His Royal Highness Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck graced the golden jubilee celebration of Muenselling Institute at Khaling in Trashigang yesterday. More than 200 visually impaired students have graduated from the institute since its inception. The institute was established in 1973 upon the command of His Royal Highness Prince Namgyal Wangchuck, with Einar Kippenes from Norway as the first Principal and three students.
69-year-old Sonam Tobgay from Yurung Gewog in Pema Gatshel was among the three students who graduated in 1973.
After completing class nine, he joined as a speech transcriber in Trashigang District and retired in 2011 after serving 29 years as a civil servant.
“If I was not enrolled in this institute, I wonder what I would be doing in my village. After getting enrolled in this institute, my life has changed,” said Sonam Tobgay.
Like Sonam Tobgay, the institute has uplifted the livelihood of many visually impaired students.
Currently, there are more than 60 visually impaired graduates serving in various positions in the civil service and private offices.
“Every day, I work hard, so that my students will receive the education like any other students. It is to make them independent and sustain their livelihoods like me,” said Leki Chedup, a teacher from Muenselling Institute.
Around 60 alumni of Muenselling Institute gathered at the celebration.
Even the founder of the institute, Einar Kippenes and his family from Norway joined the golden jubilee celebration.
Einar served as the principal of the institute for almost a decade.
“Being here today, it has been a great surprise. For me, to see a common approach from the village people, from the department and officials side, even from His Royal Highness, to come here in this school, which was so simple in the beginning, 50 years ago.”
His Royal Highness the Gyaltshab also inaugurated a Learning Park, Museum, Song album and the Muensel Journal.
His Royal Highness the Gyaltshab also granted a Tokha to the public. Currently, the institute has 17 visually impaired students from classes PP to Six.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Tshering Zam
