Every first Saturday of the month, as a part of its shout-out campaign, DIIR’s Social Media Desk profiles a civil servant of Central Tibetan Administration. This week we are pleased to profile Karma Dhargyal, Director at India Tibet Coordination Office, Central Tibetan Administration.
Social Media Executive: Could you briefly tell us about yourself?
Karma Dhargyal: My name is Karma Dhargyal. I was born in Sonamling Tibetan settlement in Ladakh. I did my schooling up to class 10 from Tibetan Children’s Village School in Choglamsar, Ladakh. Since my school is only upto secondary level, I moved to Dharamshala where I received my senior secondary education from Upper TCV School. In 1996, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Chandigarh College. Following my college studies, I worked as a teacher at TCV Ladakh School for some time but due to health issues, I couldn’t continue my service for long. Around that period of time, an announcement on CTA staff recruitment was being circulated. I got through CTA staff recruitment examination. As a newly recruited staff, I underwent six months of intensive training on administration and governance at Sarah Institute in Dharamshala. And then I started working at Central Tibetan Administration as a civil servant on 1 June 1998. This year marked the 20th year in CTA.
Social Media Executive: Please explain your job description and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?
Karma Dhargyal: I worked as a Settlement Officer in eight different Tibetan settlements for many years. However, I had to take three months unpaid leave from Bandara Tibetan settlement office to attend my family responsibilities. At the completion of the unpaid leave, under the Kashag (cabinet’s) decision, I was appointed as the Director of ITCO in Delhi. And it has been nearly a year of having assumed this responsibility. ITCO was established as per the vision of Kalon Tripa Venerable Professor Samdhong Rinpoche during the 13th Kashag tenure. The sole responsibility of ITCO is to solicit support from Indian leaders and institutions for the Tibetan cause. Firstly, Core Group for Tibetan Cause was formed to give a holistic perspective of the nature of work and to carry forward the work meaningfully. Secondly, ITCO also engages in an outreach campaign, spreading awareness about the Tibetan issues among Indian students. Thirdly, ITCO liaises with Indian Parliament Members who support the cause.
Social Media Executive: What inspired you to serve the Central Tibetan Administration?
Karma Dhargyal: Keeping in mind the current circumstance facing the Tibetan freedom struggle, it is incumbent on every Tibetan to serve in whatever capacity he/she can to the cause of Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama shouldered the big responsibility of temporal and spiritual leadership at such a tender age and during such a difficult period in the history of Tibet. Thinking of this, it kind of dawned on me that it is my natural response to be there to serve the CTA and the cause of Tibet. In fact, I feel fortunate to be part of the struggle and proud to be serving the cause through my service as a civil servant.
Social Media Executive: What does it mean for you to be a CTA civil servant?
Karma Dhargyal: Perhaps, I am the only CTA civil servant who has the longest record of 20 years serving at CTA regional offices. I worked at eight different Tibetan settlement offices. I think with strong determination and conviction, whatever work you do, there won’t be any major impediments while shouldering responsibility at the settlement offices. In fact,I can proudly say I have not faced any major problems wherever I have served.
Social Media Executive: How best do you think you can make a difference to CTA?
Karma Dhargyal: Our lifespan is short. We may live till the age of 70 or 80. As I look back on my life, I feel proud working at the Central Tibetan Administration with honesty, dedication and determination and under the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Whatever task we are performing, it is of utmost importance that we work in a team and moreover, it is very important to give your best performance with sincerity and dedication.
Social Media Executive: Who is your role model and why?
Karma Dhargyal: Throughout my life, I wholeheartedly pay homage, with my body, mind, and spirit, to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. His Holiness is not only revered by Tibetans but he is revered all around the world. There is no one else besides him who inspire and motivate me. With his blessing, I am a CTA civil servant.
Social Media Executive: What is your piece of advice for young Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?
Karma Dhargyal: Irrespective of how long you render your service at CTA, I would request youngsters to be fully committed toward one’s work and make sure to utilize your time to the fullest for the cause of Tibet. In today’s world, we see technological advancement and opportunities, which were not there during our time of joining CTA. I would say upgrade your skills by grabbing opportunities for further studies and work for Tibetan cause irrespective of whether you are a CTA civil servant or not.
