An Invitation to Present A Paper at Tibet Policy Institute at Dharamshala
It was a great privilege to get an invitation to participate in the conference on – Communities Ecology and Exchanges in the Himalayas. The conference is organized by the Tibet Policy Institute in Dharamshala. However, due to the Covid-19 situation, it is not very sure if this will happen on the set dates. Nevertheless, hope the pandemic will be contained soon and whole world will get back to normal, and aspiring academics like me would not miss the opportunities like this.
University of Virginia’s Sanctuary Lab Team Visits Bhutan with a multi-disciplinary scholars on a research trip.
In December 2019, A team of scholars from the University of Virginia visited Bhutan for an interesting research trip. UVA’s research team consist of scholars from diverse field of studies. They called it Sanctuary Lab. Scholars come from different backgrounds like environment, music, religion, and science. It was delightful to accompany the team for couple of days experience a multi-disciplinary team work in the field. It was such a learning experience and networking.
His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon’s Visit to Sumthrang
Second audience with His Holiness this year.
On the 2nd September, His Holiness on his Eastern Bhutan tour, sojourned for a day and a night in Sumthrang. It was such a privilege to host His Holiness and the entourage and offer a Ku-Sung-Thug Ten mendrel. Sumthrang monastery’s founding figure Nyo Gyelwa Lhanangpa was one of the heart sons of Drikung Chopa Jigten Sumgon, and therefore, sumthrang and Drikung shares a great historical connection. Although we lost our connections for centuries, Sumthrang is blessed to receive a historical audience of His Holiness in 2014 and invite him to Bhutan. Our long lost historical connection was thus met historically once again then.
On the eve of His Holiness’ Bhutan tour, he gifted a Tselha Namsum statue to our Dungsey Rinpoche as a gesture of Tendrel at the gathering of our family at His Holiness’ audience.
A Vacation with my Wife for a while
It was such a great time to have a short vacation between April 1st to 15th with my dear wife in New York city. After I left States in the fall of 2016, completing my studies, this is our first meeting. We championed our long distance relationship thus far. This short reunion is so delightful and was like a short dream. Looking forward for the same next time but to be together.
Audience with His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche in New York
On the 1st of April 2019, HH Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche blessed the Tibetan and Bhutanese community of New York City with Phowa transmission and Long Life empowerment. I had my greatest time of the semester receiving the transmission and empowerment with guest invitation from the organizers to me and my wife. We convey our gratitude to Drikung Terton Rinpoche for extending a guest invitation to us. Thank you very much!
The next day it was yet a wonderful honor to receive HH’s audience at his hotel. It is always so enlightening to meet with His Holiness. This is my 3rd audience with His holiness after our first meeting in Deradhun in 2014. Second was in Boulder, Colorado.
CLCS delegation to UVA| 26th – 30th March 2019
Visited the University of Virginia as a member of CLCS delegate to explore the collaboration between the two institutions. Met with leaders of the University, heads of the departments and the faculty members. It was also a great pleasure to attend some of the wonderful classes in the department of religious studies. I coordinated the meeting and collaboration with Dr. Ariana Maki from UVA’s side. The delegation was led by Dean of Research & Industrial Linkages of the College of Language & Culture Studies. I look forward to the fruitful collaboration between the two great institutions.
Tenzin Rigdol’s Art exhibition in Denver
Spared some time to visit contemporary Tibetan artist Tenzin Rigdol’s exhibition in Denver at the sidelines of AAS conference. Rigdol was hosted by University of Denver.
“Tenzing Rigdol is a contemporary Tibetan artist whose work ranges from painting, sculpture, drawing and collage, to digital, video-installation, performance art and site specific pieces. His paintings are the products of collective influences and interpretations of age-old traditions; they are influenced by philosophy; often capture the ongoing issues of human conflicts; and have strong political undertones – for him, politics is an unavoidable element in his art. Indeed in recent years Rigdol has become a focus for young Tibetan diaspora precisely because of the political nature of his art”. Retrieved from RossiRossi
Association of Asian Studies Conference|Denver, Colorado|2019
The 2019 Association of Asian Studies conference was held at Denver, Colorado from 20th – 24th March. It was a great pleasure to be part of Bhutan’s only panel “Contemporary Bhutanese Literature” along with Dr. Sonam Kinga and professor Holly Gayley. We are also thankful of professor Amy and Kalsang for being our respondent and chair.
International Society for Bhutan Studies launch conference|Oxford, UK, 2019
ISBS seeks to develop the study of Bhutanese culture, life and nature in all aspects and encourage, inspire and motivate interest in lesser known aspects and promote and strengthen the areas of existing concentration. The ISBS exists primarily to encourage academic exchange, and secondarily to contribute to the happiness of future generations. ISBS Launch Conference were held from Jan 8-10, 2019 in Oxford.
It was wonderful to be a part of this great society. please checkout the society’s website for more information https://www.isbsbhutan.org/
SONAM NYENDA 