I am an alumnus of IGNOU and was the first PhD holder in Rural Development. IGNOU, New Delhi.  I have worked with the people at the grassroots level, with tribal communities, rural artisans, women, and youths transforming rural North East India for over three decades. I have also worked in senior positions in the government. Currently, I am working at Anant National University (India’s First DesignX University), leading a Centre of National Importance on Documentation and Development of (languishing) crafts. 

I am keen to be associated with the esteemed Organisation of CIRDAP  and request that you consider me for the panel of Rural Development Experts to strengthen your Integrated RD Systems. 

In 2024, I was awarded the Social Development Hero, a Global award by SUNFO, Colombo, a United Nations and Parliament of Sri Lanka Organisation. In 2022, I was awarded the title Leader of the Decade in Community Leadership by WICCI, New Delhi. I worked for the mainstreaming and rehabilitation of the women militants of different factions in Assam, India and the team I led in the North-East Region, India, created a couple of national/international records, available in the media.

LinkedIn profile: https://in.linkedin.com/in/dr-sukamal-deb-phd-14352a5b