TheCconnects: Good day, Srija Sengupta. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. You’ve achieved so much at such a young age, breaking boundaries in academia, modeling, social work, and public service. Can you share with our readers a glimpse into your professional journey and how you reached your current multifaceted role?
Srija Sengupta: Thank you so much for having me. My journey has been an exciting blend of passion, hard work, and embracing opportunities. I started off with a strong belief in challenging traditional norms, especially since I was stepping into domains that were often considered unconventional for someone like me. Winning the title of Forever Miss India from Bihar in 2023 was a significant milestone that opened many doors. It gave me a platform to promote not just fashion and beauty, but also social causes and academic pursuits. Balancing this with my academic work at IIT Patna, where I’m pursuing Computer Science and Data Analytics, has taught me that discipline and a thirst for knowledge can help overcome any stereotype.
TheCconnects: That’s truly inspiring. With such a diverse background, who or what has influenced you the most along the way?
Srija Sengupta: I believe every experience and every person I’ve encountered has played a role in shaping my outlook. However, I must say that my family has been my strongest pillar. They instilled in me the values of perseverance and empathy from a very young age. Moreover, meeting inspirational figures during my journey, whether they were industry leaders or social workers, has provided me with diverse perspectives. For instance, working as the Brand Ambassador for the Lok Sabha Election 2024 in Munger under the guidance of the honorable D.M. Munger, Mr. Avaneesh Kumar Singh, was transformative. It showed me the power of using one’s platform to instigate real change in society.
TheCconnects: Speaking of real change, your role in boosting voter turnout in Munger is remarkable. Could you elaborate on the challenges you faced in that role and how you overcame them?
Srija Sengupta: Absolutely. Engaging a community to participate actively in the democratic process is never an easy task. The primary challenge was building trust and overcoming apathy. Many voters had felt disconnected from the political process. I focused on creating awareness through direct communication, social media campaigns, and community events. I leveraged my skills as a communicator and a public figure to motivate people, especially the youth, to exercise their right to vote. This hands-on approach, combined with local support and guidance from community leaders, helped us see a notable increase in voter turnout. It was a testament to the fact that when people are given a voice and a platform, they are more likely to engage in the process.
TheCconnects: It sounds like you really turned challenges into opportunities. With so many responsibilities, what are some of the key lessons you’ve learned throughout your professional career?
Srija Sengupta: One of the most important lessons is to remain resilient. Every setback, whether it’s a failed campaign or criticism, has been a learning opportunity. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to maintain authenticity, staying true to one’s values even when faced with challenges. Another lesson is the power of versatility. Balancing roles in modeling, academics, and social work requires a robust support system and a willingness to constantly adapt. Lastly, collaboration is key. Working with diverse teams, whether in a corporate setting or in community projects, has shown me that great ideas often emerge from a mix of perspectives.
TheCconnects: Your career spans a range of fields, from fashion and social work to technology and public service. What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands, particularly in the digital space today?
Srija Sengupta: The digital landscape is both an opportunity and a challenge. One of the major hurdles is cutting through the noise, there’s an overwhelming amount of content and competition online. Brands must remain authentic and truly engage with their audience rather than just chasing trends. It’s essential to build trust and communicate a clear, consistent message that resonates with people. In my experience, whether it’s promoting a social cause or a product, the focus should always be on genuine connection rather than superficial engagement. Additionally, with digital transformation accelerating, brands need to be agile, continuously adapt to new technologies, and leverage data analytics to understand consumer behavior.
TheCconnects: In your many endeavors, how do your initiatives and services address the needs and pain points of your audience or customers?
Srija Sengupta: I firmly believe in an approach that combines empathy with innovation. In every project I undertake, whether it’s a social initiative or an academic pursuit, the primary focus is on making a meaningful impact. For example, as a Brand Ambassador, my goal was to motivate and mobilize the community, addressing the disconnect many voters felt. Similarly, in my academic work and involvement in technology, the aim is to solve real-world problems by applying the latest innovations. I continuously seek feedback and insights from those I serve, which helps in tailoring solutions that not only address their immediate needs but also empower them for future challenges.
TheCconnects: That’s a holistic approach indeed. Shifting gears a bit, you are also deeply involved in academia and creative arts. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Srija Sengupta: I have a passion for the arts, singing, writing, and even occasional public speaking. These creative outlets provide a wonderful balance to my busy schedule. They allow me to express myself in different ways and keep my mind fresh. Additionally, I love spending time with family and friends, exploring nature, and reading. Each of these activities helps me recharge and gain new perspectives that often inspire my professional work.
TheCconnects: With such a busy schedule, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those trying to carve a niche in a competitive field like yours?
Srija Sengupta: My advice is simple: stay curious, be resilient, and never underestimate the power of learning. Entrepreneurship is not a linear journey, it’s filled with ups and downs. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity to grow. Invest time in building a solid foundation, whether it’s through education or practical experiences. Also, surround yourself with mentors and like-minded individuals who push you to think differently. Remember, innovation often comes from the willingness to take risks and learn from failures. Lastly, always keep your values at the forefront. Integrity and authenticity will guide you through even the toughest times.
TheCconnects: You’ve achieved so much already. Looking forward, what are some of your future aspirations, both professionally and personally?
Srija Sengupta: There’s always room for growth, and I plan to continue pushing boundaries. Professionally, I want to further leverage technology to solve social challenges, perhaps by launching initiatives that integrate data analytics with community development projects. On the academic front, I aim to delve deeper into emerging fields like artificial intelligence and data science, and hopefully contribute to innovations that benefit society at large. Personally, I’d love to focus more on creative projects and mentoring the next generation of leaders. My goal is to ensure that my work inspires others to pursue their dreams without hesitation.
TheCconnects: Your journey is a perfect blend of grace, intellect, and social responsibility. What role do you think your unique blend of talents plays in shaping your influence on society, especially as a role model for young women?
Srija Sengupta: I believe that my diverse experiences allow me to connect with a broader audience. Many young women see me as a proof point that one doesn’t have to be confined by societal expectations. Whether it’s in the realms of fashion, academics, or social work, every field has its unique challenges and rewards. By navigating these multiple domains, I hope to encourage young women to embrace all facets of their identity, being bold in their ambitions, compassionate in their actions, and relentless in their pursuit of excellence. I want them to understand that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept and that every experience, be it in art or science, contributes to a richer, more fulfilling life.
TheCconnects: That’s a powerful message. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your vision or any upcoming projects?
Srija Sengupta: I’m currently exploring several projects that are close to my heart. One of them involves leveraging technology to enhance community outreach and public engagement, particularly in underrepresented areas. I’m also collaborating with several educational platforms to create content that can help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. My vision is to create ecosystems where innovation and social impact go hand in hand. I encourage everyone to stay curious and proactive about making a difference, no matter how big or small the effort may seem.
TheCconnects: Thank you, Srija, for sharing your inspiring journey and insights. Your multifaceted approach to life is truly a beacon of inspiration. We look forward to witnessing your continued success and the positive impact you will undoubtedly make in the future.
Srija Sengupta: Thank you so much. It was a pleasure to share my story, and I hope it encourages others to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance.
