Trongsa pelop scholarshipmagazine 2nd issue

TRONGSA PENLOP SCHOLARSHIPS (TPS)

ANNUAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE SECOND ISSUE 2013

Long Live The People’s King Whenever there’s a call from the faraway hills A furious fire, landslides, desperate cries Earthquakes, devestated houses and heartbreak There’re someone to shed tears from the eyes.

Everywhere, near or far, I was told For every family in the Land of the Thunder Dragon There’s land and home to have and to hold For every child, there’s a right to learn For youths, new opportunities to earn.

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Long Live the People’s King With supreme compassion, we have everything One who knows no boundary nor constituency For everyone is a member of His ever large family.

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His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of the Kingdom of Bhutan

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PARO TAKTSHANG (TIGER NEST) 4

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HIS MAJESTY KING JIGME KHESAR NAMGYEL WANGCHUCK Kingdom of Bhutan DR. ARTHIT OURAIRAT President of Rangsit University

FELICITATION REMARKS FROM GYALPOI ZIMPON DASHO UGYEN K. NAMGYEL, HIS MAJESTY’S SECRETARIAT UNDER THE OFFICE FOR PEOPLE’S WELFARE AND WELL-BEING, THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN It is with great pleasure that I convey my warm felicitations to the Trongsa Penlop Scholarship students for coming out with the second issue of their annual alumni magazine.

I join the scholarship students in expressing our utmost gratitude to His Majesty The King, whose vision of a successful future of Bhutan built by well-educated citizens who work with concern for the country has culminated in this scholarship.

This scholarship, supported by Rangsit University, has been of immense benefit to our students, and is a step forward in the pursuit of our dreams- to build a nation of professionals. I take this opportunity to thank Rangsit University for their invaluable support.

The 59 Trongsa Penlop Scholarship alumni working all across the country, who have formed the Trongsa Penlop Thuendrel club, and the students still continuing their education in Rangsit under the Trongsa Penlop Scholarship program have my best wishes. I hope that the club will help you keep up the sense of unity and togetherness that bind you as fellow alumni, and inspires you to continue fulfilling the high expectations that are pinned on you.

I congratulate the editorial team and the students for this issue of your magazine.

Tashi Delek!

ABOUT THE KIDU FOUNDATION The Kidu Foundation was established under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King. Its inception came about from the overwhelming response received in the form of donations both monetary and in kind to the Kidu Fund which was set up under the aegis of the Office of the Gyalpoi Zimpon to assist the victims of natural disasters that affected the country in 2009.

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The Kidu Foundation today aspires and works to effectively complement government efforts to address critical issues in areas affecting the lives of underprivileged people, education, rule of law, democracy and media, sustainable economic development, and preservation of the country’s environmental and cultural heritage.

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FELICITATION REMARKS FROM DR. ARTHIT OURAIRAT PRESIDENT OF RANGSIT UNIVERSITY

RANGSIT UNIVERSITY Building 11, International Center

This is to express how delightful we feel that Rangsit University has been the unique place which was graced

by His Majesty the King when He was the Crown Prince on November 26, 2006 and thereafter the official visit of Lyonchhen Jigme Y. Thinley on September 30, 2008 and, most recently, the official visit of Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay on November 14, 2013. These memorable visits have brought about close collaboration in human resource development between the two kingdoms, most particularly the Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS).

How fast time flies together with increasing friends from the sky. Like what Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay did mention in his enlightening speech to staff and students on the day of his visit that Bhutanese students have formed a promising community in Rangsit University. Gone are the times when the previous groups have to suffer from climate change, change of life styles, unpalatable sweet curries in as much as cultural shock in some students.

After years of studies including field visits and familiarization, community based action-oriented programs, they are successfully assimilated with Thai and other foreign students, more than ready to be part and parcel of the AEC populace. Some of pious Bhutanese students have been ordained as Thai monks during the quarter break. The Thai-Bhutanese Friendship Society officially established on November 15, 2013 essentially marks another milestone towards enhancing friendship and cooperation among our peoples.

I hereby convey my heartfelt felicitation for all key persons and editorial staff whose collective deliberation has made the second copy of the alumni magazine ready as a new year present for us all. As Bhutanese students have formed a community in Rangsit University they are also family members of the Pink and Blue house where I myself, being one of the founders, have to see that all of you will go back home to become invaluable human resources of the Kingdom of Bhutan as well as benevolent citizens of the world.

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Arthit Ourairat 8

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EDITORIAL

RANGSIT UNIVERSITY Building 12, Faculty of Dentistry Faculty of Oriental Medicine

Welcome to the second issue of Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS) magazine.

Time flies really fast. It feels like we just released the first issue of this magazine in November 2012 and here we are again, trying to beat the deadline to have the second issue available to all by the first week of December 2013.

For this new issue, major considerations have been made to ensure that topics or ideas already discussed last year will have less significance in order to offer something new to the readers of this year.

The selection of contributions in this issue were done democratically with voting and deliberation on the merits of each submitted articles citing reasons why or why not it must be included.

It was necessary for us to focus more on quality rather than on the quantity of articles so that this new magazine can stand on equal footing with last year’s issue, if not a better version of it.

It was really an interesting exchange of ideas as to why a submitted contribution must be considered. Everyone got to hear different points of view and rationale but eventually a consensus among the team must be respected and accepted by all.

After the selection of contributions, it was decided that we will use the same template and design from last year’s issue as it was really beautiful and deserves more exposure and recognition than it deserves.

We sincerely hope that you will enjoy every article in this new issue and would help to contribute more for the continued success of this magazine.

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Enjoy reading.

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Rolly Canonoy

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CONTENTS SHARINGS AND ANECDOTES

Felicitation Remarks from Gyalpoi Zimpon Dasho Ugyen K. Namgyel, His Majesty’s Secretariat under the Office for People’s Welfare and Well-Being, the Kingdom of Bhutan

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Felicitation Remarks from Dr. Arthit Ourairat, President of Rangsit University

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Editorial

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Brief Background of Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS) Agreement

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Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS) Logo And Significance

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Brief Introduction of Rangsit University

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Demographic Profile of Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS) Scholars

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Pictures of Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS) Scholars

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POEMS

- I’LL PRAY ‘OM MANI PADMA HUNG’ (FOR THE PEACE OF MY COUNTRY)

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- THE RIPPLES OF A DRAGON’S ROAR

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- MY PARENTS MY GOD

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- GLOW OF ETERNAL BLISS

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- A PAGE FROM MY DIARY FOR MY LITTLE ANGEL

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- I TEACH BUT I AM NOT A TEACHER

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- LOVE STORY YET UNPROPOSED

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- MY EXPERIENCE AS A THERAVADA BUDDHIST MONK IN THAILAND

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- SECOND BSAB SOCCER TOURNAMENT

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- FIELD VISIT: THE ART OF LEARNING

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- LIFE

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- MY MOST MEMORABLE TRIP TO SIAM NIRAMIT

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- ICT AND MY LIFE

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- MATHEMATICAL JOKES

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- SOME QUICK FACTS ABOUT BHUTAN

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ACTIVITY PICTURES 60 FRONT COVER DESIGN

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EDITORIAL TEAM

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BRIEF BACKGROUND OF TRONGSA PENLOP SCHOLARSHIPS (TPS) AGREEMENT

TRONGSA PENLOP SCHOLARSHIPS (TPS) LOGO AND SIGNIFICANCE

The explanation of the Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS) logo and its significance are: The President of Rangsit University, Dr. Arthit Ourairat, visited the Kingdom of Bhutan from September 25-28, 2006 and met with H.E. Ugyen Tshering, Minister of Labor and Human Resources, H.E. Ambassador Lhatu Wangchuck, Director General of Department of Tourism and Dasho Bap Kesang, Secretary of the Royal Civil Service Commission, and was granted an audience with the then HRH Crown Prince who graciously conveyed the utmost importance of human resource development of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Thus to commemorate the ascension to the throne of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fifth King of Bhutan, on December 14, 2006, and with deepest respect to the Kingdom and the people of Bhutan, Rangsit University wishes to commit its resources to the people of Bhutan, and to strengthen the relationship between the two Kingdoms and its people.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Rangsit University and the Royal Civil Service Commission of the Royal Government of Bhutan on August 23, 2007 in Thimphu, Bhutan.

One of the main objectives of the agreement is to jointly develop and implement educational programs that will support the sustainable long-term Human Resource Development of the Kingdom of Bhutan through the provision of scholarships specific to the needs for human resource development of the country.

1. Yellow Color in the Upper Half of Circle – Represents the first of the three scholarships provided by His Majesty the King – the King’s Scholarship, which is available in Bhutan and overseas.

