Notable Roles | - Founder & Former CEO, 17000 ft Foundation |
Key Recognition | - Nari Shakti Puraskar (2015) |
Background and Early Foundations
Sujata Sahu was born in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, India, in 1968. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Computer Applications from Pune University. After working in the corporate sector in the United States for nine years, she returned to India and became a mathematics and computer science teacher at the Shri Ram School in Gurgaon. In June 2010, during a solo trek in Ladakh, she experienced high-altitude pulmonary edema and was assisted by local villagers. This encounter exposed her to the challenges faced by remote communities in accessing quality education, inspiring her to establish the 17000 ft Foundation.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2012 | Founded the 17000 ft Foundation with the mission to improve education in remote Himalayan villages. |
2013 | Launched the Voluntour program, enabling volunteers to teach in isolated schools. |
2015 | Received the Nari Shakti Puraskar from the President of India for her contributions to women's empowerment. |
2019 | Honored with the Women Transforming India Award by NITI Aayog. |
2023 | Stepped down as CEO to focus on broader social initiatives. |
- Schools Impacted: Over 350 remote schools in Ladakh and Sikkim.
- Students Benefited: More than 75,000 children provided with access to quality education.
- Infrastructure Developed: Established libraries in 230 schools and playgrounds in 140 schools.
- Digital Initiatives: Introduced DigiLabs and solar-powered tablets to facilitate digital learning.
Leadership Style and Influence
Sujata Sahu is recognized for her hands-on approach and deep commitment to social change. Her leadership style emphasizes community involvement, sustainability, and innovation. By directly engaging with local stakeholders, she ensured that the initiatives of the 17000 ft Foundation were tailored to the unique needs of each community. Her work has not only improved educational outcomes but also helped curb migration from remote villages by enhancing local opportunities.
Legacy and Future Focus
Sujata Sahu’s legacy lies in her transformative impact on education in some of the most inaccessible regions of India. Through the 17000 ft Foundation, she has demonstrated how targeted interventions can bring about significant change. After stepping down as CEO in 2023, she continues to advocate for equitable education and aims to extend her efforts to other marginalized communities across the country.
