The Office of Suman Das

I was born into a family where service, education, and integrity were the cornerstones of life. My father, a devoted government employee, and my mother, a graduate of the 1960s-70s who chose to dedicate herself to nurturing our family, instilled in me the values of humility, resilience, and compassion. My mother’s wisdom, progressive outlook, and quiet strength inspired me to believe that true fulfilment lies in uplifting others and serving society with sincerity and purpose.

Although I hail from Kolkata, West Bengal, my formative years were profoundly shaped by the unparalleled beauty and diversity of the North East. Growing up in Agartala, Imphal, Gangtok, and other parts of the region, I was blessed to experience the warmth of close-knit communities and the harmony of diverse cultures that celebrated unity amidst diversity. I completed my schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Gangtok, where I studied alongside students from all corners of India, fostering a school culture deeply rooted in “Unity in Diversity.” It was here that I learned the true essence of mutual respect, collaboration, and how our differences could be a source of strength. The school’s motto, “तत्त्वं पूषण अपावृणु” (Tattvaṁ pūṣaṇa apāvr̥ṇu) translates to “O Sun, please uncover that” -a prayer for truth, light, and knowledge-was not just a guiding principle but a beacon that illuminated my path, instilling in me a profound respect for simplicity, diversity, and the power of collective progress. The breathtaking view of Kanchendzonga, with its towering, snow-capped peaks, stood as a constant reminder of nature’s grandeur and serenity, inspiring me to always strive for greatness while remaining grounded. The kindness and unwavering respect for nature of the people of Sikkim, often regarded as the most peaceful and cleanest state of India, left an indelible mark on my heart. My schooling days in Gangtok were more than just an academic experience-they were a spiritual and emotional journey that shaped my worldview, character, and the very core of who I am today. I feel truly blessed to have had such a profound and enriching experience during these years, as they laid the foundation for everything I stand for.

Building upon these formative experiences, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from B.D. College of Engineering, Sewagram, Wardha, under Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (erstwhile Nagpur University), a place deeply connected to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. My years in Sewagram were transformative, shaping not only my technical skills but also my personal values. The simplicity, self-reliance, and spirit of service to others, which Mahatma Gandhi championed, became deeply ingrained in my life. This experience instilled in me the profound belief that true progress is rooted in serving humanity and uplifting communities. After gaining one year of practical work experience, I felt a strong desire to further my knowledge and pursue a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering from the Department of Civil Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. This decision marked a turning point in my journey, as I delved deeply into structural design, geotechnical studies, and infrastructure development, equipping myself to face the most complex engineering challenges. The journey was not just about acquiring knowledge, but about nurturing a sense of purpose-to use my skills to make a meaningful difference in the world. My academic path has been more than a pursuit of expertise; it has been a deeply personal journey of growth, shaping me into the engineer I am today, driven by the desire to serve and create with both precision and compassion.

After completing my studies, I was honoured to serve as a Guest Faculty in the Department of Civil Engineering at Jadavpur University. Teaching and mentoring students was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. My research in Fiber Reinforced Concrete, focusing on the use of jute as a sustainable material, was an effort to contribute to innovative and environmentally friendly engineering practices. However, as my professional responsibilities expanded, I had to make the difficult decision to step away from academia to dedicate myself fully to engineering consultancy. This decision, though necessary, was made with a heavy heart, as teaching had given me immense joy and purpose.

Through my professional journey as a Civil Engineer, Project Consultant, and Structural & Geotechnical Engineer, I have had the privilege of traveling across many states in India, where each project became a deeply personal experience of touching lives and shaping communities. Contributing to the Trans-Arunachal Highway as a consultant for Arunachal PWD was more than just a professional milestone; it was a transformative journey of the heart, bringing hope and growth to the North East. My time in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in its serene villages, introduced me to resilient, kind-hearted people whose strength, warmth, and determination left a lasting mark on my soul. In every state, every village, and with every individual I met, I discovered the true power of humanity and the beauty of unity in diversity. These experiences reinforced my belief that engineering is not just about building structures but about fostering trust, creating hope, and paving the way for brighter futures. Every challenge, connection, and community I served became a part of me, fuelling my commitment to build lasting bonds that unite, uplift, and foster shared progress and growth.

As my career progressed, I began to realize that the challenges I faced in engineering were deeply intertwined with broader issues of human suffering, injustice, and societal inequalities. Alongside this, certain life events provided me with a deeper understanding of the importance of legal rights and the transformative role justice plays in shaping lives. This awakening ignited a desire within me to pursue a Law degree from Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha, where I immersed myself in the profound impact of justice. In parallel, I completed an online Executive MBA program, along with various certificate courses, driven by a commitment to expand my skills and knowledge. Throughout this journey, I met individuals from marginalized backgrounds enduring the pain of prolonged legal battles. Their stories of resilience, quiet suffering, and unspoken struggles deeply moved me, highlighting their need not just for legal resolutions, but for dignity, compassion, and hope. These experiences inspired me to turn to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), where I found a way to integrate empathy and humanity into conflict resolution. Mediation and arbitration became my calling, allowing me to restore trust, bridge divides, and empower those whose voices had been ignored. Each case presented an opportunity not only to resolve disputes but to reignite hope and remind people that justice-delivered with compassion-has the power to heal and transform lives. This journey, fuelled by my growing expertise in both law and engineering, solidified my unwavering mission to create meaningful change and make a lasting impact on my community.

Life has brought me profound joys and challenges that tested my resilience and shaped my understanding of what truly matters. Some bonds, though strained by distance and circumstances beyond my control, remain deeply etched in my heart, reminding me of the strength found in unwavering commitment and integrity. These experiences have taught me that life’s true purpose lies in service-guided by patience, empathy, and the courage to stand for what is right. They have inspired me to embrace public service, not for personal gain, but as a means to address systemic challenges, uplift those in need, and uphold the values of fairness and transparency that I hold close to my heart. These personal lessons became the cornerstone of my resolve to channel my experiences into uplifting others through public service.

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a transformative period in my life. The challenges it brought, coupled with the resilience of people coming together to support one another, inspired me to dedicate myself more deeply to social service. Advanced training in Arbitration and Mediation, including the IICA Certified Mediation Training, refined my skills in empathetic listening, negotiation, and conflict resolution. These skills became tools not just for resolving disputes but for rebuilding relationships and fostering harmony within communities. In October 2024, during the Kali Puja celebrations at my home-a tradition started during the pandemic to unite and support the community-I made the heartfelt decision to dedicate myself fully to social service. Standing among family, friends, and neighbours, I reflected on the journey that brought me here and the responsibilities that lay ahead. This moment was not the beginning of my commitment to society but a reaffirmation of my life’s purpose: to serve, uplift, and unite.

Today, as I continue this journey, I see myself not just as an engineer or lawyer but as a bridge builder-someone who connects people, resolves conflicts, and fosters progress. Every place I have lived, every person I have met, and every challenge I have faced has shaped me into who I am today. My story is not just mine; it is a tapestry woven with the lives and experiences of the people who have touched my heart. Together, I believe we can create a future where compassion, unity, and progress are not just ideals but realities.