Kolkata's Zainab Sayed galvanises TRIFED into a dynamic body for tribal economy

Story by ATV | Posted by Vidushi Gaur | Date 09-06-2026

Zainab Sayed

Shompi Chakraborty Purkayastha

Today, Zainab Sayed of Kolkata is playing a significant role in strengthening the economic development and marketing systems of India's tribal communities.

She is serving as Senior Manager at the Kolkata Regional Office of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), under the Government of India.

The position carries the status equivalent to that of a Deputy Secretary. Under her leadership, efforts are underway in eastern India to expand markets for products made by tribal artisans and producers, implement government livelihood programmes, and strengthen coordination among various agencies.

According to administrative circles, Zainab Sayed's leadership as an experienced Indian Revenue Service officer has helped make TRIFED's operations more effective. Through her initiatives, new market opportunities are being created for tribal artisans, self-help groups, and small producers.

As a result, the prospects for increasing income and financial empowerment among tribal communities in West Bengal and other parts of eastern India have grown significantly. Behind this important administrative role lies an inspiring story of perseverance, struggle, and rising above failure.

A resident of Chitpur in North Kolkata, Zainab Sayed distinguished herself in one of the country's toughest competitive examinations. In the interview stage, she scored an impressive 220 out of 275 marks, drawing nationwide attention.

She secured an All India Rank of 107 in the final list. However, the road to success was far from easy. In 2012 and 2013, she appeared for the same examination but failed to clear the preliminary stage. While many might have been discouraged, Zainab refused to give up.

Instead, she treated failure as a learning experience and prepared with greater focus and planning. Patience, hard work, and self-belief became the guiding principles of her success. Zainab was also an outstanding student.

After earning an Honours degree in English Literature from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, she completed her postgraduate studies at Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi. Alongside her studies, she worked in the editorial department of Kolkata's English daily, The Telegraph.

Thus, she had to balance professional responsibilities with examination preparation. During her preparation, she placed great emphasis on consistency in studies. She studied for six to seven hours daily and attached utmost importance to time management.

According to her, success in any major examination requires the right balance between intelligence and hard work. Planned preparation, patience, and confidence ultimately led her to success.

Her preparation and confidence were also evident during the interview, which lasted around 25 minutes.

She answered questions on English literature, international relations, particularly the European Union, and foreign direct investment in retail trade. She also discussed her hobbies, extracurricular activities, and experience serving on the school council.

She responded to every question with confidence. Following this achievement, she joined the Indian Revenue Service and dedicated herself to public service through various administrative responsibilities.

Over the years, she has reached a position where her work directly impacts the lives and livelihoods of marginalized communities. From being the daughter of an ordinary Kolkata family to holding an important administrative position in the country, Zainab Sayed's journey is truly inspiring.

Her story proves that failure is never the final word. With determination, hard work, and faith in oneself, dreams can indeed become reality.

For today's younger generation, Zainab Sayed's journey is not merely a story of personal success; it is a shining example of perseverance, self-confidence, and commitment to serving society.