The College of Science and Technology (CST) had the honour of hosting an inspiring and deeply thought-provoking leadership session titled “Leadership of the Self” for its student leaders on August 12, 2025. The session was delivered by Mr. Tshewang Ngedup, Senior Programme Officer at the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS), whose profound insights left a lasting impression on all participants.
The talk delved into the essence of personal leadership as the foundation for meaningful societal contribution and nation-building. Drawing inspiration from the visionary goals of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative, Mr. Ngedup emphasized that true leadership begins in the mind—describing it as the “fire” one carries every day. He reminded student leaders that before they can inspire or influence others, they must first learn to lead themselves with clarity, purpose, and self-discipline.
Throughout the session, he reiterated that the world does not lack talented individuals; rather, it lacks effective and mindful leaders. He shared that the journey to becoming such a leader is rooted in self-awareness, humility, emotional regulation, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Participants were encouraged to tame their minds, cultivate inner strength, move from passivity to proactive action, and build confidence to compete globally without losing touch with their values.
A powerful highlight of the talk was his citation of His Majesty, the Fifth Druk Gyalpo:
“What we need is not a leader to lead the masses—we need leadership of the self.”
This timeless wisdom reinforced the idea that strong nations are built on individuals who practice self-management, discipline, integrity, and service before self. For the 40 student leaders in attendance, the message served as a profound reminder that authentic leadership originates from within.
The CST fraternity extends its heartfelt gratitude to RIGSS for their continued support and collaboration. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Tshewang Ngedup for graciously sharing his time and expertise, and to Ms. Sigay Dem, Senior Programme Officer at RIGSS, for her pivotal role in coordinating and facilitating this enriching event.
Following the session, Mr. Ngedup was accompanied by the College President and the Dean of Student Affairs (DSA) team on a guided campus tour. The visit provided an opportunity for him to interact informally with members of the CST community and gain insights into ongoing student initiatives, campus facilities, and the vibrant learning environment the college strives to foster. His words of encouragement during the tour further strengthened the motivation of the student leaders and staff, reinforcing the message that personal transformation is the key to meaningful leadership.
The event concluded on an uplifting note, leaving the student leaders inspired to reflect deeply on their own leadership journeys and to embody the principles of self-leadership in their academic, personal, and future professional lives.
