Arijit Bhattacharya
Arijit Bhattacharya
Meet the People Powering Our Mission
At WomenServe, our impact is only possible because of the passionate, talented individuals working every day to create lasting change in the communities we serve. Through this series of team member interviews, we’re shining a light on the people behind the scenes — their journeys, motivations, and the values that drive their work. Get to know our dedicated team as they share their stories in their own words!
Arijit Bhattacharya
Finance, Grant & Capacity Building Manager
1. Can you briefly describe your role at WomenServe?
My primary responsibility is to support the projects which are running in India with my financial skills like monitoring the budget utilization by the implementing partners, preparing financial monitoring reports and sharing it to our WomenServe US team for final review and approval.
I have been with WomenServe since June 2022.
2. What motivated you to join WomenServe?
I was drawn to the mission of WomenServe because they were working in some major development areas like WASH, Economic Development, Community Self Reliance, and Education.
I think these are the basic development areas in which there is a lot of scope for development, especially for women and girls. WomenServe is dedicated to the development and support of this community. As I have been working in Rajasthan since 2013, I have seen the opportunity to work for the community. So, I am here with WomenServe to support its great mission with my little knowledge.
I did my MBA with finance specialization in 2010. My first job was a 9-5 in a steel manufacturing plant in a remote village of Odisha (A state of Eastern India). While traveling to my job location, I would see how the local community was dealing with challenges with their handful of resources. But at that time, I had nothing to do. I always wanted to work for the community with whatever knowledge I have.
3. Can you tell us about your previous work experience before joining WomenServe?
I have worked in a steel manufacturing plant as an accountant and in an insurance company as a sales executive. I joined the development sector in 2012, working with the organization Quest Alliance. I worked as an Accounts and Admin Assistant. My role was to do day to day accounting, administrative work, and supporting the program team. But unfortunately, in the year 2015, the pilot project was closed, and I went back to my home.
Then in the same year in September 2015, I joined PYXERA Global India Pvt Ltd. It was the first time in my life that I came to Rajasthan. My position was Finance and Administration Officer. I managed a team of 5 people, and also supported the program team. I had a very good experience with this team till I got the opportunity to work with WomenServe. I left PYXERA Global in May 2022 and Joined WomenServe in June 2022.
My past experiences prepared me for your current role in many ways, both mentally and physically. I have worked in different teams in different geographical areas. I learned how to deal with people, how to handle office politics, and how to develop myself within challenging situations. My current role is new and different to me, and I always love to face new and different challenges.
As I am a finance person, my greatest goal is to run the finance and admin department flawlessly. In my last organization I was recognized the best employee of the year twice (2017 & 2021)!
4. How does your previous experience influence your work at WomenServe?
Honesty, transparency and punctuality, these are the three mantras which I have learned from my father. These are the most important skills I have applied throughout my career till now.
My journey has shaped my approach to empowerment and community development. I have previously worked in other sectors like sales and manufacturing, which felt very monotonous and stressful. Since beginning to work in the development sector, I have noticed that my presence and my work is getting recognized and appreciated. This feeling is very satisfying. This job satisfaction was not there in other sectors.
5. What do you find most rewarding about your work at WomenServe?
My work is to support the programs financially and administratively. Through my support if the projects run successfully and make changes in the women and girls’ community then surely it will be my success also.
6. How do you see the impact of WomenServe's work in the communities we serve?
Our programs help the local women and girls’ community to improve in their daily life. Women and girls now do not have to walk long for drinking water because we have built underground water conservation tanks for them under our WASH project. We are giving them the opportunity to earn for themselves under our Thar Artisan Collective project. We also provide education to the girls’ community through which they can prepare for their own future under the Education project. Girls are now learning computers and other soft skills under the WIN program. Altogether the community is developing through our programs in the area where nothing can be done overnight. Our continuous approach and clear goal are the main ingredients behind WomenServe’s success. True, systemic, sustainable change is a long game.
7. What are your passions or interests outside of work?
Since my childhood, I have loved traveling. Traveling to different places, meeting new people, learning new things, always gives me a kick in my life. When I first got an opportunity to work in Rajasthan, my family told me, “You can not survive in Rajasthan, please do not go!” I accepted that challenge and now it has been almost 10 years that I have been working in this driest region of India. I am proud of that as I am from a completely different region of India where these kinds of water, food and education challenges are not prevalent.
I also love cooking. I like to listen to music whenever I travel. I always carry my earphones to enjoy music without disturbing others.
8. Who has been an inspiration to you in your professional journey?
My father is the one and only inspiration for me. He is my role model. I have learnt many things from him such as the value of time, the value of money, giving respect to every individual, sacrifice, and many more. Whenever I go home, I discuss many of my thoughts with him. I also share my problems with him, and it always gives me immense pleasure.
My father has had a great impact on my career till now. He has supported me while I was struggling in my early career. He taught me how to deal with office pressure, office politics, and how to cope up with every odd situation in professional as well as personal life. He always taught me how to manage professional life and personal life. He used to say one should not bring the office tension to the home. Home is a place where every person wants to relax. If we bring our office tension to our home, then the home atmosphere will get spoiled and none of us will be at peace. Tension in the workplace will always be there till we are working, so we should always avoid bringing those tensions to our homes. I literally have experienced his words in my life. Because of this advice, I always keep my personal and professional life separate. Generally, I avoid receiving official calls after 8.00 PM. It gives me peace in my life. In office time, I indulge myself fully in my work to complete my daily tasks within the time frame. After coming back from the office, I give time to my family members as they are the pillars of my life. I am always thankful to the almighty that I have got such supportive parents, brother, wife, and son.
9. What is a fun or surprising fact about you that people might not know?
I am very possessive about my things and family members, which can be challenging. My family is my strength as well as my weakness.
10. How do you envision the future of WomenServe?
As a finance professional my role is to always support the program so that it can run smoothly. I shall feel very satisfied if WomenServe in India grows well, achieves its mission, and fulfills Nioma Ji’s vision.
11. What message would you like to share with the WomenServe community?
WomenServe is an organization which is mainly focused on the development of women and girls’ in an area where other organizations think twice before entering. WomenServe is working deeply for the girls and women to resolve their daily challenges like water, education, and livelihood. These are the very basic needs for every person, especially for the women and girls, but in this rigid region they are neglected. Women don’t have enough resources and support from their family. WomenServe is providing resources and support to those women and girls to be self-reliant and to develop themselves for the betterment of their own livelihood.
Working on the grassroots level is key to the success of WomenServe. I have seen many organizations work on paper only, but WomenServe is working on the grassroots level. That is why every person in these villages knows and respects Nioma Ji. She is the WomenServe in the community. This tells how her efforts for the development of women and girls’ community are successful. This gives me enough reason to work for WomenServe.
12. Can you share a favorite quote or mantra that you live by?
I always believed “Expect the Unexpected”. I follow this mantra or quote in my life everywhere. That is why I have no fear of facing new challenges. I do not believe in returning the favor. If I am doing anything for anyone, I never expect anything in return. I believe expectations alway create dependability. I expect nothing from others, so I have very few chances to get hurt by others. If I get anything good in return, then it will be surplus for me.
13. Is there anything else you'd like to share about your journey or your role?
I am a self-motivated person. In any situation I can adjust easily. Any work done with a good intention and positive effort is always a success. I like to do my job always with a positive attitude. I am also open to learning anything which makes me a good person in personal and professional life.