First Ever RUB Convocation held in Thimphu, 15/07/2011

At the Royal University of Bhutan’s convocation ceremony yesterday in Thimphu, His Majesty awarded degrees, spoke with and took individual pictures with the 1,100 graduates of the eight colleges of the university.
The graduates for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are of Sherubtse, Gaeddu, College of Science and Technology, Institute of Language and Cultural Studies, National Institute of Traditional Medications, Jigme Namgyel Polytechnic, College of Natural Resources and the Royal Institute of Health and Sciences.
“Whatever goals you set for yourself, as you go out to fulfil them, do so with the right values – values that enrich your own life and the lives of those whom you touch on your journey,” His Majesty said, in his formal convocation address to the graduates. “Remember that learning is a lifelong process. Utilise the experience that comes from your personal efforts as you go, but do not forget to use the vast experience that exists in history.”
Before the formal ceremonies began, His Majesty spent an hour and a half informally interacting with the graduates, and encouraging them to ask questions and speak freely. “It is a tradition that I speak frankly and directly. I always tell you the truth, however unpleasant or painful it may be,” His Majesty said.
On a question about democracy and its future in Bhutan, His Majesty said that he could only repeat what he had said to the gups recently. “Our main priorities are the peace, prosperity, security and sovereignty of Bhutan. Towards these goals, we must all work together in first safeguarding our strong foundation of unity and harmony. In our small society, divisions and cleavages can manifest themselves in very destructive ways,” His Majesty said. “In today’s world, it is more important that we worry about haves and have-nots – economic disparity.”
His Majesty said democracy in its initial stages has been very successful, but it would take constant work and commitment to make it a lasting success. “It’s a long process, where we must always contemplate each step, so that we do what is right. Mistakes we make today will be irreversible. There is no room for divisions and disparities in society.”

His Majesty said that national security and sovereignty were important, but that doesn’t only mean military defense. More important was that, during times of peace, citizens always uphold the culture, values, laws and the interest of our nation.
His Majesty said people must feel ownership over democratic growth, and land ownership is the ultimate share or investment a person has in the success of his or her nation. “It is for this reason that I have, since my first address to parliament, always worked on land reforms in rural Bhutan,” His Majesty said.
One civil servant asked whether patangs and kabneys should be discontinued, as it created inequality in society. His Majesty said that doing away with the kabney and patang would not solve inequality.
His Majesty said the kabney is the namza of the Buddha, of saints. It serves to remind the bearer of the need to carry out one’s duties with humility, compassion, justice and integrity. The patang is the tool of a warrior, signifying the pledge that one has made to sacrifice oneself in the service of the nation.
“This is the tradition of patang and kabney I believe in, and the one which I hope inspires those who wear them,” His Majesty said. “Being based on merit, kabneys and patangs were important in recognising duties, achievements and values.”
His Majesty told the graduates that, “Your views and thoughts are important to me. I want to know what they are, not change them.”
By Tashi Tenzin
www.kuenselonline.com