To fulfil the noble vision of His Majesty The King to prevent youths from getting involved in bad habits of drug abuse and alcohol, especially during the vacation, the Central Monastic Body conducted a month-long orientation and training program on Buddhism and Culture. The programme which is a collaboration with the DeSuung Nangchoe Programme is carried out for youths in seven districts.
In Thimphu, the programme was carried out in 10 different centres which ended today. Students aged six to 19 years participated in the programme.
Unlike the past years, this time, the Nangchoe programme was focused on addressing the concerns about youths His Majesty shared on the 115th National Day.
“His Majesty on 115th National Day shared that the most dangerous enemy our youths are facing are alcohol, smoking, and drugs. This year, the Nangchoe Program is aimed at addressing this concern by engaging youths in better activities,” said Sangay Dorji, the Laytshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body.
The participants are taught various activities including reciting prayers, meditation, yoga, and etiquette among others.
“Usually during the vacation, I used to waste time on phone and TV. But this time, after joining this winter programme, I learned about meditation, breathing, yoga and prayer. This has brought positive changes in me,” said Jigme Tenzin, one of the participants attending the programme in Thimphu.
“I consider this program as a medicine. Just like how medicines help cure our physical pain, this program helped me take care of my mental health and made me a better person,” added Tandin Samphel, another participant.
The parents of the participants are also gratified with the positive changes the program brought in their children’s lives.
“I can see that this Buddhism and Culture
Programme has a made difference to our children’s lives. If such programmes are coordinated every year, as a parent, I think that this will help our children grow up to be better individuals,” said Pema Tashi, a parent of one of the participants.
Similar Nangchoe programme was conducted for more than 1500 youths in Paro, Punakha, WangduePhodrang, Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephu, and Phuentshogling as well.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Phub Gyem
