Social worker and activist Soumya Shankar Bose’s work is beyond the realms of giving back to society. Gurbeer Singh Chawla walks the road less travelled with the gentleman who wants to be the change he hopes to see for his fellow mankind
Soumya Shankar Bose, a man from West Bengal had big dreams when he decided to work for society than only for his own ambitions. He’s the head of several organizations like the International Human Rights Organisation, Red Swastik Society, and Jai Jawan Azad E Hind. Incidentally, Soumya also leads the efforts for global peace, and he is the coordinator-in-chief of the Gandhi Global Family. No surprise, there! Considering that Soumya’s end goal was to improve our communities with kindness and social justice. Growing up listening to the stories of freedom fighters of India, inspired Soumya to be the changemaker that he is today.
Toward a better world
As a social worker and an activist, Soumya’s work extends beyond supporting communities with education, healthcare, and skill development opportunities. As the General Secretary of the International Human Rights Organization, Soumya’s primary focus is to protect basic human rights. His dedication to helping the communities kept him going even during the Covid-19 pandemic to help vulnerable communities. Some of his impactful projects during the pandemic were focused on providing essential aid and support to vulnerable communities. Notably, he has set up several schools and initiated projects that teach children the importance of education, health and hygiene. “Healthcare is not just about treating sickness; it’s about preventing it and promoting wellbeing,” he states matter-of-factly.
Healthcare is not just about treating sickness; it’s about preventing it and promoting well-being.”
Dreaming of a healthy India
Soumya’s commitment to healthcare for all extends beyond mere treatment and creating awareness about preventative measures and health education. With timely medical camps and addressing root causes of illness, he tirelessly works towards ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all. “That way, people can get the care they need without travelling far,” he adds. Among several initiatives, Soumya shares, he prioritizes education for children, especially in tribal areas. “Education is the key that unlocks endless possibilities,” says Soumya. As an activist, Soumya is associated with several causes.
One for all
One of the biggest initiatives that keeps Soumya motivated, is giving proper justice to India’s national icon Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. And the inspiration for the cause comes from his home. From a very young age, Soumya got the privilege of getting guidance from many eminent people. His grandfather and parents have been a strong force to inspire him to become a social worker and an activist. “Over the years, I have learned that life moves in a cyclic motion, whatever we receive from the god should pass on to others. As a privileged human being, I believe in creating an environment that provides opportunities and support to the people who need them,” shares the activist, who believes in justice, and equality for all. As the President of Jai Jawaan Azad-E-Hind Labour Welfare Organization, Soumya confronted the challenges faced by the unorganized workforce with tenacity and compassion. By advocating the rights of labourers and providing legal support, he sought to combat exploitation and empower individuals to assert their dignity and agency in the workplace.
Proper and higher education should be accessible to every woman to form an empowered society
Fostering inclusivity
Although several organizations are working toward women’s empowerment, Soumya is committed to empowering tribal women through education. “Proper and higher education should be accessible to every woman to form an empowered society,” says Soumya. He believes that all human beings are equal irrespective of their caste, gender, religion, and ethnicity. “We are living in the 21st century. We cannot continue to claim that men are superior to women as both are equal and without any one of them the world would lose its balance,” he muses.
First among equals
As part of his social work, Soumya also encourages youth to reject divisive ideologies and embrace unity in diversity. He encourages them to channel their energy towards constructive actions that uplift the nation, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and progress. His work has earned him several accolades by the government of India. He is the first Bengali to receive the esteemed Mahatma Gandhi Rashtriya Seva Puraskar, for his dedication to positive change.
