Chorten Kora

The legend of Chorten Kora, Trashi Yangtse...

The history of Chorten Kora dates back to the 18^th century’s Lam of Rigsum Goenpa, Ngawang Lodrö who built the Stupa next to swift flowing Kholung Chu River in Yangtse gewog, Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag in Eastern Bhutan. It is said to be one of the important stupas in the country. Stupa was built in order to subdue harmful demon believed to have been at the site taking life of the people who passed by. Lama Ngawang Lodrö was said be Nephew of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

The various incidents had happened in the valley, so, group of people from Yangtse valley approached the lama of Rigsum Goenpa to help them to subdue the demon, where he agreed to do so. After performing the rituals lam found that to protect the locality from demon and future incident of demon taking life of human, he prophesied to built the Chorten where it stand currently. The troop leads by Lam Ngawang Lodrö went to Nepal to get architectural design of Boudhanath stupa which he prophesized. The troop came back with model made using Radish. Therefore, the Chorten is said be modeled after the famous Jarung Khashor Chorten in Nepal.

Then the construction of Chorten took twelve years to complete. For the chorten to be protective and defensive, a virtuous Khado (Dekini) from Tawang-district of Arunachal Pradesh in India was entombed in Chorten on 15^th day of 1^st month of Bhutanese calendar. Finally, the chorten was installed there. The consecration ceremony was held on 30^th day of same month by Je Yonten Thayae. This day, the festival is conducted for two successive times in same month. On 15^th day of 1^st month Bhutanese calendar, it’s called as Dakpai Kora (circumambulation of the Chorten by the Dakpas – the people from Tawang and native places) and Drukpai Kora (circumambulation of the Chorten by the Bhutanese people from all over the country) on 30^th. 

Local devils and evils or demon that had harmed the people of the valley was apparently subdued and banished. Then the people of the valley continued to live peacefully and happily. Even now the people offer deep prayers for protecting them from such demon or evils. 

Above the Chorten is a town of Trashi Yangtse which is of same name. The town was planned to be built based on traditional architectural design houses. The top on the Rinchengang is where the Dzong (the District headquarters) stands. The Dzong was constructed in mid 1990s after Trashi Yangtse became separate district from Trashigang.

The old dzong (the drungkhag headquarters) located is built on hilly area before reaching Chorten Kora. Now the Dzongkhag Administration is situated in new Dzong and Monastic body headed by Lam Neten is situated in Old Dzong that was renovated old one and additional temple and houses are built in early 2000s. 

Today, Trashi Yangtse dzongkhag is considered as rich in culture and tradition that exists prior to. Dapa is one of the famous productions which are bestselling in the country. The district consists of numerous Holy places such as Chorten Kora, Gomkora, Rigsum Goenpa, Pemaling, Dechen Phodrang, Om Bha Nye, Gongza Nye, and so on. There are various old temples that people used to offer their prayers.

The Living God -Dad and Mom

What you really mean by father and mother?  

Dad and Mom

The father/mother is a male/female parents of a child or an animal; a person who is acting as the father/mother to a child. Thus, father and mother is the important person in our life. Father and mother truly care for us in terms of anything.

Our beloved dad and mom truly love, care, and made us valuable citizens in the society by encouraging with their words. The parents did not be uncertain to endow with expenditure in studies to come up and become imperative citizen. That’s what our parents do for us. 

Similarly, my parents facilitated and assisted me in whatever thing I needed in my life as till now. Both of my parents are farmer by profession, but they did not fail to make sustainable living within the family. They were and are hard working as well as caring/nurturing parents that we the siblings valued more than our life. 

For many years and months they were engaged in planning, preparing, procuring and looking into the accessible ways to shore up the family. Dad as Mason earns few thousand bucks while mom works hardly in fields where they managed to come up with desired money and foodstuff at the end of year. They sent us to the school to learn and contour our life. They delicately poured little earnings shared amongst the siblings for the studies, clothing, etc. 

