Author: ugyen

Forty-four student teachers of the 2nd and the 3rd cohort occupied the grandly decorated classroom wearing their kabneys and rachus. The Chief Guest, the Dean of Student Affairs, followed by the retinue of honoured guests of the event who were the five professors and the administrative and support staff, paraded into the hall room and were received with a respectful bow and greetings. The significance of the nation’s red-letter day was heightened by the offering of Zhabten for His Majesty the King. The lady class representative of the 2nd Cohort, TshewangLhamo made a welcome address to the chief guest, professors, staff and student teachers with her dedication speech. She spoke on how World Teacher’s Day came to be celebrated on September 5, 1994, which was in memory of Dr.SarvepalliRadhakrishnan, India’s second president. The first Teacher’s Day was celebrated on 2nd May 2003 in Thimphu, in Bhutan. She referred to the story of Eklavya in Mahabharata to express the importance of teacher or guru.

The chief guest briefly highlighted the significance of the day and wished everyone a happy teacher’s day. The chief guest’s inaugural speech was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. The guests and the student representatives took part in the joyous ceremony, and the suja and the cakes were served to everyone. The welcome dance was performed by the students of the 2nd cohort. The students were invited to the dance floor to make their moves to maintain celebrative mood.

The class representatives presented the gifts to the professors and also to every staff on behalf of all the students, which was supported by hearty rounds of applause. Students participated in the traditional dances and songs, occasionally joined by the staff members and professors. Four professors, Dr. Chitra, Dr. Smiles, Dr. Rajesh and Dr. Edward volunteered to speak and share their insights and observations on the significance of a teacher’s day. Three students also volunteered to share their gratitude to the teachers and professors. Sangay Tenzin, Palden Dorji and Ash Bahadur Subba were the representative speakers from the students’ side. Two students, Karma Chezang and Palden Dorji also came forward to entertain the audience by singing solo songs. The class representative of the first year expressed the vote of thanks to the chief guest, to the guests and especially to the professors, for enlightening the minds and hearts, and making the students capable and competent which will help him to go back to school and feel worthy as a teacher. He said that he hoped to feel satisfaction and pride when students wished him “Happy Teacher’s Day” and said “Thank you, teacher!” after learning much in Yonphula College. The programme came closer towards an end with Tashi Lebay Dance where everyone was asked to dance on the floor. The photo session followed the TashiLebay dance, where students used their best smartphones to capture themselves proudly standing with the professors.

The guests and students joined the queues with smiling faces to savour the scrumptious lunch. It was a rejuvenating and bonding moment between the professors and the students, as well as between everyone through warm interaction.

Contributed by:

Mr Ash Bahadur Subba

II semester- Year I

The two-day International Conference on Traversing from Local to Global: Journey of Literature Across Time and Space held on April 19 & 20, 2019, was organized by Yonphula Centenary College in collaboration with the Centre for Archaeology and Historical Research, Sherubtse College. The inaugural session was graced by Dasho Dzongdags of Trashigang and Pema Gatshel. The Chief Guest Dasho Dzongda of Trashigang shared his insights on the vitality of literature and Dasho Dzongdag of Pema Gatshel delivered his keynote address pitched on poetry. Distinguished   Professor Shrawan Kumar Sharma from Gurugul Kagdi University, Haridwar delivered his striking key-note on the Conference theme followed by two eminent plenary speakers from India, Dr. Prantik Banerjee, Hislop College, Nagpur and Dr Jai Singh, English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, whose inspiring speech mapped the contemporary literary trends.

The technical sessions followed in parallel venues with delegates from India, Bhutan, Yemen and Nepal presenting on a wide range of topics pertaining to the sub-themes. The topics ranged from myth, folk tradition and allegorical movie to horror and science fiction as trans-realistic genres that combine the elements of history, gothic and speculative science fiction with reference to noted writers such as Murakami. The intellectual deliberation on diverse themes facilitated thought-provoking discussion on the ever-expanding dimensions of literature. Moreover, the broad theme helped the presenters and the audience to map the journey of literature carrying local and global perceptions across time and space, to understand its role in shaping human sensibilities. The diverse perspectives seen through the lens of myriad literary works not only enlightened the audience but also infused inspiration in them to explore the unexplored works of literature. Thus this first-ever international conference on English Literary Studies was a success story.