It also symbolizes the secular authority of the Wangchuck dynasty.

2. ‘Trongsa Penlop Scholarship’ text in the Upper Half of Circle – The official name of this scholarship and also signifies as an offering from Dr. Arthit Ourairat, President of Rangsit University, to His Majesty the King while he was on the Trongsa Penlop (Crown Prince) throne.

3. Graduation Cap and Diploma in the Upper Half of Circle – Signifies that the Trongsa Penlop Scholarships agreement covers both Short-Term Courses and Full-Term Degree programs.

4. Orange Color in the Lower Half and Outside of Circle – Represents the second of the three scholarships provided by His Majesty the King – Trongsa Penlop Scholarships, which is available overseas. The two variations of the Orange color represent the Drukpas monastery and Buddhist religion.

5. Logo in the Lower Half of Circle – Represents the logo of Rangsit University.

To mark the auspicious occasion of the visit of the then HRH Crown Prince to Rangsit University in November 2006, the scholarship was dedicated to HRH and bear the name ‘Trongsa Penlop Scholarships’.

6. ‘Rangsit University Thailand’ text in the Lower Half Circle – Represents the name and location of the university where the students would complete their studies under this agreement.

Under the terms of agreement, Rangsit University will provide for each academic year Full scholarships in Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, as well as in other Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree programs and Tuition fee scholarships in Certificate-Level Short Term Courses.

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To commemorate the official coronation of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2008, additional scholarships were offered in the field of Civil Engineering.

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To celebrate the joyous occasion of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s wedding in 2011, additional scholarships were offered in the field of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Medicine.

The duration of the collaboration is for ten years, commencing in the academic year of 2008 and upon termination, the parties may decide to renew the agreement.

‘Trongsa Penlop Scholarship’ and ‘Rangsit University Thailand’ text in the Upper and Lower Half of the Circle respectively – Represents the joint and equal partnership between the Royal Government of Bhutan and Rangsit University in Thailand in strengthening the relationship between the two Kingdoms and in supporting the sustainable long-term Human Resource Development of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

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8. Green Leaf outside the Circle - Represents the last of the three scholarships provided by His Majesty the King - to students from less fortunate families and with physical disabilities, which is available only in

Bhutan. The aim is to help them continue their studies until Grade 12 if they were unable to do so. The Green color also signifies the pursuit of Human Resource Development of the Kingdom of Bhutan such that when a seed is sown, the people would be assured of a fruitful and productive harvest in the future.

Remarks : The Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS) logo was a collaborative design of the students who are also members of the Editorial Team.

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RANGSIT UNIVERSITY

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Building 15, Digital Multimedia Complex

RANGSIT UNIVERSITY Situated in an area of 296 rais (118.4 acres) in Pathumthani province and only 3 kilometers from Don Muang Airport, Rangsit University is located in a quiet and peaceful community of Muang-Ake surrounded by two golf courses, lakes and small park in a fresh air and clean environment.

Rangsit University has grown rapidly since its establishment in 1986 to become the most comprehensive and leading private university in Thailand known for its academic excellence and international standards.

The programs at Rangsit University are strategically designed and developed based on the principle that students should be encouraged to achieve their fullest potential to reach the top of their profession.

At Rangsit University, the core values encompass academic excellence, ethical practice, outstanding personality, great leadership, good health and social responsibility.

FACTS AND FIGURES (AS OF NOVEMBER 2013) • Four academic areas cover Medical and Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Architecture and Design, and Humanities and Social Sciences • 31 faculties and colleges offering 89 Bachelor degrees, 36 Master degrees, and 8 Doctoral degrees • 2,785 courses or subjects • 7,339 undergraduate and 484 graduate students admitted in July 2013 • 29,643 registered students comprising 27,443 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students • Full-time members comprising 1,203 faculty and 1,267 supporting staff

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

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MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES 1.

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College of Medicine Faculty of Dentistry Faculty of Pharmacy Faculty of Nursing Science Faculty of Medical Technology Faculty of Physical Therapy Faculty of Oriental Medicine Faculty of Science Faculty of Optometry

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR DEGREES

1. Accountancy 2. Asian Business Management 3. Communication Arts 4. Information and Communication Technology <Double-Degree> 5. International Business 6. International Hospitality and Tourism 7. International Marketing and Online Business 8. International Relations and Development 9. Philosophy, Politics and Economics 10. Civil Engineering 11. Computer Engineering 12. Electrical Engineering 13. Commercial Pilot 14. Aviation Maintenance Engineering (Thai-English) 15. Nursing Science (Thai-English) <Double-Degree> 16. Business Administration (Chinese)

FACULTIES AND COLLEGES

MASTER DEGREES 1.

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4.

5.

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Bilingual Education Diplomacy and International Studies Innovation and Entrepreneurship Law (Chinese) Business Administration (Chinese)

10. Faculty of Biotechnology 11. Faculty of Information Technology 12. College of Engineering

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 13. Faculty of Art and Design 14. Faculty of Digital Art 15. Faculty of Architecture

Viphavadee Center

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HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

16. Faculty of Business Administration 17. Faculty of Accountancy 18. Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Industry 19. Faculty of Economics 20. Faculty of Liberal Arts 21. Faculty of Communication Arts 22. Faculty of Law 23. The Conservatory of Music 24. College of Social Innovation 25. Aviation Institute 26. International Chinese College 27. International College 28. Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies 29. Faculty of Education 30. Public Administration Institute 31. College of Government and Public Governance

TASHICHHO DZONG, THIMPHU

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DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS 2 8

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1

6

25

5

5

9

3

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12 3 2

PROGRAM LEVEL DISTRIBUTION OF TPS STUDENTS PER YEAR

1

Bachelor Master Certificate

16 15

3

2

20

20

6

2

3 10

13 10

10 8

8 6

8

8

7

5

5

TOTAL NUMBER OF TPS STUDENTS PER YEAR 50

0

0 1st Batch

June 2008

2nd Batch

June 2009

0 3rd Batch

June 2010

0

5 0

4th Batch

5th Batch

June 2011

June 2012

0 6th Batch

June 2013

1st Batch, 46

45 40

GENDER DISTRIBUTION OF TPS STUDENTS PER YEAR

35 30 25

50

4th Batch, 21

20

2nd Batch, 14

15

45

3rd Batch, 15

5th Batch, 13

10

6th Batch, 15

35

5 0

40

30 June 2008

June 2009

June 2010

June 2011

June 2012

June 2013

DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF TPS STUDENTS IN FACULTIES AND COLLEGES IDIS, 13

Medicine, 1 22

Engineering, 19

Pharmacy, 1

22

Male Female

20 15 10 5

RIC, 49

Education, 40

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0

June 2008

June 2009

23 23

June 2010

June 2011

Dentistry, 1

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June 2012 June 2013

1ST BATCH (JUNE 2008)

Dorji Khandu Civil Engineering

Sangay Peldhen Civil Engineering

Jigme Zangmo

Thingley Dorji

Sonam Zangmo

Kelzang Wangpo

Civil Engineering

Sangay Zangmo

Civil Engineering

Information and Communication Technology

Civil Engineering

Ugyen Dorji

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering

Sonam Om

Civil Engineering

Deki

International Business

1ST BATCH (JUNE 2008) Karma Wangdi Civil Engineering

Demba

Communication Arts

Deki Choden

Educational Administration

Tshering Buthri

Communication Arts

Sonam Pelden

Diplomacy & International Studies

Kencho Tshering

Diplomacy & International Studies

Tendri Gyeltshen International Business

Dorji Gyalpo

Namgay Rinchen Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Rinchen Gyeltshen

Educational Administration

Educational Administration

Sonam Dema

Pema Rinzin

Diplomacy & International Educational Administration Studies 24

Pema Wangdi

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

“I believe we can. In fact I know that we can. I’ve always believed that every challenge can be changed into an opportunity.

