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 Karma Tenpa, one of the official drivers for Central Tibetan Administration.
Social Media Executive (SME): Could you briefly tell us about yourself?
Karma Tenpa (KT):My name is Karma Tenpa Wangchuk. My father name is Gompo and my mother name is Choekyi. My father’s hometown is Jolpa and my mother’s hometown is Phari. I did my schooling up to class five at Sikkim government school. As per my family decision, I was admitted to Sera Mey monastery where I spent 15 years learning Tibetan Buddhism. I am married to Tsering Dolma and we have three children namely Tenzin Palkyi, Tenzin Choekyi and Tenzin Kunsang.
SME: Please explain your job description, and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?
KT:From May 3, 2000 to December 2005, I was driving for Gangtok Hotel Tibet, which was previously under the administration of the Department of Finance. When Hotel Tibet was privatised in December 2005, I was transferred to Dharamshala, headquarter of Central Tibetan Administration.
Currently, I am driving for the Department of Education. It has been over six years since my appointment as in-charge of CTA drivers that comes under the Department of Finance. My responsibility is to timely arrange drivers for transportation of CTA staff (peon to Kalon) regarding their official works.
As a CTA driver, I have to be flexible to work beyond my normal working hours and have to be alert 24/7. On many occasions, I drive when assigned CTA driver is on leave.
SME: What inspired you to serve the Central Tibetan Administration?
KT: My parents’ constant reminder, His Holiness’ blessing and my teachers’ advices have inspired me to serve at Central Tibetan Administration. I am grateful to (late) Karma Gyaltsen la from Sikkim for his guidance and help.
SME: What does it mean for you to be a CTA civil servant?
KT: I think being a part of CTA is a result of the virtues of previous life. I am very happy and proud to call myself CTA civil servant. Often, I used to tell my colleagues and friends about shouldering our shared responsibilities dutifully and sincerely.
SME: How best do you think you could make a difference to CTA? Any experiences that you would like to share?
KT: Although, I have not performed any unique contributions despite my allotted duties as an official driver, replacement driver and in-charge of CTA drivers over six years driving dignitaries, staff and others to and fro during their visitations and official travels.
SME: Who is your role model and why?
KT: Personally, my initial inspiration came from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and former Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche because of their considerable involvement in the sustenance of Tibetan Buddhism and dedicated services for the benefits of all sentient beings. As Tibetan saying goes “look upward for model” indicating the masses appreciation for those who conduct good deeds, hence, I look up to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Prof. Samdong Rinpoche as my source of inspiration.
SME Would you like to provide any guidance or suggestions for young Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?
KT: Firstly, in order to gain meritorious karma, I want to convey every Tibetans to never go against teachings and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the prayer lines mentioned “following genuinely with the teachings will attain the merits of offerings”. Secondly, as a Tibetan, I would like to advice young and educated Tibetans aspiring to work at Central Tibetan Administration to carry out the duties wholeheartedly rather than with an intention of leaving the administration after acquiring experiences and knowledges during the stay. Therefore, I appreciate and recommend youngsters to work in accordance with the visions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for a longer period. Lastly, according to my own personal experiences, I would like to tell newly joined CTA staff to accumulate experiences in various departments and various positions to enhance one’s efficiency. As a believer of the previous and after life, I think being a part of CTA is a result of the virtues of previous life and so taking advantage of the CTA for personal benefits in this life will have a repercussion in the next life, and that’s my belief. Considering karma will mirror one’s deed in the future, I often advice my own children to maintain good health, focus on education and behave well to fulfil His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision. I also suggest falling into petty internal confrontations will do no help to our greater cause and hence wanted to urge everyone to avoid it.