RUB Connection

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

RUB Connection Welcome to the RUB Connection The RUB Connection1 A biannual newsletter of the Royal University The RUB of Bhutan Connection A biannual newsletter of the Royal In this issueUniversity of Bhutan Welcome to the RUB Connection In this Issue 1 Events 2 Welcome to the RUB Connection 1 In Motion 8 What’s New 2-3 AdvancementsAdvancements in Teaching Inand Teaching Learning And 12 People Learning 4-814 In Motion 9-13 Dear Readers, Research 15 Research 14-20 Welcome to the ninth issue of the RUB Connection, a biannual Student Event 21-2718 newsletter of the Royal welcomeUniversity of Bhutan. Excellence to in Perspective Student 28-3220 teaching, research, service and community engagement within RESEARCHPeople 33-34 the overarching vision of an internationally recognized university Person In Focus 35-36 thesteeped inRUB GNH values. Connection Perspective 37-38 DearThis Readers, semester, faculty and students took the opportunity to visit Advisor different countries such as Japan, Cambodia, Poland and USA Nidup Dorji, for their programme related activities, to take part in competition Vice Chancellor Welcomeand for to student the eighth exchange issue of programmes.the RUB Connection, The University a biannual is news-also Advisor letterexpanding of the Royalour servicesUniversity to ofthe Bhutan. community Excellence by offering in teaching, tailor- re- Nidup Dorji search,made service, programmes and community to professionals engagement in various within agencies.the overarching The Vice Chancellor visionUniversity of gross is nationalalso conducting happiness various (GNH) out is ofthe the primary textbook goal activities of RUB. Editorial Team to enhance their teaching and learning such as summer schools, conferences, seminars and symposiums. A series of research ManagingEditorial Editor team This is a special issue of the RUB Connection, dedicated to the 60th Birthcapacity Anniversary building of Hiswere Majesty conducted the Fourth which Druk resulted Gyalpo. in nationalThis year, Managing Editor and international research collaborations. Director General, DRER, OVC the colleges and the community came together to celebrate the royal Director General, DREF, OVE Finally the students, faculty and management of the Royal Editors anniversary by building meaningful landmarks and strengthening the cultureUniversity of arts of and Bhutan literature would across like theto joincountry. the NationRUB conducted in offering the our heartfelt felicitations and prayers to His Majesty the King Tshering News Choden, Coordinator DRER, OVC first university-wide sports competition which was very popular and Arial Lebowitz, Sonam Wangmo, IGNHaS DRER, OVC and Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen on the Royal Birth of His Royal wellHighness represented. Gyalsey New Jigme academic Namgyel programmes, Wangchuck, including the two heir new to Mas-the tersGolden level degreeThrone. programmes have been introduced in our colleges, News CoodinatorLayout concept and design which will affect the lives of our young men and women and our society Sonam KMT Wangmo, Printing Press As we work towards researching new heights, the RUB DRER, OVC as Connectiona whole. In willthe continuedomain of to research, bring you there the latestis increasing news on evidence teaching of facultyand interestlearning, in actionresearch based and studies innovation, and a fast services, growing community awareness of the need to disseminate the new knowledge for social good. Reporters engagements. RUB Colleges Reporter TheWith students, best wishes, faculty and management of the Royal University would like to join the nation in offering our deepest gratitude to our beloved Layout Concept & DesignVisit http://www.rub.edu.bt/index.php/newsletter Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck for his dynamic leadership, love SHERUBfor 2.0 e-copy of the newsletter Nidup Dorji and selfless contributions. www.sherubdorji.com© Royal University of Bhutan, 2016 Vice Chancellor As we work towards reachingTHE RUBnew CONNECTION heights, SPRINGthe RUB 2016 connection1 will continue to bring you the latest news on teaching and learning, re- search and innovation, services, and community engagements. Visit With best wishes http://www.rub.edu.bt/index.php/newsletter for e-copy of the newsletter Nidup Dorji Royal University of Bhutan, 2015 Vice Chancellor WHATS NEW Certificate Course on Social Policy 20th January 2016, Sherubtse Transformative Leadership at all This course aims at equipping College and the Institute for levels to design and implement professionals/parliamentarian/ Gross National Happiness Studies effective and evidence based policy Civil Society Organizations with (iGNHaS), in collaboration with making for positive change. Bhutan a range of analytical, management UNICEF and