Sonamukhi’s Sohini in US-Biden administration
The US President Joe Biden appointed Bankura’s daughter, Sohini Chatterjee at the US Department of State as Senior Policy Advisor to the US Ambassador to the United Nations. This was a proud moment not only for India but also for the residents of Bengal’s Sonamukhi.
Sohini’s father, Swadesh Chatterjee, is a renowned Indian American entrepreneur, leader and activist dedicated to fostering a better relationship among American and Indian people, politicians and businesses. In 1986, when he migrated to America from Sonamukhi with his wife, Manjusri, and their infant daughter, Sohini, he had only US$ 35 in his pocket. A graduate with honours in Physics from Calcutta University, he also obtained a B.E degree from Jadavpur University in Instrumentation and Electronic Engineering. Later, he completed his M.B.A. from North Carolina State University and set up his business empire there.
She has been extremely successful professionally. She served as Legal Advisor to Independent International Legal Advocates and as a Senior (Non-resident) Associate at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. She also served as an appointee and Senior Advisor in the Obama Administration where she led multiple White House and Department of State initiatives and directives on global development.
Meanwhile, Sohini graduated from Columbia University and then completed her Master’s degree in International Relations from John Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. She simultaneously studied Law at Duke University during her postgraduate studies.During her college days, she came to Calcutta and worked for Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, while Mother was alive.
Sohini, he had only US$ 35 in his pocket. A graduate with honours in Physics from Calcutta University, he also obtained a B.E degree from Jadavpur University in Instrumentation and Electronic Engineering.
She has been extremely successful professionally. She served as Legal Advisor to Independent International Legal Advocates and as a Senior (Non-resident) Associate at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. She also served as an appointee and Senior Advisor in the Obama Administration where she led multiple White House and Department of State initiatives and directives on global development. Her work was focused on governance, conflict, the rule of law and strengthening civil society. Prior to that, she worked for the World Bank’s Development Economics Prospects Group on long-term scenario planning. Early in her career, she was an attorney in the International Group at Steptoe & Johnson LLP where she worked on the first-ever international trade case before the U.S. Supreme Court. She also served as a pro bono attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Washington, D.C. for many years, serving as lead counsel in numerous trials. She has consulted on international human rights and rule of law issues for Humanity United, the U.S. Department of State, Chemonics International, the Asia Foundation, and the World Bank.
Sohini’s relatives are overjoyed to hear the news of her latest position. The doting family never tires relating anecdotes about her. Sohini’s aunt, Chhaya Mukherjee told to a news channel that although Sohini spent most of her life abroad, she still remains attached to her extended family. “She is very sensitive and has a big heart. Despite her busy schedule, she calls us and worries a lot if she hears anyone in the family is ailing.” No wonder this Bengali woman’s sharp intellect, her compassion and intelligence, took her to one of the highest positions in the world and made us all proud.