Contributed by:

Dr. P Baburaj

Faculty, YCC

The President and the administrative committee of the Sherubtse College initiated and coordinated welcome dinner for the new Faculty of Sherubtse College and the fresh students pursuing MA English who joined Yonphula Centenary College in February this year. The rejuvenating occasion warmed by the blazing bonfire, commenced at 6:30 pm. The President expressed that such an imperative event was deferred in spite of the plan to coordinate as early as possible due to tight administrative programmes. The President expressed that it was going to be a simple dinner without any extravaganza.

The welcoming ceremony commenced with the peculiar Western culture of slicing of the ceremonial cake.  The representatives of new MA students sliced the cake, before the palatable cakes and cups of tea were served to all the members of the faculty and administrative committee, and the students who had gathered in front of the Guest House. Interaction and conversations, along with reunion, among all the people gathered there marked the event as time slipped away with the creation of memories.

Everyone was welcomed and ushered to take their share of the sumptuous dinner with a variety of dishes. The long queue of happy faces followed to serve themselves and took their seats to relish the special meal. Everyone enjoyed the meal and gratefully returned the plates and cups. The generous event came to a halt with the modest words of thankfulness from the president. “Thank you, sirs and madams, for making your presence although we did not have much to offer you.” The Class Representative of MA 2nd Cohort, Mr Sherab Tenzin, reciprocated with words of gratitude. The administration of Sherubtse College also provided bus service to reach the students to Sherubtse college and back to Yonphula College again.

Contributed by:

Ash Bdr Subba

II Semester- Year I

Thirty-one students of the first batch of MA in English programme offered at Yonphula Centenary College were declared to be graduates on the first graduation day held on Sunday, the 9th December 2018 at the Sherubtse College campus. The solemn, memorable and colorful Graduation Day program was graced by the abiding presence of the Chief Guest, Dasho Thrizin of Trashigang Dzongkhag. Mr. Tshering Wangdi, President of Sherubtse and YCC delivered a warm welcome address which traced the visionary establishment, remarkable growth and the enviable achievement of Yonphula Centenary College on its first Graduation Day. The earnest words shared by the President follows:

“I feel extremely privileged to be a part of the glorious history in the making. Many of us may not realize now, that thirty years, or even fifty years from today, Yonphula Centenary College family will proudly reflect and remember you all as the first alumni of YCC and today’s celebration. From today onwards, you are writing and completing a new chapter in the life of this institute. That’s how significant today’s humble celebration is, in the history of YCC, and for the nation.  I feel extremely proud to be a part of this history.”

Further, he expressed confidence that the passing out MA graduates would make a big difference in the lives of the younger generations.

The Chief Guest, Dasho Thrizin, was reminiscent how Yonphula has been a centre of action and attraction for nation building with unique contributions from individuals, followed by Bhutan Army camp establishment and now a citadel for higher education.  The Dasho described the establishment of the college as a ‘magical turn out’ and he expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the institute and the professors for their efforts and everlasting contribution to the graduates who are called “our young and enthusiastic teachers.” He also congratulated the graduates for having successfully gone through an important phase that laid a foundation for a life-long learning. He beseeched the graduates to share everything that they have learned with the younger generations and keep up the good work in helping to shape the future leaders of the nation.

Two representative student graduates reflected on the path of learning with gratitude to the professors who made a difference in the lives of graduating students. Mr Yeshey Dorji, the class representative reiterated on the rich experience gained during the course of studies and expressed gratitude to the government for having established the college and providing a very rewarding opportunity to the in-service teachers to complete their higher studies. Mr Ishor Kumar Bhandari juxtaposed the different seasons with the pace of learning at different semesters and branches of literature to show the enhancement in learning experience.

