Dr. Sutapa Roy: Empowering Minds and Fostering Change
Dr. Sutapa Roy, born in Varanasi to Subrata Roy and late Gita Roy, was raised under the loving care of her maternal aunt, Anjali Roy, who filled the void of maternal affection after her mother’s early passing. This nurturing environment played a pivotal role in shaping her values and her commitment to serving others. Her educational journey began at Loreto Convent, Ranchi, followed by a graduation from Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata in 1995, fulfilling her father’s aspirations. She further pursued a Master’s degree from the University of Calcutta, excelling in her studies in 1997.
From a young age, she harbored ambitions of excelling in higher education and empowering underprivileged girls. Over the years, her determination and strategic planning led her to become the Head of an esteemed college institution in Kolkata, West Bengal. Her career commenced as a part-time teacher in the Department of Philosophy at Shri Shikshayatan College, Kolkata in 1998. Simultaneously, she cleared the National Eligibility Test, earning the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship Award from the University Grants Commission. Pursuing her passion for research, she began her doctoral studies as a JRF PhD Scholar in Epistemology and Metaphysics at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, under the guidance of Dr. Chhanda Gupta.
In 2001, she joined Prabhu Jagatbandhu College in Howrah, West Bengal, as an Assistant Professor of Philosophy. Here, amidst a semi-rural community, she dedicated herself to empowering women through education and counseling. Her initiatives extended beyond the classroom, encompassing community outreach programs and counseling sessions aimed at fostering economic independence among girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Her commitment to education outreach expanded further as she served as the Coordinator of the Indira Gandhi National Open University Study Centre at her college. Through this role, she significantly contributed to providing educational opportunities to individuals unable to pursue conventional education due to various constraints.
Recognizing the correlation between women’s empowerment and mental health, she initiated psychological counseling services at her college and within the community. Her dedication led her to pursue Counseling Courses from the National Health Care Academy, Singapore, further enhancing her ability to provide holistic support to her students and community members.
Her contributions extend beyond academia into prolific research, with numerous publications and guidance provided to doctoral students. She has also undertaken research projects funded by the University Grants Commission, demonstrating her scholarly impact and commitment to advancing knowledge.
In addition to her academic achievements, she is a mentor and Course Director at NHCA, Singapore, where she continues to make significant strides in mental health advocacy and education. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, inspiring teams to achieve collective success rather than individual accolades.
Throughout her career, her unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and mental health advocacy has earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. Her journey is a testament to her resilience, vision, and steadfast commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she encounters.
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