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| Theme: 'In Quest for Productive Citizen' |
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.
