Tuhina Chatterjee

For Tuhina, Khas Sankdaha is more than just a village — it is a community that she has come to deeply cherish and call her own. Her connection to Khas Sankdaha began during the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan in 2020, when she was conducting relief operations and leading the Sundarban House Reconstruction Project. Witnessing the profound challenges faced by the underprivileged villagers — lack of resources, inadequate housing, and limited access to basic amenities — Tuhina felt an overwhelming need to support.

As she worked tirelessly to rebuild homes, her bond with the village grew stronger with every project completed. She realized that the issues facing the community extended beyond immediate relief and required long-term, sustainable interventions. This understanding marked the beginning of her journey to address the village’s most pressing needs, from women’s empowerment and education to water and sanitation and healthcare. Tuhina forged a deep partnership with Naba Diganta, a local NGO, which became her trusted collaborator in executing her vision for Khas Sankdaha. She actively identifies, trains, and mentors fieldworkers, ensuring that every project reflects the community’s unique needs and is implemented with care and precision. Her role extends beyond that of an social worker — she is a teacher, guide, and mentor to those involved in the projects, building local capacity and fostering self-reliance within the community.

For Tuhina, Khas Sankdaha represents a personal mission to demonstrate the transformative power of grassroots initiatives and the importance of sustainable development. It embodies her commitment to bridging the gap between marginalized communities and opportunities for growth, ensuring that every project brings lasting change. It is more than a location; it is a symbol of her belief in human resilience, collective effort, and the possibility of a brighter future for all.