Jindal School of is in the transition to Middle Income and problem solving skills on Government Public Policy, New Country in few years to come and policy formulation, enactment Delhi launched a Fifteen day with a strong commitment towards and effective implementation that Certificate Course on Social Policy. SDGs thus the course becomes even in the best interests of women, more important to ensure specific children and the poor. It also aims at The programme was delivered by focus on equity and efficient service understanding the emerging critique Sherubtse College with technical delivery for children, women and of the gap between policy making assistance from the Jindal School vulnerable population. and the ground realities including of Government and Public Policy live case studies on policy issues (JSGP), New Delhi and UNICEF, Eleven Members of Parliament, in Bhutan. Bhutan, in both the design and 10 Chief/Deputy Chief Planning delivery of the course. Officer of the Ministries, and It is expected that the program will Directors of CSOs were enrolled in continue annually with hope to The partnership between the first batch of the course. upgrade the course to diploma or RUB-UNICEF-JSGP aims at higher degree in future. JNEC signs MoU with Construction Development Board On 1st March, 2016, a memorandum of understanding(MoU) was signed between Jigme Namgyel Engineering College(JNEC) and Construction Development Board(CDB), Thimphu. The main objectives of the MoU is to promote cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two agencies. As per the MoU, CDB desires to collaborate with JNEC in enhancing the quality and professionalism of contractors whereas JNEC agrees to collaborate with CDB to provide educational and training services. 2 THE RUB CONNECTION SPRING 2016 WHATS NEW Shes-Rig PAGES Launched RESEARCH On 30th March 2016, Shes-Rig PAGES – the biannual newsletter of Samtse College of Education was launched. Shes-Rig PAGES is a tribute to our beloved Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Dr.Karma Utha, Shes-Rig PAGES coordinator, shared a brief history of how the newsletter idea was conceived, team formation, themes selection and quality assurance processes. Dr. Dorji Thinley, Director of the college, read out the ‘Welcome’ note followed by Karma Gayphel and KezangChoden, lecturers of the college, and Sangay Dema, student, reading out an excerpt each from the newsletter. The newsletter covers eight themes namely Learning & Teaching, Campus Life & Experience, Research Initiatives, Events, People Infocus, Body-Mind Harmony, Kalapinka – The Voice, and Our Alumni.A copy of newsletter was distributed to all students and staff of the college. Copies were distributed to secondary schools, institutes and relevant organizations also. THE RUB CONNECTION SPRING 2016 3 ADVANCEMENTS IN TEACHING AND LEARNING Hands on training for Computer Science students The School of Mathematics and Computer Science at Sherubtse College conducted a series workshop for the computer science students. “The main reason behind conducting this workshop is to enhance the skills of graduating students by providing hands-on training,” said Professor Balamurugan. On 14th -15th May 2016, Basic network administration workshop was organized where students were introduced to basic networking, basic cisco command & configuration, vlan, aample network and IP addressing, network monitoring tools such as LibreNMS, Rancid and Smokeping. The second-day continued with training on cable crimping and cable testing, cabling and cabling specification, basic on fibre optic, and an overview of Sherubtse network design with a network campus tour. Mr. Chimi Dorji and Mr. Rinzin Phuntsho, ICT Officers of Sherubtse, resourced the workshop. In continuation, the School of Mathematics and Computer Science at Sherubtse conducted a network trouble shooting Mr. Vijay Kumar, a Lecturer of Physics Department, and hardware maintenance workshop for third year Computer Science students on 30th April – resourced the workshop. The college funded the workshop. 1st May 2016, . The Head of the Department and the third year students “We expect more of such practical workshop or acknowledged the college management for the successful activities to be carried out to enhance the skills of programme. the students besides reading the textbook,” said one of the third year students. 4 THE RUB CONNECTION SPRING 2016 ADVANCEMENTS IN TEACHING AND LEARNING Forest Plantation Survey by B.Sc. Forestry (Nested) During the spring semester of 2016, as part of their module (Applied silviculture), BSc. Forestry (Nested) of College of Natural Resources carried out forest plantation survey for a week. Under the guidance of the module tutor, students chose to survey college campus. The module provides theoretical background
Recommended publications
  • Geographical and Historical Background of Education in Bhutan