Today I know that our country faces many challenges and we will face more challenges in the years ahead but I believe that if we always plan ahead, if we approach our challenges intelligently, if we work hard then not only can we overcome those challenges but every challenge that we are faced with can be changed into an opportunity” His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Karchung

Diplomacy & International Studies

Rinchen Phuntsho

Diplomacy & International Studies

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SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS CONCRETE PRODUCTION

Pema Chhoedup

Educational Administration

TEACHING METHODOLOGY

1. Mr. Jangchub Gyeltshen 1. Mr. Ganesh Chhetri 2. Mr. C.B Mongar 2. Mr. Karma 3. Mr. Sangay Wangdi 3. Mr. Sonam Gyamtsho 4. Mr. Kinga Gyeltshen 4. Ms. Karma Dema 5. Ms. Leki Choden 5. Ms. Pema Choden 6. Mr. Tshering Wangchuk 6. Mr. Ugyen Dorji 7. Mr. Tshering Nidup 7. Mr. Sangay Tempa 8. Ms. Sangay Wangmo 8. Mr. Pema Gyeltshen 9. Ms. Karma 9. Mr. Birkha Bahadur 10. Ms. Rinchen Wangmo 10. Mr. Yeshi Jamtsho

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2nd BATCH (JUNE 2009)

Tashi Wangmo

International Business

Penchela

Communication Arts

Dema Yangzom

International Business

Namkhai Norbu

Diplomacy & International Studies

Pemba T. Gyeltshen

Educational Administration

Sonam Dorji

Information and Communication Technology

Karma Tenzin

Diplomacy & International Studies

Parshuram Chhetri

Educational Administration

Yeshi Jamtsho

3rd BATCH (JUNE 2010)

Tashi Rabdhen

Pema Tshering

Communication Arts

Communication Arts

Communication Arts

Kinley Wangchuk

Kencho Wangdi

Kaylzang Tshering Tashi

Diplomacy & International Educational Administration Studies

Tsheten Tshering

Educational Administration

Sonam Tshering

Educational Administration

“Throughout my reign, I will rule you as a king. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother, and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing. I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children. I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you day and night, in the spirit of kindness and equality...”

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

International Relations and Development

Namgay Dukpa

Curriculum and Instruction

Rada Wangmo

Tshering Lhendup

Passang Dorji

Norbu Wangdi

International Business

International Relations and Development

Kelzang Wangchuk

Curriculum and Instruction

International Relations and Development

Sonam Loday

International Business

Chakra Subba

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Choki Beda

Information and Communication Technology

Curriculum and Instruction

Curriculum and Instruction

Rinzin Lham

Ugyen Nidup

Sangay Dorji

Curriculum and Instruction

Diplomacy and International Studies

Diplomacy and International Studies

“If our vision for the nation is not contained in the pages of the books that our young children hold, in the words of our teachers as they lead their classrooms, and in the education policies of our governments, then let it be said - we have no vision.

A nation’s future will mirror the quality of her youth - a nation can not fool herself into thinking of a bright future when she has not invested wisely in her children” His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

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Sonam Dema

International Business

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4th BATCH (JUNE 2011)

Pema Kota

International Relations and Development

Yeshi Choden

Karma Wangmo

Information and Communication Technology

Karma Lhaden

Communication Arts

International Relations and Development

Tshering Lhamo

Sonam Tshering

Information and Communication Technology

Pharmacy

Ugyen

Dorji Lhaden

5th BATCH (JUNE 2012)

Sonam Wangdi

International Business

International Business

Information and Communication Technology

Sangay Pelden

Dorji Rinchen

Tenzin Dorji

Kuenzang Dem

Ngawang Pem

Communication Arts

Dentistry

Communication Arts

Diplomacy and International Studies

Medicine

Gopal Thapa

Curriculum and Instruction

Ugyen Yeshi Lhendup International Business

Thinley Choden

International Business

Kinzang Wangchuk Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Dhendup Tshering

Information and Communication Technology

Ugyen Namgay

Curriculum and Instruction

Tshewang Rinzin Communication Arts

Sonam Euden

International Relations and Development

Prem Kumar

Curriculum and Instruction

Dukpo Wangdi

Communication Arts

Yeshey Nidup

Curriculum and Instruction

Tashi Dhendup

International Business

Yeshi Dema

Curriculum and Instruction

Yangzom

Curriculum and Instruction

“Bhutan’s success or failure will ultimately depend on the strength of your commitment your willingness to embrace challenges and hardwork. Unlike other countries, with our small population, it is not enough that a few of you excel - every single one of you must strive to be the best.

This is the only way you can secure the future of our nation - through excellence.”

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Tshering Dekar

Curriculum and Instruction

Babita Bhujel

Curriculum and Instruction

Rinchen Choden

Curriculum and Instruction

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Lhamo Dukpa

Curriculum and Instruction

Tenzin Namgay

Diplomacy and International Studies

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Sonam Rinchen

Diplomacy and International Studies

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MASK DANCE

6th BATCH (JUNE 2013)

Jample Singye

International Business

Ngawang Tashi

International Business

Karma Wangmo

Curriculum and Instruction

Wangchuck Norbu

Tshering Dorji

Namsey Gyelpo

International Business

Communication Arts

Communication Arts

Sonam Pelden

Samten Dema Dorji

Pamela Dorji

International Relations and Development

Sonam Penjor

Curriculum and Instruction

International Relations and Development

Accountancy

Lobzang Namgyal

Curriculum and Instruction

Kinley Wangmo

Curriculum and Instruction

Sonam Dendup

International Business

Rinchen Norbu

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Pema

Curriculum and Instruction

“The future of our nation depends on the worth, capabilities and motivation of today’s youth.

Therefore, I will not rest until I have given you the inspiration, knowledge and skills so that you will not only fulfill your own aspirations but be of immense worth to the nation. This is my sacred duty.

A strong motivated young Bhutan guarantees a strong bright future.”

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

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POEMS

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I’LL PRAY “OM MANI PADMA HUNG” (FOR THE PEACE OF MY COUNTRY) Bhutan the Land of the Thunder Dragon Sandwiched between two giants of enormous power A small land-locked country yet big at heart Beautifully crafted on the Himalayas Carpeted with snow and natural pools in the mountains Evergreen forest in the valleys filled with wildlife and songs No doubt in calling her the Last Shangri-La Sonam Penjor 6th Batch

For this reason I assure you all No country in the world holds this natural beauty and peace With Gross National Happiness as a concern I am very fortunate to be called the son of Palden Drukpa For that I’ll pray to the triple gem ‘Om Mani Padma Hung’ Everlasting peace and security of my country be maintained For all times to come and beyond The Precious Prince of Hearts Enthroned as the 5th King of this Medicinal Herb Nation Nowhere on earth will one see a king like him Kind in heart and virtuous in deed He is the son for aged people and brother for the teens A source of inspiration to all.

The smile in the faces of his subjects Is the pure reason of his existence His kindness and shower of grants In every nook and corner of this nation For that I’ll pray to the triple gem ‘Om Mani Padma Hung’ My king’s health and authority be protected.

The people of Druk-yul are the finest people on earth Humble in nature and kind at heart Wears the most unique national attire With smiles in all their ups and downs in life But it’s the true picture of their beautiful heart That glows on their faces.

They respect the authority Care for the young and love for each other.

Buddhist philosophy is their guide To live a happy and humble fulfilling life Always virtuous and determined34 For that I’ll pray to the triple gem ‘Om Mani Padma Hung’ May the people of Bhutan live in everlasting harmony.

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THE RIPPLES OF A DRAGON’S ROAR The ripples of a dragon’s roar From the vast ocean of peace In his den and home offshore Connects the soul with joy and bliss The dragon melts his happiness on highlands Through his people goes the waves And settles in the superb land The Land of Smiles

Yangzom 5th Batch

The ripples shall not burst in vain Happiness is all we nurture and care Pleasure takes the place of pain And reaches to all, far and near

GLOW OF ETERNAL BLISS Why talk about Gross National Happiness at every gathering small or big?

And try to answer questions that were never asked and let the world understand it.

Call upon the world to quench their thirst and hunger for the unknown Let the light dawn on them on what our true meaning of happiness is For it is clear like the crystal streams that flow from the high mountains In the land from where it was given birth and glorified, Druk-Yul! Land-locked and dwarf in size yet has the biggest soul Underdeveloped and poor yet taking a strong hold in the world Covered in snow and mountains yet keeping its virginity and gracefulness The country Bhutan glows bright among the gigantic star nations Ruled by the undying Wangchuck dynasty and its faithful followers In the beauty and majesty of the country I see the glow of Gross National Happiness.

Deserted by their children, homeless and nowhere to go They reside in the shelters of the monasteries and seek solace in religion They have learned to forgive their children and never complained Say their prayers all day and before they rest their aching bones at night In their selfless prayers and unshed tears I see the glow of Gross National Happiness.

The trees that grow in the rugged mountains and across the valleys The majestic green carpet that covers the land of Bhutan high and low 35 35 They stand tall and fearless in the fight against global warming and other issues The world silently salutes you for all the tough fight you are putting up But the pride and ego flies too high to show their appreciation or aide In your journey towards saving the world I see the glow of Gross National Happiness.

