SHOUT OUT to Enterprising Youths from Rangeroong

We sends a warm “Shout Out” to two youths Tshering and Phurba from Rangeroong, who are setting an example for all of us to emulate.

Both Tshering and Phurba trained as Tourist Guide under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration’s – Guide training program. After completing their training they formed a group and worked in tourism business. Once they got started they worked very hard and saved their money to establish themselves. Today they have established a Tourist Information Center cum Lodge at Rangeroong with the help of some funding from Belgium.

Their hard work and dedication is reflected in the fact that tourists from all over the world are today visiting Rangeroong, thanks to their efforts.

Taking a silent pride in their success is Mr. Sangay Sherpa of Off Road Adventures Darjeeling, who trained them and imparted them with the knowledge that they have fully utilized to not just make a living for themselves, but also to provide employment opportunities to others. Commenting on their success so far, Mr. Sangay Sherpa said, “this is what every teacher hopes and dreams for… when we see someone we have trained do so well, we feel that we have succeeded ourselves… it is youths like Tshering and Phurba who will redefine what it means to be Gorkhas… for our youths are no more confined to working for someone else, but are generating employment for themselves and others who wouldn’t have this opportunity otherwise.”

Also we have to thank Mr. Sonam Bhutia the former Secretary, GTA Tourism as it was under his tenure this guide training program was started, and it has benefited hundreds of our unemployed youths so far.

Tomorrow on the 11th of April 2017, as Tshering and Phurba led group inaugurate their Tourism Information Center cum Lodge, our prayers and best wishes, along with our deepest admiration will be with them.

We are hopeful that Tshering and Phurba and their group will succeed in inspiring thousands of our youths to start their own business… by doing so, our youths will not have to travel to distant lands to earn a living.

Take a bow Rangeroong Explorer Group!! All of you have earned it!!

[Sriju Bal Tamang for TheDC]