    Chapter 2 Geographical and Historical Background of Education in Bhutan Geographical Background There is a great debate regarding from where the name of „Bhutan‟ appears. In old Tibetan chronicles Bhutan was called Mon-Yul (Land of the Mon). Another theory explaining the origin of the name „Bhutan‟ is derived from Sanskrit „Bhotanta‟ where Tibet was referred to as „Bhota‟ and „anta‟ means end i. e. the geographical area at the end of Tibet.1 Another possible explanation again derived from Sanskrit could be Bhu-uttan standing for highland, which of course it is.2 Some scholars think that the name „Bhutan‟ has come from Bhota (Bod) which means Tibet and „tan‟, a corruption of stan as found in Indo-Persian names such as „Hindustan‟, „Baluchistan‟ and „Afganistan‟etc.3 Another explanation is that “It seems quite likely that the name „Bhutan‟ has come from the word „Bhotanam‟(Desah iti Sesah) i.e., the land of the Bhotas much the same way as the name „Iran‟ came from „Aryanam‟(Desah), Rajputana came from „Rajputanam‟, and „Gandoana‟ came from „Gandakanam‟. Thus literally „Bhutan‟ means the land of the „Bhotas‟-people speaking a Tibetan dialect.”4 But according to Bhutanese scholars like Lopen Nado and Lopen Pemala, Bhutan is called Lho Mon or land of the south i.e. south of Tibet.5 However, the Bhutanese themselves prefer to use the term Drukyul- the land of Thunder Dragon, a name originating from the word Druk meaning „thunder dragon‟, which in turn is derived from Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Bhutan presents a striking example of how the geographical setting of a country influences social, economic and political life of the people.
    [Show full text]
  • English Newsletter Volume IV Issue I
    “SecuringSaZhi the priceless land for prosperity and happiness ” National Land Commission’s quarterly newsletter January–March, 2017 Vol. IV, Issue I Inside this Issue New Secretary joins Office of the International Citizen Portal for urban Pg. 2 Boundaries land and property trans- actions Mr. Lethro Tobden Tangbi Taking Land Services to Pg. 3 joined as the new Secretary for the grassroot level International Boundary Office, th Bhutan Land Dashboard Pg. 5 on 15 February, 2017. Well- to be developed wishers, friends and family members gathered to offer Empowering NLCS fe- Pg. 9 male employees khadhar during Tendrel ceremo- ny. Overall concept & advisor: He served in the Office of the Pema Chewang, Secretary His Majesty’s Secretariat of the New IB Secretary Lethro Tobden Tangbi Fourth Druk Gyalpo prior to the Editorial Team present post. He first joined the He holds Masters in Public Ad- civil service in the Ministry of ministration from International Gonpo Tenzin- Chief, PPD Home & Cultural Affairs in 1989. Institute of Public Administration During 28 years of service he Gungsang Wangdi- PPD (IIPA) in Paris, France. served in various capacities. Dorji Wangchuk, LMD New Lagthrams Issued Thromde along with copies of Chazhag thrams to Dzongrab Nima Gyeltshen on 18th January, 2017. There are 464 thramhold- ers under Bajo Throm including 22 government institutions. The new lagthrams contain not only land details of the landown- er but also respective cadastral maps with coordinates. The landowners will have to pay a minimal fee of Nu.200 for urban The Director handing over New Lagthrams to Wangdue Dzongrab Lagthram. The Director for Department of ment Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016
    The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016 Our nation’s vision can only be fulfilled if the scope of our dreams and aspirations are matched by the reality of our commitment to nurturing our future citizens. —His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Table of Contents 4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President 8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright! 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage 16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers 18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope 24 How the young and old bring a community back to life 26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation 29 Our Partners 30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 34 Financial Overview 36 Ways to Give 38 Our Team Table of Contents 4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President 8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright! 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage 16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers 18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope 24 How the young and old bring a community back to life 26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation 29 Our Partners 30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 34 Financial Overview 36 Ways to Give 38 Our Team A Time to Invest .
