“Strength is not born in moments of comfort, but in the trials that test one’s endurance, and in the choices that reflect one’s true purpose.”
Introduction
The life of Dr. Somenath Sarkar is a story of perseverance, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the power of education and honesty. His journey reflects not only the milestones of a man who rose through challenges but also the deeper truth that every struggle holds within it the seeds of transformation. To trace his path is to encounter a child born into a home of values, a youth determined to carve his identity through learning, and an adult who embraced responsibility with courage. Today, as an advocate practicing in Jangipur Court, Berhampur Court, the Calcutta High Court, and the Supreme Court of India, Dr. Sarkar is more than a professional figure. He stands as an example of how setbacks can shape strength and how vision, when combined with integrity, can create impact for both individuals and society.
Born on 4th May 1983, Dr. Sarkar grew up under the guidance of parents who shaped his earliest understanding of life. His father, Lt. Shyamal Sarkar, a master of Mathematics and a gazetted officer, imparted to him discipline, intellectual rigor, and the value of hard work. His mother, Snigdha Sarkar, a master’s degree holder in History, gave him the gentleness of compassion and the art of balance. Together, they created an environment where ideas were encouraged, education was valued, and decisions were made with fairness. From this nurturing background, Somenath learned not only the importance of knowledge but also the deeper principles of responsibility and character. These early lessons would later guide him through the crossroads of his life.
Education became both his pursuit and his passion. Beginning from a modest government-aided primary school named ‘Miapur Primary School’, he advanced to Srikantobati P.S.S. Sikshaniketan, where he completed his early schooling. His performance was marked by excellence, and soon at Jangipur Boys’ High School, where he pursued commerce, he stood out as a scholar. In Class 11, he stood first, and in Class 12, he achieved first position across all streams in his school. It was a recognition not only of his academic strength but also of his dedication. The gift of Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore, presented to him by his English teacher, Dr. Gauri Shankar Ghosh, became his first award and a lifelong reminder of how knowledge uplifts and dignifies human effort.
His higher studies reflect a spirit that refused to be limited. He pursued a B.Com. at Jangipur College and later advanced to M.Com. in Finance at Kalyani University, graduating in 2007 with distinction. His academic drive pushed him further into an MBA in Finance at Jaipur National University. Later, his thirst for law led him to earn an LL.B. from Utkal University and an LL.M. from Raiganj University, where he stood first. In 2025, he completed his Ph.D. coursework at Raiganj University, again excelling at the top of his class. Alongside these, he dared to take on the rigorous challenge of Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Company Secretaryship (CS). This pursuit, though begun in silence and against initial reluctance from his family, demonstrated his commitment to continuous growth. His academic journey is not simply a record of degrees but a reflection of his belief that learning is the only true wealth that multiplies when shared.
“The strength of a tree lies in the depth of its roots, and the strength of a life lies in the values it is built upon.”
Phase 1: A Childhood Shaped by Values and Vision
The beginning of Dr. Somenath Sarkar’s journey cannot be understood without returning to the soil in which he was planted, nurtured, and allowed to grow. Born on 4th May 1983, he entered a household where learning was not a luxury but a natural rhythm of life, and where discipline and compassion co-existed as guiding principles. His father, Lt. Shyamal Sarkar, a man of Mathematics and logic, and his mother, Snigdha Sarkar, a woman of History and gentle wisdom, were more than parents. They were torchbearers who lit the path that would eventually lead him to stand tall as a scholar, an advocate, and a man of values.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Somenath was not just a child of his family, but also a child of promise. The environment at home created the fertile ground where curiosity and dedication thrived. His father, who had pursued a Master’s in Mathematics from Calcutta University and served as a Gazetted Officer in financial accounts, represented the clarity of discipline and hard work. He guided his son with a firm hand, ensuring that education would always remain the foundation of his life. From him, Somenath inherited the ability to analyze, to remain precise, and to recognize that excellence requires consistency.
His mother, Snigdha Sarkar, equally educated with a Master’s in History, brought the counterbalance of tenderness and emotional strength. If his father represented the rule of discipline, his mother represented the art of balance. She softened the strict edges of learning with compassion, ensuring that her son understood not only the importance of achievement but also the meaning of kindness. From her, he inherited patience, empathy, and the ability to listen to the human story behind every fact. Together, his parents gave him not only the tools of intellect but also the compass of humanity.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Phase 2: Nurturing the Scholar Within
The second phase of Dr. Somenath Sarkar’s life reflects the period in which his intellect, shaped in childhood, began to blossom into distinction. If Phase 1 was about the foundation of values and resilience, this stage was about nurturing the scholar within him, a stage where academic pursuit became not just a duty but also a passion that opened doors to opportunities and recognition.
