Dr. Sutapa Roy’s journey embodies resilience, dedication, and transformative leadership. Born in Varanasi to Subrata and Gita Roy, her life was marked by a profound loss early on—her mother’s passing when she was only two years old. Despite this, Dr. Roy’s life was enriched by the unwavering support and affection of her maternal aunt, Anjali Roy. This nurturing environment provided her with a sense of security and purpose, laying the foundation for her future endeavors and instilling in her a strong drive to uplift others.

Her academic journey began at Loreto Convent in Ranchi, where she demonstrated exceptional promise. She went on to fulfill her father’s dream by graduating from Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata in 1995. Her pursuit of excellence continued as she achieved her Master’s degree from the University of Calcutta in 1997, securing top marks. During this period, Dr. Roy’s early aspirations to empower economically disadvantaged girls through education began to take shape, driven by her desire to make a lasting impact.

In 1998, Dr. Roy embarked on her professional career as a part-time teacher in the Department of Philosophy at Shri Shikshayatan College, Kolkata. Her dedication and academic prowess quickly distinguished her. She passed the National Eligibility Test and was awarded the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship Award from the University Grants Commission. Her doctoral studies at Jadavpur University, under the mentorship of Dr. Chhanda Gupta, focused on Epistemology and Metaphysics, further establishing her academic credentials.

By 2001, Dr. Roy had joined Prabhu Jagatbandhu College in Howrah as an Assistant Professor in Philosophy. Here, she found her true calling in empowering women from economically backward sections. Through counseling and community outreach, she inspired countless students to pursue academic and professional success, significantly transforming lives and nurturing a new generation of empowered women.

Dr. Roy’s commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. As the Coordinator of the Study Centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University, she championed education for those unable to attend regular schooling. Her efforts in this role were instrumental in providing opportunities for many individuals to realize their educational aspirations.

Recognizing the crucial link between mental health and empowerment, Dr. Roy pursued counseling courses from the National Health Care Academy (NHCA) in Singapore. Equipped with these skills, she began offering psychological counseling, profoundly impacting the mental well-being of those she mentored. Today, as a mentor and Course Director at NHCA, she continues to support and advance mental health initiatives.

Dr. Roy’s contributions to academia are marked by numerous publications and research projects. She has guided several PhD students and delivered impactful lectures internationally. Her recent address on women’s socio-economic status in Bangladesh highlights her commitment to addressing global issues and promoting women’s rights.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Sutapa Roy has consistently demonstrated a passion for women’s empowerment and education. Her leadership philosophy, “marching ahead with all and for all,” underscores her dedication to collective success and inclusive progress. Her faith in a higher power fuels her relentless pursuit of excellence, making her a true leader and visionary.

Dr. Sutapa Roy’s life and work serve as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating how one individual’s dedication and compassion can drive meaningful change and uplift countless lives. Her legacy continues to inspire those around her and reflects the profound impact of dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to social betterment.

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