Rural-urban migration has always been an issue. It has left many homes in the villages empty. People come to towns in search of better lives. But one man left town for a village in Pema Gatshel. And he has no regrets.
50-year-old Norbu Tshering is from Thimphu. Today, he lives with his wife in Nanong Gewog in Pema Gatshel. A father of four is the only goldsmith in the district. Though in a remote place, he is a busy man. He learned the art at the age of ten from his parents. Norbu worked for many years in the capital. Later he resigned after his vision started to give a problem. But he continues to do what he loves.
“When we are in the village, we don’t have to pay house rents. And we even grow our own food. Nu 200 here will last for almost two weeks. But in Thimphu, you will spend Nu 2,000 in a day. So, that is why I chose to stay here,” said Norbu Tshering, in Zhingray under Nanong Gewog.
But his work is paying him well. He earns about Nu 40,000 every month. The pandemic has not affected his business. Norbu has been in Nanong for six years now. But he is worried.
“A few come and see my work, but they are not interested to learn the art. Their only hope is to go to the capital. I am ready to train them. I cannot take the skill with me when I die,” he said.
With many looking for desk jobs, skills like this might become a dying craft.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