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Pema 6th Batch

Hardworking and dedicated are the men, women and children They struggle to live their lives everyday playing different roles Each has their own wars to fight and to win against all odds Yet they never forget where their roots are and values love and harmony In their endless smiles of eternal bliss I see the glow of Gross National Happiness All one got to do is look carefully and you will see the bliss of true happiness The happiness blows in the wind that is refreshing and so full of life The happiness lies in the benevolent monarchs ruling over the country with love The happiness lies in the faithful subjects who loved their rulers and the law The happiness lies in the sincere smiles of the people whose heart glows on their faces This is Gross National Happiness in its simplest form for anyone to comprehend.

MY PARENTS MY GOD Blessed with this precious human life I salute my parents for my existence They provided food, education and clothing My parent is my veritable god I thank god for giving me a valued life

Ugyen Yeshi Lhendup 5th Batch

Thus I am able to talk the way I wish And comprehend the multi-colored beauty around me Gently hear the natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soothing sounds And taste the scent of magical nature In the delectable food that nature provides Touch and feel the pain and joy of truth blessed from above I survived hale and healthy without disability They gave compassionate love and care And sacrificed comforts over time They provided me with security I know I cannot repay my debts Yet to prove my worth I will do my best I pray to have such parents in my every birth To support and inspire me in this difficult world

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PRAYER FLAGS36

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PUNAKHA DZONG

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SHARINGS AND ANECDOTES 38

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A PAGE FROM MY DIARY FOR MY LITTLE ANGEL Getting through the interview for the prestigious Trongsa Penlop Scholarship was the greatest success I have ever dreamt of though not realizing how it would make me feel when I have to leave you. Time, luck, opportunity and determination have made my dream came true.

Karma Wangmo 6th Batch

I decided to study again for my development, to expand my knowledge beyond the classroom setting in which I grew up, and to move beyond the horizon of my own thoughts and vision. In fact I wanted it also as an opportunity to know and to explore the ways of other countries, since for a common people like me I could never expect myself to be in a foreign land.

I can remember when your Papa called me to say, “Dear, you have been selected from the interview. I am happy for you and congratulations.” Oh! My god! The excitement was just wow that I couldn’t wait for the personin-charge at the Royal Civil Service Commission to tell me when I was supposed to leave. I was just eagerly waiting for the day to come and to have fun with new friends, shop in malls, explore new places, and enjoy my life as a student once again. It was just full of endless planning.

Then it was the 19th June when I received a call from the Assistant Human

Resource Officer, Royal Civil Service Commission saying that my air ticket was confirmed on 24th June. Again I just felt so happy because I started imagining myself on the plane for the first time. Whenever I passed by the Paro airport on my way home I always thought that one day I will be there being sent off by my family. So it was like a dream coming true for me.

Tick…Tick…Tick… The time and days have passed by and with the passage of time my heart started aching. I was thinking to myself and I even shared this to your Papa that I was feeling the heaviness deep within my heart that I could see my dreams coming true. Finally I could feel it all happening because it was the pain I was undergoing, thinking of departing from my family and the greatest blessings of my life, my daughter, it’s you Pema Yangki.

Now, three days have passed and after that I would be away from you.

Those three days, we went to spend with your grandparents at Paro. There were reasons behind it too. I wanted you to become closer to your Granny since your Papa and I decided to leave you with them. Please forgive us for that but we did not have a choice either. Your Papa would be alone and he won’t be able take care of you by himself.

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I know it would seem like the silliest reason but we didn’t have any better option. The time when I will provide for your needs would soon be taken over by your Granny but I know she loves you as much as I do. I was helpless dear. I couldn’t show you my love and care though I wanted to but I had to keep my distance since I didn’t want you to miss me in my absence. I wanted you to think of Granny rather than me. I just felt bad and every night when you went to sleep I cried myself to sleep too and prayed 40

you wouldn’t notice it. Every moment with you was captured so that I could reflect and cherish it when I would be away from you.

Oh! My god! On the 23rd evening I couldn’t hold myself together and it was really the most difficult night I have ever been through. I just really couldn’t imagine myself leaving you and going away to study. I remembered you saw my tears and even questioned me, “Why are you crying, Mama?” and I just answered you saying I was having a bad headache and added that I always love you. My heart was thumping and the excitement I had so far just took a minute to vanish. I wished the night would never end so that I could hold you in my arms like that forever. I imagined every possible thing that would allow me to stay with you, my darling.

The night passed by faster than usual and the morning of 24th was the hardest day as I had perceived.

I held you in my arms and shed tears for being such a selfish mother who was about to leave you in pursuit of my own success and dreams. You were at this stage of your life where you really needed a mother to hold your tiny hands and to walk every step with you and to answer every question you had but I was not going to be there for you when you needed me the most. Oh! I just don’t know how to address myself, a lucky woman or an unlucky mother. I say lucky because I was walking my dreams but unlucky because I was failing to serve the needs of my daughter who has the right to it. “How do I weigh myself?” was my most difficult question and I guess I will never be able to answer it at all.

That morning when I left, you weren’t awake yet and nor did I wanted you to wake up because if you woke up then I would have never been able to leave. Every step I took that morning was the hardest and the heaviest for me. Your Granny couldn’t say a word to me since she was also crying. Your Grandpa was a bit stronger as he gave me some advice with a hug. Your Papa went with me to send me off but all the way we didn’t say a word to each other. I was crying and when I thought of talking to him we had reached the airport already.

Not knowing any of the procedures at the airport I just rushed in as I was already late. Your Papa and I departed with a hurried hug and kiss. I just cried and turned again and again over my shoulders to look at your Papa. Oh! That wasn’t the moment I expected when I used to look excitedly at the plane on my many journeys past the airport and thought of boarding it one day.

I boarded the plane still crying and at that moment it didn’t matter if people were staring at me. I was worried about you and instantly I called your Granny and asked about you but she said you were still sleeping. I cried again on the plane thinking of you and regretting not bringing you to the airport because I could have had some extra moments to spend with you. The plane started to take off and with it I was being taken away from you, my dear.

This page is a confession for you, my dear daughter, for I am not there when you need me, for I am not there when you call me, for I am not there to see you grow up, for I am not there to be part of the memories you are making every day. And I am sorry for I am the reason that you are being kept away from your Papa too. I am really very sorry for all these reasons.

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I cannot really make you understand right now but I hope you will be able to understand my feelings one day. Please forgive me for it. I promise to make it up to you when I get back though I cannot give you back the lost moments but just remember that your Mama misses you a lot and loves you the most in this whole wide world.

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I TEACH BUT I AM NOT A TEACHER Teacher is a source of information, a guide, a mentor, and a motivator, all at the same time. Without the sound foundations lay down by good teachers, reaching the standards required by other professions can be questionable.

Yangzom 5th Batch

I have always considered teaching as one of the noblest professions and most of my past teachers had lived the example of a true teacher. Just as Michelangelo saw the mighty Moses in the lowly rock before his first blow, it is the teachers with the insight of Michelangelo who can at their first encounter with the children on the first day would see the future of them.

Teaching to me is like seeing every fleeting moment as strong, pure, and purposeful for both teachers and students. The nature of each child is different and so are their learning abilities. True teaching is not the same as watering a vegetable garden. Children may come in varied forms and shapes like vegetables but the method of watering them should be the way in which they get the best nutrients.

Amidst the avalanche of stress and worries of teaching, a jewel appears as if by a miracle through the eyes of innocent children and the joy of learning and the purpose of teaching becomes more confined and defined.

Teaching never becomes a profession by default when such situations happen as energizers. It is at such times that I understand what teaching really is all about and realize that I am a learner plying through the roads of teaching as a teacher to learn.

Thus I have learned as a teacher to not resent my children’s actions or condemn their beliefs and opinions. I have learned to skin off my true color, leave my true identity utterly out, and just let my children learn me by heart and trust me before I portray teaching as my duty.

I pledge to develop myself along with my students with all the right reasons to lead them ahead, step by step, not for perfection but for the betterment of all their doings.

LOVE STORY YET UNPROPOSED “For it was not into my ears that you whispered, but into my heart. It was not into my lips that you kissed, but my soul”.

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Karma Wangmo 6th Batch

Back in the year 2007, when I just joined Samtse College of Education after a year of apprenticeship, I had my dreams and expectations as I entered the college gate. That time, you were in your final year and would soon be placed in school as per placement order. I never thought that I would ever fall in love with a guy who was just the opposite of me. I talk too much but you don’t like talking. I was outgoing but you weren’t. I loved jamming up 42

but you don’t. Still, there was one thing in common between us that I think what brought us together; we both like basketball matches.

I don’t remember the day when I first saw you because I never expected you to come into my life.

However, I can clearly remember how we first met at the computer lab which was packed with students.

You were holding a thumb drive in your hand to check your assignment before you print them out for submission.

