come, but it also reminds us not to forget where we came from.”

Pema Lama, another 12th-grade student, echoed similar sentiments. “The museum offers a glimpse into the past that we wouldn’t otherwise have access to,” he said. “It’s one thing to learn about history in the classroom, but when you can physically see and study these artefacts, it completely changes the way you understand and appreciate the subject.”

Pema Lama also pointed out that the museum is a valuable tool for developing a sense of responsibility towards cultural preservation. “It teaches us that our traditions and heritage are not just part of our past but are also something we need to carry forward into the future.”

While the museum is still in its early stages, the school administration has big plans for its future. Principal Thinley Dorji emphasized the importance of continuous innovation in education. “We are constantly looking for new ways to enhance our students’ learning experience. The History Museum is just one of the initiatives we have undertaken, and we hope to introduce more in the future,” he said.

The school hopes to expand the museum’s collection with more artefacts from different regions of Bhutan.Mandap Homagai, the museum coordinator, shared his vision of making the museum a regional resource for not only students but also the broader community.

“We want this museum to grow, and we plan to collaborate with local communities to bring in more items that represent different aspects of Bhutanese history and culture,” Mandap Homagai said. “It may take time, but we are dedicated to making this museum a valuable resource for our students and the region.”

The museum is already proving to be a valuable addition to the school’s curriculum, offering a learning experience that is both informative and transformative. As the museum evolves, it will continue to play a crucial role in preserving Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage, while also enriching the educational journey of students at Sarpang Central School.

The success of the History Museum at Sarpang Central School has sparked conversations about the potential for similar initiatives in other schools across Bhutan. Many students have voiced their hope that more schools will take up the cause of cultural preservation through practical, hands-on learning experiences like the museum.

“I hope other schools also consider setting up similar museums,” said Pema Lama. “It’s a fantastic way to learn about our history and culture, and it would be great if more students across Bhutan could benefit from such an experience.”
With the History Museum now a proud fixture at Sarpang Central School, it sets a model for how education can evolve to embrace both modernity and tradition, ensuring that Bhutan’s past remains an integral part of its future.