KINLEY KHANDU CHODEN | Thimphu
In a celebration of the enduring partnership between Bhutan and India, Project DANTAK organised the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Quiz 2026 in Thimphu, bringing together students from various schools for a competition focused on shared history, culture, and cooperation.
Held at Royal Thimphu College, the event served as a prelude to Project DANTAK’s 66th Raising Day, observed annually on April 24. It aimed to engage youth and promote awareness of Bhutan–India relations through an academic platform.
Six teams, each comprising three students, participated in the quiz, representing Motithang Higher Secondary School, Dechencholing Higher Secondary School, Babesa Higher Secondary School, Pelkhil School, Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School, and the Bhutan Football Federation Academy.
The event was graced by Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa, the Minister of Education and Skill Development, as Chief Guest. Indian Ambassador Sandeep Arya also attended, underscoring the diplomatic and educational importance of the programme.
Education minister highlighted the importance of such initiatives in promoting learning and building students’ confidence.
Quizmaster Col Vembu Shankar led the competition, which tested participants across a wide range of topics including historical milestones, cultural ties, geography, and contemporary developments between the two countries.
The format combined written, audio-visual, and rapid-response rounds, encouraging teamwork and quick thinking.
Motithang Higher Secondary School emerged as the overall winner after consistently performing across all rounds. Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School secured the first runner-up position, followed by Dechencholing Higher Secondary School as the second runner-up.
Winners were awarded trophies, certificates, and special prizes in recognition of their performance.
The Indo-Bhutan Friendship Quiz is an initiative of Project DANTAK under the Border Roads Organisation.
Established in 1961, Project DANTAK has played a key role in Bhutan’s infrastructure development, particularly in building and maintaining road networks across the country.
Over time, its work has expanded to include community and educational initiatives aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties.
This year’s programme also included an educational component in collaboration with Bhutan Post, which provided participants with curated philatelic albums. The initiative encouraged students to explore cultural and historical narratives through stamps and postal history.
The event highlighted the role of educational activities in fostering awareness among young people about Bhutan–India relations.
By focusing on shared heritage and ongoing cooperation, the quiz created a platform for students to engage with topics beyond the classroom.
The Bhutan–India relationship continues to be marked by close cooperation in areas such as education, infrastructure, and economic development.
Events like the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Quiz contribute to strengthening this relationship at the grassroots level by directly involving students.
As the competition concluded, Motithang Higher Secondary School’s victory marked the culmination of an event that combined academic challenge with themes of cooperation and shared knowledge. The strong performances across teams reflected a high level of preparation and engagement.
The Indo-Bhutan Friendship Quiz remains an ongoing effort to build awareness among youth. Through structured competition and complementary learning initiatives, it offers students a platform to explore the historical and contemporary ties between Bhutan and India.
The event reflected the shared values and long-standing relationship between the two countries, encouraging the younger generation to carry forward the spirit of friendship.
