Every Saturday, as a part of its shoutout campaign, DIIR’s Social Media Desk will be profiling a civil servant of the Central Tibetan Administration. This week we are pleased to profile Mr Tenzin Lhawang, Office Secretary at Tuting Tibetan Settlement.
Social Media Executive (SME): Could you tell me briefly about yourself?
Tenzin Lhawang (TL): Firstly, I would like to thank DIIR Social Media Desk for allowing me to offer my views through this platform. My name is Tenzin Lhawang. I was born in Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh. When I was four years old, I moved to Chauntra, in the State of Himachal Pradesh, with my elder brother, who took responsibility for my childhood and to whom I will always be indebted.
I did my primary and higher secondary education at TNMF School in Clement-Town and later completed my bachelor’s degree from Vijayawada in South India, after which I did my Master’s through correspondence while working at Tashi Jong Khamgar Druk College for three years.
Since young, I went to boarding school, so I spent most of my childhood away from my family, which has been difficult both for my family and me. I will always be grateful to my mother and my elder brother for all the love and sacrifices they made and all the hardships they have
been through to provide me with everything I have ever needed.
SME: Please explain your job description and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?
TL: I was selected for Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) civil servant in 2016, and presently I am working as accountant cum secretary at the Tibetan settlement office, Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh. Before that, I was posted at Kunphenling Tibetan settlement in Ravangla, where I served for five years. To specify briefly about my job, I have to maintain accounts, issue supporting letters, manage community projects, help people to fill out online forms and look after the welfare of poor and needy people. As a CTA civil servant, it is paramount to have the willingness and dedication to learn any new skills and tasks rendered to us and have the capacity to deal with any challenges, including multitasking.
SME: What inspired you to serve the CTA?
TL: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet is my inspiration to serve in Central Tibetan Administration. For me working for CTA is a unique platform and a huge blessing where you feel connected to His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.
And I try my best to practice his teachings in my service towards general public with honesty and humility.
SME: What does it mean for you to be a civil servant in CTA?
TL: Being a civil servant in CTA is a great honour and a huge challenge. Since we are working for the welfare of the community and dealing with many different people, naturally, we will be tested in many ways. It is of utmost importance as a civil servant to help the destitute It is our prime responsibility to respect and serve those deserving to be supported and treat everyone who comes to the office door with fairness.
We have to adapt and improvise on many occasions in this profession, and being honest and dedicated in our day-to-day work must be our motivation. As CTA civil servants, we should be ready to sacrifice our self-interest when needed and must be dedicated to any service we are entrusted with.
Serving in CTA is an opportunity for us to meet people from different places, learn their way of life, and become a part of their stories. Being appointed at the places where we have never been to and places which are challenging is difficult, but it also comes with an opportunity to gain varied life experiences.
SME: How best do you think you can make a difference to CTA?
TL: I cannot exactly say what difference I could make to the CTA. I can only do my job with honesty and dedication. To me CTA is not just an Administration but a sacred institution, and our actions must be motivated by honesty and being humble to others and respecting each and every individual we come across.
It is also important to understand and acknowledge the administration as one family and to serve with dedication and equality.
SME: Who is your role model and why?
TL: My role model is our beloved spiritual leader, His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, whose inspiration guides us to solve differences with dialogue and non-violence. His Holiness’ positivity drive us to remain positive in our lives. My mother is another role model of mine whose humbleness and kindness toward everyone are something I look up to. And my elder brother, from whom I have learned the meaning of hard work. People who are kind to others and practice empathy toward every sentient being inspire me to do my best.
SME: What is your piece of advice for the young Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?
TL: It is indeed a huge privilege and blessing to have the opportunity to serve as a civil servant in this administration, which has been established by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. To have this wonderful opportunity to serve for the aspirations of our people inside and outside Tibet and the cause of our nation’s struggle during this difficult period is indeed a great responsibility. As CTA civil servants, we must put our self-interest secondary and be ready to serve in any capacity for the cause of Tibet.
Always perform your duty with honesty and dedication with the sense of love toward others. Always have respect for people from all sections and serve them with humbleness and truth.