“Dr. S. Roy: A Trailblazer in Education and Empowerment, Redefining Leadership Through Resilience and Empathy”

Dr. S. Roy, born in Varanasi to Subrata Roy and Gita Roy, is a person whose life exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the power of education. Losing her mother at the age of two, she was raised by her maternal aunt, Anjali Roy, whose unwavering love and care played a pivotal role in shaping her values and character. This nurturing environment laid the foundation for Dr. Roy’s determination to make a positive impact on the lives of others. She received her early education at Loreto Convent, Ranchi, followed by Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata, where she graduated in 1995. Although she was fulfilling her father’s aspirations, she never lost sight of her own dreams.

In 1997, she earned her Master’s degree with distinction from the University of Calcutta, which set the stage for her future accomplishments. From a young age, Dr. Roy envisioned empowering girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through education. Her dedication and methodical approach turned this vision into reality. Today, she serves as the Head of a renowned institution in Kolkata, a role that stands as a testament to her perseverance and unwavering commitment to her cause.

Her professional journey began in 1998 when she took on the role of a part-time teacher in the Department of Philosophy at Shri Shikshayatan College, Kolkata. That same year, she cleared the National Eligibility Test and received the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship from the University Grants Commission. She pursued her doctoral studies under Dr. Chhanda Gupta at Jadavpur University, focusing on Epistemology and Metaphysics. In 2001, she joined Prabhu Jagatbandhu College, Howrah, as an Assistant Professor in Philosophy, where she continued her mission to empower young minds. At this suburban college, which catered primarily to economically disadvantaged communities, Dr. Roy went beyond her teaching duties.

She initiated various community outreach programs, focusing on empowering women through education and counselling. Recognizing the struggles of her students, she mentored young girls to help them achieve economic independence and inspired many to pursue their dreams, despite facing financial hardships. As the Coordinator of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Study Centre, Dr. Roy played a key role in providing education to those who could not follow traditional academic paths. Her efforts made it possible for many aspirants to achieve their educational goals despite societal and financial barriers. Dr. Roy also recognized the importance of mental health in empowering individuals. She observed that even economically independent women often faced mental health challenges, which hindered their full empowerment.

Motivated to address this gap, she pursued counselling training from the National Health Care Academy (NHCA) in Singapore. She introduced psychological counselling services at her college and in surrounding communities, helping numerous individuals improve their mental well-being. Today, as a mentor and Course Director at NHCA, Dr. Roy has profoundly impacted the lives of countless people through her mental health initiatives. Her contributions to academia include published works, research projects funded by the University Grants Commission, and guiding several PhD scholars. Dr. Roy has also delivered lectures in Bangladesh on the socio-economic status of women and strategies for their empowerment, extending her influence beyond borders. With over two decades of unwavering commitment to education and empowerment, Dr. Roy has inspired generations to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and empowering others to succeed. She believes in leading by example and marching forward together, redefining leadership through empathy. Her faith in a higher power fuels her motivation and resilience. Dr. Roy’s journey is a powerful testament to her vision, dedication, and ability to transform lives, leaving a lasting impact on the pursuit of equality and progress.

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