September 9, 2009 – Session I

Chief Guest: Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi, Minister, Ministry of Labour and Human Resources

The Opening ceremony of the National Graduate Orientation Programme, 2009 was graced by Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi, Minister, Ministry of Labour and Human Resources. The opening day of the National Graduate Orientation Programme 2009 began with the marching ceremony. In his address to the graduates, Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi highlighted the objectives of conducting the orientation programme. Besides, he also shared his views on the labour market situations of the country, the challenges and the measures in place to overcome those challenges.

Session II - History of Buddhist Bhutan and who we are?

Guest speaker: Dasho Karma Ura, Director, Centre for Bhutan Studies

Dasho Karma Ura emphasized on how Buddhism flourished in the country and its track of flows across the globe. In his address to the graduates, Dasho Karma Ura highlighted the background of Buddhism in Bhutan. Buddhism in Bhutan was categorized into two sets; the Nga-jur Nyingma and the Chi-jur Sarma. Nga-jur Nyingma appears to be the oldest form of Buddhism practiced in the country while the Chi-jur Sarma flourished later. However, the latter was based on the same principles with an ultimate aim of getting enlightenment. The presentation also highlighted the contributions of the Tertoens (Treasure Discoverers) and the Buddhist doctrines discovered thereon.

Session III - Bhutan’s cultural Heritage

Guest speaker: Mr. Dorji Tshering, Director General, Department of Culture

The third session of the opening day was presided over by Mr. Dorji Tshering, Director General, Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. In his address to the graduates he briefed on the importance of culture in ensuring the sovereignty of the nation. He also said that one of the greatest strengths of our country is our unique culture.

September 9, 2009

Session I - The role of ICT and Media

Guest speaker: Dasho Kinley Dorji, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communication

Dasho Kinley Dorji briefed the graduates on the role of ICT and media. Underpinning the importance of ICT and media, Dasho Kinley Dorji aligned the role of ICT and media in line with the transition of the nation. He emphasized that the role of ICT and media is to ensure an informed society. In addition, he also pointed out some of the challenges and issues of ICT and media.

Session II - Bhutan’s Diplomacy, international relations and global identity

Guest speaker: Mr. Dawa Penjor, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The session on Bhutan’s diplomacy, international relations and global identity was presided over by Mr. Dawa Penjor, Secretary of Ministry of foreign Affairs. The Secretary briefed the graduates on the status of Bhutan’s external relations and the importance of diplomacy in light of ensuring global identity.

Session III - Importance of Dzongkha Language

Guest speaker: Dasho Sherab Gyeltshen, Secretary, Dzongkha Development Commission

Dasho Sherab Gyeltshen, Secretary of Dzongkha Development Commission did not make a power point presentation. The session was completely dedicated for question and answer on ‘Importance of Dzongkha Language’. The following questions were asked by graduates during the session:
1. Why the national language was made an optional subject and would this step deteriorate the already deteriorating quality of Dzongkha language?
2. Why don’t the concern authority implement Dzongkha subject as the main subject after the 12th standard too?
3. A lot of speeches made today are in English language. Many of the students and youth prefer speaking in English. Doesn’t it lower the standard of Dzongkha language?
4. Why is there so much of complication in written Dzongkha?
5. We come across many words like America, Europe, USA, etc in books and media. Pertaining to this, my question is, ‘is the said word a Dzongkha language or is there any step to convert them into Dzongkha language?
6. What are the ways and methods that are implemented by Dzongkha Development Commission so as to improve the quality of Dzongkha language?
7. What is the reason behind the deteriorating quality of both written and spoken Dzongkha?

September 10, 2009

Session I – Tourism: High Value and Low Volume

Guest Speaker: Mr. Kezang Wangdi, Director General, Tourism Council of Bhutan Presiding over the first session, Mr. Kezang Wangdi, Director General of the Tourism Council of Bhutan briefed the graduates on the high value low volume strategy of the tourism sector. The session began with a visual presentation of a promotional clip, “Bhutan, Land of Dragon.” Tourism sector is conceived as an important avenue for income generation, poverty alleviation, employment generation and a means for earning hard currency. Moreover, underpinning the development strategy of the country, tourism is increasingly accepted as an important tool for preserving and promoting our culture and rich bio-diversity. In addition, highlighting the statistical findings of the tourism sector, Mr. Palden Dorji informed the graduates that the trend of tourist arrivals has not been consistent in the past owing to the economic conditions elsewhere in the world. However, the number of tourist visiting the country has steadily increased in the current years. The number of tourist arrivals marked 37% increase in 2008 in comparison to the preceding year. In view of its potential in socio-economic development, tourism sector was given substantial priority by the Royal Government and called for a coherent and cogent effort from its stakeholders in achieving the development goals. The presentation was followed by question and answer session.

Session II – Importance of laws in a democratic society

Guest Speaker: Mr. Rinzin Penjore, Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General

The session on the importance of laws in a democratic society was delivered by the Attorney General, Mr. Rinzin Penjore. The Attorney General initiated the session by reiterating the definition of Democracy which was once propounded by the American President Abraham Lincoln, “Democracy is the government by the people, for the people and of the people.” The presentation covering the fundamentals of formulating laws and the underlying principles for aligning them with the democratic society was followed by a question and answer session. The question and answer session concluded in a fruitful exchange of ideas between the graduates and officials from the Office of the Attorney General.

September 11, 2009

Session I – Buddhism: Essence and Practice

Guest Speaker: Lam Gembo, Dratshang Lhentshog

Lam Gembo from Dratshang Lhentshog delivered the session on Buddhism: Essence and Practice. He was accompanied by the Principal, Sanga Choekhor Buddhist Institute and the Principal, Institute of Language and Cultural Studies. During the session, the graduates were briefed on the essence of Buddhism and culture based on Buddhist values. The graduates were oriented on the Buddhist values and competencies based on the central Buddhist practices; the body, speech and mind. In addition, the session also covered different phases of life in accordance with the wheel of Life (Kyilkhor).

Session II – GNH: Concept, Values and indices

Guest Speaker: Mr. Dorji Penjor and Mrs. Tshoki Tshomo, Researchers, Centre for Bhutan Studies

The fulfillment of Gross National Happiness is the ultimate goal of the country. Highlighting the importance of GNH as a development strategy, the graduates were brought to light about the approach of implementing the concept of GNH, the need for GNH index and institutional arrangement for the implementation of GNH. The graduates were also informed that the ultimate goal of social, economic and political reforms in the country is the fulfillment of Gross National Happiness.