What inspires you?
I am often asked this question but I found my answer always changing. Honestly I don’t know what inspires me all the time but I do find certain things quite inspiring like Tandin Zam today. I met her at Thimakha, Bjena among the field of vegetables. What inspired me was that she looked so confident and contended working in the field. She grows extensive vegetables and is making a luxurious income of Nu. 80,000 per week which is so much better than the office goers.
She isn’t one of those who had to stay back in the village and was deprived of education. It was her choice to stay back and choose farming after completing her 10th standard. She said she didn’t see the need to continue her education because she already gained the basics and was enough to carry out her work in the field. However, she did admit that the education she received helps her to do better. No wonder she stood out amongst all the people in her village.
She grows vegetables year round and that also in two places Thimakha and Khotokha so she is the busiest person. Her vegetables are much demanded that the buyers come even all the way from Paro.
She has inspired many villagers to grow vegetables not only at her villages but also in the nearby villages. She also had future plans that is to expand her farm and do mixing farming.
When I asked if she also had plans to go abroad she said that she is happy at her village and contended with her income with a shy smile. She says there is no need to go outside to make a living when the opportunity is right at your door step. All you need is dedication and interest in whatever you do.
I always heard people say that the young and educated ones will never come back to the village and do farming but Tandin proved this wrong. I am sure there are more Tandins in every parts of the country with more inspiring stories about them and their farms.
