Coinciding with the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, the college celebrated the historic events on 27th October, in its 41 years of service to the nation, as a heartfelt dedication to His Majesty, the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Since its establishment in 1974, Jigme Namgyel Polytechnic until recent time, focused primarily on providing Diploma level programmes to growing numbers of students. Today, the college is crossing yet another milestone in its history with introduction of bachelor’s degree programme in engineering.
The inauguration ceremony of the first bachelor’s degree in Power Engineering was graced by His Excellency, Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan as a Chief Guest. The other distinguished guest includes His Excellency, Lyonpo Mingbo Dukpa, the Minister of Education, Vice Chancellor of Royal University of Bhutan, Dasho Nidup Dorji, Former Chairperson of Anti-Corruption Commission, Dasho Neten Zangmo and Professors from IIT, Roorkee and Pune College of Engineering and also other dignitaries from Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag administration as well as from other esteemed organizations.
In his address, Lyonchen mentioned that Bhutan though a small nation with limited population has given top priority in providing knowledge and skills to growing population which has become vital for country’s sovereignty, prosperity and unity. Lyonchen clearly stated that the Jigme Namgyel Engineering College in its 41 years of service, has trained 3032 engineers towards national work-force and is benefiting the nation significantly. “The unfailing service of Jigme Namgyel Polytechnic for 41 years of training students in the service of nation deeply lies in the concern and guardianship shown by His Majesty the King and the Queen” Lyonchen stated.
His Excellency, Lyonchen also thanked the presence of erstwhile Directors of Jigme Namgyel Polytechnic, Dasho Neten Zangmo, who served the college from 1988 to 1992 and Mr. Kezang Chhodar, who served from 1992 to 2010 and also Mr. Karma Drukpa, former officiating Director, for their invaluable contributions.
As a token of guidance to all the students, Lyonchen shared that there are ample opportunities for graduates with several developmental activities and plans of the government in the area of hydro projects. Thus, Lyonchen mentioned that students must consider and realize the investment made by the government and parents in them for their future rather than considering one’s background. Citing himself as an example, Lyonchen shared that one’s accomplishment in life is nothing to do with strong background in terms of family or wealth rather its one’s effort and willingness to pave forward, which matters.
Momentous event as a dedication to His Majesty, the fourth Druk Gyalpo on his 60th Birth Anniversary, Lyonchen pronounced that the event is symbolic as the foundation of Jigme Namgyel Polytechnic was laid in 1972 during the enthronement of His Majesty and formal establishment of Jigme Namgyel Polytechnic in 1974, when His Majesty was crowned as the fourth King of Bhutan. The college on celebrating yet another historic event on the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty, Lyonchen said it is worthy to dedicate and pay tribute for His Majesty.
One the day, Lyonchen launched the new name of the Institute with the introduction of bachelor degree in the Institute. On unfurling the new name, it was accompanied by huge roar of applause as a positive sign from faculty, staff and students, thus embraced Jigme Namgyel Engineering College as Institute’s new name. Later Lyonchen also graced the opening of Book exhibition as well as exhibition titled ‘INNOVATION 2015’, a show case of innovation and skills of students.
In his address, Lyonchen expressed his pleasing moment at Jigme Namgyel Engineering College to mark the significance of the event and congratulated the Director, faculty and staff members in achieving such a remarkable milestone with a word of further endeavor.