September 15: Thousands of high school and university graduates from across the country flood the capital city in search of jobs every year. They all struggle to find jobs and many fail to find any. Some have no option but to return home and take up whatever job they can find.

Today a group of youth are working at Khothakpa Gypsum mines in Pema Gatshel. They are employed by Druk Satair Corporation Limited.

They segregate the gypsum boulders and load and unload gypsum consignments. They work as hard as the day is long. They are paid Nu. 100 in a day.

Tough as it is, these youth say they are happy that they have at least found a job and they can earn their own living.

This was not the case a few years ago. Like most Bhutanese youth, they went to the capital city Thimphu looking for jobs. Some remained in the capital for almost two years with friends and distant relatives. They returned home when their meager resources ran out and lost all their hopes of finding a job.

The Chief Executive Officer of the mines said they are doing well. He said more than anything the attitude and willingness of these youth to take up manual job is commendable. He said the management will try to motivate them by increasing the salary.