Lipika Das Gupta is a visionary leader and a dedicated social worker who has spent over two decades working for the empowerment of marginalized communities in Bangladesh.While pursuing her studies in Geography, Ms. Lipika Das Gupta conducted her Master’s research on the life and livelihoods of Harijan and other marginalized communities in 1996. Through this research, she closely observed the deep-rooted poverty, social exclusion, limited access to health services, and lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities faced by these communities.

This direct exposure to the harsh realities of marginalized people, especially women and children, deeply influenced her personal and professional vision. Witnessing their daily struggles and resilience inspired her to move beyond academic work and engage in long-term community-based development efforts. It was from this strong sense of social responsibility and commitment to social justice that the idea of establishing a women-led organization took shape, which later became Development of Health & Agriculture Rehabilitation Advancement (DHARA).

Under her dynamic leadership, DHARA has grown from a local initiative into a prominent organization focusing on health, agriculture, rehabilitation, and technical skill development. Her journey began with a mission to create a society where women and the underprivileged have equal opportunities to lead a dignified life.

As the Executive Director, Lipika Das Gupta continues to advocate for sustainable development and strategic partnerships with international donors and local stakeholders. Her resilience and passion for community-led change remain the driving force behind DHARA’s mission to transform lives and build a more equitable future.