Chetan Sapkota: Born to lead

 Born to lead – his motto has made Chetan Sapkota different from his friends of his age group. The second son of D.P.Sapkota and Geeta Sapkota (Raley Khesay), this 26-year-old lad from Singtam is the face of societal gathering across different places of Sikkim today. Chetan Sapkota represents the youth of Sikkim. Despite his education up to standard twelve, he had been able to grab the attention of a lot since his academic years. 

Former Cultural Secretary, Vice Sports Secretary at All Sikkim Student Association, Joint Secretary, and later on General Secretary of Truck Driver Association (Singtam), Sapkota has proved his mettle.  He was the Chief Assistant Director in the documentary “Sikkim on the Path to Progress” by the IPR Department. He even had an acting stint in a Nepali motion film, Sanjivani.  Recently, he was one of the 13 youths selected from the state of Sikkim for the week-long training at Mumbai on “Role of Trade Union in Present Economic Scenario”.  Excerpts from a conversation with the ES.

From an ordinary guy to the much sought-after faces of the societal environment at Sikkim, how do you regulate yourself?  

It amazes me, too! My identity was restricted to my friend’s circle only a couple of years back. Still, to this day, after my association with different social causes in and around Singtam, I am getting noticed. I am delighted my work towards social causes is appreciated. I am in this field for my personal gratification, and I am not lured by the name and fame I am getting through it. I will work for my state, which is devoid of individual paybacks.

What is it that wedged your fascination towards the social order?

It was at that moment that I realized the influence of youth. Since then, I have dedicated my life to the betterment of society. The general public lacks an approach toward social causes as part of a society. I am a keen follower of Chief Minister’s vision towards betterment of the state I believe each one of us should understand our responsibility. If done, we will live in an enhanced environment tomorrow. Dreams are around. I do social work to satisfy my self-satisfaction.

You were one of the bastions of Prashant Tamang’s triumph; from Sikkim, you were the most recognizable face. Now your hard work has paid off, how do you feel?

As a hills representative, Prashant Tamang achieved breathtaking results. He was one raison d'être that bonded different religions, customs, and cultures across Nepali culture maniacs. We should always remain indebted to him for gathering integration beyond geographical and political boundaries. The unity we showed for Prashant Tamang must remain forever.        

What do you feel about the youth of Sikkim?

The youth of Sikkim is very conscious about the future of tomorrow. As it is often said, youths are the potential future builders, and I, too, am acquainted with it. I go by the great American leader President Kennedy's saying, “It is not important what a country can do for you, but it is important what you can do to your country.” We should be proud to be born in this peaceful land of Sikkim, and if all the youth of this state join their hand, together we can make our state stand on the world map. The future of this state is very bright as we have a dynamic and visionary leader, Dr. Pawan Chamling, to lead us and put his vision into action. Sikkim’s present is good, and the future will remain good, so to make our future bright, we, the youth of Sikkim, should work together and be conscious enough to support each other and build our state bright and prosperous.

Finally, Social Service and Politics go side by side. Your comments.    

Both need lots of sacrifices and should be free of personal benefits. If both of them coalesce, that would append to our state’s identity. It is, without doubt, an opportunity, a massive expression platform for societal activities. For me, it would be functioning closer to the grassroots. 

 First published in Explore Sikkim.