No doubt my dad and mom are compassionate, sympathetic, and nurturing individuals. Alike others, they have got talent and determination of working hard. They willingly work for the benefit of all the family members. Their dedicated and determined hard works made us strong, determined and developed unexpected enthusiasm within self. We have learned to be good and well mannered personality; we did not engage in unproductive errands. We siblings could discover their love and care for us is absolutely poles apart and unquestionable.

Our living God -Our dearest Dad and Mom, being a poor and backward family, did not consent any circumstances regarding daily needs to become narrower; rather managed and handled sustainably. The shortages are filled up, problems are solved, and love and cares are rendered selflessly.

For me, they opened the bolted door of my life to the world with modern education. They made me vigilant, vigorous and capable with their consistent advices. I learned countless newfangled facts from them which are truly useful now and will be useful for my entire life.

As I mentioned above, no doubt that my beloved dad and mom are my god, teacher and most thanked person who assists altruistically. Both, of you are respected, valued, and believed in whatever you taught till now. Your lessons are treasured in my heart for my entire life. 

Therefore, I am truly indebted to you (Dad and Mom). I am sure that I would be not able to find such person in this universe other than you – Dad and Mom. 

Thank you for everything both of you owe to me and other siblings.

National Graduate Orientation Programme - 2013

Theme: 'In Quest for Productive Citizen'

The NGOP 2013 was scheduled towards the end of September, 2013. The programme was organized for the graduates and by the graduates. The NGOP was one of the most awaiting programs for graduates of 2013. The NGOP was started on 28^th September and tentatively ended on 7th October 2013.

We graduates assembled at two different venues that were allocated by Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR). The graduates were divided into twelve houses. Out of it, first 8 houses were allocated in Youth Development Fund (YDF) hall in Nazhoenpelri complex. Other four houses were allocated in Taekwondo hall below Youth Village and in Swimming Pool Complex. More than 1600 graduates were assembled in YDF hall and more than 800 graduates in Taekwondo hall.

28th September 2013

All graduates allocated in YDF came together in the hall, the Secretary of MoLHR welcomed graduates to the hall and congratulated for successfully completing the graduation. He then honestly shared the importance of the NGOP and the significant of attending the NGOP. He demonstrated the concern and felicitation of being successful graduates. After sharing countless emotional and impressing words, Dasho, proceed to the presentation that was prepared for graduates of 2013:

''Congratulations to each one of you on your graduation!'' this sentence displayed on the screen which was wide open in front of all. Dasho being one of the Management Committee Members extends hearty welcome on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan to all graduates attending NGOP once again. This programme is exactly welcoming felicitations for graduates entering the labour market within and outside Bhutan.

Dasho presented to graduates that this program consists of three core components such as, Policy Orientation, Cultural Orientation and Personal Development. During entire session, various ministries, and agencies would be briefing graduates on various aspects of Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) policies, socio-economic issues and also political arenas of the nation. Therefore, this program was considered as one of the most important and commits to continue to accord high priority and in return graduates – the future leaders would be truly benefited.

Dasho also briefed graduates regarding the daily timing, attendance and general rules. He also informed graduates about Secretarial Service, Medical Service, Accommodation, Meals and refreshments, Contacts numbers for enquiry and cautionary notes. This all have helped graduates to be punctual to time and also services that government pay for graduates. These were, indeed, inspirational for graduates to be committed to time that was framed by Ministry and also punctual to the time too. The graduates pay their deepest concern on Management committee’s advises and followed the guide lines too.

After completion of briefing, Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan Dasho Kunzang Wangdi gave audience to the gathered. Dasho welcomed graduates and rewarded with – ‘Tashi Delek’ for graduating after studying in schools and college for last 16 and more years. Dasho then briefed on Election Commission of Bhutan and its mandates. He also shared how and why Election Commission is important in Democratic Bhutan. Electoral processes and functions were elucidated thoroughly to graduates.

Then question-answer session begins. Through questions and answers, Dasho also explained on various aspects of electoral constraints that occurred during various stages of elections. He also shared his true concern to build vibrant democracy in Bhutanese land. Moreover, he stressed on questions that was proposed to him with great anxiety. The graduates illustrated the deep concern on electoral process with the example of past and present elections for the improvement in the future elections. He also thanked graduates for asking questions that concern the interest of the nation as a whole.

