𝐂𝐋𝐂𝐒 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬

…𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝑳𝑪𝑺 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝑬𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Lalit Gurung

Taktse College of Language and Culture Studies (CLCS), in Trongsa, is undergoing a pivotal transformation as Bhutan grapples with the future of its premier institution dedicated to preserving language and culture. Despite its capacity to host 1,000 students, the college currently enrolled only 248 students in its third and fourth years, following a halt in new admissions since 2023.

This change has sparked a nationwide conversation about the college’s role in safeguarding Bhutan’s cultural heritage and identity. The Social and Cultural Committee, chaired by Lhaba Lhaba, Khatoed-Laya Constituency, has been at the forefront of these discussions. Highlighting the importance of cultural preservation, Lhaba said, “For a small economy like Bhutan, culture is not just our identity but a pillar of our independence and national security.”

CLCS is unique in Bhutan, offering specialized programs in Dzongkha language and Bhutanese cultural studies. Its contributions to producing Dzongkha teachers and researchers are vital, and it holds the potential to become a global hub for Bhutanese studies, language revitalization, and cultural consultancy.

To ensure that CLCS remains relevant and impactful, extensive consultations with stakeholders and the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) have explored several potential directions for its future. One option is to transform the college into a central model school or a premier STEM school, aligning it with emerging educational priorities.

Another possibility is to maintain its status as a college while revising its programs to place greater emphasis on Dzongkha language and Bhutanese culture. Additionally, the institution could be repurposed as a center for technical and vocational education, addressing the growing demand for practical skills training. There is also potential for integrating CLCS into broader educational initiatives, such as those planned under the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, ensuring its alignment with Bhutan’s evolving educational and cultural landscape.

The College of Language and Culture Studies (CLCS) currently offers three primary academic programs: the Bachelor of Arts in Language and Literature, which will continue until Spring 2025; the Bachelor of Arts in Dzongkha and Culture Studies, available until Spring 2026; and the Master of Arts in Dzongkha and Choekay, set to run until December 2024. However, two other programs, the Diploma in Language and Communication Skills and the Bachelor of Arts in Himalayan Studies, have been phased out, reflecting a shift in the college’s academic offerings and focus areas.

The review of CLCS highlighted several challenges, including the limited reach of its research beyond the institution, overlapping programs with the Royal Institute of Performing Arts (RIPA) and the Institute of Science of Mind (ISM), and insufficient coordination between the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB).

To address these issues, the committee recommended retaining CLCS with revised programs focused on Dzongkha language and culture, establishing regular Master’s and PhD programs, and positioning the college as a national Dzongkha language research center. Strengthening coordination between MoESD and RUB and streamlining overlapping programs across similar institutions were also identified as critical steps to ensure the college’s sustainability and relevance.

Responding to concerns about the college’s potential closure, Yeezang De Thapa, Minister of MoESD, assured the public that CLCS is not shutting down but downsizing to recalibrate its operations. The downsizing, which began in 2023, aims to align the institution with national priorities.

Minister Yeezang De Thapa stated, “CLCS will continue to offer courses with a reduced intake while collaborating with RUB, ISM, and RIPA to ensure its repurposing is effective.”

As Bhutan navigates this transition, CLCS remains a cornerstone in preserving the nation’s linguistic and cultural heritage. With refined programs and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, the college is poised to continue its mission of fostering cultural pride and academic excellence.

This revitalization effort underlines Bhutan’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity while adapting to the evolving needs of society.