𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐆𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝

…𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓 3,800 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑫𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚

By Kezang Choden

The 2024 HRH Gyalsey Mathematics Award shone a spotlight on the mathematical talent and dedication of Bhutan’s young scholars as they competed to prove their academic prowess. This year’s event drew a record-breaking 2,662 students in Category 1 and 1,232 students in Category 2, representing schools from all corners of Bhutan. With two categories designed for students in classes nine through twelve, the competition provided a platform for aspiring mathematicians to test their skills, demonstrate their hard work, and celebrate the triumph of persistence over challenges.

Category 1, aimed at students in classes nine and ten, was led by Sujana Dootraj from Phuentsholing Higher Secondary School, who took first place with her outstanding performance. She was closely followed by Tshering Gyeltshen of Bjishong Higher Secondary School in second place, and Kinzang Choden from Jomotshangkha Middle Secondary School, who came in third. Meanwhile, the more advanced Category 2, for students in classes eleven and twelve, saw Damchoe Tenzin of Karma Academy taking the top honour. He was joined on the podium by Karma Yuden from Samtengang Central School in second place, with Pema Yugyal of Desi Higher Secondary School finishing third.

The HRH Gyalsey Mathematics Award, established by His Majesty the King, aims to foster a culture of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity in Bhutan. It encourages students to pursue their studies, particularly in challenging subjects like mathematics, and to develop a love for learning that will serve them throughout their lives. The success of this year’s awardees exemplifies the vision of His Majesty, who believes that every Bhutanese child has the potential to excel given the right support and opportunities.

Phuentsholing Higher Secondary School celebrated a momentous victory when their Grade 10 student, Sujana Dootraj, emerged as the top scorer in Category 1. This achievement marked a proud moment for Sujana, her teachers, and her school community. For Sujana, her journey to the top was paved with dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for mathematics.

Reflecting on her win, Sujana credited her teachers for their unwavering support and guidance. “I owe my success to my teachers, who believed in me and encouraged me to keep pushing forward, even when the problems seemed tough,” Sujana said. She particularly praised her teachers, Himanshu, GC Rani, and Thukten, who organized weekly practice sessions to strengthen her skills and boost her confidence. Sujana’s journey also reflects the broader mission of the Gyalsey Award, which seeks to provide Bhutanese students with opportunities to reach their highest potential.

Yangki Dem, the Principal of Phuentsholing Higher Secondary School, shared her pride in Sujana’s achievement and expressed gratitude for His Majesty’s support in establishing the award. “This recognition speaks volumes about Sujana’s hard work and the dedication of our teaching staff. The Gyalsey Award inspires our students to aim higher and believe in themselves,” she noted.

At Bjishong Higher Secondary School, the pride was palpable as Tshering Gyeltshen, a ninth-grade student, achieved second place in Category 1. Tshering’s journey was not without its challenges, but his passion for mathematics and commitment to self-improvement fueled his success.

“Learning is limitless, and this award symbolizes my commitment to keep improving,” Tshering reflected. Tshewang Namgyel, the award coordinator at Bjishong, emphasized the importance of preparing students emotionally and logistically for the competition. He noted that nurturing a supportive environment, where students feel encouraged to take risks and embrace learning, was key to helping students reach their full potential.

Tshering’s success is a testament to the power of support from teachers and family, who played a crucial role in fostering his love for mathematics. “My teachers taught me to see math as a journey, not just a subject. Their guidance was invaluable,” he said.

For Jomotshangkha Middle Secondary School’s Kinzang Choden, achieving third place in Category 1 was a evident to her resilience and dedication. Her school faced unique challenges, including intermittent internet connectivity and the added pressure of balancing her studies with exam preparation. Yet, Kinzang was determined to excel, drawing strength from her teachers and her own commitment to the subject.

“My teachers, especially those in ICT and mathematics, were incredibly supportive,” Kinzang shared. “They motivated me to keep trying and not be discouraged by difficulties. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without their guidance.” Her accomplishment is a reminder that success often involves overcoming obstacles and finding strength within oneself to push forward.

The higher category of the competition, Category 2, saw fierce competition among Bhutan’s brightest young minds. Taking first place was Damcho Tenzin of Karma Academy, a school known for its emphasis on academic rigor and holistic student development. Damcho’s passion for mathematics, coupled with his disciplined approach to study, led him to victory.

For Damcho, mathematics is more than just numbers and formulas. “Mathematics requires time and practice,” he said. “It’s not just about being intelligent, it’s about being committed and willing to put in the work.” He noted that the Gyalsey Mathematics Award is a symbol of persistence and dedication and encouraged other students to approach their studies with curiosity and determination.

At Samtengang Central School, mathematics teacher Gayleg Rabten expressed pride in the achievement of eleventh-grader Karma Yuden, who took second place in Category 2. Gayleg highlighted the transformative power of the Gyalsey Mathematics Award, especially for students who may initially struggle with math but gain confidence through participation.

“Karma’s journey reflects her commitment to the subject and the encouragement from her teachers,” Gayleg said. Karma herself shared that her confidence has grown with each year of participation in the competition. “This competition taught me to never give up, even when something seems difficult,” Karma said. She hopes her success will inspire other students to approach mathematics with resilience and determination.

At Desi Higher Secondary School, Vice Principal Lhamo celebrated the accomplishments of twelfth-grader Pema Yugyal, who secured third place in Category 2. Pema’s love for mathematics was nurtured by her teachers, who encouraged her to explore the subject deeply and approach it with an open mind.

Reflecting on her achievement, Pema attributed her success to the support of her teachers and her own determination. “Effort leads to achievement,” she said. “You should never give up on something just because it’s hard. The satisfaction of accomplishment makes every challenge worthwhile.” Pema’s message resonates with students across Bhutan, as she continues to inspire her peers to embrace academic challenges.

The HRH Gyalsey Mathematics Award stands as a powerful reminder of the potential within Bhutan’s youth and the importance of nurturing their talents. By encouraging students to excel in mathematics, the award inspires them to develop critical thinking skills and a love for learning that will benefit them in all areas of life. Teachers, principals, and communities across Bhutan have rallied to support their students in preparing for this competition, demonstrating a collective commitment to academic excellence and a brighter future for the nation.

The success of this year’s awardees exemplifies the values of perseverance, resilience, and curiosity. As Bhutan continues to cultivate an environment that values education and intellectual development, the young mathematicians of today will inspire future generations to pursue their passions with vigour and dedication. The Gyalsey Mathematics Award has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, embodying the dreams of Bhutan’s youth and the vision of His Majesty to build a prosperous, knowledge-driven society.

As the award ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was filled with pride and celebration. Students and teachers alike felt the impact of their hard work and the promise of what lies ahead. With every student who took the stage, Bhutan witnessed the unfolding of potential and the power of dedication. As the country looks to the future, it is clear that the values fostered by the HRH Gyalsey Mathematics Award will continue to shape the lives of young Bhutanese and drive the nation toward a brighter, more prosperous future.