Sister Sarika is a member of the Sikkim State Civil Service since 2002. She has managed several complex multi-stakeholder development projects of national and state governments including Indo-Chinese border trade through Nathula Pass and management of Border Area Program. Her current role entails leading her team to implement schemes Government of India schemes under the Ministry of Social Justice, Ministry of Minority affairs and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Earlier as Project Director of the state government’s Rural Development Department she headed flagship programs as Project Director, MGNREGS and Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission. Her effective leadership in rural development led to her team winning more than 25 national awards.

She has been a member of Project Review & Steering Committee, Department of Electronics & IT, Government of India and been part of Working Group on Himalayan Springs (Niti Aayog, Government of India)

As a student of Bhagawan’s Institute, her fond memory is of Swami calling the graduating batch for an interview where He advised the students to focus on social service and family welfare. As a civil service professional, she gets massive scope for doing seva which for her is Bhagawan’s blessing of following His advice. Her roles are diverse and challenging with multiple postings. She takes these challenges in her stride, being detached from worries with firm belief that it is all Bhagawan’s will.

She has been able to balance her work and family commitments by giving quality time to her children and having served her late in-laws. She is an integral part of the seva initiative ‘Sai Daughters’ of Sikkim & Darjeeling hills. Since 2015, she has been the Sikkim State Coordinator for Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini.

Her word of advice to the alumni community is that some alumni may have time and energy while others may have resources – all should come together and channelize their energy and resources to serve Bhagawan’s mission.