Thinley Namgay 

About 150 participants from Thimphu are attending ongoing programmes related to culture and tradition being conducted by the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (DCDD) at the National Library and Archives in Kawangjangsa, Thimphu.

The majority of the participants are students.

The event began on June 29 and will end on July 14.

Participants learn traditional calligraphy, art, dance, and music.

The number of participants is expected to increase as there is no limitation.

The programmes are offered free of charge.

The current programme is part of DCDD’s activities in the 13th Plan to impart knowledge on calligraphy, art, dance, and music to youth who are the custodians for protecting and promoting culture and tradition in the future.

The students are expected to teach other students in schools after the event. The programme would also help students to do their Dzongkha assignments.

As part of this event, DCDD also conducts a book fair to provide an opportunity for Bhutanese writers to sell or introduce their books to the participants.

The books can be either in Dzongkha or English. The book fair is intended to foster reading habits among youth and encourage local writers.

One of the participants said the event would meaningfully engage students amid growing concerns among parents and society about youth spending most of their time on mobile phones.

Participants also said that such programmes helped youth write and communicate in Dzongkha.

DCDD’s Deputy Chief Librarian, Yeshi Lhendup, said the traditional arts and music coaching was started by the Royal Academy of Performing Arts three years ago during students’ summer vacation.

He said the book fair, calligraphy, and lessons are the maiden events of DCDD.

The press release from DCDD stated that the office aims to ensure that the National Library and Archives at Kawangjangsa will serve as a place where youth can learn anything related to culture and tradition for free.