The Samtse Dzongkhag Administration proudly congratulates Ms. Chimi Dema, a teacher at Peljorling Higher Secondary School, for becoming Bhutan’s first recipient of the Princess Maha Chakri Award 2025. This prestigious award, presented biennially in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, recognizes teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and transformative impact on education.
1. Inspiring Young Writers
Ms. Chimi authored her debut novel “Divja: Twice Born” in 2021, inspiring students to pursue their own writing projects. She mentored Hasta Bdr. Ghalley, guiding him through drafting, editing, and publishing his book “Symphony of Two Souls” in 2024, which now supports his higher education financially.
2. Free Online Coaching Initiatives
Since 2021, Ms. Chimi has provided voluntary English coaching for Class XI and XII students. Her initiatives contributed to Peljorling HSS achieving 9th place nationally in English by 2022.
3. Inclusive and Innovative Teaching
By integrating Relational-Cultural Theory, participatory learning, collaborative strategies, and AI-augmented teaching, Ms. Chimi has created an inclusive and engaging classroom environment, resulting in improved learning outcomes across subjects.
4. Service as a Desuup (Guardian of Peace)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Chimi served as a frontline Desuup, protecting the borders of Samtse Dzongkhag. In recognition of her service, she received the Druk Thuksey Pin, the COVID-19 Service Pin, and the Southern Border Desuup Pin from His Majesty the King.
5. Bridging Educational Gaps During the Pandemic
She ensured equitable learning by distributing offline instructional materials to students without internet access and conducting online classes and coaching sessions for students with digital resources.
6. Research and Evidence-Based Teaching
Ms. Chimi has published peer-reviewed papers on Bhutanese literature and environmental ethics. Her action research projects, such as “Role of Discipline in Academic Performance” and “Effective Strategies for Maintaining an English Writing Portfolio”, improved school policies and teaching practices, resulting in measurable gains in student performance.
Recognition and Impact
Ms. Chimi Dema’s achievements exemplify dedication, innovation, and selfless service. Her work serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators and students nationwide, demonstrating that passion, perseverance, and commitment can transform lives and strengthen Bhutan’s education system.
