Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi

Indian novelist and social entrepreneur
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Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi (born Alokananda Dasgupta) is an Indian novelist, educationist, social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and business coach.

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

She has worked across the corporate, government, and non-profit sectors.

The releasing of the commemorative souvenir magazine at the Literature & Arts festival 2025 in the presence of actress Moon Moon Sen, Maj. Gen G.D Bakshi , Former ambassador Deepak Vohra, Author Robinder Sachdev, Bijoya Sawian & Founder- Director Of OASIS School , Rakesh Oberoi.

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 holds a postgraduate degree in bioscience from University of Calcutta. She pursued higher education at the University of Calcutta, where she earned a postgraduate degree in Bioscience. 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 philanthropic initiatives

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 for the welfare of underprivileged children and women. In 2021, she launched The Literary Table (TLT), an initiative under Arogya Wellbeing Trust 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.

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.

The Literary Table

In 2021, Niyogi established The Literary Table (TLT), an author–reader platform operating under the Arogya Wellbeing Trust. Initially focused on monthly book discussions and literary meet-ups, the initiative expanded into a larger cultural platform. In October 2024, TLT launched the inaugural TLT Literature & Arts Festival in Dehradun. The festival's second edition, held in October 2025, transitioned the initiative into a national-level event, featuring book launches, panel discussions, and art exhibitions. The platform aims to foster a "cultural ecosystem" by connecting emerging and established writers with a wider audience.

Themes and Works

In 2025, Aloka Dasgupta Niyogi released her semi-historical debut novel, Inheritors of Silence: Four Generations and a Forgotten Homeland, which examines intergenerational themes related to the 1947 Partition of India.

Inheritors of Silence: Four Generations and a Forgotten Homeland

Inheritors of Silence is a semi-historical novel that interweaves colonial and post-colonial history with a contemporary narrative. The story follows Anurima (Anu) through a dual timeline, connecting her present-day experiences with those of her ancestors.

The plot begins with a personal loss that prompts Anu to investigate her family’s past through archival records. These accounts detail her ancestors' participation in the Indian independence movement, highlighting themes of resistance and sacrifice. The novel contrasts the family’s progressive ideals, such as women’s education, with traditional social expectations.

In the contemporary timeline, Anu navigates an arranged marriage and a complex relationship that challenges her emotional resilience. A significant portion of the narrative follows her travel to Bangladesh, including visits to Dhaka, Comilla, and Paksey. By reconciling her ancestors' revolutionary history with her own experiences, she eventually overcomes societal expectations to secure her independence and self-realisation.

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
  • 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

Books

 

Notable Works

I. The Bestseller Status

Following its release in September 2025, Inheritors of Silence attained Amazon Bestseller status in the “Hot New Releases” category in February 2026.

  • Bestseller in literary theory, history and criticism
  • Bestseller in literary criticism eBooks
  • Bestseller in immigration literature and fiction eBooks
 

II. Literary Events

 

III. Professional Recognition

IV. Media and Appearances

  • EDU TV Authors Spotlight: Niyogi discussed the historical themes and research behind her debut novel and the role of literature in education (January 2026).
  •  
    Podcast on Google Drive (Foster Reads): She discussed the making of her debut novel during the New Delhi World Book Fair (January 2026).

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.

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: