Dup Tshering Lepcha is one of the oldest-serving Bank of Bhutan (BoB) employees.

The 56-year-old from Pachu, Chukha was overwhelmed when his tenure was extended for a year. “The news took me by surprise. I had been serving the bank and people for many years. An opportunity to serve a year more is an honour.”

Having neared retirement, Dup Tshering Lepcha had planned to start a small canteen.

Today, he works as an assistant PABX in-charge.

Recalling his early days as a salesperson with Tashi Commercial, chief manager and administrative officer of the BoB were among the many people he remembers fondly. “The two officials told me to meet with the then Deputy Managing Director (DMD).”

He worked with the company for about four years. “However, I was not very keen because I had little knowledge and experience concerning the job I was given.”

He then joined as a messenger with BoB in 1984.

After working as a bank employee for over three decades, he thinks that he worked with utmost dedication. “I always tell my children that whatever work we do, must be done with great dedication. It is important to respect elders and help the juniors.”

He said that communication was difficult back then. Everything had to be done manually.

“When I am absent and cannot receive calls, I make sure to return the calls and apologise,” he said.

He added that given a chance he would like to work with a non-governmental organisation or with a tourism company after retirement.

On November 11 last year, Dup Tshering Lepcha was recognised with the lifetime achievement award.

Rinchen Zangmo