From the modest classrooms of his early years, he transitioned into an environment where competition was intense, and the need to prove oneself became essential. At Jangipur Boys’ High School, where he enrolled for higher secondary education, Somenath chose Commerce and Management as his stream. It was not a casual decision but one rooted in his ability to understand structure, finance, and order—qualities that had always come naturally to him. His choice reflected an early vision of the career he wished to pursue, even if it was not yet fully defined.
The young Somenath approached his studies with discipline. His efforts quickly placed him ahead of his peers. In Class 11, he stood first, and his name began to be spoken of with admiration not only among his classmates but also among the faculty. By Class 12, his academic record surpassed expectations when he secured the first position across all streams in the entire school. This meant that whether in commerce, science, or arts, his performance was unmatched. It was a proud moment for his family and teachers, who recognized that his hard work and commitment were yielding results that went beyond mere grades.
This recognition carried with it more than pride. It instilled in him a deeper belief that education was his tool for transformation. He saw how knowledge could lift him beyond limitations and provide him with the ability to create opportunities.
“Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions, but law is the conscience that keeps them just.”
Phase 3: A Teacher’s Path and the Call of Law
If the early years of Dr. Somenath Sarkar’s life were about preparing the scholar within him, the third phase of his journey was about translating knowledge into action and discovering a new calling. This stage bridged two worlds—academia and law—and revealed how his pursuit of growth was not confined to personal achievement but was directed toward service and contribution.
After completing his M.Com. in Finance in 2007 and later his MBA in Finance, Somenath was ready to test his knowledge in real-world environments. While the corporate world had given him a brief taste of financial stability, his heart longed for something more meaningful. Teaching became that meaningful platform. He was offered an opportunity at the Murshidabad College of Engineering and Technology, where he joined as a guest faculty member.
Standing before students for the first time, Dr. Sarkar discovered the power of teaching. It was not only about delivering lectures or explaining concepts of finance and management; it was about shaping young minds, nurturing curiosity, and building the next generation. He found deep fulfillment in answering questions, guiding discussions, and watching students grow in confidence. His classrooms became spaces of inspiration where discipline met encouragement, and where he reminded his students that learning was a lifelong process, not just a stepping stone to jobs.
Teaching also deepened his own learning. Each interaction challenged him to explain complex ideas simply, to remain updated with current knowledge, and to listen as much as he spoke. It refined his communication skills and reinforced his belief that education was a form of service. During his tenure at the college, fate brought him into contact with a person who would forever alter the course of his career. The chairman of the college, Advocate Deepak Kumar Roy, noticed Somenath’s dedication, intellectual depth, and sense of responsibility. Roy recognized that while Somenath was excelling as a teacher, he carried within him the potential to contribute to society at a much larger level.
A Note of Thanks
Now, it is important to pause and extend heartfelt gratitude to all those who have shaped and supported his journey. No life of purpose is built alone, and Dr. Sarkar has always acknowledged that his achievements rest upon the encouragement, guidance, and love of many.
He offers his deepest thanks to his father, Lt. Shyamal Sarkar, whose discipline, wisdom, and values continue to guide him long after his passing. The memory of his father’s strength remains the foundation of his resilience. To his mother, Snigdha Sarkar, he owes gratitude for her tenderness, her faith in him, and the quiet sacrifices she made to ensure his growth. Their influence has been the light that directed his path.
He also thanks his sister, Supriya, for her constant encouragement and her example of academic dedication. To his wife, Kuhumita, he expresses profound appreciation for her unwavering support, patience, and partnership in every step of his journey. Her encouragement has been a source of confidence, and her presence has brought balance to his life. To his son, Sarthak, he extends his love and hopes that his story will inspire the next generation to walk with integrity and courage.
Beyond family, he is thankful to his mentors, colleagues, and students, who challenged and inspired him to push boundaries and refine his vision of justice. He also acknowledges every struggling person who became a silent teacher in his journey, reminding him why the law must remain a voice for the voiceless.
This note of thanks is not only an expression of gratitude but also a reaffirmation of his belief that true success is shared. His life remains dedicated to family, society, and the larger cause of justice.
Thanks
Dr. Somenath Sarkar