I now realized why among the many students present there that I let you use the computer that I was using even when I had work to do. I just took it lightly and shared it to my friend. She then started to tease me saying, “Karma trying to flirt huh?” I said no as I just let you to use first as he are in need and moreover you are a senior. I also remember telling my friend that it was respect that I showed to you and so the topic was closed.

After that I didn’t see you for awhile as we were in different buildings and moreover I didn’t know you well enough to have a clear image of you. The next time I saw you, you were there in the basketball court as an official for a match but we had no conversation since I wasn’t sure whether it was really you or not.

The third time I saw you, you were again there at the basketball court playing with your friends. Many days have passed by and I never saw you again.

Then one day it just happened that fate has brought us together again. We met during dinner and I remembered having dinner with you on the same table. I knew one of your friends, Aue and we all sat together and shared the table. I was so busy eating and talking that I almost forgot to notice you. But your silence made me threw a glance at you. After dinner, we walked down on Chorten to return back. On the way, you didn’t say a word to me but you only listened. So I just initiated some casual talk to you and then we headed back to our hostels.

The next day we meet again but we just smiled and went our way. By the time we already knew each other, I knew that your class was just near our hostels and whenever I passed by for my classes I will either see you on the railings or under the tree with your friends. Soon the frequency of our meetings increased that Aue and I found out that my feelings are developing towards you. One night I just thought to myself, “Why do I feel something special for him when I don’t know much about him nor do we have the same taste?” I ignored my feelings and I didn’t even talk about this to my friend.

One day our class had a girl’s volleyball competition where I was also participating. I saw your friends cheering but I didn’t see you around. Aue who was with your friends started to tease me to you after the match. I just accepted it as a joke at that time but the next day, one of Aue’s friends came to me and asked “Are you in a relationship with him?” I replied “No, we are not having any serious relationship.”

Then Aue said “But I heard Kinley (You) saying that the two of you are in a relationship.”

Still I took it as a joke but lately I started to think of it and felt like I was drowning in love and was thinking if it could only be one-sided. Are you also feeling the same way, or it is just them teasing me? These were the questions that kept ringing in my ears4343 and I could not stop thinking about you.

On 2nd May you went to represent the college for a basketball match with the College of Science and Technology and our college was celebrating Teacher’s Day. I felt the day was so gloomy. Though I was with my friends but I felt your absence. Although knowing that you would only be back in the evening I still found myself stretching out and my eyes trying to find you. That time I realized that missing someone and not being able to see your loved one is the worst feeling ever.

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The night on Teacher’s Day I went for dinner and I was again stretching my neck to see if I could find you in the crowd and yes I did find you but you just came back from the match. I asked you if you would come for dinner and you responded saying yes you would. I just waited for you to change yourself and come back but you didn’t turn up. I couldn’t give my friends a strong good reason for waiting near the dining hall instead of moving ahead to have dinner. The night passed with strong waves of feeling inside me and so many questions on my lips.

The previous week after I waited for you we never meet again until the following week. We just went for a walk on a lonely road on a Saturday where we again talked so casually about our studies, matches that you played, etc. We were just trying to act normal. And I don’t remember a time where we poured out our feelings to each other.

Every time we meet, we only talked about the day’s event. Still I was so happy as I just needed a time to be by your side. By the time we came back from another walk I wondered how we were able to hold each other’s hands when we didn’t even express our feelings at all. You neither proposed to me nor shared your feelings but then we started to hold hands.

We were a couple by then and that is how we started our strange love story on May 13, 2007.

Thereafter we started seeing each more frequently, had our meals together and were most of the time together. We had our meals, went for shopping and most of the time listened to the wind that blew around us and just enjoyed each other’s company. So within that period of time, we came to know more about each other.

A love story which happened without having to propose to each other but we just knew and felt that we were both in love. The best love story is when you fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time.

So it did happen to me and I am happy that fate has brought us together for we are happily married with the God’s most beautiful gift to us. Our love is made eternal through our beautiful daughter. I learned that to be in love, it is not necessary to propose or to say those three beautiful words but we just need to feel it.

MY EXPERIENCE AS A THERAVADA BUDDHIST MONK IN THAILAND Thailand is known to many as ‘The Land of Yellow Robes’ due to the sea of yellowclad Buddhist monks who walk its streets. For centuries, Buddhism has upheld its place in Thailand and enriched the way of life of its people. 94% of the population is Buddhist. Likewise Bhutan is no different to this country with respect to culture, the 44 way people live, the system of government and religion that the subjects from both nations had been practicing since thousands of years ago.

Pema Kota 4th Batch

The fact is that every male in Thailand needs to be ordained as a monk for the well-being of their family. A male member of one’s family that failed to become a monk is considered immature and cannot marry. It is also necessary for Thai males to become monks once they reach the age of 20.

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These are some of the lessons that I learned from my Thai Civilization class which indeed encouraged me and my friends to become monks. Moreover I always had a splendid idea at the back of my head of wanting to become a monk at least once in my life and to feel the difference between a Mahayana and a Theravada monk practitioner.

And so on one fine day I, together with another friend, talked about this matter to another good friend of mine and it turned out that he too was interested to join us. After that I talked to the Deputy Dormitory Director if she could do anything to help us and she said it is a good idea if we can do it with our hearts.

Our chance of becoming monks became clearer after the Deputy Dormitory Director consulted with the Dormitory Director whereby the Head Monk of the temple where we could probably stay was her friend.

All things seemed to turn out well for us and we were blessed it came our way. I must admit it was a good sign.

On 30th April, the three of us along with a few Bhutanese friends accompanied by the Dormitory Director, Deputy Dormitory Director and her staff went to the temple to meet the Head Monk. The place was very calm, quiet, beautiful, and full of mango trees. Indeed a perfect place for retreat and meditation.

During that same day, the three of us were blessed by the Head Monk and he made us demonstrate how to pray in our way. He was excited and happy after our demonstration and graciously accepted our request to become monks in his temple.

From the very next morning at 7:00 AM, the three of us were given training on how to chant the ordination prayer by the Deputy Dormitory Director. Every morning, the three of us would go to her office to be trained and once we were even made to demonstrate in front of the Dormitory Director and her staffs. It seemed the three of us did well since all of them were happy and smiling to us, which encouraged us to try even harder.

Our training session went on until the last day before we left to the temple on 11th May 2013. Although it was challenging, the three of us tried very hard to cope up with all our studying obligations along with our final exams. Our exam ended on 10th May and the very next day we were taken to temple.

But a few days before that, the three of us were taken to meet the President of Rangsit University to pay respect to him and also to get his final blessing to let the three of us become monks. It was a great opportunity to personally meet him and to have a face-to-face conversation with him. That was my first time to listen to his words of wisdoms which encouraged the three of us to work harder in bringing good blessings to him and to Rangsit University.

On 11th May, the three of us were taken to the temple. We started our journey at 7:30 AM and we reached the temple at around 3:00 PM. There we were received by one of the monks who could barely speak English to us, and later became our guide throughout our stay there.

We were given one big room at the ground floor of the same house where the Head Monk lived. After meeting the monk who could barely speak English, we thought that we will have a tough time to communicate to all of them but later we4545 were introduced to one of the monks who can speak English well.

The next day until the day before our ordination as novice monks, we were made to prepare for the final ordination ceremony. Before this ceremony, our robes were colored white. And from that day onwards we had begun our life as novice monks with different robes from regular monks.

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There were a few rules that need to be followed before our final ordination ceremony. Some of the rules are: we don’t have to go house to house asking for alms, we cannot live, eat and walk together with regular monks, and we don’t have to follow the two meals per day as regular monks do.

Right after praying some of the meditation experts would teach us the different types of meditation and sometimes we were even asked to demonstrate. Our daily routine activities ended the same way every day until our last day as monks.

One day before our ordination ceremony on 14th May, it was our hair shaving ceremony. On that day, some of the monks helped us shave our hairs. On early morning of 15th May, the three of us were made to dress in white robes embroidered with silver color threads which were very beautiful.

These were the rules and regulations of the monks everywhere that practice Theravada Buddhism. And that’s how our life as monks were the way we experienced them for 24 days. It was really a nice and lucky moment for me and my friends.

Our final ordination ceremony took place after breakfast inside the temple grounds where we usually chant our prayers. During the ceremony, I was surprised by the huge number of people who came to attend our ordination. It was all unexpected.

Sometimes our monk friends would take us for mountain climbing and it was exciting and memorable since I was reminded of climbing the high mountain terrains from my home country Bhutan.

People from the university accompanied by the Dormitory Director, Deputy Dormitory Director and their staffs, even two of our Bhutanese friends where there to join us. It was really an exciting moment for us.

