Saswati Das, the Vice-President of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), a leading deemed-to-be university in Odisha, has been honored with the esteemed ‘Femina Achievers East’ award for 2024. The accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to inspirational leadership and her efforts to bring about a positive societal impact.

The award, titled ‘Excellence in Inspirational Leadership’, was presented at a grand ceremony organized by Femina, one of India’s oldest and most renowned English women’s magazines, in Kolkata. The award was received on Das’s behalf by Subhadarshini Mishra, SOA’s Public Relations Officer. The ceremony saw distinguished personalities like Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India, and Nicolas Facino, Director of Alliance Francaise du Bengale, gracing the occasion.

Das has been a driving force behind initiatives at SOA aimed at uplifting the underprivileged. Her guidance has inspired students to actively participate in social service, particularly through ‘Jaago’, an organization initiated at SOA. This movement encourages students to dedicate their free time to teach slum children who cannot afford tuition.

Supported by SOA, ‘Jaago’ has evolved into a vibrant community service initiative, drawing hundreds of students and fostering a culture of social responsibility. It not only provides education to underprivileged children but also instills a sense of duty among the students, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

The recognition by Femina underscores Das’s tireless efforts to inspire the youth and drive impactful societal changes through education and service. Her leadership continues to motivate the SOA community to contribute towards a brighter future for the less privileged.