    [Show full text]
  • COINAGE in BHUTAN Nicholas Rhodes
    COINAGE IN BHUTAN Nicholas Rhodes'" Introduction In Thimphu, and elsewhere in Western Bhutan, it is still possible to find many examples of the old copper coins, known as Matam, Chetam and Zangtam. Old silver coins can also be found, although less frequently. Very little, however, has been written about the background to these coins - who made them, where and when, and how they were used. The purpose of this article is to set out what I know about these old Bhutanese coins, not only to present the information more widely, but also in the hope that there will be people in Bhutan who will be encouraged to provide additional evidence from oral tradition, written records, or from any other sources. Elderly people may still be alive who remember such coins being struck, but unless their memories are recorded soon, the information will be lost forever. Before the 1950s, there were no urban communities in Bhutan, and coins only played a small part in the economy of the country, serving mainly as a store of value, and as ceremonial gifts or donations. Silver coins, usually foreign coins, also served as the raw material from which jewellery and "pan" boxes were made. Day to day life mainly involved subsistence farming, supplemented by barter. Taxes were paid either in kind or in services, and land rent was paid as a share of the produce, again in kind. Some insight into how coins were used in the old days can be obtained from Karma Ura's books, The Hero with a Thousand Nicholas Rhodes holds an MA in mathematics from Trinity College, Cambridge.
    [Show full text]
  • Downloads/Press/ N2129/Html/Ch02.Xhtml?Referer=2129&Page=8
    DESIGNING DEVOTION: THE VISUAL MECHANISMS USED TO BUILD A PERSONALITY CULT RUEHL MULLER 211167797 Supervisor: Bruce Cadle Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for Degree Master of Technology Graphic Design November 2017 i Declaration I, Ruehl Muller, hereby declare that this dissertation is my own work and that it has not been submitted for assessment or completion of any postgraduate qualification to another university, or for any other qualification. Ruehl Muller November 2017 i Abstract This study develops a model that aims to prove that, regardless of socio- political system, where a cult of personality exists, the mechanisms that are used to construct it and to maintain it, from a visual communication perspective, exhibit a methodological sameness. Drawing on Collins’ (2004) theory of emotional energy and interaction rituals, and Márquez’s (2013; 2017) application of said theory as an explanation of the personality cult phenomenon, the model seeks to identify, with regard to affective- emotional constructions, what is required from leader-based foci to initiate this process. To achieve this, artefacts (visual representations) of Kim Jong- il, Ayatollah Khomeini, King Mswati III, and Saparmurat Niyazov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow were collated from within North Korea, Iran, Swaziland and Turkmenistan respectively. Analyses of both the design and semiotic components of the artefacts were conducted and the findings used to develop the model. The model was tested through four unique case studies of personality cults not affiliated with its construction. Keywords: personality cults, social design, political design, social and political agency, propaganda, affective sciences, visual communication, Kim Jong-il, King Mswati III, Ayatollah Khomeini, Saparmurat Niyazov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.
