Paradox in Green Schools

We had chance to listen a talk by education minister in our college auditorium. He gave lengthy yet very interesting talk on recent initiative of Ministry of Education to build green schools for green Bhutan. 

He said, “Green here is more than colour”. It is a program showing an intention of government to make schools green in every aspect. Green in environment which is conducive for studies, green in academic which is to strive for excellence, culturally green, green in spirituality of all the students and teachers, and ultimately to have green society in Bhutan.

So I thought that this initiative is actually to blend education system with Gross National Happiness. No sooner did I think that, then another came in my mind. If our schools are to be culturally green, then why most of the schools across the country have introduced trek suit as school dresses. I have seen them going in trek suits atleast twice a day. In it, they go for classes and even also hold mass prayer. What a fun?

I think this contradicts strive in making schools culturally green or the third pillar of Gross National Happiness. Is it the initiative of education ministry or initiative of schools accepted by former?

I think if this is the case, our schools will be culturally abased rather than green. We need to look into such contradictions. The interest of our students in national dresses may also decrease. Some people who closely study Bhutan in relation to its iconic development philosophy of GNH may laugh sarcastically.