𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠

…𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔

By Leki Chungdon

Trashigang is preparing to host the first-ever Bhutan Glory Chess Tournament on July 1, 2025, a unique event that brings together students, educators, conservationists, and local leaders to promote biodiversity awareness and cognitive development through the game of chess.

Set in one of eastern Bhutan’s butterfly-rich regions, the event is inspired by the butterfly species Bhutanitis ludlowi, Bhutan’s national butterfly, and Bhutanitis lidderdalii, commonly known as the Bhutan glory. The tournament aims to promote strategic thinking alongside ecological literacy and youth empowerment, especially among students living near butterfly habitats.

The idea for the Bhutan Glory Chess Tournament emerged from a grassroots collaboration between local conservationists and educators in Trashigang. The rediscovery of Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory in the district, previously recorded only in Trashiyangtse, sparked renewed interest in connecting biodiversity with education. Chess was chosen as the medium for its known benefits in improving focus, discipline, and critical thinking.

“This tournament symbolizes more than just a game,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about empowering rural youth with knowledge and a sense of responsibility for both the environment and their own development.”

Workshops planned during the tournament will introduce ideas for establishing eco-clubs and school chess clubs, creating sustainable structures for continuous learning. Organizers hope this initiative will mark the beginning of a new educational approach- one that links games, culture, and nature in meaningful ways.

“This is about valuing what’s local- our minds and our natural treasures. We want to protect the butterflies and become better thinkers too,” said a student from a nearby village school who plans to participate.

Kesang Wangchuk, Principal of Trashigang Middle Secondary School (TMSS), which will host the event, said, “As a Principal, I envision integrating the Bhutan Glory Chess Tournament into our school’s long-term educational and environmental goals. The tournament offers an excellent platform to enhance cognitive and strategic learning, as chess builds critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making- the core elements of our holistic education model.”

He added that the event would also support environmental awareness. “We aim to promote sustainable practices such as using recycled materials for chessboards, organizing tree-planting initiatives, and holding discussions linked to Bhutan’s carbon-neutral goals. Currently, the tournament is supported by local sponsors, including businesses and well-wishers. While there are no immediate plans to expand it to other districts, we will continue it as an annual mid-term event at our school and possibly open participation to other schools in the Dzongkhag.”

The event is expected to draw participation from primary and high school students, local youth groups, and chess enthusiasts from Trashigang and surrounding gewogs, especially those from areas near butterfly habitats. By involving students from remote communities, the tournament seeks to foster inclusive education and reduce the rural-urban gap in extracurricular opportunities.

Thinley Dorji, the focal teacher from TMSS and the lead organizer of the tournament, shared how the idea took shape. “We wanted to introduce something new and meaningful to the rural community- an initiative that would engage young minds while also promoting awareness of our natural heritage. The idea came when I learned about Bhutan’s National Butterfly, found near Yonphu under Kanglung Gewog. That discovery sparked my curiosity, and I thought a chess tournament would be the perfect way to highlight its significance.”

He continued, “Chess is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, and our school felt like the right place to start something that blends education, tradition and recreation in a rural setting. Through chess, students develop discipline and sharpen their minds. At the same time, linking the event with conservation themes helps students value nature. It reminds everyone that rural areas aren’t just observers- they can be leaders in education and ecological awareness. Chess and nature both require patience, strategy and balance. When students engage with both, they grow intellectually and emotionally.”

Tashi Jamtsho, another teacher at TMSS, said, “Local schools and communities have played a vital role by organizing events that give children the chance to learn, grow and compete. Programs like the Bhutan Glory Chess Tournament help build rural children’s confidence by encouraging skill development, critical thinking and teamwork. These activities support academic growth while promoting social interaction and environmental awareness. We hope to measure the impact through improvements in academic performance, social skills and environmental understanding.”

Tashi Dema, a student of Class VII ‘B’ at TMSS, shared her excitement. “During the tournament, chess teaches us valuable lessons that go beyond the board. It helps us think critically, plan ahead and manage time wisely. We learn to balance attack and defense, and that kind of thinking makes our problem-solving skills stronger.”

Pema Dekar Tshomo, also from Class VII ‘B’, added, “I would tell my friend who’s joining the tournament that you don’t have to be an expert. What truly matters is interest and determination. Like they say, ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ With consistent practice, we can all improve. This tournament is not only about chess; it also raises awareness and helps us learn more about Bhutan’s National Butterfly. By integrating both the game and the conservation theme, the event encourages participants to explore and learn more about this beautiful and significant species.”

Sonam Dorji, a nature enthusiast supporting the event, highlighted its wider impact. “It’s vital for our communities to learn about the Bhutan Glory Butterfly. Not only does it improve environmental education, but it could also open up ecotourism opportunities, such as butterfly watching. At the same time, chess helps students build strategic thinking and strengthens mental development. This combination of conservation and cognitive learning can offer long-term benefits for both people and nature.”

He added, “To sustain this initiative, we need regular training, conservation awareness programs, and financial support for the host school. This will help nurture young chess players and deepen their understanding of biodiversity. In the future, we hope to involve groups like the Bhutan Chess Federation and nature conservation organizations. Their expertise would help scale this effort and bring it to more communities.”

“There is a strong push to promote ecotourism in eastern Bhutan, and events like this chess tournament can support that in a unique way,” he said. “While sports like football and basketball receive more attention, chess is often overlooked, especially in rural areas. But chess doesn’t require many resources- it can be played anywhere. We can also look to India, where many grandmasters have emerged in recent years. Their success can inspire Bhutanese youth and make the game more accessible.”

“Bhutan’s Constitution emphasizes that conservation is not only the government’s responsibility but a shared duty. By involving students in activities that promote both learning and environmental awareness, we help fulfill that national vision. Eastern Bhutan, with its rich biodiversity and potential for chess development, is the perfect place to begin. Who knows-one day, a grandmaster from Bhutan may rise from this region and contribute to both chess and conservation,” he concluded.