Druk Gyalpo's Institute

The Druk Gyalpo's Institute is a non-profit, autonomous educational institution located at Pangbisa in Paro, Bhutan. Conceived as an initiative of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, it was established as an enduring tribute to the leadership and legacy of his father, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck.^[1]

The institute reflects a royal emphasis on the role of education in national development — empowering citizens, narrowing economic and social disparities, and nurturing successive generations of capable leaders. A particular objective is to provide world-class schooling to talented children from humble and economically vulnerable backgrounds, enabling them to continue their education and realise their potential.^[2]

Structure

The Druk Gyalpo's Institute is organised into three bodies. The Royal Academy is its school, providing residential education with an emphasis on values, leadership and academic excellence. The Education Research Centre conducts research to inform teaching and learning, and the Teacher Development Centre focuses on training and professional development for educators. Together these aim to develop and disseminate world-class knowledge and skills for teaching, learning and education research within Bhutan.^[1]

Leadership and wider role

The institute has been led by the educationist Dasho Arun Kapur as its director. His prominence in Bhutanese education was underlined when he was named among the leaders appointed to help drive the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, the flagship special administrative region announced by the King.^[3] The Druk Gyalpo's Institute thus sits within a broader contemporary effort to strengthen Bhutanese human capital and leadership for the country's long-term development.

References

1. Druk Gyalpo's Institute — official website
2. Druk Gyalpo's Institute — The Royal Academy
3. Bhutan Appoints Key Leaders to Drive Gelephu Mindfulness City — Daily Bhutan