Saturday, July 16, 2011
The oldest Tourist to visit Bhutan
First Ever RUB Convocation held in Thimphu, 15/07/2011
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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 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
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Youth Unemployment...
Youth unemployment remains high at 9.2%
Courtesy: http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Views of the Milky Way Galaxy
The Milky Way is home to over 200 billion stars and 50 billion planets. These incredible photos capture what we can see of the immense beauty of our galaxy.
The Milky Way over a dirt road in Wyoming.
Devils Tower in Wyoming captured with a stunning view of the Milky Way.
The Milky Way glows in this landscape with a silhouetted tree.
The Milky Way as seen from Auburn, Alabama.
More Milky Way from Auburn.
Photos by:
Scott Fillmer/Flickr, Eric Hines Photography/Flickr
First Elected Gup after Democarcy -- His Majesty felicitates gup elects
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| In a historic first, kabney and dhar were awarded from the Throne |
“Gups are important, as they deal with people every day, and know the needs of the people well,” His Majesty said, adding that the present gups being awarded the kabney and dhar from the throne for the first time was a symbol of independence and importance of local government.
His Majesty reminded the gups that, as they carry out their duties, they should remember that they are not there to seek status, wealth or fame. “Your primary goal is to serve the people and, as citizens of a spiritual nation, be compassionate and fulfil the aspirations of the people with the highest standards of integrity,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty also said the gups are important to keep the community closely knit, put forward the nation’s security as a priority and preserve culture.
Democracy, His Majesty said, was a carefully planned process by the fourth Druk Gyalpo, with the establishment of dzongkhag yargay tshogdus way back in 1980, and gewog yargay tshogchungs in 1990.
Decentralisation and empowerment of the grassroots has been a constant process, culminating in the transfer of powers from the Throne to the people under democracy. In the exercise of these powers, local governments are invaluable to the people, His Majesty said.
His Majesty congratulated the representatives of the gewogs of 20 dzongkhags, and thanked them for having come forward to serve their communities. His Majesty also said he was grateful to the Election Commission of Bhutan, all civil servants, teachers and armed forces, and the dratshang. “With your hard work and prayers, we have conducted the historic first local government elections under democracy.”
His Majesty also expressed his appreciation to people, who had left all their important work aside and come forward to participate in the election.
Thanking all 2,185 participants, who took part in the recent election, His Majesty said winning is not important but participation is. “Those, who are capable and desirous of serving their country and people, should come forward and stand for elections. Those, whom the people choose, must then serve without fear or favour,” His Majesty said.
The gups, led by the Yangbi lopen, offered Tashi Moenlam to His Majesty.
Gups from 15 gewogs were missing yesterday. Three gewogs, Goenshari in Punakha, Bjacho gewog in Chukha and Gongdue gewog in Mongar are without gup candidates. Talo gewog in Punakha could not elect their representative after the result ended in a draw, and 11 gup elects have ongoing court cases related to the election.
By Tashi Dema
http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=20099
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