October 06: 1,221 graduates are attending this year’s National Graduate Orientation Programme (NGOP) in Thimphu, which began yesterday.

The Labour and Human Resources Minister Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi graced the opening ceremony. The two week NGOP this year is being attended by 1,221 graduates, the highest number so far.

Speaking at the opening, the Labour and Human Resources Minister Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi said the graduates who are attending the orientation programme this year will be called Centennial Graduates.

Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi said this year’s graduates will be remembered for attending the orientation programme at a time when Bhutan is celebrating three historic events- the centenary of the Monarchy, the coronation of His Majesty the King and the establishment of the democratic form of government.

Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi reminded graduates of the greater roles and responsibilities that lie ahead of them. The Orientation Program will have three main components.

During the policy orientation part, the graduates will be familiarized with the government’s development policy programmes and activities and will also be briefed on employment opportunities in the civil service, corporations and the private sector.

The cultural orientation section will include sessions on various aspects of the country’s culture, tradition and etiquette. There will also be symposiums and debates on various topics including history, economic development, education, health, the civil service, media, corruption and other emerging issues.

Also present at the opening ceremony yesterday were the Education Minister Lyonpo Thakur Singh Powdyel, the Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, senior government officials and representatives from the international agencies.