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 Ngawang Yonten, Additional Secretary at Kashag Secretariat, Central Tibetan Administration.

Social Media Executive: Could you briefly tell us about yourself?

Ngawang Yonten: I was born in Doeguling Tibetan Refugee settlement in Mundgod, South India. I graduated from Central School for Tibetans in Mundgod followed by graduation in Commerce (B.Com) from the Karnataka University, and three years training in Accounts & Audit under one of the reputed Chartered Accountant firm in south India. I taught English and Mathematics for monk student in Drepung Loseling Monastery for a year. Later, under the guidance of my late parent, particularly my mother, I applied for an exam conducted by the Tibetan Public Service Commission and got selected in the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). In early 2000, I received my first appointment letter for posting in Dhargeyling Tibetan Settlement Tezu, and served for 5 years, followed by five months service in Department of Security, Dharamsala, Yangchen-Gatseling Tibetan Settlement in Shimla for 4 years, Tibetan Scholarship program in the US for a year, History Documentation & Interim Placement section for two months, Phuntsokling Tibetan Settlement in Orissa for two years, Office of Tibet in New York & DC 5 years, Department of Education in Dharamsala two years. I am currently serving in the Kashag Secretariat since August 2018.

Social Media Executive: Please explain your job description and how best does your work represent you or vice versa?

Ngawang Yonten: I handle part of the administrative section in the Kashag Secretariat, and as an assistant to the Cabinet Secretary in his absence. One of the mottos for the CTA is to have transparency with its people and follow the rules and regulation. Accordingly, I always try to do my work with transparency so that my conscience always remains clear and clean.

Social Media Executive: What inspired you to serve the Central Tibetan Administration?

Ngawang Yonten: In the beginning, there was not much of a choice but to serve in the CTA because it was the biggest employer for the Tibetan refugee in India, Nepal & Bhutan. However, after working for many years, particularly in Tibetan Refugee settlements, I began to come closer with our public, and how they invest their trust and hope in the CTA. Similarly, in every place that I was posted, I had the privilege of understanding and working together with many selfless local leaders who serve in the local leadership without any pay and benefits. And last not the least, I just can’t hide the fact that I wanted to make my family and two daughters proud.

Social Media Executive: What does it mean for you to be a CTA civil servant?

Ngawang Yonten: Being a CTA civil servant for me is one of the biggest opportunities to serve our community. It is important to be constantly aware of our larger interest for the welfare of the Tibetan brothers and sisters in Tibet. Whatever we do in our day-to-day work, it reflects and relates directly or indirectly to that larger interest.

Social Media Executive: How best do you think you can make a difference to CTA?

Ngawang Yonten: I have worked most of my time so far in Tibetan settlements or where my daily work involves the general public including students, and during which I have worked hard to bring people closer to our administration. Secondly, there is always a need for constant change for efficiency, and I am not afraid of making such changes.

Social Media Executive: Who is your role model and why?

Ngawang Yonten: My role model is my late parent. I wanted to acknowledge the sacrifices of my late parent, and similarly, all parents who have really shown their strength of resilience during early stages of exile in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. They rendered their complete trust and followed the direction of the CTA, their utmost dedication in sending their children to School and College and installing our rich cultures by sharing beautiful stories after dinner. One of the biggest challenges for a young parent like myself is the question of we can bring our children closer and connected to CTA, the Tibetan cause, and our cultural identity.

Social Media Executive: What is your piece of advice for young Tibetans serving or wishing to serve at CTA?

Ngawang Yonten: My suggestions for young Tibetans serving in the CTA or wishing to serve is to understand that this is the only institution that genuinely represents Tibetan people. Don’t just sit in one office for the period of your service. If there is no choice, please remind yourself to come out of your comfort zone to solve problems and issues. Please grab any opportunity that comes along to serve in Tibetan settlement. It will change your whole perception of serving for the CTA. And last not the least, please voice your issue at the right time to the right person and in the right environment, otherwise, it remains as useless gossip.