A child who feared the stage, a traveller searching for purpose, and a changemaker redefining community impact, Sourabh Sengupta's journey is anything but ordinary. But what happened during a two-year journey across India changed the course of his life forever.
While skipping between cities of the Indian subcontinent, a small kid, with success on his mind and love for people in his heart, never knew the impact he would create through his work and passion for sustainability. Today, the One Air Media Team had the honour of showcasing the voice of that very kid- Sourabh Sengupta, Co-Founder, WEEE Foundation.
Hailing from the state of Bihar, Sourabh Sengupta is a dynamic business creative who has shaped, created, and sustained businesses for more than 15 years. From managing operations at Volunteer Yaatra to serving as Co-Founder of WEEE Foundation, Sengupta's expertise extends beyond business and into community engagement.
Born into a Bengali family, Sengupta had a rather interesting childhood, one that played a key role in shaping his love for people and communities. Looking back on those years, he recalled,
"I was a quiet yet social kid and was always a little scared of going on stage or speaking about things that I liked. We moved to different cities across the country, which gave me the chance to pick up regional languages. I loved talking to people and learning about different cultures."
Recalling an incident from his college days with a mischievous smile, Sengupta shared how he gradually overcame his fear of being put on the spot.
"You know, there were days when I'd go and audition for Talent Shows. I knew I wasn't a good singer, but I'd still show up. Why? Because I wanted to perform, to put myself out there and get over my fear. And I did. I still remember one of the judges telling me that singing wasn't really meant for me. But he also said I would do something big in life, so I guess I had something going for me."
And then came his first real job. Sengupta began his career as a Communications Executive at Tata Corporation in 2003. His career was greatly influenced by what he learned at the Corporation.
Like many of his generation, Sengupta often struggled to strike a balance between work and personal life at the beginning of his career. Recalling those years with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude, he said,
"I remember working long hours at the office, coming home, sleeping for two or three hours, and then heading back again. A lot of people thought we were crazy back then. But when I look back now, I feel grateful for the people who taught me how to push my limits and work towards creating something bigger than ourselves."
Sengupta's passion for community engagement and advocacy led him to contribute to several community-driven initiatives, including Million Kitchen. The web and mobile-based platform empowers home-based kitchens to provide healthy, affordable, homemade meals through a hyperlocal cloud model.
Reflecting on his time there, he said, "The first time it struck me that I was meant for community-led work was during my days at Million Kitchen. For the first time, I saw women from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh come together and earn a livelihood by doing what they loved, nurturing people through food. It was truly empowering."
Exhausted by the monotony of 9-to-5's Sengputa knew that it was time for a change, a change that was rather unconventional, but needed. In the late 2010's, he decided to travel across India.
"I wanted to see my country. Not just be a passive bystander who knows nothing about my people. I travelled from north to south, east to west for almost two years. And this travelling gave birth to- The Dead River Project," said Sengputa.
During his travels across the country, Sengupta noticed a troubling pattern that connected many regions: limited access to clean drinking water. He realised that water scarcity was not just a challenge in arid states like Rajasthan but a widespread issue affecting communities across India. In many places, sources of drinking water were either contaminated or difficult to access. The reality of this crisis left a deep impression on him and eventually inspired the launch of the Dead River Project.
"You could say that the Dead River Project was the predecessor that laid the foundation for what is now known as the WEEE Foundation. Working on the project, talking to people, spreading awareness, and seeing the impact we had on communities made me realise how much I loved the social sector. It felt like I was finally in my element," said Sengputa, smiling.
WEEE Foundation, in many ways, is an expansion of the thought behind The Dead River Project. What started as a water conservation and awareness drive now spans the sectors of environment, education and empowerment. People from different regions of the country contribute to the NGO every day, bringing about positive changes in a real sense.
Check out WEEE Foundation's website for further information!
Sengupta serves as the Operations Manager at Volunteer Yatra, yet another innovative and impact-driven concept. Elaborating on his role in the organisation, he said,
"Volunteer Yatra is another initiative that piqued my interest because of my love for travel. It provides a safe space for solo travellers to explore the country while contributing to social change through education. Our volunteers not only discover new places but also make a meaningful impact in the communities they visit."
Upon being questioned about the future of his present endeavours, he answered,
" I do not know. And I like it that way. I just want to enjoy life as it goes. And this is only the first half of my journey. The second half will hopefully be much more impactful and exciting as long as I have my people with me. Because my people have made me who I am today."
Just like Sourabh Sengupta, a child who discovered his voice through experiences, mishaps, trials, and errors, many of us are still in the process of discovering ourselves. As changemakers, it is important to understand the value of community and the impact our work can have on young minds. Sengupta's journey offers a glimpse into the realities of grassroots NGO work, reminding us that meaningful social change is often far removed from the glamour that the social sector is sometimes perceived to offer.
Follow Sourabh Sengupta's journey here!
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