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Crafting Success Stories: Empowering Youth Through Skill and Art
Within the pages ahead, we unveil the inspiring narratives of Priyanka Mahato and Dibyendu Majhi, two individuals whose lives embody the resilience and triumph of the human spirit.
Priyanka’s journey, adorned with the delicate stitches of needlework, has transcended the confines of her village to grace homes across the Western world. Meanwhile, Dibyendu’s artistry has found a place of honour in the corridors of corporate offices, enriching spaces with his vibrant creations.
Their stories, rooted in humble beginnings and fuelled by determination, serve as guiding lights in the face of adversity. Through their pursuit of education and the arts, they have not only transformed their own lives but also illuminated paths of possibility for others.
From Struggle to Success: Priyanka Mahato’s Inspiring JourneyIn the heart of the underdeveloped village of Ghangha, under the Purulia District, a 22-year-old girl named Priyanka Mahato once grappled with a loss of rhythm and battled with feelings of inferiority. Born into a family where every penny counted, Priyanka felt the weight of her family’s financial struggles pressing down on her shoulders. Her father, Mr. Bijopada Mahato, toiled tirelessly as a small farmer, barely making ends meet with just 3 bigha of cultivated land and sporadic daily labor. With a monthly income barely scraping Rs 3300, the burden of supporting a family of five fell heavily upon her. However, amidst the dark ness of despair, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Literacy India. Learning about this beacon of opportunity, Priyanka sought refuge at the Khedadih center, where she shared her life’s tale of trials and tribulations. With determination etched into her spirit, she applied for an Embroidery course, a lifeline offered without any financial burden. Over the course of six months, Priyanka’s dedication and the guiding hand of her teachers transformed her into a skilled artisan. With each stitch and thread, she found not only mastery in embroidery but also a newfound sense of self-assurance. As she completed her training, Priyanka emerged as a proud member of “Indha” under Literacy India, showcasing her talent through intricate designs adorning fabrics.With her newfound skills, Priyanka not only earned a livelihood but also gave her wings of happiness. Literacy India became her pillar of support, empowering her to stand tall and resilient in the face of adversity. Today, Priyanka’s story says a lot about the transformative power of education and opportunity, proving that with determination and support, even the most challenging of paths can lead to success. |
Unveiling the Talented Brush: Dibyendu Majhi’s Journey from Poverty to Artistry |
Born into a modest home, Dibyendu’s father, Kanchan Majhi, labors tirelessly as a daily wage worker, while his mother, Gita Majhi, tends to their humble abode with unwavering dedication. Amidst the struggles of providing for two brothers and a sister, aspirations often took a backseat to survival. Yet, fate intervened when Dibyendu found refuge under the wings of Literacy India’s Gurukul project. A simple painting competition revealed the latent talent nestled within his fingertips, prompting a journey of artistic exploration. Since July 2022, Dibyendu has delved into the realms of painting and digital art, attending classes in traditional techniques and mastering the nuances of Photoshop wizardry. Balancing his academic pursuits at Baghmundi High School with his artistic endeavours, he honed his skills with relentless determination. A pivotal moment arrived when he completed the Photoshop course at the Pratappur center, gaining expertise in photo correction and layer manipulation. Armed with newfound knowledge and an unwavering resolve, Dibyendu seamlessly integrated digital tools into his artistic repertoire, crafting captivating pieces that enraptured all who beheld them. Yet, Dibyendu’s journey transcends mere artistry; it embodies empowerment and self-sufficiency. Through the Indha initiative, he transformed into a hand-painting artisan, adorning everyday items like kettles and coasters with exquisite designs. His creations became sought-after commodities, a testament to his skill and dedication. With every stroke of his brush and click of his mouse, Dibyendu not only paints his dreams but also forges a path to a brighter future. His story stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and education, illustrating that talent knows no boundaries. In Dibyendu, we witness the triumph of the human spirit, proving that with opportunity and determination, even the most impoverished of souls can emerge as artisans of life. |
Crafting Stories: Indha’s Journey from Remote Villages to Your Heart
As Valentine’s Day draws near, the world gears up for a global celebration of love, painting the town red with heart-shaped candies and romantic gestures. But in the heart of India, there’s a unique celebration brewing – one that blends love, joy, and tradition in a whole new way.
Indha, rooted in the rich tapestry of Indian artistry, approaches Valentine’s Day with a twist. While the concept may have its origins in the West, for Indha, it’s an opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of Indian culture through a modern lens. It’s about infusing every thread, stitch, and brushstroke with the spirit of celebration and affection.
