INTERVIEW: UN Volunteer Sangita Dahal

“Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy for the benefit of society and the community, the environment or individuals outside one’s immediate family. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain.” 

United Nations Volunteer Sangita Dahal holds a masters degree in Sociology and is currently working as a District Youth Coordinator under Nehru Yuva Kendra Namchi, South Sikkim under Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of India, which is  the largest youth organisation. She basically works to help enhancing youth skills, building their capacity by providing trainings so that they can be self employed and self sustained while focusing  on sustainable development goals. 

She also worked with Japan International Cooperation Agency under Sikkim Biodiversity Forest Management Project as a Community Organiser and as a District Coordinator
for Livelihood and Rural Marketing under Ministry of DONER, Govt of India, where she closely worked for livelihood promotion of communities especially community based institutions like SHGs. She joined UNDP on December 2015, as a District Youth Coordinator Under Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Govt of India. She is the only UNV from State of Sikkim so far. She was also selected from UNV India to attend Youth Innovation Forum on sustainable development goals at Bangkok. Anita Sharma of Wandering Soul of Sikkim talked with Sangita Dahal recently. Here’s the excerpts of the conversation:

Wandering Soul of Sikkim (WSOS): How would you describe yourself?

Sangita Dahal (SD): I am someone who always sees the silver lining under the grey cloud. I am always enthusiastic when it comes to my work and i do it sincerely. without sincerity success would be a far cry for me.

WSOS: What are some of your biggest accomplishments in your fieldwork?

SD:  Those women, who were confined within the four walls of their homes and were tied to their bondages are earning today. They are empowered. Working with community has always been my greatest experience. I am still learning from them. It has also helped me transform myself and my professional life; A woman, a mother and a professional. I am proud to be a woman UN volunteer. I also want to do my best to increase livelihood opportunities for women folks across the places, as it is the need of the hour. They must be independent. Volunteerism is a service that you do from your heart. My work has taught me the realities of the world. I believe that we needn’t just focus on the government sector as there are ample opportunities outside of it too but the only thing is that we have to be experienced and should be confident about ourselves and whatever we do.

WSOS:  How has your life changed working as the only UNV from Sikkim?

SD: Working in such a huge organisation representing this small but great state is a matter of pride for me. Volunteering has boosted both my personal and professional skills.

WSOS: How do you balance your work and personal life?

SD: To balance work and personal life is quite difficult when you are engaged in the  development sector, specially when you are a mother of a seven month old. But I am blessed to have a supportive family especially my husband, who always encourages me to work harder in my professional life.

WSOS: People often say, ‘work is workship’, How would you link this phrase with your daily life experiences?

SD: I think the saying is true. I am a religious person by heart, but personally, I don’t believe in following the religious rituals just to show it to the world; I believe that whatever we do, we do it from our heart. I am very devoted and dedicated towards my work. I truly worship my work as my god and is really satisfied with what I am doing.

WSOS: Your message to the youth of Sikkim. 

SD: Youth are the future.  Lets provide them the necessary resources and give them proper environment where they can improve their capabilities and skills while adding values to the society, and create positive and friendly atmosphere to one and all. They needn’t just focus on getting into Government employment as there are many opportunities outside the Government sector for our young people to grab, provided they  are skilled and capable.

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