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 Dhondup Sangpo, Dhargyaling Tibetan Settlement officer, Tezu.
Social Media Executive: Could you briefly tell me about yourself?
Dhondup Sangpo (DS): I am Dhondup Sangpo from Sikkim. I was born in 1963 in a small village called Pegong, in North Sikkim which is almost one day journey from Gangtok. My mother passed away when I was 2 years old. At the age of 8, I was admitted to Tibetan Children’s Village (Upper TCV school), there I did my schooling up to class ten and pursued my senior secondary schooling thereafter at CST Mussoorie in 1980. After completing my school in 1982, I worked as a teacher at my hometown for a few years. Later, I joined the office secretary job in Ravangla Tibetan settlement, and I worked there for almost nine years. Since the post was not permanent staff at the time, I applied for civil servant post at the Central Tibetan Administration. I was selected and appointed as office secretary at Department of Security in January 2002. During my ten years service at Security department, I got a lot of opportunities to be part of the security entourage during the His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings whether it be at Dharamshala, Mumbai, Delhi, Ladakh, Bodhgaya and others. After the years of experience, I was then promoted to Section Officer in the same department and on 25th June 2012, I was transferred to Delhi branch reception as the In-charge officer. I led the reception branch for four and a half years. In December 2016, I was transferred to Tezu-Dhargyaling Tibetan settlement as a Settlement Officer.
SME: Please explain your description and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?
DS: Settlement Officer has a great responsibility to act as a bridge between the settlement and the seven major departments of the CTA. Such as implementing the daily administration of the settlement and giving informations to the settlers through camp leaders whenever urgent announcement comes up. Similarly, to look after the welfare of the settlement. Many a time the camp leaders meeting hold to get liaise with the state govt. and the district heads for the development of infrastructure of the settlement. I have also the responsibility to organise the official programs like 10th March Tibetan National Uprising Day, 6th July-His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Birthday Celebration and so forth. Furthermore, I have to attend the local Tibetan Assembly session for the annual budget and annual report session twice in a year. As a Chairman of the Parent-Teacher, I have to attend frequent meeting of the Sambhota Tibetan school for smooth functioning and the implementation of the projects. In a nut shell, I have a great responsibility of the overall supervision, execution, coordination and functioning of the settlement.
SME: What inspired you to serve the CTA?
DS: As His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama always advises us ‘we all Tibetans have the special responsibility to resolve the cause of Tibet.’ I am very much inspired by his valuable advice to serve our own community with honesty and dedication. The Central Tibetan Administration looks after the welfare of the Tibetans in India and around the world and at the same time, effectively leads the Tibetan freedom movement. I have utmost respect, commitment and devotion to serve the parent-like institution.
SME: What does it meant for you to be a civil servant in CTA?
DS: For me, being a CTA civil servant means to work for the cause of freedom of Tibet. To preserve and promote our culture, tradition, religion and to keep them alive. Working at the CTA is a precious opportunity and I am proud to serve with my best ability and utmost capacity. We have the responsibility to set a good example for the younger Tibetan generations to keep our cause alive.
SME: How best do you think you can make a difference to CTA?
DS: I think each and every staff can make a difference to CTA by putting an effort especially with collective effort to run the CTA smoothly in the long run until our cause gets resolved. We have a tremendous responsibility to lead younger Tibetan generations to carry out the role and responsibility of CTA civil servant efficiently and effectively.
SME: Who is your role model and why?
DS: My role model is my close uncle who is a retired army. Even though he is illiterate but an experienced person who often used to advise me to render my service at the Central Tibetan Administration. He never stopped telling me that serving at CTA is like fulfilling the wishes of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama. Thereby, I have been inspired by his constant motivation to serve the CTA.
SME: What is your piece of advice for the young Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?
DS: To the younger Tibetan generations, especially those who are well-educated, wherever you are, never forget to firmly pledge to serve the CTA at least for a period of time. So that one may gain an experience, opportunities to serve the cause and in the long run, contribute to the Tibetan movement.