Satarupa Majumder, a passionate educator, embarked on a life-changing journey to the remote islands of the Sundarbans after witnessing children forced into labour and deprived of schooling. Starting in 2012 with just 25 children, she founded Swapnopuron, an initiative that now educates over 800 children across five centres.
Quitting her corporate job in 2018, Satarupa has dedicated herself full-time to providing education, safe spaces, and empowerment programmes in one of India’s most vulnerable regions. Her work continues to inspire change, offering hope and opportunity where it was once scarce.
From a Sewing Machine Donation to a Movement for Change
Satarupa’s story began unexpectedly when she accompanied her aunt to donate a sewing machine to a women’s group in Hingalganj, Sundarbans. There, she was confronted with stark realities: children rolling beedis, no schools, and no safe spaces to nurture dreams. When a parent asked if she could teach their children English, Satarupa said yes, sparking a mission that would grow into Swapnopuron.
She rented land, taught under a hay roof, and went door to door convincing families to send their children to school. Over time, this grassroots effort blossomed into a formal educational organisation, now serving hundreds of children with a curriculum designed to inspire and empower.
The Founder: A Visionary Educator Committed to Change
Satarupa Majumder is a trained teacher with expertise in early childhood and primary education, including Montessori and experiential learning methods. With a background in corporate work, she made a courageous decision in 2018 to quit her job and dedicate herself fully to Swapnopuron.
Her vision is to create safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and dream beyond the limitations imposed by poverty and geography. Under her leadership, Swapnopuron has expanded to five centres across the Sundarbans, employing 36 teachers and reaching over 850 children. Satarupa’s approach combines academic learning with sports, fine arts, yoga, and life skills, fostering holistic development.
Overcoming Challenges in the Fragile Sundarbans Ecosystem
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its unique mangrove forests and tiger reserves but also for extreme poverty, frequent natural disasters, and limited infrastructure. Many children here face the harsh choice between education and labour. Swapnopuron addresses these challenges by providing quality education, healthcare, and community empowerment programmes.
The organisation also runs campaigns against child trafficking and early marriage, safeguarding children’s futures. Despite funding challenges due to the region’s economic constraints, Swapnopuron has attracted support from CSR initiatives and volunteers nationwide. Local officials and social activists recognise the initiative as a vital bridge addressing educational neglect in this remote area.
Empowering Women and Communities Beyond Education
Beyond schooling, Swapnopuron actively engages with women’s groups to promote vocational training and self-reliance. This holistic approach strengthens families and communities, creating a supportive ecosystem that values education and empowerment.
By fostering gender equality and economic independence, the initiative tackles root causes of poverty and social exclusion. Satarupa’s leadership has inspired a movement that transcends education, embedding hope and dignity into the lives of thousands.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Satarupa Majumder’s journey exemplifies how compassion combined with unwavering commitment can ignite transformative social change. The Logical Indian celebrates Swapnopuron’s dedication to nurturing hope, dignity, and opportunity in one of India’s most marginalised regions.
This story reflects our belief that education is not merely a service but a powerful bridge to empowerment, harmony, and coexistence.