Our ceremony began with a series of activities starting with the circling of the temple for three times followed by ordination prayers by Head Monk while the three of us were made to follow him. In between we were made to dress in regular monk robes followed by offering of things to the three of us by the people who came to witness the ceremony. The ordination ceremony ended with lunch and in the evening we recited our prayers.

From that day onwards until our final days at the temple, we were to follow the rules and regulation of regular monks. Everyday, we will start with morning prayers at 3:00 AM, which would usually take one and half hours to finish followed by community service like cleaning of roads.

Very early each day immediately after our morning prayers, all monks except the Head Monk and a few other monks who cannot walk properly, would go door to door to each houses in the village asking for alms and offerings to the Buddha.

You know what really excites me during that time? It’s the fact that we cannot wear slippers while one is offering something to us. This excited me so much and it’s an amazing tradition which I really like.

Someone might think that monks everywhere would have to follow this rule but I was told that this is part of the Thai culture where everyone no matter what nationalities they are had to follow when one enters the temple. Moreover I feel this is a symbol of someone showing respect to another person while in the form of a Buddha’s uniform.

Do you want to know what the people used to give to us? Most of the time people would give us food, fruits, drinks and even money too. Sometimes we just got very little alms received and other times when we were lucky we would get more than what we expected. There were times we would get very huge amount of money that we couldn’t even carry them back to the temple.

Once we’re back, we all have to put everything into each designated containers. After that we would sit in descending order according to seniority of being a monk. Then the nuns and other people would come to serve us food plus all other items respectively. But before eating, a prayer would be made and what was left of the food would be partaken by the nuns and46people present there.

After breakfast we don’t have to do anything except some chores like picking mangoes or helping if there is anything to be done. But most of the time we would stay free until lunch time. Our lunch time is exactly at 12:00 PM. And anyone arriving later than that time will not be allowed to have lunch.

After lunch at around 3:00 PM before our afternoon prayers we had to do some necessary cleaning both inside and outside our rooms and around the temple grounds. Everyday from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM would be our evening prayer time.

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The three of us were disrobed of our monk clothes on 3rd June by the Head Monk and he blessed us with prayers for the last time. That time our Dormitory Director and her husband together with dormitory staffs came to pick us from the temple.

Before we leave, we gave them a goodbye gesture which was actually a hard moment for three of us.

As the saying goes “happy to meet but sad to depart is a way of life” so keeping that in my mind we returned to our apartments again.

I think that the Thai culture is very good and I enjoyed being at the temple with the monks. In the beginning it was a bit difficult to cope up with the daily activities but later on as time passed by we got used to it and love to do those things very much.

Now, I really missed those moments back at the temple like going for prayers early morning, doing meditation, picking mangoes, sweeping the road, funny conversation with monk friends and the most that I am missing is the delicious and many varieties of food that where served to us every morning.

By the way, the name of the temple where we stayed as monks was Makutkiriwan Temple, located at the base of a mountain in Tambol Mosee, Amphur Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The temple area is very big and full of mango trees so big we can’t even see any houses or shops nearby. The place is a very good place for people who would like to practice meditation and is just a four-hour drive from Rangsit University.

Also the village people, the monks especially the Head Monk were very kind and generous to us and are always ready to help us any time. For that we are very grateful to Phra Ajarn (Head Monk) for allowing us to become monks under his guidance, the people living around there and the monks who helped us translate the Thai language when we had difficulty understanding our conversation.

And on behalf of my other two friends who became monks with me, I would like to thank also Rangsit University’s President, Dr. Arthit Ourairat, for allowing us to become monks and for his kind words of wisdom.

Many thanks also goes to the Dormitory Director, Deputy Dormitory Director, dormitory staffs and their relatives who supported us at all times and for making our request a reality and our experience 47 memorable.

We sincerely hope that our accumulated merits would bless everyone at Rangsit University with peace and prosperity at all times. I also hope that our prayers would help people who are in difficult situations.

My final prayers are for the longevity and eternal relationship between my King and the President of Rangsit University.

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SECOND BSAB SOCCER TOURNAMENT Everyone was excited about the Second Bhutanese Student Association in Bangkok (BSAB) fund raising soccer tournament. Norbu, our BSAB student representative of Rangsit University, organized the tournament last year at Rangsit University’s ground. The DRSU team, Bhutanese students from Rangsit University, won the splendid event last year.

Ugyen Yeshi Lhendup 5th Batch

This year’s event organizer was Dorji Penjor, a student from Shinawatara University and the newly elected President of BSAB. The two-day tournament was hosted at the Shinawatara University’s football field.

Participating Bhutanese students from different universities were required to form their own respective teams and registration fee was at 2,800 Baht per team. Thai local teams also took part this time making a total of nine teams.

Despite the fact that some Bhutanese students has graduated already while some went for their internships, we were still able to form two teams of Bhutanese students and one Burmese team. There were then a total of 3 teams from Rangsit University.

Shinawatara University is far from Rangsit, a 45-minute drive and the program would require all teams to be there at 7:30 AM. So the teams decided to book some rooms at Shinawatara University at 3 persons per room at 500 Baht per night so that we don’t have to travel early in the morning.

In the morning of the event, all teams gathered in their respective areas and representatives from each team were called in by officials to draw lots for the matches.

Our DRSU team captain was Kaylzang and Rangsit A team captain was Sonam Tshering. The two Bhutanese teams got different pools. The DRSU team was in Pool B and Rangsit A team was in Pool A. The DRSU team, which was scheduled for the second match, played against Shinawatara University and hardly won the game with a score of 5-3. It was a tough match! After beating Shinawatara University, we qualified into the semi-finals.

Rangsit A team was scheduled for the third match against the VIP team, which is one of the Thai local teams. They crushed the Rangsit A team, showing no mercy, with a score of 12-1.

DRSU played the semi-final round against the Burmese team and got a draw 48 at full time match and so they played an extra time. Although the pressure in the match was from DRSU, we unfortunately lost the match from the penalty shoot out with the score: DRSU 1(2) - 1(4) Burmese. After being beaten up by the Burmese team, we lost our bid in the semi-final round and they got the chance to enter the finals.

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The final round was played between the VIP team, a team of Thai locals from the Shinawatra International University (SIU) locality, and Burmese students from Rangsit University. The Burmese team lost harshly with 9 goals to 0. And so we were a runner-up in the Second BSAB soccer tournament for this year.

HE Kittiratt na Ranong, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand as well as the Minister of Commerce and Vice President of SIU, graced the final round as special guest. The finals kicked off on a hot, sunny afternoon with both teams enthusiastic and energetic even though they just finished playing the semi-final round awhile ago.

This year’s BSAB soccer tournament winner was the VIP team, a group of Thai locals who were mostly adults in their 50s. Both the runner-up and the winner were awarded cash prizes and trophies with medals by HE Kittiratt Na Ranong, who also presented certificates to all participating players.

After the awarding of prizes and photo opportunity, Dorji Penjor, President of Bhutanese Student Association in Bangkok (BSAB), closed the occasion with a delightful speech of thank you while expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the success of the tournament. The Second BSAB soccer event of this year was an imposing success.

FIELD VISIT: THE ART OF LEARNING Field visits and practical knowledge are equally important in any kind of education and learning process. Recognizing this importance, the students of the International College of Rangsit University are provided with various opportunities to go for field visits as part of their regular study courses.

For example, as part of our summer-class assignment, a group of Communication Arts students were on a field visit to Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall and Museum of Siam in July of this year. Both museums are located in Bangkok, Thailand.

I was fortunate to be one of the members of the group that visited these two museums. The visit was very enriching and educational in helping me to learn and integrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of learning.

During the visit, I was able to see and study the importance and powerful role being played by these two museums both as a source and channel in storing, sharing and imparting information of the49rich historical, social and cultural values of the ancient Thai people to the present and future generation.

I was delighted to see the museums being used effectively as a channel of information to transmit an ancient knowledge and wisdom to the people in the form of an interactive and self-learning process. Inside the museums, students could use various multi-media equipments to study and learn about the past histories of Thai people.

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Dukpo Wangdi 5th Batch

Among others, the most interesting part of the visit was at the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall where I could receive a blessing from a famous statue in the Buddhist world. This Emerald Buddha statue is not only being considered as one of the greatest religious symbols in Thailand, but it is also believed to bring legitimacy, peace and prosperity into the region and in the world.

I could also reflect the importance of communication arts, particularly in verbal and non-verbal communication in conveying the messages to its target audience. In other words, I became more aware about how the different art is being used to reflect the reality of past events in accordance to the changing times.

The visit helped me in realizing and interpreting the meaning of ‘Art is the reflection of reality’ which was said by one of the greatest ancient Greek philosophers, Aristotle. Particularly by being a student of communication arts, I was able to understand that even silence can become an art of language for learning and enhance one’s knowledge and wisdom.

