TASHI PARYANG | Thimphu
The Centre for Bhutan Studies (CBS) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held a handing ceremony of Japan-related English books to the library of Mind-Body and Sound in Zhichenkhar on 28 November.
The President of CBS, Dasho Karma Ura, said that the books from the Read Japan Project would play an important role in the enrichment of the CBS library. More importantly, he said the books are a vast repository on the knowledge about Japan which would benefit researchers at CBS and the public.
Dasho Karma Ura added that the book donation is a part of the Read Japan Project which would promote human and resource development and to understand the fundamentals of Japanese culture and traditions.
The press release from JICA, Bhutan Office states that the Read Japan Project aims to promote the understanding of Japan through the provision of Japan-related books in English to universities and libraries across the world.
“The objectives of the project are not only to support the activities of researchers, opinion readers and intellectuals who are Japan specialists but also to promote understanding among non-specialists and thereby contribute to human resource development from a long-term perspective,” the press release stated.
These books are expected to be used by researchers in CBS and public general for further understanding of Japan.
CBS states that in the past the books were received by Sherubtse College, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Royal University of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Public Library, Royal Institute of Management and National Library and Archives of Bhutan.
The project is administered by the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research with financial support from the Nippon Foundation.
The JICA Bhutan office handed over 153 books to CBS on behalf of the foundation.