Ruptrishna Choudhury: Building a Cleaner Future for Goa and Beyond
“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Finding Purpose Beyond the 9-to-5
At just 27, Ruptrishna Choudhury has taken a bold leap that many only dream about. Originally from Guwahati, Assam, she pursued her education in Bangalore and Gwalior before moving to Goa in September 2023. But her move was not just geographical—it marked the start of a profound shift in her life’s purpose.
“I knew the corporate world wasn’t where I belonged,” she recalls. After working as a research analyst, she chose to quit her job and follow her inner voice. What she discovered was a pressing problem she could no longer ignore: Goa, India’s beloved tourist paradise, was drowning in waste. Beaches littered with bottles, plastic, and unmanaged garbage became the trigger that propelled her into action.
This decision led to the birth of Mrinal Welfare Foundation, an NGO named after her father, and dedicated to waste management and sustainability in Goa.
Inspired by Her Roots
Ruptrishna’s father is her greatest role model and the inspiration behind her work. “He always taught me to dream big and act fearlessly,” she shares. Naming her foundation after him was a way to honor his influence and keep his spirit alive in her mission.
Her journey, though short so far, has been anything but easy. Building an NGO from the ground up in a tourist-heavy region has tested her patience, resilience, and determination. Yet she sees every hurdle as a learning experience. “Even if a few things are not in place at the end of the day, I remind myself that it’s just a phase. It will pass,” she says with quiet confidence.
Challenges That Shaped the Path
Setting up an NGO in Goa has been a test of perseverance. Slow documentation processes, bureaucratic delays, and the lack of urban facilities were among the first hurdles. “Being a city girl, it was difficult adjusting to a place where legal work takes weeks, sometimes months,” Ruptrishna explains.
Another challenge came from societal perceptions. “In a male-dominated field, I’m often asked, ‘How are you doing this alone?’ or mocked for the work I do because sustainability is not widely understood.” Yet she refuses to be discouraged. Each sneer only strengthens her commitment to her cause.
Recognition and Milestones
Despite being only a year into her journey as Director of Mrinal Welfare Foundation, Ruptrishna has already received recognition for her efforts. She was awarded the Social Entrepreneur of the Yearby Hyde Edge Media, a milestone that validated her vision and encouraged her to dream even bigger.
But for her, the most meaningful achievement is more personal. “Being able to find myself among the crowd has been my greatest achievement,” she says. It is this deep sense of purpose that fuels her every day.
Values That Keep Her Grounded
Ruptrishna’s guiding principles are simple yet powerful—respect for everyone, staying true to her roots, and focusing on being a good human above all else. “Titles will come and go,” she says, “but the person you become is what truly matters.”
She draws her strength from faith and intuition. “Trusting God and my inner voice keeps me going, even when life feels chaotic. My dad’s words still guide me—he reminded me to chase big dreams without fear and to focus on being a good individual.”
Balancing Work and Life
Running an NGO can be exhausting, but Ruptrishna prioritizes her mental and emotional well-being. “I give myself enough rest when needed and make sure I spend time with loved ones whenever I get back from work,” she says. This balance helps her return to her mission with renewed energy and clarity.
Building a Cleaner, Greener Goa
Ruptrishna’s current project focuses on recycling solid glass waste into cullets, which are then remanufactured into new bottles. This process helps reduce up to 60% of carbon emissions, making it a significant step toward sustainable waste management.
Her efforts extend beyond waste collection—she aims to transform how Goa handles its landfill crisis. By collecting glass waste from bars, restaurants, and tourist spots, she hopes to restore the natural beauty that makes Goa special. “This is a movement to protect the soul of Goa,” she says passionately, “so that future generations can see the Goa we all fell in love with—not beaches filled with trash.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Ruptrishna’s dream is to expand her efforts nationwide. She envisions opening waste management centers in other tourist destinations, particularly those struggling with alcohol-related glass waste. Alongside this, she hopes to launch programs that educate rural children about sustainability and climate change, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to protect their environment.
“As a tourism student, I have always wanted to help destinations preserve their heritage, natural beauty, and culture,” she explains. Her plans are ambitious, but her resolve is unshakable.
Words to Live By
When asked to share a quote that resonates with her journey, Ruptrishna chooses a line that perfectly reflects her spirit:
“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Her advice for young women is equally empowering:
“Just don’t stop. If your heart and mind are in it, nothing can hold you back. Trust your intuition—it’s a gift we all have. Don’t rush if you’re unsure, but once you know, step out with zero fear and faith that you are protected. Never lose your kindness, never feel small for speaking the truth, and always show up for yourself.”
The Road Ahead
In just a year, Ruptrishna Choudhury has turned her vision into reality, proving that courage and clarity can reshape entire communities. Her work is a reminder that change begins with a single step—and sometimes, with a single woman deciding that enough is enough.