    [Show full text]
  • 2Nd Parliament of Bhutan 7Th Session
    2ND PARLIAMENT OF BHUTAN 7TH SESSION Resolution No. 7 PROCEEDINGS AND RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF BHUTAN (MAY 26 - JULY 7, 2016) Speaker: Jigme Zangpo Table of Content 1 Opening Ceremony……………………..........................................1 2. Resolution on the 23 Disputed Clauses of Jabmi (Amendment) Act of Bhutan 2014 between the National Assembly and the National Council................................................3 3 Resolution of the Joint Sitting on the 12 disputed Clauses of the Companies Bill of Bhutan, 2014 between the National Assembly and National Council…………...6 4 Joint Sitting Resolution on the Re-deliberation of Paro DzongkhagThromde………………………….…………..……….8 5 Resolution on the National Budget Report for the Financial Year 2016-2017………………..........……….………...16 6 Resolution on the Motion to withdraw the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2016…………………………….............…...25 7 Resolution on the Report of the Women, Children and Youth Committee (WCYC)………………………....…………....27 8 Question Hour: Group A- Questions asked to the Prime Minister, Minister for Information and Communication and Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs…….................…….31 9 Resolution on the Third Reading of the Customs Bill of Bhutan 2015…...............................................................................33 10 Question Hour: Group B- Questions asked to the Minister for Agriculture and Forests and Minister for Eduction………......34 11 Resolution on the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Annual Report 2015...................................................................................35
    [Show full text]
  • Speech of the Hon. Speaker Jigme Zangpo at the Opening Ceremony of the Seventh Session of the Second Parliament of Bhutan
    Speech of the Hon. Speaker Jigme Zangpo at the Opening Ceremony of the Seventh Session of the Second Parliament of Bhutan 1. Today, on behalf of the Members of Parliament and on my own behalf, I would like to welcome and express gratitude to Your Majesty for gracing the Opening Ceremony of the Seventh Session of the Second Parliament. I would also like to welcome Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, Members of the Royal Family, representatives from the monastic body, senior Government officials, Armed Force personnel, diplomats and the public to the ceremony. 2. As everyone is aware, this year is indeed an extraordinary and a historic one for Bhutan and the Bhutanese people. As the saying goes, “Heaven holds the trinity of the sun, moon and the stars while earth holds the trinity of the King, Ministers and the People.” Today in Bhutan, there is peace in the country with great unity among the people, government and the gracious presence of Their Majesties. Moreover, I would like to submit that it is truly unprecedented in the history of Bhutan to witness and serve under the dynamic leadership of His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck in a single period. The Bhutanese people cannot be more prosperous than today. 3. I would like to submit here that it is remarkable to witness Her Majesty the Grandmother Kezang Choedon Wangchuck, Her Majesty Queen Mothers Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Tshering Pem Wangchuck, Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck and Sangay Choden Wangchuck, and Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck for having carried out royal aspirations Page 1 of 5 of His Majesty under their patronage for the welfare of the Country and the people which remain an extraordinary symbols.
    [Show full text]
  • The Fascinating Life of Lama Changchub Tsöngrü (1817- ∗ 1856) According to His Biography
    THE FASCINATING LIFE OF LAMA CHANGCHUB TSÖNGRÜ (1817- ∗ 1856) ACCORDING TO HIS BIOGRAPHY FRANCOISE POMMARET hangchub Tsöngrü (Byang chub brtson grus) is known in Bhutan to have been the lama of the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal (1825- C1881), to have given a prophecy about his ascension to power and to have invented the "Jarog dong cen" (bya rog gdong can) headgear to protect him.1 I therefore assumed– wrongly– that Changchub Tsöngrü came from Tibet to Bhutan at the invitation of Jigme Namgyal, became his lama and died in Trongsa. In fact, his biography relates how he was associated with Bhutan at a young age and spent most of his life travelling between Tibet and Bhutan, and especially between Lhodrak and Bumthang. While reading Changchub Tsöngrü’s biography, one marvels constantly at his incredible activity and what he achieved in such a short span of time. He was a free spirit, travelling almost incessantly, interested in teachings from different religious schools, and detached from material possessions. He also appears to have been a powerful– and much sought after– lama, able to subdue two categories of spirits, the lu (klu) and the gyelpo (rgyal po). The importance of this Tibetan lama in the political and religious life of Bhutan in the mid-19th century cannot be underestimated. This paper will present the socio-religious background of the lama and will concentrate on his activities in Bhutan, as presented in his biography. The intent, here, is not to give a complete picture of the life of this fascinating figure but to present some events from his biography.
