The core team for this project consist of the Principal Investigator; the senior researcher; a postdoctoral researcher; a PhD student; and two Bhutanese research assistants.
Timotheus Bodt
As Principal Investigator, I have almost three decades of close association with Bhutan and the Bhutanese people. I intermittently stayed in the country for around seven years and am proficient in several of Bhutan’s languages. Realising its value and potential, the Royal Government of Bhutan has officially sanctioned the Lo-Rig project. Email address: tim.bodt@tcd.ie
Dasho Dr. Karma Ura
Dasho Karma is President of the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies in Thimphu, Bhutan. He is a graduate of Magdalen College, Oxford and a postgraduate of Edinburgh University. In 2006, he was awarded the ancient honorary title of "Dasho" by His Majesty, the 4th King of Bhutan. His essays and articles have appeared in international journals, magazines, and books. He is also a painter who has designed temple murals and thangkhas on a large scale.
Sonam Lhamo
I am Sonam Lhamo, and I am 28 years old. I was born and grew up in Phuzur village under Langthil block in Trongsa district. My late parents were from Phuzur too, and I grew up speaking the Monkha language. In addition, I know Khengkha, Dzongkha, and a little Lhotshamkha and Tshangla. I completed my primary education from Jangbi school, my lower secondary school from Langthil Lower Secondary School, my middle education from Bayling Central School in Trashiyangtse district, and my higher education from Sherubling Central School in Trongsa. I am married with two daughters, and we live in Jigmechoeling block in Sarpang district, close to the Monpa communities of Chungshing and Riti.
My primary motivation to join the Lo-Rig project as a Research Assistant is to gain hands-on experience in research. Secondly, I want to work closely with the Monpa communities, especially with the elders, to bring some positive changes to the community. And finally, the interest from outsiders in the traditions, language and culture of my community motivated me to join this project.
Rinchen Wangdi
My name is Rinchen Wangdi, and I am from Yangbari village, Gongdue block, Monggar district. I was born in 1998, and I am married with one daughter. I grew up speaking the Gongduk language as my father is from Bakla and a native Gongduk speaker. I also speak Khengkha, Tshangla, and Dzongkha. I successfully completed my High School Class XII in 2019.
As a native speaker of Gongduk, I am motivated to work hard and give my best for this project. I am inspired to grow, learn and contribute to the documentation, description and revitalisation of my mother tongue.