As and when question-answer session ended, Dasho released his inspirational words to the graduates and leaves the hall.

The officials from Election Commission of Bhutan presented on free and fair elections. They also made clear to graduates, the importance of the elections and youth participation. They shared electoral laws to the mass.

The nomination for Chief councilors and house councilors were voluntarily and on their own accord, nominated. After nominations, followed by campaign and graduates voted for the councilors which were exciting experiences for graduates. ECB sets numerous machines in hall as well as in respective tents of the houses. These were huge contributions and great experiences for graduates who never voted prior to.

They conducted free and fair elections of the councilors and declared results to the mass keeping in mind the accountability and transparency. The briefing and elections of the councilors ended and the day was closed at 6:45pm.  

29th September to 6th October, 2013

Officially, opening ceremony for NGOP 2013 was held on 29/9/2013. The graduates gathered in the hall by 8:15am. With keen interest, graduates awaited for Chief Guest, the Minister of Labour and Human Resources. It was great pleasure to wait for our newly formed government - the People Democratic Party (PDP's) Minister’s audience. The graduates with much exciting mind waits minister to share the concern on unemployment problems to be solved.

After waiting for less than hour, chief guest arrived to the hall. We graduates pay our tribute to the King, Country and People singing our National Anthem. Marchang ceremony was also offered in the presence of the Chief Guest.

Chief Guest, Lyonpo Nima Sangay Tsempo addressed graduates mentioning the importance of graduates with welcoming words and congratulations for completing degree successfully. This was indeed inspirational but also gave painful pinch in the heart of all graduates because, when number of graduate increases, the more and steep competition is growing closer.

Lyonpo shared the youth unemployment and how we graduates should keep ourselves unharmed and engage in some works that are created by self. He encouraged graduates to come up with new ideas and create self-employment. Lyonpo’s concern on unemployment and its measures to solve was also illustrated. It’s certainly a pleasing situation after graduation but he urged graduates not stay idle without works.

Youth unemployment was and is major problem in our country today and will further strengthen if we stop working on it to solve immediately. Lyonpo says that government is working on it for the interest of all graduates and unemployed youth as a whole.

The opening ceremony was ended with vote of thanks by one of the elected councilors. Right after Chief Guest leaves the hall, graduates grouped in various small groups and discussions on unemployment were the topic of the talk. They were excited with Lyonpo's address few minutes back.

Within a week, graduates met with Prime Minister, Ministers, Speaker, National Council Chairman, Commissioners, Secretaries, high level personalities or dignitaries of Ministries, Constitutional Bodies, Commissions, etc. They all gossiped on various functions of their agencies to graduates gathered there. The dignitaries came for presentation at YDF and Taekwondo hall; first and fore mostly welcomed and congratulated all graduates for successfully completing the degree after struggling for last 16 years and more. They also shared their history of being in service and the day they graduated and attended the Orientation program.

Their inspiring advises and comments were heartbreaking for graduates. The importance of Ministries and agencies are shared to the floor. The various types of presentations on various ministries and agencies were presented to the floor which was filled up by graduates. The graduates in return asked their questions concerning the interest of the nation and graduates as a whole.

The question-answer session of the program was fantastic and marvelous. It was truly knowledge gaining and interactive for graduates. The graduates asked questions in the interest of the nation and some few asked personal questions too. The concern Ministries and agencies have also cleared and clarified the questions that was asked expecting crystal clear answers. The answer that was thrown back to graduates were ready to lend a hand and useful for graduates. The answers were truly Bhutan Civil Service Examination oriented. All the ministries and agencies did not ignore the questions that were asked, but few.

The graduates learned about the democracy in Bhutan which was explained and presented by National Assembly Speaker, National Council Chairman, Opposition Leader and other constitutional bodies.

