 (2).png)
.svg)
.svg){kind=small}
Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi
| Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi
| |
| Born | Alokananda Dasgupta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Novelist, Educationist, Social Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Business Coach |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Known for | Founder of Arogya Wellbeing Trust; The Literary Table (TLT) |
| Education |
|
| Spouse | Kunal Niyogi |
| Children | Ishanie Niyogi |
| Residence | Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India |
Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi (born Alokananda Dasgupta) is an Indian novelist, educationist, social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and business coach.
She has worked across the corporate, government, and non-profit sectors.
Niyogi is the founder of the Arogya Wellbeing Trust and the curator of The Literary Table, an initiative dedicated to literature and community dialogue.
Early life and education
Niyogi was born in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India. Due to her father’s transferable profession, she completed her schooling across multiple cities in India.
She pursued higher education at the University of Calcutta, where she earned a postgraduate degree in science.
She later completed a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Annamalai University.
She further obtained a diploma in Advanced Marketing Management from the International Institute of Advanced Marketing, Mumbai, and a diploma in Human Resource Management from the All-India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai.
She subsequently earned a doctorate in management.
Career
Professional journey
With over four decades of professional experience, Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi has built a multifaceted career spanning education, corporate leadership, and public service.
She began her career in 1983 as a science educator in secondary schools, later transitioning into the IT industry. She worked as a communication consultant and subsequently led Human Resources departments for various software firms.
Global leadership and business development
Niyogi expanded her professional scope through her association with a United States-based health and nutrition organization. During this period, she received training from business leader Jim Rohn.
She also participated in leadership workshops in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Public service and philanthropy
In 2004, she was appointed Public Relations Officer to the Governor of Uttarakhand, Sudarshan Agarwal.
During her tenure at the Raj Bhawan (2004–2007), she co-founded the Arogya Wellbeing Trust in 2005, a charitable organization focused on social welfare initiatives.
Social entrepreneurship
Niyogi is the founder of the Arogya Wellbeing Trust, which works for the welfare of underprivileged children and women.
In 2021, she launched The Literary Table (TLT), an initiative aimed at promoting literature and author–reader engagement.
From 2024 onwards, she began curating an annual Literature and Arts festival, fostering connections among authors across India.
Academia
Niyogi has facilitated training programs for students and faculty across educational institutions in Dehradun.
- Mahadevi Institute of Technology (MIT), Dehradun – Visiting Professor for MBA courses in Human Resource Management, Corporate Governance, and Business Ethics
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) – Conducted BBA/MBA personality development programs
Consultancy and training
Niyogi has worked as a corporate trainer and facilitator focusing on human potential and soft skills development.
She has conducted workshops, keynote sessions, and training programs for both public and private sector organizations.
Workshops and engagements
- Rotary Club, Druid Hills (Atlanta, USA) – Session on emotional intelligence and stress management
- Atlanta Ladies Workshops (USA) – Conducted training on stress management
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Conducted HR and leadership training for scientists
- Delivered sessions at:
- Institute of Technology Management (ITM), Mussoorie
- Defence Terrain Research Laboratory (DTRL), New Delhi
- Integrated Test Range (ITR), Odisha
- Conducted virtual HR training programs across multiple DRDO laboratories
- Speaker at Women’s Day events in Dehradun
- Plenary speaker at TECHMA 2015 conference
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
- Conducted superannuation workshops
- Delivered training programs for hospital staff and trainees
- Fakir Mohan University – Workshop on stress management
- University of Kalyani – Workshop on personality development
- Tula’s Institute, Dehradun – Student workshops
- Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Dehradun – Talks on Swami Vivekananda
Literary career
Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi developed an interest in writing during her tenure as a Public Relations Officer, contributing articles and travelogues to regional publications.
Over time, she transitioned into long-form fiction, drawing from personal experiences, family history, and socio-cultural themes.
Her works often explore themes such as identity, memory, intergenerational trauma, and women’s empowerment.
Bibliography
Novels
- Inheritors of Silence: Four Generations & a Forgotten Homeland
Niyogi's debut novel is inspired by real events and family history. It explores themes such as identity, migration, and the legacy of the Partition of India.
The narrative spans four generations, portraying cultural transitions and the search for belonging.
The book has been listed among bestsellers on Amazon.
Notable work
Inheritors of Silence (synopsis)
Inheritors of Silence is a semi-historical novel that blends colonial and post-colonial history with a contemporary narrative.
The story follows Anurima (Anu), whose life unfolds through a dual timeline, interweaving her present-day experiences with accounts of her ancestors. The narrative is influenced by family history and explores themes of identity, migration, memory, and women's agency.
The storyline is initiated by a personal loss, prompting Anu to explore her family’s past through archival records preserved by her grandfather. These accounts include references to participation in India’s independence movement, as well as acts of resistance and sacrifice.
The novel also examines generational contrasts within the family, including progressive ideals such as women’s education alongside traditional social expectations.
Anu’s personal journey includes an arranged marriage that evolves into a complex relationship, reflecting themes of gender roles, emotional resilience, and self-identity.
A significant portion of the narrative follows her journey to Bangladesh, particularly locations such as Dhaka and Paksey, where she reconnects with her ancestral roots. These experiences contribute to her understanding of heritage and personal identity.
The novel concludes with a focus on self-realisation, highlighting the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with social expectations.
Awards and recognition
Niyogi has received several recognitions for her contributions to literature, social work, and professional development:
- Fulbright-Hays Scholarship – Participation in academic exchange and international engagement programs
- Business Development Award (“Achiever of the Month”) – Awarded by Herbalife
- Participation in Presidential Summit on Leadership, Los Angeles
- Harshali Foundation Award (2024)
- Amoli Uttarakhand Ratan Award (2024)
- Excellence Award – Shakti Women Entrepreneur (2025)
- Recognition by UNESCO Club Doon Valley and Uttarakhand Van Vibhag (2024)
- EDU TV Recognition (2026) – Recognised as a debut author
- World Achievers Award (2026) – Best Debut Author
Other activities
Niyogi has been active in public speaking, broadcasting, and cultural engagements.
- Delivered talks on Swami Vivekananda
- Broadcast speaker on All India Radio (Yuva Vani)
- Served as a master of ceremonies at events in Chennai, Dehradun, and Kolkata
Her interests include singing, blogging, reading, painting, dramatics, and travel.
Personal life
Niyogi resides in Dehradun, India. She is married to Kunal Niyogi.
Her daughter, Ishanie Niyogi, lives in Toronto, Canada.
Critical reception
Her debut novel has received responses from authors and public figures, including: