Sourav Mukherjee
Sourav Mukherjee is an Indian social entrepreneur, grassroots innovator, and development leader based in Kolkata, India. He is the Founder and Director of the Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage (KSCH), a consultative member at the United Nations ECOSOC, an Advisory Board Member of the Asian-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AACCI), and an active member of AI for Developing Countries (AIFOD).
Early Life and Education
Sourav Mukherjee was born and raised in Kolkata, West Bengal. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from Jadavpur University and holds certifications from The Pennsylvania State University in Dual Use Research of Concern, Social and Behavioral Research Best Practices, IRB – Human Subjects Research, and Research Security & Vulnerable Populations.
Career
After beginning his career as a Database Administrator at IBM India Pvt. Ltd., Sourav transitioned to the social sector to pursue his passion for grassroots development and sustainable community building.
In 2012, he founded Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage (KSCH), an award-winning organization focused on women-led rural transformation, climate resilience, eco-tourism, and sustainable livelihoods. Under his leadership, KSCH has:
- Planted 23 lakh mangrove saplings in the Sundarbans to combat coastal erosion and climate change.
- Enabled over 44,400 women entrepreneurs through handicrafts, organic farming, and eco-tourism.
- Partnered with different departments of the Government of West Bengal, the Directorate of Forest, BPCL, Haldia Petrochemicals, NRK Trust (London), and the United Nations ECOSOC.
- Launched Swayamsiddha, a government-supported sustainable brand promoting handcrafted rural products.
- Deployed renewable energy solutions, including solar microgrids and clean cookstoves, for underserved villages.
- Implemented AI-powered and GIS-based project monitoring for impact evaluation and mangrove tracking.
- Led model village transformation initiatives in Bankura and the Sundarbans.
He also serves on the Advisory Council for 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, helping shape community empowerment and cross-cultural collaboration across continents. As Chairman of the West Bengal Cyclist’s Association (WBCA), he promotes grassroots sports and sustainable mobility under the Cycling Federation of India. He is also a frequent guest speaker for Akashvani (All India Radio) and the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCC&I).
Impact
Through KSCH and allied projects, Sourav’s work has impacted more than 3 lakh lives, generated over 2,185 kW of green energy, empowered over 7,000 self-help groups (SHGs), generated nearly 2 lakh carbon credits annually, and supported rural artisans with international market access.
Technological Innovations
Sourav Mukherjee’s projects leverage advanced technologies including:
- AI-powered project tracking and satellite mangrove monitoring
- Blockchain-enabled resource transparency systems
- Mobile platforms for SHG tracking and crowdfunding
- Rural e-commerce and EdTech solutions
- Smart classrooms for under-resourced communities
Awards and Recognition
- UN ECOSOC Consultative Status for KSCH (2022)
- Member – AI for Developing Countries (AIFOD) (2025)
- Times Power Icon of the Year – The Times of India (2021)
- ET Influential Personality – Economic Times (2023)
- ET Now Industry Icon – Economic Times (2025)
- Honoured in the Netherlands for preserving intangible cultural heritage
- Featured in Indiana Magazine (Netherlands, 2023)
- Speaker at multiple UN events, global summits, and CSR conclaves
- Speaker in Akashwani, All India Radio.
- Multiple recognitions from the Government of West Bengal
- Featured in India Today magazine (2019)
- Featured in CIO Times (2025)
- Featured in The Business Fame (2025)
Notable Initiatives
Sourav’s major community projects include:
- Swayamsiddha – a women-led brand supported by government partnerships
- Rural eco-tourism and homestays supporting 3000+ families
- Mangrove Carbon Offset Project for climate resilience
- Smart waste management and sustainable plastic alternatives
- Ambulance Access Initiative for remote Sundarbans communities
Philosophy
- “Development is not about charity; it’s about dignity. Every individual should have the opportunity to shape their own future.” — Sourav Mukherjee
Contact
- Email: mukherjeesourav52@gmail.com
- Phone: +91 8479972824
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn – Sourav Mukherjee