    [Show full text]
  • Royal Family Tree of Bhutan
    The Royal Family Tree of Bhutan Yum Tima Yab Rigzin Pema Yum Bumdren alias Sithar M Lingpa (1450-1521) M Peling Say Khedrup Wangmo, Peling Say Drakpa Drakpa Kunchog Gyalsay Dawa Gyeltshen Kinga Wangchuck / M Descendant of Ache Ugyen Gyelpo Gyelpo Zangpo Sangdag Wangpo (b. 1505) Guru Choewang Choje Ngawang Tsheten Gyelmo Karma Leyzom, Descendant Choje Kuenga Phogla alias M of Guru Choewang Wangchen Gyeltshen Sanga Dungkar Choje Paro Penlop M Tamzhing Choeje Jakar Dung Khic'og Zam Galay Bac'og Choje Drekha Choje Langkha M Nim Dorji Wangzom Penlop Ugyen Phuntsho Rinchen Pemo Chogley Yeshey Zimpon Ngodrup (5th Speech Choenzo Zam Pila Gonpo Dungkar Sangay M Pala Gyeltshen Drega C'anglong Gompa Incarnation ) Wangyal M Sonam Pemo 3rd Wife Khelma Dzongpon Sharpa Kitshelpa Dorji Gangzur Zhelngo Yum Pema Dungkar Tshering Lhundzongpa Desi Jigme Yum Pema Sangay 8th Sungtrul Jakar Penlop Jakar Dung Paro Tsentop M Dungkar Jigme 2nd Wife from M M Chukpo alias M M Nob Gyeltshen M Phenkem Penchung Namgyel Tshewang Choki's Sister, M Dolma of Khuay Dorji Namgyel Choki Lhamo Tenpai Nyima Pema Tenzin Ngedup Pemo Tashigang Thinley Pem Gyeltshen Lhuntse Jang Tshewang Jemo M Kesang Doma Sangay Lhamo Tangbi Naktshang Dzongpon , Ugyen M 1st Wife, Ney Chukpo Zamo Kuenga 5th Sersang Lam Maharaja Thimphu Dungkar Ashi Trongsa Dronyer Lhuntse Zimpon Zhemgang 2nd HM Queen, Sonam Tenzin Wangdicholing Ashi Ngodrup Gongzim Kazi Zhongar Namgyel Ugyen HM Ugyen Jakar Nyerchen Penlop Thinley Jakar Dzongpon 1st HM Queen Tashigang Gyeltshen alias M Gyeltshen Dorji Thuptop Dzongpon
    [Show full text]
  • The Call Articles
    The Call Stories of Yesteryears Centre for Educational Research and Development December 2002 The Call Stories of Yesteryears A Publication of the Centre for Educational Research and Development Department of Education Rinpung, NIE, Paro. Telefax No. 00975 8 272 011 E-mail address: [email protected] December 2002 @ Centre for Educational Research and Development. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without permission from the CERD. ISBN: 99936-19-02-7 The views and reflections documented in The Call are those of the authors. The printing of The Call has been supported by the Canadian Cooperation Office, Thimphu, Bhutan. Printed at: KUENSEL Corporation Press, Thimphu, Bhutan. 2 ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND EDUCATION THIMPHU BHUTAN Foreword The progress of the Kingdom of Bhutan has been a dream surpassing itself. The will of man matched the warrant of history. The cloistered and sheltered valleys and hamlets awoke to the call of the moment. The doors opened. We embraced the brotherhood of nations. The land of the peaceful dragon has moved on… It has been a most exciting journey – at once baffling, at once beckoning. The inexorable logic development has not thrown us adrift though. Thanks to the wisdom of our forefathers and the vision of our enlightened leaders, we have sailed along keeping our souls largely intact while at the same time reaping the fruits of the endeavors of the wider community of mankind. From the simple complements of an agrarian society soaked in the values of religion, we have stepped on the threshold of the digital age.
