Every Saturday 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 Pema Dhondup, Shillong Tibetan Settlement Officer.
Social Media Executive (SME): Could you tell me briefly about yourself?
Pema Dhondup (PD): I am Pema Dhondup, born in the beautiful hill station of Shillong in the north eastern state of Meghalaya popularly known as “the abode of clouds”. I joined the Central Tibetan Administration on 14th April 2014 as a Section Officer and got promoted to Under Secretary on the 4th May 2021. I am currently serving as Tibetan Settlement officer of Shillong since 30th November 2017.
Educational Qualification:
XII Science stream
Tibetan Children’s village school, HP (June 1994 to 1996)
Bachelor in Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science
Bangalore University (June 1997 to June 2000)
Post Graduate Diploma in Computer application
St. Anthony’s College, Shillong (June 2002 to July 2003)
Work history and experiences
Worked as an office assistant and a translator at Ratnasambhava Association Bologna, Italy. (Year 2005 – 2009)
Served as computer instructor at Lower TCV School. (Year 2010 – 2013)
Served as office secretary at Kollegal and Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement (14th April 2014 to 29th November 2017)
Serve as settlement officer of Shillong (30th November 2017 till date)
SME: Please explain your job description and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?
PD: Being a settlement officer, my primary task involves working for the welfare of my community and to maintain harmony in the settlement. Moreover, as the representative of the Central Tibetan Administration, from time to time, I devote my time to meet with the dignitaries and officials of the state government in order to create awareness and garner support for the cause of Tibet with the objective to restore basic freedom and human rights in Tibet. Hence, my work represents the aspiration of the Tibetan people at large.
SME: What inspired you to serve the Central Tibetan Administration?
PD: I draw my inspiration to serve the CTA with the blessing of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the supreme sacrifices of the Tibetans inside Tibet and the legacy of our elder generation’s dedication. Moreover, as a Tibetan we have the moral responsibility to serve the CTA.
SME: What does it mean for you to be a civil servant in CTA?
PD: I firmly believe “To serve other is to serve God” and at Tibetan Children Village’s School we are taught “Others before self” & “Come to learn and go to serve”. Hence to be a civil servant means the responsibility, credibility and the pivotal platform to serve and contribute to our Tibetan community and thereby to sustain & strengthen our movement. More importantly, in a small way, we are able to fulfil the holy wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
SME: How best do you think you can make a difference to CTA?
PD: One has to be committed, motivated and dedicated to the work assigned and be able to guide colleagues and welcome their feedbacks and critics as well. In addition, sound education with moral upbringing will make a difference to your work. As all phenomenon are interdependent and inter related, ultimately every individual’s dedication and skills will make a huge difference to the CTA.
SME: Who is your role model and why?
PD: His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama is my role model because His Holiness is the life and soul of Tibetan people, he is the source of wisdom, inspiration and motivation to the millions around the world. Secondly, our elder generation’s profound dedication and utmost determination towards our cause drive me to perform my duty sincerely and responsibly.
SME: What is your piece of advice for the young Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?
PD: Motivation is an important aspect to serve or contribute to the CTA. Today’s younger generation is well equipped in terms of educational background. Hence, sincere motivation with strong educational background will go a long way in strengthening the Central Tibetan Administration.