Pem is a law graduate from Sikkim Government Law College, Lower Burtuk, Gangtok. Her decision to pursue law was deeply influenced by her upbringing in a rural area of Sikkim, where she witnessed people being exploited simply because they lacked awareness of their legal rights. These experiences instilled in her a strong belief that the law is not only a means of protecting one’s own rights but also a powerful tool for ensuring justice for others.
Growing up in a community where legal education was virtually unknown, she faced the challenge of pursuing an unconventional career path. She was the only student from her school and locality to choose law, despite financial pressures and expectations to pursue a more traditional profession. With determination and the support she gradually earned from her family, she successfully completed her legal education and remained committed to her goal of serving society through the legal profession.
After graduation, Pem began practising litigation at the Gangtok District Court, where she gained practical courtroom experience and developed a deeper understanding of legal practice. One of the most significant challenges she overcame was her fear of public speaking and courtroom advocacy. With the guidance and encouragement of her senior , she gradually built the confidence to make oral submissions before the court, recognizing that effective advocacy is developed through continuous learning and experience.
Her experiences have strengthened her commitment to using the law as a means of empowering vulnerable communities. She understands that many individuals remain silent in the face of injustice due to fear, lack of awareness, and limited access to legal support, and she aspires to help overcome these barriers through legal education and community engagement.
Through the IDIA Litigation Fellowship, Pem hopes to strengthen her litigation skills, improve her courtroom advocacy, and deepen her understanding of legal procedures under the guidance of experienced mentors. She views the fellowship as an opportunity to enhance her professional competence while contributing meaningfully to initiatives that promote access to justice.
In the long term, Pem envisions building a legal career dedicated to public service and community empowerment. She hopes to organize legal awareness programmes, provide guidance to individuals from tribal communities, and mentor students from rural backgrounds who aspire to study law, ensuring that limited resources or lack of guidance do not become obstacles to accessing justice or pursuing a legal career.
