“Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.” This maxim epitomizes the philosophy of Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa, an Indian Revenue Service officer of the 1995 batch. Her illustrious career as a Principal Commissioner of Income Tax and her current role as Member Secretary of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, are a testament to her dedication, resilience, and innovative spirit.
Hailing from the serene Darjeeling hills, Ms. Sherpa’s journey to becoming a stalwart in Indian civil services began at a young age. She cleared the UPSC Civil Service Exams on her first attempt at just 22, marking the start of a career spanning nearly three decades. Her professional trajectory has seen her traverse various roles in Mumbai, West Bengal, Pune, and New Delhi, honing her expertise in tax administration and policy formulation. However, in her current role with the NCTE, she has truly made a mark, spearheading transformative educational reforms since October 2020.
In a conversation with Indian Masterminds, she shared some of her experiences at NCTE.
Ms. Sherpa’s academic and professional journey is rooted in a deep commitment to excellence and public service. She was the head girl in school and led the student council in college, a testament to her leadership abilities from a young age. She graduated with history honors and continued her academic pursuits alongside her career, earning a Gold Medal in her PG Diploma in Human Rights and an M.Phil. in Defense and Strategic Studies with First Class honors. These qualifications reflect her profound understanding of strategic governance and human rights, underscoring her dedication to intellectual growth and public service.
At the helm of the NCTE, Ms. Sherpa has been instrumental in implementing several initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under her leadership, the 4-Year Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) was launched across 64 institutions, including IITs and NITs. This dual major degree program aims to elevate the standards of pre-service teacher education, ensuring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to educating future school teachers. Another significant initiative is the National Mission for Mentoring (NMM), which provides a robust mentoring structure for school teachers. Captured in the guiding document “NMM – The Bluebook,” this mission lies close to Ms. Sherpa’s heart, reflecting her passion for teacher development.
Ms. Sherpa’s tenure at the NCTE has also seen the introduction of the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST), a framework designed to enhance teachers’ professional growth and competencies nationwide. Her commitment to leveraging technology for educational governance is evident in the online processes she has introduced, such as online course recognition, inspections, GIS tagging of approximately 12,000 institutions, and online Performance Appraisal Reports (PAR). These innovations underscore her dedication to transparency and ease of doing business.
Her multifaceted leadership extends beyond educational reform. Ms. Sherpa has played pivotal roles in numerous committees and task forces, championing inclusivity and accessibility in education. As the chairperson of the subcommittee addressing teacher education recommendations by the Javed Abidi Foundation, she has been a strong advocate for inclusivity. Her professional journey is complemented by extensive training and international exposure, having attended advanced courses at Duke University, USA, and MDI Gurgaon, and participated in the 58th National Security and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College, New Delhi.
Ms. Sherpa’s international engagements include her participation in the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has also been nominated by the Central Government as a member of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). Her journey from an IRS officer to a key figure in India’s educational reform landscape exemplifies her ability to merge professional obligations with a passion for impactful change.
Balancing her demanding career with her role as a mother to a daughter in college and a younger son in school, Ms. Sherpa is a firm believer in God and finds joy in the simple things in life. She savors living one day at a time and follows her passions, such as knitting and playing badminton. In an interview with Indian Masterminds, she shared, “The job of a civil servant is not just making policies but to make sure that document works on the field.” To make sure, you have to do so many things at once. I am not complaining, as I like this part of our job the best. However, sometimes you need a bit of calmness to rebuild, and for that, you have hobbies. Everything goes into the background, and you’re recharged.”
Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa’s life is a celebration of balance and perseverance, embodying the spirit of living with purpose and the pursuit of excellence. Her journey from Darjeeling to the forefront of India’s educational reform highlights her exceptional organizational skills, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. As she continues to drive innovative changes in education, she remains a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with passion and dedication, one can indeed make the moment perfect.