I came to notice that if one is observant, almost everything becomes an art of learning in one’s everyday life. Art is everywhere in helping us to learn and to enhance our knowledge and skills.

Everything becomes an art and art becomes everything.

Overall, I found the visit very enriching and educational as I was able to learn about the social and cultural diversities of the Thai people from the past through the use of multimedia and interactive equipment in the field of communication. The field visit has also provided me with an opportunity to interact with a group to discuss, exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences of our day to day learning processes. The visit was well organized and productive.

Lastly, I humbly join my group to thank the organizers of this field visit and the faculty and staff of the International College of Rangsit University for organizing this interesting trip.

LIFE Life has been described by many people in different ways ranging from ‘life is short make it sweet’ to more serious ones like ‘life is like a dream that even before we realize it, it vanishes’ and so on. The various perspectives on life depend upon the beholder and on how he or she enjoys it.

Life can be both a curse and a blessing. It is because how often do we experience living a happy and contented life and then suddenly, life slaps us in the face with something unexpected.

Ngawang Tashi 6th Batch

We all have problems in life and the truth is that problem never ends. It stays with us until the end but is it only changes its form. Sometimes you may be struggling with your health, the next time maybe with money, and then with relationships, etc.

Life may seem tough from time to time but it is through such times that we grow as human beings. Although uncomfortable but such is life. Life is a roller-coaster ride with both highs and lows which we50all have to live through and in the process we might also learn how to deal with it. The more comfortable we can become with life’s problems, the more we will be able to enjoy life.

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A meaningful life is not about being rich, being popular, being highly educated or being perfect. it is about being real, being humble, being strong and being able to share ourselves and to touch the lives of others. It is only then that we can have a full, happy and contended life.

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MY MOST MEMORABLE TRIP TO SIAM NIRAMIT Yesterday was by far one of the most memorable trips I had and a day that I will undoubtedly never forget.

Kinzang Wangchuk 5th Batch

I was told that Siam Niramit is a world-class theatre used for the performance of Thailand’s art and cultural heritage. The highlight of the show was the goofily titillating performances assisted by beautiful costumes and stunning set designs. Enhanced special effects and the world’s most advanced technology were used to produce a vivid, stimulating and very inspiring audience experience.

During the first half of the program, Siam Niramit takes you back into the past to witness the Ancient Kingdom of Lanna in Northern Thailand, and then headed to the Southern part where we saw a crucial time in Thailand’s history when traders from overseas transport artistic and religious influences from other nations. We also saw Thais blending beautifully with traders from overseas and also facilitate to integrate them into Thai culture.

Later we were taken to the Northeast and to the Central plains of Ayutthaya, back in the era when Ayutthaya the mighty city was the nation’s capital and opened its door to westerners.

In Act 2 we saw a Fiery Hell where flames consumed people who committed grave sins and was ruled by King Yama. The king made sure that the convicted souls received punishment that equals the nature and gravity of their crimes. For example, alcoholics were forced to drink from a very large pot of boiling water.

After the fiery hell scene, you get to see the mystical forest of Himapaan.

According to the myth, Himapaan is a mystical forest that exists between the earthly realm and heaven where no human beings have been there before.

This beautiful and mysterious forest is a home to many magical creatures such as the kinaree (half- woman, half-bird), Lion, Naka, and some demi-gods.

And in the Final Act, I saw some of the highly admired and important festivals celebrated in Thailand such as the ‘Loy Krathong’. Without shying away, I can say that this is one of my favorite festivals in Thailand which is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (3rd week of November).

I had lots of fun and it was certainly my most memorable trip in the Land of Smiles. I have been bragging this to all my friends of what a fantastic time I had. Thanks again for such a wonderful trip.

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ICT AND MY LIFE Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exists to help individuals, businesses and organizations that use information almost everyday.

Dhendup Tshering 5th Batch

In these days, ICT has become an integral and acceptable part of everyday life for many people. It is increasing its importance in people’s lives and is 52

expected that this trend will continue, to the extent that ICT literacy will become a functional requirement for people’s work, social, and personal lives.

Technology is fun and it sometimes seems like magic when we cannot see how things are done but the result comes out through the interface.

I was not aware until today that we are surrounded by networks through which information flows constantly. Our notion of time and location are changing and the world seems to have become a ‘global village’ where distance is no longer a barrier for commercial or social contact.

If we are living in the western world, it’s difficult to imagine without the entire network infrastructure that plays a crucial part in our daily lives. ICT is about how this infrastructure of information and communication technologies permeates our lives.

Besides learning about technology, studying ICT exposed me to diverse students from around the world. It provides me with the opportunity to access knowledge of current issues from different parts of the planet.

At first, one is sure to experience cultural shock as we are comprised of many different nationalities. But cultural shock is not supposed to be a threat since it is an experience in the gaining process. Mostly it is fun to be in a different society with different people, ideas, food and culture. It is a way to learn to adapt to different environments so that we can survive in the next difficult situation.

After joining the Rangsit University family, I met some of my best friends in Thailand and from other countries too. Although we were brought up from different societies, it is not too hard to make the adjustments.

Technology is fun and I enjoy learning ICT as my major. I am confident that I can do well and would contribute to the best of my knowledge and abilities back in Bhutan in the field of ICT after graduating from this university.

MATHEMATICAL JOKES Jokes, wit and humor are an indispensable fraction of our lives for they add charisma and charm to our trivial activities and chores. If you appreciate humor then it is likely that you are open to the most modest joys of life and have a cheerful outlook towards things in this world. This is perhaps the reason why researchers stress the need for clean jokes and humor so we can 53 53 have better and healthier lives.

A joke is basically a narration or story of some funny incident that an individual may have encountered in his or her life. Or it may be a fragment of someone’s imagination capable of invoking laughter and mirth among many.

It may even be a simple line or message whose ingenuity or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter.

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Lobzang Namgyal 6th Batch

While broaching the subject of jokes it is also worth mentioning the fact that nothing in this world comes in perfectly one shade and aspect, and the same is true for humor. Your humor may have the capability of provoking joy to many people but it is quite possible that crude jokes and over explicit jokes might actually result in quite an opposite effect to others.

This is an important element of jokes and is more specifically classified into two types as ‘clean jokes and humor’ as opposed to the less favorable and less recommended types we referred to as ‘dirty jokes or humor’.

Has anyone ever came up to you lately and shared some funny mathematical jokes? Well, it could only be a matter of time so it might be worth sharing and reading some of these jokes.

This collection of mathematical jokes might be enjoyable to anybody because every joke contains a portion of truth or a lie about something. All these jokes contain something essential about mathematics, the mathematical way of thinking, or mathematical pop-culture.

Being a mathematics teacher, I am concerned that in sharing these mathematical jokes it may endanger the respect to mathematicians and its followers but I still thought it is worth sharing and is done in the spirit of fun. I hope nobody would take these jokes seriously and negatively since majority of them already exist on the Internet anyway.

FAX A professor of mathematics sent a fax to his wife. ‘Dear Wife, You must realize that you are 54 years old, and I have certain needs that you are no longer able to satisfy. I am otherwise happy with you as a wife and sincerely hope that you will not be hurt or offended to learn that by the time you receive this letter, I will be at the Grand Hotel with my 18 year-old teaching assistant. I’ll be home before midnight’. Your Husband’. When he arrived at the hotel, there was a faxed letter waiting for him that read as follows: ‘Dear Husband, You too are 54 years old, and by the time you receive this letter, I will be at the Breakwater Hotel with the 18 year-old pool boy. Since you are the mathematician, you will appreciate the fact that 18 goes into 54 more times than 54 goes into 18. Therefore, don’t wait up. Your Wife’.

ON TIME A mathematician wandered home at 3:00 AM. His wife became very upset, telling him, “You’re late! You said you’d be home by 11:45 PM” The mathematician replied, “Honey, I’m right on time. I said I’d be home by a quarter of twelve.”

DENOMINATOR Boy: “Dad, can you help me find the lowest common denominator in this problem please?”

Dad: “Don’t tell me that they haven’t found it yet. I remember looking for it when I was a boy!”

SHOES A shoe buyer meets a mathematician and complains that he does not know what size of shoes to buy.

“No problem,” says the mathematician, “there is a simple equation for that.” And he shows him the Gaussian normal distribution. The shoe buyer stares some time at his equation and asks, “What is that symbol?” “That is the Greek letter pi.” “What is pi?” “That is the ratio between the circumference and the diameter of a circle.” Upon this the shoe buyer cries out: “And what does a circle have to do with 54 shoes?!”

