In the Spring semester of 2023, seven esteemed faculty and staff members embarked on an Erasmus+ Mobility journey, spanning various dates throughout the semester.

Dr. Jelle J.P Wouters, then the Programme Leader of the Political Science and Sociology Programme and currently the Head of the Himalayan Centre for Environmental Humanities, set out from 3rd to 10th February. His mobility offered a valuable opportunity to collaborate with international counterparts, exchange research ideas, and strengthen the academic ties between institutions. As a key figure in the field, Dr. Wouters' participation fostered a sense of mutual understanding and cooperation between different political and sociological approaches.

Followed by Dr. Wouters was Ms. Zajano Yanthan, a faculty member of the Anthropology Programme, who embarked on her Erasmus+ journey from 28th April to 7th May. Ms. Yanthan shared, ‘’The Erasmus exchange mobility also benefited me on various levels including my academic and career journey as well as on a personal level. I experienced varied global academic practices by interacting with and observing students, scholars, and faculties.’’ Engaging with students, scholars, and faculties from different parts of the world exposed her to diverse global academic practices, leaving a lasting impact on her academic and career journey.

The third group comprising Kencho Pelzom, Tshering Yangdon, and Chimi Yuden participated in the mobility program from 16th to 22nd July. Each of them represented different offices, International Relations Office (IRO), Business Development Office (BDO), and the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL), respectively. During their time abroad, these individuals had constructive and beneficial meetings and sessions in line with their specific work areas. The exchange of ideas and best practices in their respective fields significantly contributed to their professional growth and enriched their departments back home.

In addition to the four faculty and staff members mentioned earlier, Dr. Henk Blezer and Dr. Radhika Gupta from Leiden University embarked on an Erasmus Mobility journey to Royal Thimphu College from March 25th to 2nd April. During their visit, they made significant contributions to the Anthropology and Political Science & Sociology Programme classes. Their presence brought a fresh perspective to the teaching methods, content, and knowledge, creating a vibrant learning environment for both faculty members and students. The visit of Dr. Blezer and Dr. Gupta was an exciting and beneficial experience for all parties involved, the students had a unique chance to learn from distinguished professors with diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Exposure to new teaching styles and perspectives broadened their horizons and stimulated intellectual curiosity.

The Spring semester of 2023 saw seven exemplary individuals embark on their Erasmus+ Mobility journeys. Their active participation led to personal growth and contributed to the program's aim of fostering cross-cultural collaboration and enhancing academic practices globally. Their experiences highlight the power of international mobility in nurturing a diverse academic community.

RTC Professor of Economics, Mr. Sanjeev Mehta received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023 in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of education and three decades of service in Bhutan. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. PBSA is conferred by the Hon’ble President of India as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organization/institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad.

Professor Sanjeev Mehta is currently serving as the Head of Social Sciences at Royal Thimphu College. He joined RTC in February 2009 to contribute to the academic and institutional planning for starting the College. He was also instrumental in the successful management of the programme in economics, the development of the curriculum of BA in Development Economics in 2016, and its revision in 2022. In 2008, he worked as a UNDP lead consultant to draft Bhutan’s first economic development policy. Prior to this, he served at Sherubtse College since September 1993, having been head of the economics department during which he designed the BA in Economics programme under the Royal University of Bhutan.

He has also worked to create and strengthen the student-oriented academic club for economics’ students which engaged in the publication of monthly newsletters, organisation of conferences, talks by eminent persons, and other co-curricular activities. He organized RTC’s first international conference in 2012. Besides his role as an educator, he is also involved in nationally useful research, consultancy work, and training activities, and is a regular columnist in the local newspapers contributing to informed debates on relevant issues. He has authored two books on the Bhutanese Economy, including “Nature and Structure of the Bhutanese Economy”. 

He has carried out research on issues related to growth, poverty, inequality, regional integration, FDI, and local government. Professor Mehta has also been a consultant to UNDP, UNESCAP, the World Bank, WIPO, ADB, and the Royal Government of Bhutan. Moreover, he served as a guest lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences, Osnabruck (Germany), and Szent Istvan University (Hungary), and as a member of the editorial board of Bhutan Journal for Research and Development (2012-15).

Professor Sanjeev Mehta was honoured with the National Order of Merit for his dedicated service by His Majesty the King of Bhutan in 2014. He was also awarded the Hind Rattan Award 2013 by the NRI Welfare Society of India.

Professor Mehta promotes active and student-oriented teaching and learning practices and has always been rated an excellent teacher and human being who serves as a role model to his students. 

A key element of inclusive education is valuing diversity within the human community. As one of the Higher Education Institutions in Bhutan, Royal Thimphu College has been on a journey to provide and promote inclusive education since 2019 with the enrolment of the first visually impaired student on a full scholarship who successfully graduated in the summer of 2022. Recently, RTC welcomed two new students in 2022, Chimi Dema and Sapuna Subba to its newly launched Bachelor of Sports and Health Sciences programme. Chimi and Sapuna are paralympic athletes and have represented Bhutan in many international paralympic games. RTC in partnership with the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) has supported them with full scholarships to pursue their degree studies. 

Chimi started her journey as a shotput athlete at the Bhutan Paralympic Committee in 2018 and has since participated in many international paralympic games including the recent Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games. Sapuna is a para-badminton athlete and has brought home two bronze medals from the Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG). “We were very nervous when we first came to RTC and being surrounded by people we did not know was very overwhelming, but we were able to get along with our classmates and make friends within the first few days. Now we have our own group of friends that we hang out with”, said Chimi and Sapuna. 

Chimi is currently serving as a part-time gym assistant on campus which gives her the opportunity to earn some monthly allowance from the college. She also helps students using the gym facilities to execute proper form and posture while working out. Sapuna has her badminton practice session every morning at the Multi-purpose hall with other students. Chimi and Sapuna wish to work at the Bhutan Paralympic Committee after graduating from RTC. “We want to give back to the organization that gave us endless opportunities. We want to advocate for people with disabilities and inspire them to come forward and achieve their dreams.”  

Inclusive Education goes beyond simply including people with disabilities on campus, we must have a campus-wide effort to build a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment that creates a sense of belonging and respect for diversity. Royal Thimphu College reiterates its commitment to building an inclusive culture on campus and promoting access to education for everyone.