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

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