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 Mr. Tenzin Sonam, Office Secretary, Chief Representative Office, Ladakh.
Social Media Executive (SME): Tell me about yourself and job description?
Tenzin Sonam (TS): I was born and brought up in a farmer’s family at P village, Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement, Kollegal. We had 3-4 cows for milk. I saw my parents working tirelessly from the early morning around 4 am to the sunset. My dad used to go to the forest for wood cutting needed to prepare foods and even used dry cow dung.We grew maize crops in almost 10 acres of land and they were completely occupied from the start of sowing season in August to the thrashing of the crops in the month of March.To earn the living, my parents went for winter business in early stages and later, my mother went alone to the remote place at Bihar. I have one elder brother and one younger sister. We used to get very much excited of new losar clothes when our mother returned from business.I know the hardships and pain my parents went through in doing everything for the sake of our education and livelihood.I also remember sleeping with my parents in the field to protect the crops from wild pigs. With no mobiles during those days, there were many outdoor seasonal games and most of which are not played these days.
Regarding my education, I have completed my class 10 at CST Kollegal, class 12 at CST Mundgod, B.Com at University of Madras and M.Com at MSU,Vadodara. I was a rank holder during my school days and even in my B.Com 3rd year. I was also a recipient of DOE scholarship for 5 years of my college life. After completion of my education, I worked in a Call Center, Bengaluru for 1 year and 3 months and later attended a translation workshop at the Library of Tibetan Archives, Dharamsala for 3 months. Soon after that, I applied for the CTA Staff exam and was posted to TSO Delhi as an Accountant on Nov 19,2009 and then to TSO Sataun as an Accountant cum Secretary on Sept 16,2013. During my term at TSO Sataun, I got an opportunity to attend a 4 months intensive language course at Tibetan Reception Centre, Dharamsala organised by PSC, Dharamsala. I got promoted and transferred to TSO Mundgod on Sept 16,2014 and then to TSO Kollegal as an Office Secretary on Aug 4,2015.During my service at TSO Kollegal, I also got an opportunity to attend ‘Capacity Building Workshop’ at HIPA, Shimla.Last year, I got promoted and transferred to TSO Dehradun where I worked for 9 months as Secretary cum Treasurer.Presently, I’m working in CRO, Sonamling as an Office Secretary cum Treasurer.For almost 2 years, I also took an additional responsibility of Controlling Officer.During my CTA Service, I got to work in different fields. It’s been satisfying almost 11 years of my CTA Service and I look forward to continuing my service with utmost ability and sincerity.
SME: What inspired you to serve the CTA?
TS: I have a strong feeling of contributing something back to society since School days.So, I consider CTA as a right platform to do so.
SME: What does it mean for you to be a Civil Servant?
TS: Being a Civil Servant, I can contribute in fulfilling the wishes of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and also serve the public directly. It also provides me an opportunity to work for the struggle of our country.
SME: How best do you think you can make a difference to CTA?
TS: I work with honesty, sincerity, unbiased and never have used the office assets for personal purposes. I consider myself as a Servant of the public and by keeping that notion, it gives me that extra push in talking politely and listening to the grievances of the public. I’m always ready to serve the general public even during the holidays.
SME: Who is your role model and Why?
TS: His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet is obviously a role model for every Tibetans and so do I. I have been raised along with my two siblings who were exceptionally good in studies. They both are my constant inspiration and guidance.
SME: What is your piece of advice for young Tibetans serving and wishing to serve CTA?
TS: Be truthful, sincere, unbiased, give value to office and public property.Take every transfer in positive sense and a platform to cater your service to more people. It’s an opportunity to learn and enlarge your knowledge. You should dare to face the challenges and move ahead in life.