𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐢, 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠, 𝐏𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠

Under the benevolent Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, the Royal Textile Academy (RTA) continues to realize its noble mandate of safeguarding Bhutan’s priceless textile heritage while uplifting the lives of our rural communities. Her Majesty’s profound vision and tireless dedication remain the Academy’s greatest inspiration in ensuring that the art of thagzo not only endures, but also becomes a source of dignity, empowerment, and livelihood for Bhutanese women in the most remote corners of our country.

In alignment with this vision, a new Textile Service Center has been established in the village of Durungri-Mekuri, under Dungmaed Gewog, Pemagatshel Dzongkhag. This important initiative was made possible with the generous financial support of the William H. Geiger Family Foundation Inc., USA, whose contribution stands as a testament to the trust and goodwill inspired by Her Majesty’s leadership.

On August 20, 2025, a consecration and inauguration ceremony was held to formally open the center. The sacred rabney was presided over by the Lam and monks of Nganglam Pekarcholing Dratshang, blessing the facility for its enduring service to the community. The occasion was graced by the Chief Guest, Dasho Dungpa of Nganglam Dungkhang, and further honored by the presence of officials from Pemagatshel Dzongkhag and Dungkhag administrations, leaders of Dungmaed Gewog, a delegation from the RTA, and members of the local community. The ceremony also received a distinguished visit from the Director General of the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management and his team, adding to the significance of the event.

The new Service Center will serve as a secure and permanent home for textile activities, protecting machinery and raw materials from the elements while providing women artisans with a dedicated space to work and thrive. By creating opportunities for income generation and strengthening the rural economy, the center stands as a beacon of Her Majesty’s enduring commitment to the empowerment of Bhutanese women and the preservation of Bhutan’s living traditions.