    [Show full text]
  • Information As of 4 September 2020 Has Been Used in Preparation of This Directory
    Information as of 4 September 2020 has been used in preparation of this directory. PREFACE Key To Abbreviations Adm. Admiral Admin. Administrative, Administration Asst. Assistant Brig. Brigadier Capt. Captain Cdr. Commander Cdte. Comandante Chmn. Chairman, Chairwoman Col. Colonel Ctte. Committee Del. Delegate Dep. Deputy Dept. Department Dir. Director Div. Division Dr. Doctor Eng. Engineer Fd. Mar. Field Marshal Fed. Federal Gen. General Govt. Government Intl. International Lt. Lieutenant Maj. Major Mar. Marshal Mbr. Member Min. Minister, Ministry NDE No Diplomatic Exchange Org. Organization Pres. President Prof. Professor RAdm. Rear Admiral Ret. Retired Rev. Reverend Sec. Secretary VAdm. Vice Admiral VMar. Vice Marshal Afghanistan Last Updated: 24 Jun 2019 Pres. Ashraf GHANI CEO Abdullah ABDULLAH, Dr. First Vice Pres. Abdul Rashid DOSTAM Second Vice Pres. Sarwar DANESH First Deputy CEO Khyal Mohammad KHAN Min. of Agriculture, Irrigation, & Livestock Nasir Ahmad DURRANI Min. of Border & Tribal Affairs Gul Agha SHERZAI Min. of Commerce & Industry Ajmal AHMADY (Acting) Min. of Counternarcotics Salamat AZIMI Min. of Defense Asadullah KHALID (Acting) Min. of Economy Mohammad Mustafa MASTOOR Min. of Education Mohammad Mirwais BALKHI (Acting) Min. of Energy & Water Tahir SHARAN (Acting) Min. of Finance Mohammad Humayun QAYOUMI (Acting) Min. of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin RABBANI Min. of Hajj & Islamic Affairs Faiz Mohammad OSMANI Min. of Higher Education Abdul Tawab BALAKARZAI (Acting) Min. of Information & Culture Hasina SAFI (Acting) Min. of Interior Mohammad Masood ANDARABI (Acting) Min. of Justice Abdul Basir ANWAR Min. of Martyred, Disabled, Labor, & Social Affairs Sayed Anwar SADAT (Acting) Min. of Mines & Petroleum Nargis NEHAN (Acting) Min. of Parliamentary Affairs Faruq WARDAK Min.
    [Show full text]
  • Coinage in Bhutan
    COINAGE IN BHUTAN Nicholas Rhodes* Introduction In Thimphu, and elsewhere in Western Bhutan, it is still possible to find many examples of the old copper coins, known as Matam, Chetam and Zangtam. Old silver coins can also be found, although less frequently. Very little, however, has been written about the background to these coins - who made them, where and when, and how they were used. The purpose of this article is to set out what I know about these old Bhutanese coins, not only to present the information more widely, but also in the hope that there will be people in Bhutan who will be encouraged to provide additional evidence from oral tradition, written records, or from any other sources. Elderly people may still be alive who remember such coins being struck, but unless their memories are recorded soon, the information will be lost forever. Before the 1950's, there were no urban communities in Bhutan, and coins only played a small part in the economy of the country, serving mainly as a store of value, and as ceremonial gifts or donations. Silver coins, usually foreign coins, also served as the raw material from which jewellery and “pan” boxes were made. Day to day life mainly involved subsistence farming, supplemented by barter. Taxes were paid either in kind or in services, and land rent was paid as a share of the produce, again in kind. Some insight into how coins were used in the old days can be obtained from Karma Ura's books, The Hero with a Thousand * Nicholas Rhodes holds an MA in mathematics from Trinity College, Cambridge.
    [Show full text]