Bhutan’s rich traditional dances and songs were presented by the cultural group of Sherubtse College, students of the first year and the graduates of YCC and kids from Kanglung Primary School.  Their aesthetic performance was a feast for the senses and enhanced the celebrative mood.

All the graduating students were presented with transcript, provisional certificate and mementoes by the chief guest and the president. The chief guest awarded the medals and certificate of merits and achievement; certificates for semester toppers and student leaders, gold and silver medals with certificates for overall academic excellence and the President’s medal for the best graduating student.

Details of Awards and Toppers:

1. Certificates for Semester Academic Toppers:

Sl. No                                    Name                                                      Semester                                      Position
1.                                        Pema Wangmo                                              I                                                    First

2.                                      Dechhen Dolma                                             I                                                    Second

3.                                      Pema Wangmo                                              II                                                  First

4.                                      Chador Wangmo                                            II                                                First

5.                                      Tshewang Yeduen                                          II                                              Second

6.                                      Tshewang Yeduen                                        III                                              First

7.                                      Dechhen Dolma                                            III                                              Second

2. Medal with a certificate for Overall Academic Excellence representing the

weighted scores 20:30:50

Gold medal bagged by Mrs Dechen Dolma & Mrs Tshewang Yeduen
The silver medal goes to Mrs Pema Wangmo
Certificate of appreciation and mementoes for student leaders: Mr Yeshey Dorji and Mrs Pema Wangmo
Certificate of appreciation for the best dissertation to Mrs Tshewang Yuden
Recipient of the President’s medal for being the best graduate is Mrs Pema Wangmo
The memorable first Graduation Day ceremony ended with a celebratory Tashi Lebay and scrumptious lunch.

Contributed by:

Pema Wangmo – Year II Sem I

Ash Bdr Subba – Year I Sem I

The MA in English programme of Yonphula Centenary College(YCC) had its first ever dissertation defense from 21-23 November, 2018 at the Conference Hall of Sherubtse College, Kanglung. In continuation with the Proposal Writing and Presentation completed in the previous semester, June 2018, the first batch of 32 Masters students’, comprising 11 female and 21 male in-service teacher candidates, presented and defended their dissertation. During the first phase of research work, the constructive comments provided by three examiners namely Dr. Kinley Dorji, Assistant Professor, Paro College of Education, Mrs. Anju Chhetri, Assistant Lecturer, Sherubtse College and Dr. Anup Kumar Deka, Head, Department of English, KHS College, affiliated to Gauhati University, greatly assisted the researchers in shaping their objectives to achieve the desired outcome.

In the final phase, their researched written works, presentation and defense were evaluated by three eminent panelists from Bhutan and India, viz., Dr. Dorji Thinley, President, Paro College of Education, Dr. Debapriya Basu, Assistant Professor, IIT Guwahati and Professor Sanjay Kumar, Banaras Hindu University, Banaras. The hard work of the researchers became evident during the research presentation and defense when every student strove and gave their best one after the other. The critical remarks, suggestions and feedback provided by the external examiners inspired the scholars, enabling them to make necessary changes and elaborations in the dissertation before its final submission to the Research Committee of YCC.

The three-day scholarly interaction not only enriched the researchers who presented their works but also prepared the first year students for such academic engagement in the forthcoming semesters. Every day was a learning experience and at the end of the three-day presentation students acquired confidence to deliver, clarify and defend their work.

On the inaugural day, the research coordinator, Dr. P. Baburaj extended a warm welcome note to President, Dean YCC, panelists, the presenters, research supervisors, faculty, staff and the first semester students. At the end of the third day, Programme Leader Dr. S. Chitra proposed vote of thanks. The presence and co-operation of all the members throughout the programme indicated the cohesion of the team.

Ash Bdr Subba

Year I Sem I