Crafting A Better Future; Neten Tshering’s Journey for Opportunity and Innovation

“𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟏𝟎, 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞,” 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧.

Thirty six year old Neten Tshering, a father of three, has lived in various places in search of opportunities and taken up different roles to support his life and care for his parents as the eldest among his siblings. Starting as a security guard, he soon realized that his earnings were insufficient to cover expenses, prompting him to explore other opportunities for better income. In his pursuit, he has worked not only within the country but also in places like Siliguri and Cooch Behar. He worked in private companies as well as a caretaker in Tarayana Foundation, and ultimately resettled in Gyelposhing, Mongar, in search of better prospects.

With the launch of the TSHAR Institute, Neten found an opportunity to serve as an Assistant Field Officer, acting as a liaison between the community and the institute. His responsibilities include engaging with villagers, discussing opportunities and orders, and contributing to design, pattern, and marketing discussions. While the Field Officer Sonam Gyaltshen handles major tasks, Neten plays a crucial role in all institute activities.

Established in 2019 by Tarayana Foundation the TSHAR Institute faced delays in its operations due to the pandemic’s impact on machine installation and raw material supplies. The institute was inaugurated by the founding President Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in October 2023 and has been in operation since then. Utilizing modern technologies, the institute specializes in producing various bamboo products, including chairs, tables, and containers.

Offering training programs for bamboo crafting and material selection, the institute aims to meet market demands and create internationally distinctive designs.

Neten notes that while the institute’s crafts are sold across different locations, the majority are sold in Thimphu. The institute plays a significant role in supporting the community by providing guidance on product selection, production techniques, and problem solving, alongside marketing support. Despite challenges, Neten remains optimistic about creating unique crafts and enhancing the institute’s offerings.

Though his income is modest and barely sufficient for savings, Neten finds satisfaction in providing for his children and contributing to the community’s welfare. He compares life to nurturing a seedling, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and seizing opportunities for personal growth.

Grateful for the support of the Tarayana Foundation and the patronage of the President, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Neten remains dedicated to his work. He expresses gratitude for the opportunities given to him and pledges to continue his commitment to the institute’s mission.

TSHAR