“What is the purpose of your life, if you can’t be a service to the community,” says Lhamo Tsering, Staff Placement Desk, Kashag Secretariat.
Social Media Executive (SME): Could you briefly tell us about yourself?
Lhamo Tsering (LT): I was born, brought up, studied and now working in Dharamsala. After completing class XII in 1992, the same year I joined the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and ever since I am associated with CTA. My assignments and transfers
- Office of Personal and Estate
- Tibetan Welfare Office (Settlement Office) Darjeeling
- Department of Security
- Department of Home
- Kashag Secretariat
- Chief Representative Office, Bangalore
- Kashag Secretariat and still serving
During my tenure in the above offices, I was assigned as Office secretary, accountant, cashier, office manager, field work, project reporting, protocol, event management and Catholic relief service food distribution reporting. It says that to be in CTA, you should be a jack of all trades.
While working I took the opportunity to study abroad, under TSP scholarship, a one-year non-degree program, which was one of the best experience in my life.
SME: Please explain your job description and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?
LT: I am presently assigned at staff placement desk, a section in Kashag(Cabinet) Secretariat. My section deals with staff related issues and transfers. Being a civil servant I always accept whatever job is assigned to me irrespective of the nature of work and never run away from challenges. Sometimes I question myself whether my work directly benefits the Tibetan cause or not, but on a second thought I am convinced that in order to maintain the Institution of Central Tibetan Administration (which is the crux of our struggle) and for it to sustain in the long run, the organizational set-up of this administration is indispensable and I play an important role in this.
SME: What inspired you to serve the CTA?
LT: To begin with, it was my parents wish, but gradually after serving in different capacities and after meeting and working closely with much senior staff who always keeps Tibet’s cause before their own interest, working with CTA gave me a purpose.
SME: What does it mean for you to be a CTA civil servant?
LT: I always feel fortunate to be a part of CTA. I feel that it is a blessing and connects me to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet from eons.
SME: How best do you think you could make a difference to CTA?
LT: I always believe in the power of collective effort. Each and every individual should give our best effort, irrespective of what credit and recognition you get.
SME: Who is your role model and why?
LT: Definitely His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His love, guidance, and struggle for Tibet and humanity at large always gives me goosebumps and tears and encourages me to lead a meaningful life.
SME: What is your piece of advice for young Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?
LT: None of us are immortal, but the institution should. And for that, each and every staff should maintain proper record and documentation of your work. Whatever task you are given, keep the guidelines of your job so that whoever comes next will have a clear picture of how to carry the work effectively. I feel one should have work ethics and empathy. I always say that to my colleagues, whether you fulfill his/her wish or not is a different issue, but communicate with a big Smile. “What is the purpose of your life, if you can’t be a service to the community.”
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 Lhamo Tsering, Staff Placement Desk, a section of Kashag Secretariat, CTA.