In Kolkata’s bustling streets, talented artisans – predominantly women – pour their creativity into crafting stunning pieces of jewellery, from intricately designed earrings to delicate wrist bead bands. Each piece tells a story of tradition reimagined for the contemporary world.
Meanwhile, in the picturesque town of Purulia, skilled women artisans work their magic with needle and thread, creating beautiful designs that adorn everything from bags to furnishing items. Their craftmanship, steeped in age-old techniques, brings a touch of elegance to every creation.
And in the vibrant cities of Haryana and Delhi, creativity knows no bounds. Here, artisans blend diverse styles and traditions to create unique and colourful products that capture the essence of modern India.
There’s a rhythm to it all – a harmonious symphony of colours, textures, and patterns. With each creation, there’s a smile on the artisan’s face, a reflection of the joy and love poured into their work. And as these products find their way into the hands of buyers, they carry with them not just the spirit of Valentine’s Day, but the essence of Indha – a celebration of love, joy, and tradition.
So as the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate Indha.Indha’s diverse range of products, including bags, boho jewellery, hand-painted items, Kantha work, and hand-embroidered pieces, are not just exquisite in craftsmanship but also carry the soulful journey of rural artisans, traveling from remote villages to your heart.
Every Day is the Environment day
Every Day is the Environment day by Indraani Singh
Many of our Indian Rural communities have inspired many of us to practice life where Nature is not harmed. Poor communities recycle their clothes, and many restitch them into bags to carry their daily essentials. Therefore, they recycled and reused without realising “How they were helping the mother nature”. They considered this as leading a life of being poor. Their Farmland did not get chemical fertiliser, and their animals kept their ecosystem safe with their grazing.
Years of such living kept many of our villages safe. Such practices are considered simple living and come back to our educated urban communities as a lesson. There is an overall urge to recycle as much as possible, Plant more, and eat homegrown vegetables. Literacy India and Indha teach our beneficiaries of this generation to go back to simple, natural ways.
Indha waste paper recycling Unit makes paper for its own organisation consumption. It engages with companies to use recycled handmade paper for their workplaces. Also, it promotes the same for the livelihood of many women.
First Step for change
Mamta Bai, 30, married to Kamlesh, a daily wage laborer. She and her family live in Khatakheri, Block Manoharthana Distt. Jhalawar, Rajasthan.
Mamta worked along with her husband in labor work. Still, due to ongoing health issues, she had to discontinue her job, leaving her family solely dependent on her husband and on a meager income. Life became tough for them. Pandemic Impacted most of the daily wage workers, Mamata`s Family was also not spared.
Literacy India has a presence in Jhalawar, Rajasthan and Mamta Bai being part of the Kitchen Garden Group was suitable for become an Entrepreneur. She was helped to set up a Small Provisional Store in the Village and with the micro-loan of Rs.10,000.
Her Efforts and Hard work paid off, her shop is doing well, and she can earn Rs. 3,000 to Rs 4,000.0 with Profit every month. This was well-timed for her family.
Once we get on to the track of Progress, we envision our life for better things, Mamta Bai is planning to send her child to the right school and pay for the tuition as well.
She thanked Literacy India Team to be by her side during the time of Need, and She wants to make us all Proud. We are indeed Proud of this Courageous Woman.
Indha on #World FairTradeDay with #BuildBackFairer
Literacy India`s Indha project is a Fairtrade brand .Indha was started by Literacy India as an offshoot of Project “Karigari” – a platform under which Literacy India trained over 10,000 women were later turned into skilled Artisans. Right now we have 300 plus artisans fully engaged. Handcrafted products are unique and authentic. Skilled artisans pay attention to intricate details while showcasing their #KalaAurKarigiri. Handcrafted with love, they are designed to perfection. A lot of hard work goes behind the crafting of these products.
Gift of Joy this Mother’s Day
Every Mother is Special. She has Poise and She is the Ultimate Lady. Gifting our specially handcrafted Clutch Purses to your Mother is going to make her day. Times are Tough due to Covid19, this Gift is a Gift of Joy. Make her Day. To one mother from another Artisan who is also a mother. Over 350 artisans from West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Haryana come together to create a range of products, a happy marketplace of things. Visit us at https://indha.in/ Crafty Designs and Handmade, Hand-embroidered Clutches gives a class and niche to the item.
Unique Living Room Decor
Indhacraft`s unique collection of living room home decor is specially handcrafted for your homes.
