In 2015, a visit to the Sundarbans changed Subhankar Banerjee’s direction in life. Meeting a young girl whose father had been killed in a tiger attack led him to question how his education and experience could serve communities facing such hardship. In 2016, he left a thirteen-year career in the life insurance industry and began living in the Sundarbans. In an unused building provided by a government school, SOUL’s residential education initiative, Vidyashram, began with nine children. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, SOUL grew from this beginning, guided by selfless service, dignity and equal opportunity. Subhankar holds an MSc in Sustainable Development with Distinction from the University of Sussex, UK; an MA in Rural Development from IGNOU; and a Junior Diploma in Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. His academic background informs his approach to sustainable, community-led development in the Sundarbans.
Since its inception in 2016, SOUL has evolved into a trusted organization dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged. With a strong legal foundation as a registered charitable trust under the Indian Trust Act of 1882 (Reg No. 190303689/2016), SOUL operates across the Sundarbans and Kolkata, impacting over 200,000 lives through its core programs. We are proud to be certified under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, ensuring transparency in financial contributions and providing tax benefits to our donors.
We are also registered with NITI Aayog (Unique ID: WB/2016/0101971), the CSR Act (CSR00010672), and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA, Reg No: 147111203). These certifications ensure that SOUL adheres to national and international standards of governance, accountability, and compliance.
Explore our Interactive Journey Map below to discover how SOUL has grown over the years. From launching life-changing programs in education and healthcare to responding swiftly during disasters, our timeline highlights key milestones that showcase our commitment to empowering communities for a brighter future.
Journey of SOUL started with few like-minded People.
SOUL registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1882.
Little Learners Program (erstwhile Vidyashram) launched at Sundarban with 8 vidyarthis.
E-learning Program launched. SOUL received recognition from the Honorable CM for its exemplary contribution to the Savar Tribe at Sundarban.
Extensive relief work conducted for EWS population and the Savar tribe affected by the massive cyclone Bulbul.
Significant relief work and food distribution initiative carried out across Kolkata and S24P during the COVID phase.
Telemedicine Seva Program Launched.
2nd centre launched with 20 students in Indraprasta village for Savar kids.
Registered with FCRA and supporting higher education students in Sundarban through our scholarship program.
Launched Higher Education Scholarships for 50+ bright Sundarban youth