Ministers were accompanied by Secretaries and high level personalities which inspires graduates to join Civil Service. Other than government organizations, corporations, private sectors and Business Entrepreneurship Forum encouraged graduates to join corporations, private firms and start business for the betterment of the life. Even Ministers have encouraged graduates to open business to avoid competition in civil service. They also committed to help and give assistance to open business and facilitate to get loan from financial institutions.

The rupee crisis in the country was and is major concern for all the ministries and agencies.

Creating the job vacancies in government and other agencies are their concern too.

Drug related problems in the country were addressed to graduates. The graduates shared their concerns on such issues and commits to join hands in hands to prevent such malpractices. The concern agencies say that they were facing problem in preventing controlled substances importing in the country. They shared how people manage to import such and they have lack of manpower.

Corruptions in recruitment processes in Government, Corporations and Private firms were major concern within graduates. Some graduates asked questions on corruptions in recruitment system, they answered that it’s not true. Recruitment in government is done through Bhutan Civil Service Examination (BCSE). But in corporations it’s done through written exams and through merit list. These were concerns for almost all graduates hunting for the job.

Driglam Namzha is all about how to behave and conduct ourselves well as being the Bhutanese. The session was really interesting and interactive between presenters and graduates. Driglam Namzha was taught in schools in various levels. For graduates studied in Bhutan were taught in colleges but for graduates who studied in abroad, it was great opportunity to learn Driglam Namzha once again. Organizers gave more importance on Driglam Namzha, it is integral parts of the Bhutanese, and therefore, it’s necessary for graduates to know and learn at this point.

Chief of Driglam Namzha, Lopen Jigme Yoeser presented to graduates on the Driglam Namzha concerning on Za-Cha-Dro Sum. He also speaks on importance of Driglam Namzha. He exhibit how our national dress was before and now. Many graduates asked questions regarding Driglam Namzha where team answered and clarified the doubts of all graduates. The way of speaking of Driglam Tsozin inspired every graduate.

Lyonchen speaks to graduates

The Prime Minister, Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay along with President of Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP) and Vice President of Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) graced graduates gathered in YDF hall in the morning and Taekwondo Hall in afternoon.

The Prime Minister congratulated graduates for successfully completing graduation. Then Lyonchen gave the opportunity to BKP and DNT President and Vice-President respectively.

BKP’s president congratulated and talked to the floor on democracy and how to ensure strong and vibrant democracy in the country irrespective of parties. He advised graduates citing example of apolitical civil servants to be same/one and should not embarrass one another in terms of political arenas.

DNT’s Vice President congratulated graduates for successful graduation. He too has recommended graduates to be determined. “Aim should be generated from now to fulfill our goals in near future” said DNT’s Ashok Bhandari citing example himself.

He shared his concern on unemployment; he advised graduates should not wait for civil service. “Think carefully, before you jumps” he said. He talked on his Party’s Mission and Vision.

The Prime Minster then speaks to graduates smiling and standing on the stage. He shared the reason he invites two presidents along with him. “Whatever, we do we should be flexible” said Lyonchen, adding that this is the reason why he invites two presidents. 

Lyonchen first and fore mostly asked graduates about National Anthem. He consent all graduates to sing National Anthem. “Sing as if you are on top of the mountain and from your heart” articulated Lyonchen, adding that “national anthem binds us together”.

The place graduates stand today is the culmination of many years of hard work and sacrifices that the parents made to educate and bring to this point of juncture and this orientation is new beginning of the life. 

Lyonchen says that, its place where graduates get together, draw inspiration and strength from each other and during this time, graduates should learn about our government, our country, and our kings and make friends that would stay forever.

“As a Bhutanese citizen, you should constantly keep in mind, the morals and values, respect and loyalty toward the King, Country and the People,” Lyonchen uttered, adding that we graduates should pay the homage to the parents and relatives and teachers for their help and supports.

The Prime Minister shared how his father and mother met narrating the story which seems pathetic. The story reminds graduates who came from backward family. Lyonchen shared that he studied in Dr. Graham’s School in India and narrated the story of his friend Gyembo.

The theme of the Orientation, “In quest for productive citizen” Lyonchhoen mirrored graduates that all graduates are productive citizen of Bhutan. Lyonchen reminded graduates whatever we do should be according the motivation and prospective and apply benefit of education to become productive citizen of the nation.

Lyonchen also ensured graduates that they will work under the Royal Command and abide by rule of law to fulfill the mandates of being ruling party for the best interests of the people of Bhutan. He shared that government is working on economic self-reliance and other incentives that would help all irrespective of regions.

Lyonchen shared why People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won in 2013 election? He reasoned out that the people want change of government. “We won the election not because PDP and Tshering Tobgay are best, but it’s time to change new party as democracy has been strong and vibrant now,” asserted Lyonchen.

The Prime Minister also urged graduates to oppose the ruling government within next five years to resolve before expire the tenure. “Vote for who serve well” said Lyonchen.

In question and answer session, Lyonchen was asked various questions on Civil Servants pay and allowances and working conditions, Prado and Pool Vehicles, Relation with China, 11th Five Year Plan’s budget, Loans from foreign countries and Experiences in recruitment procedures. 

Lyonchen, without any hesitation answered all the questions that were proposed by numerous graduates on the floor. He cites several examples to clarify the doubts of graduates. 

The graduates also asked regarding Internship stipend, Education City, Thimphu Structural Plan, Creativity and many more. In return Lyonchen gave answers to the questions that are solicited. “Creativity is talent, use it” stated Lyonchen.

Finally, the Prime Minister, Acho Tshering Tobgay thanked organizers and graduates for inviting him. Lyonchen said, “I am inspired to work hard,” adding that he answered the questions according to the situation and fragility and flexibility of the questions that were asked. 

Lyonchen described our country as the ‘Bay-Yul’ – the Ugyen Guru Rinpoche’s land of Blessing should be kept in mind of all graduates.

On sixth of October, all the houses are allocated to various venues for Driglam Namzha practical. The graduates were taught Driglam Namzha by different instructors who were assigned to do. The instructors were well established senior Civil servants such as Culture Officers, Teachers, etc. They steadfastly taught the theory as well as practical. 

The Driglam Namzha practical consists of How to fold and carry Kabney and Rachu, Chawang Cha-zhu, how to submit forms and receive, how to receive certificates, Ngowa Zhu Thang and Cha Tselthang, etc. These gave inspiring knowledge for all the graduates. 

On Sunday, we graduates gathered to hall by 2pm sharp to listen to the briefing for His Majesty’s audience. The graduates were instructed how we have to behave and dos and dons during His Majesty the King’s visit. The graduates are instructed to reach to the hall by 7:30am.

His Majesty’s audience

Early in the morning of 7th of October on Monday, graduates starts journey from home towards the hall by 7am. Hundreds walks eagerly carrying Kabney and Rachu in hands, displaying NGOP Card on their chest. 

As and when graduates reached the hall, the scanning was already started for security check. By 8:30am all graduates gathered in the hall and eagerly wait for His Majesty’s audience. After less than hour, His Majesty the King graced graduates of 2013. His Majesty was accompanied by Gyeltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and Labour and Human Resources Minister. It was most prestigious time for all graduates to have King’s audience.

First and fore mostly, His Majesty the King wished and congratulated graduates for successfully completing the degree.

The King then shared his concerns for our country; in the nation’s compactness, in terms of territory and the population, also laid its prevalent benefit.

The King also shared his dreams to the graduates of more than 2400 in two different sessions. The graduates calmly listened to the address and noted down the inspirational words of the King.

“We have not the wealth of a large country, but imagine that we acquire the problems all large nations are faced with today and this place will certainly not be one we would want to live in.” the King said.

His Majesty the King also encouraged graduates citing example the newspaper information; the country with a population of vaguely more than 600,000 has the opportunity to showcase the entire world how work should be done with velocity and immense transaction of good organization.

“Now is the time, over a period of 10 years, to create a meritocratic system, a system, which rewards talents, one that fosters democratic principles and values, ensures good governance,” His Majesty said, adding that the importance of one nation unity should not trash from the mind being Bhutan’s future leaders.

His Majesty stated that, “Now is the time, over a period of 10 years, to create a meritocratic system, a system, which rewards talents, one that fosters democratic principles and values, ensures good governance”.

His Majesty says that as being Bhutanese there is very necessitate to be single nation identity irrespective of east, west, north and south. The King also accentuated one should not differentiate between Tsangla, Lhotsampa, and Dzongkha.

His Majesty expressed that he is very happy and pride to learn from the graduates uttering deep concerns on issues that country is facing currently. “Concern is important, without which we become complacent,” His Majesty said. 

The King also affixed that question of corruption, unemployment, and swelling debts of the country. King said that it’s not new for the country; it was existed during former King and also Kings before them. The King said that the important thing here is, to bear in mind how they worked in the past, to learn the lessons and motivation from them. “If we pay close attention to history, we tackled the same challenges that are being dished out at us today with conviction, fortitude, tenacity, wisdom and hard work. These elements have brought us to where we are today, and these are the very elements that will carry us forward,” His Majesty advised.

“Who’s to know where the country is going to be 30 years from now?” His Majesty asked graduates. “How am I to know if I’m going to be as big a figure as the fourth Druk Gyalpo?”

His Majesty with great concerns said that how our production in future would stare how this King conceded the bequest of a safe and protected, nonviolent and diplomatic and sovereign nation passed to him. The King said that he would be ruling the country and it has to be passed in the same to the future age bracket.

“Work hard now to live a happy life in future with many accomplishments, contribution to nation building being great and greater still to have built a nation and provide a comfortable and secure future for your children, or you can have fun today and suffer later. The choice is simple.” His Majesty said to graduates before closing the session. 

The graduates are kept with two choices as mentioned above and will have to think over it to be productive citizen of Kingdom of Bhutan or ruin our life before serving the nation.

Closing ceremony

To start is one of the happiest moments but to close is one of the painful moments for all graduates gathered there for more than week. It was truly heartbreaking. Nonetheless, as said by Jetsuen Milarepa, “Metting is always followed by departure,” it is law of nature and phenomena of the life. 

So, later in late afternoon, Foreign Affairs Minister, Lyonpo Rinzin Dorji graced the closing ceremony at YDF hall and Education Minister, Lyonpo Mingbo Drukpa at Taekwondo hall.

The representative from graduates shared the reflection of National Graduate Orientation Programme 2013 both Dzongkha and English. The NGOP reflection was truly sad thing for graduates but no other options.

Owing to the fortunate deeds in the previous life, we graduates came together for very short period of time. We shared our views for the new friends. Our togetherness remains intact in our heart. It was truly fantastic and improbable for all graduates. 

Before addressing the gathered, Guest of Honor, Lyonpo was invited to issue the certificates for the Councilors. He also issued the packaged certificates for all graduates to the house masters. 

In address to graduates on the floor, he first and fore mostly congratulates graduates for successfully completing degree. He also said that he was very happy to address the mass referring him the “Nyamchung”. 

“I attended the same program before twenty five years,” Lyonpo said, adding he is fortunate and very lucky to meet with such a big gathering where various age groups of graduates gathered. Lyonpo also stressed on ‘Sampa Semkay’ and ‘Chokdrup’ of individuals are judged whatever we do and wherever we go. He also advised graduates citing various examples.

Then to conclude, NGOP’s Chief Coordinator gave vote of thank. He also advised graduates stressing that within very short period of time graduates met with various heads if the Government, NGOs, Autonomous bodies, etc. heads such as Prime Minister, Ministers, the Speaker, NC Chairman, etc. 

He thanked graduates for being cooperative and councilors for their selfless hard works. He also pays his gratitude to the partners of NGOP organizers. 

He thanked all the schools that lend halls for the Driglam Namzha practical. Trashi Chodzong maintenance group, YDF Hostel, Hospital, Police, City Corporation, BPC, etc. and etc. were appreciated for their services for various aspects. 

“Wish you all the very happy life ahead,” Chief Coordinator wished graduates for successful life ahead.