Sanjoy Ghose

Sanjoy Ghose (7 December 1959 – 4 July 1997) was an Indian rural development activist and social worker known for his pioneering work in community health and development. He was particularly noted for his efforts in the Majauli island in Assam, where he worked to empower local communities and improve their living conditions.

Early Life and Education

Sanjoy Ghose was born on 7 December 1959 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. He completed his schooling at the Scindia School in Gwalior. Ghose went on to study at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, where he earned a degree in History. He later pursued a postgraduate diploma in Rural Management from the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA).

Career

Sanjoy Ghose began his career working with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on rural development. He was deeply influenced by the Gandhian philosophy of self-reliance and community empowerment. Ghose's work took him to several parts of India, including Rajasthan, where he worked with the Udaipur-based NGO, Seva Mandir.

Work in Majuli

In 1996, Sanjoy Ghose moved to Majuli, the world's largest river island located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. He founded the Avard-NE (Association of Voluntary Agencies for Rural Development-North East) to address the issues faced by the local communities, such as erosion, health care, and education. Ghose's approach was to involve the community in the development process, ensuring that the solutions were sustainable and locally managed.

Kidnapping and Death

On 4 July 1997, Sanjoy Ghose was kidnapped by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a militant separatist group. Despite widespread appeals for his release, Ghose was killed by his captors. His death was a significant loss to the field of rural development and social work in India.

Legacy

Sanjoy Ghose's work continues to inspire many in the field of rural development and social work. His approach to community empowerment and sustainable development has been widely studied and emulated. The Sanjoy Ghose Memorial Trust was established to continue his work and promote his ideals.

See Also

• Rural development in India
• Community health
• Non-governmental organization
• Gandhian economics
• Majuli