Message on the Foundation Day, 23rd February, 2013

from Founding Father of the institute, Mr. Einar Kippenes.
Dear Principal, teachers, students and friends at MI,

40 years seems to be quite a time-span, and this may bring MI into the status of seniority. However, considering the history of schools around in the kingdom it reveals the fact that MI is still young. Being young means MI is to be a vital and progressive institution seeking the best avenues for the various activities being beneficial for the visually impaired students it cares for.

So is the story behind this day. One should expect the first day of the history to contain a formal inauguration with colorful speeches and festive celebration. It was not so. A good meal was there but the main activity that first day was the English lesson in a small classroom. The simple sentence: “Open the door” – was digested and understood. It was a door opener into new words in a new world.

Since then the students of MI have opened more books, dug the garden, cooked their own meals, climbed the surrounding mountains, passed common exams, graduated and obtained a status in various professions. Many are employed. You are productive citizens of Bhutan. This has been achieved in a fair competition with those being sighted.

The aim from the first day in that small classroom was to develop an attitude of independence. The reason being each visually impaired child is equally valuable and able compared with the sighted. It was not the easiest task because the home societies from where the visually impaired children came had a rather low expectation to what their child could perform. The first students therefore had to take a long leap from the inherited understanding: “I am blind, therefore I do not manage” till the opposite standing: “I shall overcome”. I think it was a good reason why the song: We shall overcome, - was quite popular in the beginning, and it may still be?

This is not to say that life is easy and that you get your reward free of cost. You may have to work harder to achieve your goals than those you compete with have to do. You may need more endurance and perseverance. We want to thank you for your work and efforts to reach your aims. Keep in mind that the opportunity you have got from being a student in an institute and being surrounded by dedicated teachers and staff is a gift. This is an opportunity to each one of you. Your school days are the foundation for your future.

Much has been achieved thanks to the enthusiastic and able teachers and staff at MI. You have experienced that new challenges appear as the work goes on. Almost every day gives a new test for your creativity and for finding new ways to present new knowledge. We would like to give you honor for your commitment and daily work. You are paving the road of knowledge and hope for the future for your students.

This is the way to go. The students of MI are valuable people because of the value God has granted them.

Best wishes to all friends during the celebration from us here.
Einar.