ENGINEERS A team of engineers were required to measure the height of a flag pole. They only had a measuring tape, and were getting quite frustrated trying to keep the tape along the pole. It kept falling down, etc. A mathematician comes along, finds out their problem, and proceeds to remove the pole from the ground and measure it easily. When he leaves, one engineer says to the other: “Just like a mathematician! We need to know the height, and he gives us the length!”

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EIGHT Teacher asks student: What is the half of 8?

Student: Miss horizontally or vertically?

Teacher: What do you mean?

Student: Horizontally it is 0, vertically it is 3.

THUNDERSTORM Two men are having a good time in a bar. Outside, there’s a terrible thunderstorm. Finally, one of the men thinks that it’s time to leave. Since he has drunk a lot, he decides to walk home. “But aren’t you afraid of being struck by lightning?” his friend asks. “No, not at all. Statistics shows that, in this part of the country, one person per year gets struck by lightning – and that one person died in the hospital three weeks ago.”

JOB APPLICATION There are three people applying for the same job. One is a Mathematician, one a Statistician, and one an Accountant. The interviewing committee first calls in the Mathematician. They say “We have only one question. What is 500 plus 500?” The Mathematician, without hesitation, says “1000.” The committee sends him out and calls in the Statistician. When the Statistician comes in, they ask the same question.

The Statistician ponders the question for a moment and then answers “1000... I’m 95% confident.” He is then also thanked for his time and sent on his way. When the Accountant enters the room, he is asked the same question: “What is 500 plus 500?” The Accountant replies, “What would you like it to be?”

They hired the Accountant.

MATHEMATICS OF MARRIAGE Smart man + smart woman Smart man + dumb woman Dumb man + smart woman Dumb man + dumb woman Smart boss + smart employee Smart boss + dumb employee Dumb boss + smart employee Dumb boss + dumb employee

= = = = = = = =

Romance Affair Pregnancy Marriage Profit Production Promotion Overtime

SOME QUICK FACTS ABOUT BHUTAN NATIONAL FLAG The national flag of Bhutan consists of a white dragon over a yellow and orange background. The flag is divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner making two triangles. The upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange. The dragon is centered along the dividing line, facing away 55 55 flag is white to symbolize from the hoist side. The dragon on Bhutan’s purity. The dragon is holding jewels in its claws and these represent wealth.

The snarling mouth of the dragon represents the strength of the people protecting the country. The colors of the Bhutan flag represent spiritual and temporal power within the country. The orange represents the Drukpas monasteries and Buddhist religion, and the orange/yellow symbolizes the secular authority of the dynasty.

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Dorji Lhaden 4th Batch

PEOPLE Bhutan is an ethnically and linguistically diverse nation. Major groups include Tshangla- speaking Sharchop in the East, Dzongkha-speaking Ngalong in the West and Lhotshamkha-speaking in the South.

There are a number of smaller groups such as the Bumthaps in Bumthang, Mangduep in the Center, Layap in the Northwest, Brokpa in the Northeast and Doyap in the Southeast.

NATIONAL DRESS Bhutan’s culture is very much alive and expressed in everything, including the traditional clothing its people have been wearing for centuries. Gho is the term that denotes the national dress of Bhutan for men and Kira is for women. Introduced during the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, these dresses are popular among the locals and assign the Bhutanese a unique identity. Interestingly, it is mandatory for all Bhutanese to wear the national dress on all formal occasions in government offices and in schools.

SOME QUICK FACTS ABOUT BHUTAN

THE PEOPLE

NATIONAL FLAG

NATIONAL BIRD Raven is Bhutan’s national bird. The Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus) represents one of the most powerful deities of the country, Jarog Dongchen. It is believed that the guardian deities of the country had taken the form of a raven to guide and unify the country. It may look quite similar to the crow but raven is much bigger.

NATIONAL TREE Cypress (Cupressus Torulosa) is the national tree of Bhutan. Locally, it is known as ‘Tsenden’ and is also referred to as Bhutan Cypress or Himalayan Cypress. Cypress is often planted outside monasteries, dzongs and religious places and its wood and branches has been used as incense for thousands of years.

Its ability to survive on rugged terrains represents bravery and simplicity.

NATIONAL ANIMAL Takin (Burdorcas Taxicolor) is an extremely rare mammal and the national animal of Bhutan. It herds in steep and thick woods at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. The reason for Bhutan selecting Takin as the national animal is based on both its uniqueness and its strong association with the country’s religious history and mythology. Takin resembles a cow and a goat.

NATIONAL DRESS FOR MEN

NATIONAL DRESS FOR WOMEN

NATIONAL FLOWER Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Grandis) is the national flower of Bhutan. It is a rare flower that grows only in high altitudes of 3,500 to 4,000 meters above sea level. After enduring the harsh winter weather it blooms to its full beauty in the spring. The locals call it “Euitgel Metog Hoem.”

NATIONAL BIRD

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NATIONAL TREE

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NATIONAL ANIMAL 56

NATIONAL FLOWER 57

PUNAKHA DZONG

ACTIVITY PICTURES

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VISIT OF LAOS DELEGATION IN AUGUST 2012 BIO-TECH VISIT IN OCTOBER 2012

VISIT TO BUFFALO FARM IN SEPTEMBER 2012

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TEACHING ENGLISH AT THAI SCHOOL IN NOVEMBER 2012

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CELEBRATION OF TPS MAGAZINE FIRST ISSUE IN NOVEMBER 2012

RANGSIT UNIVERSITY DAY IN JANUARY 2013

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CELEBRATING THE 33RD BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF HIS MAJESTY KING JIGME KHESAR NAMGYEL WANGCHUCK ON FEBRUARY 21, 2013

MONK ORDINATION OF THREE BHUTANESE STUDENTS AT NAKHON RATCHASIMA IN MAY 2013

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SECOND BHUTANESE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION IN BANGKOK (BSAB) ELECTION IN JULY 2013

SECOND BHUTANESE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION IN BANGKOK (BSAB) TOURNAMENT AT SHINAWATRA UNIVERSITY ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2013

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COLLABORATION WITH CHIVA-SOM AT RANGSIT UNIVERSITY ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2013

COURTESY CALL TO DR. ARTHIT OURAIRAT

BY GRADUATING MASTER DEGREE STUDENTS IN THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION IN SEPTEMBER 2013

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THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF H.E. PRIME MINISTER TSHERING TOBGAY TO RANGSIT UNIVERSITY ON NOVEMBER 14, 2013

THE CELEBRATION OF THAI-BHUTANESE FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY ESTABLISHMENT WITH H.E. PRIME MINISTER TSHERING TOBGAY AT SWISSOTEL NAI LERT PARK ON NOVEMBER 15, 2013

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FRONT COVER DESIGN PARASOL (Chattra) Royalty and Spiritual Power

CONCH SHELL (Sankha) The Fame of Buddha’s Teachings

GOLDEN FISHES (Suvarnamatsya) Good Fortune, Fertility and Salvation

ENDLESS KNOT (Shrivasta) Infinite Wisdom of the Buddha

TREASURE VASE (Kalasha) Spiritual and Material Abundance

VICTORY BANNER (Dhvaja) Victory of the Buddha’s Teachings and Wisdom over Ignorance

LOTUS (Padma) Mental and Spiritual Purity

WHEEL (Dharmachakra) The Teachings of the Buddha

THE EIGHT AUSPICIOUS SYMBOLS (Ashtamangala in Sanskrit) are a group of lucky Buddhist symbols that appear on many Buddhist textiles, objects and paintings. Each symbol represents an aspect of Buddhist teaching and when they appear together, their powers are multiplied. The front cover design is a combination of eight lucky signs with slight modification as the Dharma wheel was replaced by the Trongsa Penlop Scholarships (TPS) logo. The symbolic signs considered auspicious in the Bhutanese culture and tradition are believed to bring good luck and fortune to oneself, family and the nation.

EDITORIAL TEAM Dr. Arthit Ourairat Dr. Thitipong Nandhabiwat Ms. Suthasinee Sangkhum Mr. Rolly Canonoy Ms. Jansawang Ninjan Mr. Dhendup Tshering (TPS Coordinator) Mr. Kaylzang Tshering Tashi (3rd Batch) Mr. Pema Kota (4th Batch) Ms. Dorji Lhaden (4th Batch) Ms. Thinley Choden (5th Batch) Mr. Thomas Bierling Mr. Elvis E. Obaro-Akporo 68

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RANGSIT UNIVERSITY 52/347 Muang-Ake, Paholyothin Road, Lak-Hok, Pathumthani, 12000 Thailand Tel. + 662 997 2200 ext. 3452, Fax. + 662 997 2200 ext. 3452, Email. inter@rsu.ac.th

Copyright Rangsit University 2013, All Rights Reserved 68

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