I have been doing my work with utmost sincerity and dedication. I am not sure if a small person like me can make any difference to such a large institution like CTA but I believe that I should contribute in any way possible, small or big. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says, it is not a matter of small or big, as long as you are working for the betterment of the fellow human beings, it counts. I hope that my small contribution and service will create an impact to our freedom struggle.

Social Media Executive: Could you briefly tell us about yourself?

Dhenmatsang Sonam Wangdu: I am currently working as a Settlement Officer at Nangchen Tibetan Settlement, Chauntra. I joined CTA in April 1988 under the Department of Home Affairs as a project coordinator to Save the Children Fund (SCF). In the 30 years of my service I have worked under several departments like the Department of Education, Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Kashag Documentation section, Department of Home Affairs etc., and also have varied experiences from being a Hostel Superintendent at CST Kurseong to working as a protocol officer at DIIR and now as a Settlement Officer. My first experience as a Settlement Officer was in 2013 when I joined the Tibetan Settlement Office of Shillong. It has been an interesting journey so far.

Social Media Executive: Please explain your job description and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?

The Settlement Officer’s job is to oversee the welfare of the Tibetans residing in the Settlement and work for their betterment. In our settlement, we have a school, monasteries, old age home and clinic. We strive for the smooth functioning of all these institutions as well. Settlement officer is also the Chairperson of various sections like the Parent Teacher Association, Regional Sub Election Commission etc., and therefore we have to ensure that these sections are functioning properly. The Settlement Officer is also like a Representative of CTA in the Settlement and we have to liaise with the local Indian authorities. The job is 24×7. We have to be available for the people all the time.

Social Media Executive: What inspired you to serve the Central Tibetan Administration?

I have always aspired to serve His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community and that is my inspiration to work under the Central Tibetan Administration. My work is my service to my Tsawae Lama His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to all my brethren who are suffering under the oppressive Chinese regime. It is my small contribution to the struggle of 6 million Tibetans.

Social Media Executive: What does it mean for you to be a CTA Civil Servant?

Being a civil servant for me means that my prayers have been answered. It is the fruition of the good karma I must have accumulated over my previous lives and the blessings of His Holiness which has resulted in getting this opportunity to serve Him and receive His guidance. It is both an honour and a matter of pride to be a CTA civil servant in the service of Tibetans and Tibet.

Social Media Executive: How best do you think you could make a difference to CTA?

I have been doing my work with utmost sincerity and dedication. I am not sure if a small person like me can make any difference to such a large institution like CTA but I believe that I should contribute in any way possible, small or big. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says, it is not a matter of small or big, as long as you are working for the betterment of the fellow human beings, it counts. I hope that my small contribution and service will create an impact to our freedom struggle.

In the speeches to the CTA staff by His Holiness in the 80s and 90s, His Holiness often said that he is a body and the CTA staff members are the organs. So how much a body can move depends on the functioning of the organs. I believe that if I persevere with dedication, I am helping the larger cause of Tibet.

Social Media Executive: Who is your role model and why?

My role model is my Tsawae Lama, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is the spiritual head of all of us Tibetans. If not for his vision and his hard work, we would have been lost in the big world.

Social Media Executive: What is your piece of advice for young Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?

When I first joined CTA, I was very nervous and scared. I was anxious about connecting with fellow civil servants because I felt I was different and wouldn’t fit in. But gradually with lots of efforts, I started feeling comfortable because I realized that at the end of the day all our purpose is one- to work for the betterment of Tibetans and contribute to the Tibetan cause. It is also very important to be humble and do your work with dedication. So to the young Tibetans joining the CTA workforce, I would like to tell them not to worry or feel isolated. We all are working towards the same cause. It will also help the youngsters to understand and learn our culture in-depth and to build confidence by ensuring that you talk and dress the way it is befitting of a civil servant working towards the cause of Tibet. I would also like to encourage the youngsters to listen to the speeches of His Holiness especially the ones given to the CTA staff and feel blessed to get this opportunity to serve the Tibetan people and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

*Every first Saturday of the month, as a part of its shout-out campaign, DIIR’s Social Media Desk will be profiling a civil servant of Central Tibetan Administration. This week we are pleased to profile Dhenmatsang Sonam Wangdu, Settlement Officer at Chauntra Nangchen Division.