Every first Saturday of the month, DIIR’s Social Media Desk profiles a civil servant of Central Tibetan Administration as a part of its shout-out campaign. This week we are pleased to profile Mr. Lhakpa Tsering, Doeguling Tibetan Settlement Officer, Mundgod.
Social Media Executive (SME): Could you briefly tell us about yourself?
Lhakpa Tsering(LT): I was born and brought up in a farmer family in Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement and did my schooling from Central School for Tibetans (CST), Bylakuppe. After completing my higher studies, I joined Central Tibetan Administration in 1998 since then I have been serving in 8 different remote Tibetan Settlements in India. During my last 23 years of service, I have worked as an Office Secretary, Accountant and Settlement Officer. In the year 2020, based on my work performance, CTA has conferred me with its excellence in service award.
SME: Please explain your job description, and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?
LT: Presently, I am working as a settlement officer at Doeguling Tibetan Settlement Office, Mundgod. It is one of the biggest Tibetan settlements in India in terms of population and land area. I have been working very closely with camp leaders and monastery administrators, various associations, NGOs, local Indian officials, foreign donors and sponsoring organisations to raise and also to solve our Tibetan community problems.
Being a settlement officer, my main focus is taking care of the general public’s welfare; working as a bridge between general public and the CTA based in Dharamshala.
SME: What inspired you to work in the CTA?
LT: I was greatly inspired by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s advice during his visit to my school – CST Byalakuppe. His Holiness addressed the gathering that ‘students are the future seeds of Tibet and that we have to study well and one day serve the Central Tibetan Administration.’
Secondly, my parents’ constant reminder to serve the Tibetan community inspired me to render my service in CTA.
SME: What does it mean for you to be a CTA civil servant?
LT: I consider myself very fortunate to get this precious opportunity to work in CTA. In my position with my capability, I am able to serve Tibetan community in exile and in turn for one’s nation.
I have gained lots of experiences during my 23 years of service under three different administrations: firstly under Gaden Phodrang, secondly democratically-elected Kyabje Samdhong Rinpoche, thirdly under the democratically-elected Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and now Sikyong Penpa Tsering following the devolution of complete political authority by His Holiness. Under all these administrations, I have been working diligently for the past 23 years of my service.
SME: How best do you think you could make a difference to CTA? Any experiences that you would like to share?
LT: I think the most important thing that we should keep in mind is to work within the framework of the Central Tibetan Administration. While carrying out our duty, always stay attuned with the truth, non-violence and the rules and regulation.
In fact, CTA civil servant should not yearn for credit, status or benefits. Rather, one should drive one’s focus and energy towards the Tibet cause.
SME: Who is your role model and why?
LT: I admire Kyabje Samdhong Rinpoche. When he was a school principal; he ran the school exceedingly well. When he was the speaker of Tibetan Parliament, he amended the rules of the parliament in tune with the rest of the world. When he served as Kalon Tripa, he carried out administration responsibility very well, and China-Tibet peace dialogue has been able to carry out. All in all, Rinpoche la spent his entire life to serve for the cause of Tibet and Tibetan people. Therefore, keeping in mind the legacy of Rinpoche la, I have been working day and night from past 23 years in 8 different settlements as far as possible.
SME: Would you like to provide any guidance or suggestions to fellow Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?
LT: I don’t have anything special to say. However, my experience suggest that if you are working as a CTA civil servant or preferring to join, one should utilise one’s time judiciously. You should be able to take responsibility and do work within the stipulated period of time. Having such characteristics is of utmost importance to carry forward the Tibetan struggle in exile.
Lastly, serving in the Central Tibetan Administration during this politically critical situation in Tibet and under the guidance of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, I think it is a precious opportunity for everyone to step forward and make a determined and cooperative effort in the Central Tibetan Administration.