Friday, June 18, 2010

PM defames abuse!

According to the director of Gaeddu College of Business Studies (GCBS) about 10 percent of his first and second year students are in to drugs and alcohol.

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley’s visit to GCBS yesterday also saw him deliberate on alcohol and drug issues to the college students. Lyonchhen said that such abuse is a serious problem. He suspects that in all our schools, Institutions in general alcohol and drugs are one of the pertinent issues that cloud the learning process.

“If it is a problem and yet you don’t admit it, you are not proud of it. If you don’t raise your hands, you are ashamed of it. If ashamed of it, then it is wrong. Then why do it?” Lyonchhen told the students.

Lyonchhen said that those students surrendering to drugs and alcohol have no self-confidence and the courage to face student community. “They are not being able to sicialise. There is something inherently wrong about the way he or she sees himself or herself. As I see many students abusing drugs, I worry about the health of this country,” Lyonchhen said questioning the students, “Why would you take drugs? Think about what it does to you, to your parents, your siblings and to the members of your family?”

Lyonchhen urged the students to stop it if they are into this bad habit. “I appeal to you,” Lyonchhen said adding that those who do not stop start ostracizing them so that they are forced to quit and become better human beings. “Don’t let this cancer waste your system, your body,” he beseeched.

“Drugs and alcohol is a reflection of society as a whole, however, we do have some issues related to both. We however, have no problems with the senior students,” Lhatu Jamba, the director of the college said.

The director said that alcohol is easily available to the students with many licensed bars around the college campus. While on the other hand Phuentsholing being just some distance away students get drugs easily. “The college however, is very vigilant on the matter,” he added.

According to most students the alcohol and drugs issue they said that the gloomy weather and easy accessibility are the reasons behind it’s popularity.

“It is mostly students who hail from well off families who are into drugs. Lesser fortunate ones go for cheap alcohol available in every shop in the vicinity of the college. Like Lyonchhen said, they flaunt and glamourise the habit amongst their peers. And with one friend into the habit, the rest naturally follow,” observed one BBA students. However, he said that college authorities are doing their best to straighten those gone awry.

Lyonchhen asserts developement!

“When I talk about the private sector, I am talking about you. Private sector needs you. You are supposed to be the mentor and the brain of the ever growing dynamic private sector. Don’t be passive. Carrying a degree certificate is not enough. It doesn’t guarantee success. A degree certificate is just a proof of your capability. Capability has to be demonstrated,” Lyonchhen emphasised.

His Excellency Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley yesterday spoke to an assembly of 854 students and 63 Lecturers of Gaeddu College of Business Studies in the college’s multi purpose hall.

Lyonchhen began his speech saying, “As you graduate from here you will have the power to shape the nation. Our thoughts are focused on the future. I am here because you are all important to the nation and it’s people. As servants of the people, we need to know your fears, thoughts and dreams.”

Lyonchhen then immediately went on to talk to the students about the government’s broad development visions, strategies, programs and challenges. “Poverty, balanced and equitable opportunities, social justice and equity, lays a strong and irreversible foundation for democracy,” he said adding that the students as the cream of the nation must play a leading role in the growth of democratic culture.

According to Lyonchhen, Bhutan is moving towards becoming knowledge based, green and sustainable economy and be self-reliant by 2020. “As of now we are excessively dependent on donors. Our current revenue is enough only to meet our recurring costs. And to fulfill these goals the government in April this year launched Economic Development Policy (EDP),” Lyonchhen told the students.

Lyonchhen said that through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and EDP and the advantage of being located in the most rapidly prospering region, Bhutan will work towards coming up with Harvard, Oxford, world renowned IIT and IIMS standard of education in Bhutan.

“When I talk about the private sector, I am talking about you. Private sector needs you. You are supposed to be the mentor and the brain of the ever growing dynamic private sector. Don’t be passive. Carrying a degree certificate is not enough. It doesn’t guarantee success. A degree certificate is just a proof of your capability. Capability has to be demonstrated,” Lyonchhen emphasised.

Lyonchhen then went on to stress on Bhutan’s need to develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) since it is here that the business students can create manpower to serve the ICT sector. “Government intends to make Bhutan a data processing centers. We want Multi National Companies to come and say that Bhutan is green and peaceful. Bachelors of Business Administration students with IT capability can make this come true. The area of Information and Technology centre will be increased from 5 to 18 acres for the purpose,” he added.

Lyonchhen urged the students to use their brains. “The more you think the more ideas will emerge. Will policies succeed because it is good? No! Each one of you will have to make it succeed. You are the implementers of development policies government comes up with. Take advantage of opportunities. You will have to strengthen and inspire private sector,” He asserted.

The government hence forth according to Lyonchhen will play lesser role; the government will only create facilities, means and craft environment for the economic growth. Economic growth being the function of private sectors anywhere in the world, Lyonchhen urged the students not to look for hand-outs so and become complacent and slothful.

“Currently, everything comes from the government. The donor countries must be replaced by private sector. You are part of the grand government scheme to make this happen. I would like all of you to join private sector and make a difference,” Lyonchhen said, citing how many muti-millionaires and billionaires the world over conceived ideas when young. “I would like to see some of you getting bigger than Bill Gates. If you are passive, you will not succeed,” he added.

Inspired by Lyonchhen’s deliberations, Namgay Wangchuk, 8th semester Majors in Finance student said that the 74 final year students of the college once out in the market will come up with 74 new business ideas and try and propel the nation’s economy.

While on the other hand Sonam Dolma, second semester Bachelors of Commerce student in awe inspiration said that she felt like shedding tears listening to Lyonchhen speak. “It reminded me of my dear father who would often talk to me about progress and serving Tsa Wa Sum with Tha Damtse Lay Jumdray. Lyonchhen’s implications were exactly the same. He should, if time permits him often come and talk to us. He speaks from the heart and it matters,” she said.

“The fact that His Excellency chose to stand before the podium and speak to the gathering for three long hours says a lot about him. I found him acting like a common man. He did not at all speak as the Prime Minister. What further baffled me was, he responded to the questions of each student like a teacher would,” Rama Kishnan, Accountancy Lecturer of the college said adding that with a man of his calibre and humility even gods must envy him.

Lhatu Jamba the college director said that Lyonchhen’s speech on the EDP had cleared every doubt the students had about the policy. “It was very inspiring for the teaching faculty as well to hear him speak. Our students have pledged to be the generator of creative business ideas. Likewise, we here in the college will work towards making this college a business incubation centre in the future,” he added.

According to Dasho Pema Thinley, vice Chancellor of Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) Gaeddu College is almost seen as a business hub for exchange of ideas for the private sectors. “It has become a venue for them to give their employees short term trainings. And the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) is in full support of the initiative,” he declares.