Ground Breaking Ceremony conducted

The Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was conducted on the auspicious day of June 5, 2009. The Ceremony was graced by Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Academy, as the Chief Guest.

The prayers were presided over by Venerable Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body. The Ceremony was also attended by several senior government officials including Ministers, Chairperson of the National Council, Opposition Leader, Chairperson of the Royal Privy Council as well as representatives from the Indian Embassy and other international organizations based in Thimphu.

Present at the function was also Dr. Frederik Paulsen, who is funding a large portion of the Academy complex, as well as a Trustee of the Academy Board. Other Board Members, Dasho Penden Wangchuk, Dasho Sangay Wangchug and Mrs. Krista Amason also atte nded the Ceremony. Ten friends and well wishers of the Academy had also travelled all the way from the USA, including Mr. Douglas Soe lin, the Chief Architect; and Mr. Warren Amason, a member of the Development and Construction Committee of the construction project; to partake in the celebrations.

Executive Director Mrs. Rinzin O. Dorji in her welcome address mentioned that the Academy in addition to promoting and preserving the unique Bhutanese textiles would also venture into new avenues to market and promote the products in the global arena. She said that it was this noble vision and the positive impact that it would have on the livelihood of many rural women who depend on weaving that prompted Her Majesty to initiate the founding of the Royal Textile Academy in May 2005.

Speaking at the Ceremony, Her Majesty said that “The Royal Textile Academy, after the completion of its construction will comprise of a state of art museum to showcase national as well as regional and global textiles and artefacts; a weaving school where students will be trained in the art of weaving, yarn dyeing and contemporary skills related to fashion design and merchandising and a well equipped and well managed conservation centre”.

The Ceremony concluded with Tashi Labey followed by a Lunch.