Hello, I am Rajesh Gurung from Bhutan and I was a student of UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka from the year 2020 to 2022. I am very grateful to the esteemed SAF Goodwill Ambassador and Founder of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF) and South Asia Foundation (SAF), the Late Shri Madanjeet Singh for providing so many individuals and scholars like me from various SAARC countries to pursue their higher education. I received my M.Sc. in Water Resources Engineering and Management through the opportunity I received from SAF.
I am employed in Gyalsung Infra, a project under His Majesty’s Secretariat as a Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) Engineer and I joined Gyalsung Infra on 1st June 2023. I am in the sewer section under the WSS division in Gyalsung Infra working on the sewer network design. In addition, I am also coordinating the combined services work which includes the water supply, irrigation, telecommunication, ICT, streetlight, and electricity networks. My experience so far in Gyalsung Infra has been a good learning experience where I am able to learn from various organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
What is Gyalsung?
His Majesty the King announced the launch of Gyalsung – Bhutan’s National Service, during the address to the nation on the 112th National Day of Bhutan on 17 December 2019. The Gyalsung journey begins with a one-year integrated training program when our youth attain the age of 18 or if in school, upon completion of grade twelve. Gyalsung will become an important rite of passage for all Bhutanese youth irrespective of their educational, social, economic, regional, or linguistic backgrounds. During the first phase, young citizens will undergo Basic Military Training and attend courses in National Education. In line with His Majesty’s vision, Gyalsung will endeavor to shape our youth to become more capable, committed, and confident citizens with the strength of character and discipline that fosters integrity, excellence, accountability, and loyalty. The youths will be enrolled in one of the four Gyalsung Academies which will start from October 2024. Gyalsung Infra is responsible for the construction of infrastructure for the Gyalsung Academies.