RTC Happenings
22nd May 2013 – Under RTC’s semester theme of Living Free - Without Tobacco & Drugs, the Advocacy & Outreach Committee in collaboration with the Bhutan Narcotics Control Agency (BNCA) organized WINDS OF CHANGE – VOICES & FACES OF RECOVERY, a forum of drug addiction & recovery.
The forum comprisedof two recovering addicts, Mr. Tshewang Tenzin, a member of Chithuen Phendhey Association & Ms. Dechen Wangmo, Peer Counselor, Rehabilitation Center, who shared their experiences and their transformation from addiction towards recovery. Their stories were truly inspirational. At the end of their talks, they thanked RTC and the audience for being a part of their recovering process. The forum also witnessed Dr. Nirola, Psychiatrist, JDWNRH who spoke from a health perspective and shared about prevention, as well as, the treatment process for addictions. Lama Shenphen, on the other hand, spoke on drug addiction from a spiritual perspective. The last speaker of the forum, Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Deputy Chief Counselor, BNCA spoke on the mandates of BNCA as well as shared facts and figures on drug addiction in Bhutan. The inspirational forum ended with an interactive Q&A session.
This forum was consistent with RTC’s emphasis on respect for self and others as both tobacco and drug use not only seriously undermines a person’s health but also create problems for the broader community. It also is consistent with the college’s emphasis on responsible citizenship, as it encourages behavior aligned with laws (especially the Tobacco Control Act) intended to promote the health and welfare of all Bhutanese citizens.
RTC hopes to continue organizing such informative and educational forums and events in the near future, which will not only benefit students but also the public in general.
The Royal Thimphu College celebrated its 5th Annual Sports Day on Saturday, 18th May 2013. This celebration was dedicated to the graduating class of 2013 who will graduate this July.
Mr. Tshewang Tandin, Director General, Department of Adult and Higher Education graced the event as the Honorable Chief Guest. The half-day event was declared open with the lighting of the Olympic Torch by Mr. Tshewang Tandin.
The RTC ground wore a festive look with colorful banners and flags. Student volunteers, faculty and staff put in their best efforts to provide an ideal platform for the students to showcase their sporting talents. The Student Government organized the event consisting of track and field events and tug of wars between the different programs. The sports day also included events especially for the final year students. Among the 6 program-based combined teams, BCA, Eco – Evs and Soc-Pol. Sc was declared the overall winner. In addition to the active involvement of the students, International exchange students from Wheaton College and Texas A&M along with RTC staff demonstrated immense enthusiasm and took part in events like 1,500 meters race, 3 legged race, threading the needle and musical chairs. The lively participation from the staff and the guests provided amusement and enhanced interest in the event.
Attractive prizes were awarded to all frontrunners of the sports events, student volunteers and officials from the Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation who also extended their full support and used their expertise to help make the Sports Day a great success. The “Best Female Athlete” was awarded to Ms. Tashi Euden Wangchuk (BA English & Environmental Studies) 1st year and Ms. Karma Dema (Bachelor of Computer Applications) 2nd year. Mr. Kuenga Gyeltshen (BA Sociology & Political Science) First Year was declared the “Best Male Athlete”.
RTC will be organizing a series of such events to mark and celebrate the graduation of its second cohort.
Every year the RTC cricket team participates in the tournament organized by Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB). This year RTC participated in the Twenty20 league organized by BCCB. Skulls, a team comprising of six RTC staff players, also participated.
Both the teams played 4 matches in the league and Skulls managed to win one game whereas RTC failed to secure any win. However, there were some remarkable performances from few players from both the sides.
Tshering Tashi (BA Eng Evs final year student) the ex Cricket National Player cum C level coach scored 86 runs in 56 balls in their 3rd match against Bhutan Telecom on 11/4/2013. In the same match, Thinley Namgay (BCA final year student) took 3 wickets in 4 over. Even though the RTC team lost the game by 3 runs, they gave their best to fight against the team consisting of Bhutan National players.
RTC Faculty Mr. Subhajit Sanyal from the team ‘skulls’ scored 55 runs in 45 balls against the RTC team. Skulls won the match by 9 wickets.
Mr. Suraj and Mr. Budhiman both medium fast bowlers took 3 wickets each against RTC team.
The above mentioned were amongst the highest wicket taker and highest scorer in the first round of the tournament.
RTC will continue to participate in the future tournaments.