letro and Sonam, residents of Bhutan, received their BSc (Honours) Forestry 2008-2012 degree at the fifth convocation of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Tuesday. Interestingly, they were the only foreigners in their academic session comprising under graduation, post graduation and research scholars. Both hail from different families of farmers joined the state university through Government of India’s scholarship after passing class twelfth.
“We are proud to bag a degree of BAU. Fortunately, after passing from the university, we appeared in the Royal Civil Service Examination of our country in 2012 and got a job of Assistant Divisional Forest Officer,” said letro, the topper of the batch.
Asked why they preferred working in their motherland, Sonam said, “About 72 percent of Bhutan is covered by forests. Our country gave us an opportunity to study in India so it is our moral responsibility to return the obligation. We have always wanted to work for the preservation of the environment since both of our families are involved in the profession of farming.”
letro is a resident of Wangdue and posted at National Park of Bhutan. Sonam on the other side belongs to Pemagatshel and posted in letro’s native place.
It was the scholarship which made them visit India for the first time. “We have visited Mussoorie, New Delhi, Kolkata and Gaya. It was a memorable experience studying at Ranchi. India is known for hospitality of guests. We did feel the pleasure. None of our batchmates, seniors or faculty members ever discriminated us. Instead, they always treated us like VIPs,” said Sonam.
Prior to coming India, they learned Hindi speaking in order to have good terms with citizens of the nation. “We loved watching PK and Kuch Kuch Hota Hain. Bollywood movies are doing well,” said letro.
letro and Sonam are sons of farmers but their family is no where down in pursuing higher education. Elder brother of one of the youths is pursuing PhD from Curtin University, Australia.
Though they have accomplished the goal, they are not happy with the life of their batchmates. “We got scope of exploring our academic life in our country. The scenario is different in Jharkhand. There are no career opportunities for BSc Forestry students in this state. With no option left,
they are bound to work in agriculture, veterinary or biotechnology. The University and government should create avenues for them,” pointed letro.