India–Bhutan Education Ties Grow Stronger: Principals Exchange Ideas on Holistic Learning

In a landmark initiative to deepen Indo-Bhutan educational collaboration, a team of CBSE school principals from Pune and Mumbai recently visited Bhutan to explore and exchange progressive practices in value-based and holistic learning. The educational tour centered around Bhutan’s globally admired philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which integrates emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being with academic growth.

The delegation was led by Dr. Deepali Shirgave, Principal of Vishwakalyan English Medium School, Chikhali, Pune. She was joined by an esteemed group of education leaders:

Dr. Nikita Kothari (Principal, Indo-Scot School)

Dr. Ashwini Pansare (Principal, Abhinav Public School and Junior College)

Mr. Suhas Tohgaonkar (Principal, Prodigy Public School, Wagholi)

Mrs. Renu Patil (Principal, Heritage International School, Mulshi)

Mrs. Maheshwari Chougule (Principal, Narakes Panhala Public School & Jr. College, Kolhapur)

Mrs. Sunita Pant (Principal, SSSS Global School, Mumbai)

The visit featured insightful interactions with key officials from Bhutan’s Ministry of Education, including Mr. Niteen S. Yeola (IFS & Deputy Commissioner, Bhutan) and Mr. Tashi Chhetri (Director, Department of School Education, Bhutan). These exchanges offered Indian educators a first-hand understanding of Bhutan's happiness-driven, student-centric learning model.

India–Bhutan Education Ties Grow Stronger: Principals Exchange Ideas on Holistic Learning

Supporting this initiative was Mr. Sukhvinder Singh, First Secretary (Education) at the Embassy of India in Bhutan. He played a pivotal role in coordinating enriching panel discussions and collaborative sessions focused on innovation in pedagogy, student well-being, and leadership in education.

A key highlight of the visit was a guided tour of Druk School, Thimphu, where Indian principals observed students practicing mindfulness, critical thinking, and cultural values in daily learning. The seamless integration of traditional wisdom with 21st-century skills deeply impressed the delegation.

Equally inspiring was Bhutan’s strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Schools there promote ecological responsibility and harmony with nature from an early age — ideals that resonate with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

“This collaboration is a meaningful step towards shaping compassionate, globally aware, and emotionally intelligent learners,” said Dr. Shirgave. “We believe these shared best practices will help foster more inclusive, mindful, and value-rich classrooms in India.”

The educational journey and embassy meetings were expertly organized with the assistance of Mr. Dhaval Apte, whose support was instrumental in ensuring the success of the visit.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening India–Bhutan educational ties — a partnership built on mutual respect, cultural integrity, and a shared vision for future-ready, happy learners.