TheCconnects: Welcome, Dr. Manish Das. It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Your career spans so many fields—from law to education to the arts. Could you begin by sharing a bit about your professional journey and what led you to your current role?
Dr. Manish Das: Thank you for having me. My journey has been a fascinating evolution of interests and opportunities. I began my academic pursuit with a law degree from Dr. R K B Law College at Dibrugarh University, followed by an MBA from ICFAI in Dehradun, and eventually a PhD from Canada. These academic milestones opened up numerous avenues. Along the way, I embraced roles as an advocate, educator, model, actor, and more. Each position has enriched my perspective and helped me merge creative expression with a commitment to social service. Today, as a Life Member of the Supreme Court of India and a multifaceted professional, I continue to strive for excellence in every field I touch.
TheCconnects: That’s incredibly diverse. With such a wide-ranging career, who would you say has influenced you the most, and how has that shaped your approach to work?
Dr. Manish Das: Without a doubt, my mother, Mrs. Rupali Baruah Das, has been my greatest influence. She is North East India’s first lady career counsellor and a pioneer in personalized education. Growing up working alongside her from a very young age taught me the value of empathy, innovation, and perseverance. Her approach—catering to each student’s unique learning style—instilled in me the importance of personalization in education and career guidance. Even now, her insights guide my decisions, whether in the courtroom, the classroom, or when planning new initiatives.
TheCconnects: Speaking of challenges, your career hasn’t been without obstacles. What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you navigate them?
Dr. Manish Das: One of the most significant challenges was balancing multiple roles without compromising on the quality of work. At times, managing responsibilities as an advocate, educator, and artist felt overwhelming. Another major hurdle was adapting our educational services during the pandemic. When traditional, in-person sessions were no longer viable, we had to quickly pivot to digital platforms. This transition was initially challenging, but it also presented an opportunity to innovate. We integrated tools like Google Forms, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and others to maintain interactive and personalized sessions. Embracing these digital solutions not only helped us continue our work but also expanded our reach beyond geographical limits.
TheCconnects: That’s a testament to your adaptability. Over the course of your career, what are some key lessons you’ve learned that continue to influence your professional life?
Dr. Manish Das: Several lessons stand out. First, adaptability is paramount—being open to change and innovation is essential, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Second, personalized attention matters. Whether it’s in education or legal advocacy, understanding individual needs and tailoring solutions accordingly can make a profound difference. Third, collaboration is key. I’ve learned that building a strong team and network amplifies impact. Lastly, persistence is crucial. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve. These lessons drive my approach in all my endeavors, ensuring that I remain resilient and forward-thinking.
TheCconnects: In today’s digital era, many brands face challenges adapting to rapid technological changes. From your perspective, what is the biggest challenge for brands in the digital space today?
Dr. Manish Das: The digital space is evolving incredibly fast, and the biggest challenge for brands is cutting through the noise. With so much content available, capturing and retaining the audience’s attention requires authenticity, innovation, and a deep understanding of customer needs. Brands need to offer real value and build trust through transparent, personalized engagements. Whether it’s in education, legal services, or any other field, the key is to integrate traditional expertise with modern digital strategies to deliver tailored solutions that resonate with diverse audiences.
TheCconnects: That leads us perfectly into your work. How do your services and solutions address your customers’ pain points, particularly in education and career counselling?
Dr. Manish Das: Our approach is holistic. We employ various pedagogical models, such as the ARCS framework (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) and VARK (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic) learning styles, to cater to every individual’s needs. Additionally, we use psychometric tests, SWOT analysis, and demographic intelligence assessments to understand students better. These tools help us design personalized career counselling sessions that empower students to recognize and build upon their unique strengths. Even when circumstances force us to adopt digital methods, our commitment to a 360-degree analysis of each student remains unchanged. This approach has enabled us to adapt successfully, especially during challenging times like the recent pandemic.
TheCconnects: It sounds like your methodologies have really set a benchmark. Stepping away from work for a moment, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Dr. Manish Das: I have a deep passion for the arts. When I’m not working, I often engage in activities such as dancing, acting, and even theater production. These creative pursuits provide a refreshing balance to my professional responsibilities. I also love reading, writing, and exploring new ideas, which often feed back into my professional life. Spending time with family and pursuing social work are equally important, as they allow me to stay grounded and connected to my roots.
TheCconnects: Balancing such a diverse portfolio of roles and interests must be incredibly demanding. How do you manage to juggle everything so effectively?
Dr. Manish Das: It’s all about passion, discipline, and time management. I set clear priorities and always remind myself of the bigger picture—our mission to contribute to education and social welfare. Building a strong, dedicated team has also been crucial. We have a collaborative environment where each member’s strengths are leveraged to achieve our common goals. This shared vision keeps us motivated even during the most challenging times.
TheCconnects: With your vast experience, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those venturing into education and legal sectors?
Dr. Manish Das: My advice would be to never stop learning and remain adaptable. The world is constantly changing, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is essential. Embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate. It’s also vital to build a robust network of mentors, peers, and supporters who can guide you along the way. Remember, your passion is your greatest asset. If you believe in your vision and work diligently, you will overcome obstacles and achieve success. Lastly, always prioritize ethics and genuine care for your community—this is what builds a lasting legacy.
TheCconnects: You mentioned earlier that your mother played a significant role in your journey. Could you share more about her journey and how her achievements have inspired your work?
Dr. Manish Das: Absolutely. My mother, Mrs. Rupali Baruah Das, is a trailblazer in her own right. Starting her career as a school teacher in institutions like Kendra Vidyalaya and Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, she quickly evolved into North East India’s first lady career counsellor. Her innovative approach to personalized education laid the foundation for our joint ventures in career counselling and computer education. Recently, she was honored with the Ashneer Grover Bharat Business Award, a recognition that highlights her enduring impact on the field of education and entrepreneurship. Her journey has taught me that perseverance and a commitment to excellence can transform challenges into opportunities. Working alongside her from a very young age has profoundly shaped my outlook and continues to inspire my efforts today.
TheCconnects: It’s clear that the legacy of your family is intertwined with your success. Finally, looking ahead, what are your future plans, and how do you envision your work evolving over the next decade?
Dr. Manish Das: The future is incredibly exciting. We are planning to expand our reach by opening over 100 branches globally by 2030. Our mission remains the same—to educate the next generation and contribute to India’s development by providing quality education and personalized career guidance. I am committed to leveraging both traditional methodologies and emerging digital technologies to create a comprehensive learning ecosystem. Additionally, I plan to continue authoring books and engaging in social work, ensuring that our initiatives create a positive and lasting impact on society.
TheCconnects: Dr. Manish Das, thank you for sharing your inspiring journey, your insights on education and technology, and your vision for the future. It’s evident that your work not only impacts individual lives but also contributes significantly to the broader development of society.
Dr. Manish Das: Thank you very much. It’s been a pleasure discussing these topics with you. I hope our conversation inspires others to pursue their passions, embrace change, and strive for excellence in everything they do.
TheCconnects: Your story is truly motivational, and we appreciate the depth and authenticity of your insights. Thank you for your time today, and we look forward to witnessing your continued success and contributions to the fields of law, education, and beyond.
Dr. Manish Das: The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for this engaging conversation. Let’s continue to inspire and empower those around us.
