Ngodup Phuntsok’s prison sentence was reduced to three years as a result of the labour he performed while in detention, rather than any change in the authorities’ beliefs or policies. During his imprisonment in Drapchi Prison, he taught both English and Tibetan to fellow inmates. Because prison guards did not permit formal teaching, he conducted these lessons in secret.

Throughout his time in prison, Ngodup Phuntsok also listened clandestinely to news broadcasts from the Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA). He then shared information about current events and developments with other prisoners, helping them remain informed despite strict censorship and surveillance.