In the remotest corners of Assam, where proper healthcare often remains a distant dream, and survival depends more on fate than facilities, a woman chose an unconventional path. Her journey, marked by grit, empathy, and entrepreneurship, now finds expression in her book ‘In Search of a Better Life’. Recently, the book was formally launched in the presence of its author Dr Sayantani Bhattacharjee, along with other distinguished guests.
The phrase ‘better life’ in the title does not refer to personal success or comfort. Instead, it reflects the lives Dr Bhattacharjee has touched through her work. A doctor and ‘medico-entrepreneur’, she founded ‘Better Life’, a chain of affordable yet high-quality healthcare facilities across different districts of Assam, particularly in areas bordering Bhutan. Surrounded by tea gardens and dominated by tribal communities, these regions are scarred by years of insurgency, and healthcare infrastructure here is almost non-existent.
Speaking to The Statesman, Dr Bhattacharjee described the book as a record of her entrepreneurial journey in one of the most difficult terrains of the country. “This book is about my entrepreneurial journey in the North-east. It covers how I built up my enterprise in that area and as an entrepreneur, what my challenges and experiences have been,” she said, adding, “I believe this could be great inspiration for anybody who wants to become an entrepreneur, especially a healthcare entrepreneur.” According to her, working in remote areas presents challenges different from urban settings. “The entire dynamics is different. So how do you create a for-profit business that is acceptable and affordable to your community? That’s an interesting layout,” she explained.
The launch event was followed by a panel discussion on healthcare, entrepreneurship, and India’s ‘last mile’ realities. Dignitaries from diverse fields graced the event, including veteran actor and author Barun Chanda; Gynaecologist Dr Gouri Kumra; Dr Bratati Bhattacharyya, Edupreneur and Founder-Director, Universal Education Equity Foundation; Dr Chandreyee Das, Development Sector Strategist; and Ankit Das, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
Dr Das described the book as “very meaningful” and highlighted its focus on communities that are excluded despite inclusive strategies being designed on paper. “She has matched her passion with sustainability. Many genuinely try to reach to the last mile, but often it doesn’t turn out to be very sustainable. She has done that, and we can only do it through a proper entrepreneurship model. And entrepreneurship doesn’t just mean money making, it should be cost-effective to keep the services running,” Dr Das emphasised.
In a conversation with The Statesman, Barun Chanda underscored the urgent need for advanced healthcare facilities beyond cities and towns. “There is a crying need for standard healthcare in deep interior villages,” he claimed. Referring to Dr Bhattacharjee’s concept of ‘last mile’, Chanda noted that she has already established three healthcare units in interior Assam. He further added, “Through this book and her journey, I think she has discovered her true calling.”
In an emotionally resonant moment, Dr Bhattacharjee reflected on what ‘Better Life’ truly means for her. “For me, better life is the story of a three way journey: it is the story of a woman who dared to dream without apologies; of a doctor who chose to serve people in communities that nobody really cared for; and a journey of an entrepreneur who decided to walk a path that was completely untravelled with faith that difficult roads lead you to beautiful destinations” she claimed.
Dr Bhattacharyya stressed that the key takeaway from the book lies in daring to dream and prioritising impact over money or fame. It traces her experiences in Assam’s tea gardens. It captures the moment she first witnessed patients dying due to a lack of basic medical care and how she went on to set up Better Life to change that reality. As a medico-entrepreneur, she has successfully replicated this model and hopes to expand it across India.
‘In Search of a Better Life’ is both an inspiring memoir and a practical guide. It tells the story of a woman who fought odds, navigated systemic challenges and emerged as a leader with limited resources but unlimited resolve.