Beautiful Cushion Covers to adorn your Living Room Sofa with exquisite Tribal hand Embroidery and hand block printing. The joy of Handmade and Happy Craft brings positive vibrations to your homes. A Great set for Gifting During Diwali, Weddings, etc as it comes with a lovely Pouch as a Gift Wrap. India helps Environment and Empower Women from the Rural underserved background to create such a beautiful handmade Bag. Your Choice will change the lives of these Rural Artisans and we can be part of Make in India products. We promote Indha is India.
IT’S NOT ABOUT CRAFT
IT’S NOT ABOUT CRAFT
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken India`s economy to the core. Though everyone has taken a hit, some have been hit more than others. The rural artisans are amongst those severely impacted. According to government figures, there are an estimated seven million artisans in India, however other sources peg the number to 200 million. The artisans constitute the backbone of India’s Handicraft sector, but at the time of duress are left to fend for themselves. Though some craftworkers do own land, millions do not. These landless artisans are forced to work as landless farmers or to migrate to cities as daily wage labourers. This puts the entire sector of traditional handicrafts at risk.
We at Indha Craft (www.indha.in) have been trying to revive the receding Indian handicrafts sector by creating a market for the products across India and abroad. Global markets are slowly evolving and have begun to like the handmade, thereby giving hope to rural artisanal communities.
The lockdown has unfortunately impacted the lives of these communities once again. Due to the pandemic, markets have collapsed. These artisans are forced to traverse uncertainties and turn towards daily wage work to sustain themselves and their families. This lockdown has taken away their livelihoods and any kind of survival security. With the forced migration, they also face health risks posed by the pandemic.
We would like to make an appeal to support the impacted artisan families whom we are unable to help. Indha Artisans are at the brink of losing hope, and they need financial support to stay positive and with the belief that this too shall pass.
We are reaching out to all you Indha supporters to contribute whatever possible so that the artisans can sustain themselves for a month. We expect the markets to open soon with IndhaCraft gearing up to market Indha products soon.
Your smallest contribution could be one`s day`s ration for a Family.
Click here to donate online https://www.literacyindia.org/relief-fund-for-poorest-of-the-poor/
Captain Indraani Singh,
Founder – Indha & AirIndia Commander
Doodle into Craft
There had been lots written about Doodle Art across the world as to how it is distressing and can be meditative. This is also found to be hip and Spiffy used in many accessories by World famous Designers. I thought we could use the Doodle Art into our Block Prints and our Embroideries which further gets shaped into Products. To develop a taste for such designs, we had to get out there and take that chance. I was pleasantly surprised that many of Today`s Generation took a liking for this in our line of Furnishings and Bags with some Unique Doodles.
Our Artisans did ask us innocent questions about what the artwork meant, though they enjoyed working on it simultaneously.
I needed to imagine a living Room where in this work of Art would stand out, leading to a new trend and style. I felt pride that we could blend Joy of Creating something, and at the same time convert this into Craft impacting lives. Since then, Our Doodles became our original in the line of designs especially on Men`s Apparel we have started using, Our Recent Shirt Material was a major hit. We used doodles of Masks of different kinds, Bicycles, Autorickshaws, Geometrical designs etc. Our Stoles, Scarves and Bandana Block Prints were quite Popular.
Captain Indraani Singh,
Founder – Indha & AirIndia Commander
FROM A DISTANT LAND
Villages of District Purulia is primarily forested all around. Thes Forests are lush Green and full of herbal plants that may be the reason most of the Tribals took care of themselves with no hospitals for miles in these villages. Forest is full of Wild Elephants besides other small animals. Indha happened in the community because of Mother Lode “Literacy India”. It set up shop with a centre opening in Village Lowakui, Block Baghmundi, District Purulia, right in the middle of the Forest. Those days Mao activities were in full scale with every now and then acute problems with the Govt. However Literacy India centre worked peacefully without any hitch. Work spread from Lowakui village to Raghunathpur. Village houses in Raghunathpur are painted beautifully, it made us wonder about their latent talent of the Village folks. Women would sing in their homes while doing house chore, they would dance in bright colour sarees during festivals. Indha explored with their skill with embroidery and Stitching. |
They were trained, and what we found that they were natural, their needlework with little training blossomed which the world had to see. Women would do their household chores, then get their children from nearby govt school where Literacy India is already running its educational program, they would sit down with their needle and thread. Technology played a significant part, we would design a basic sketch in Gurgaon, then email it to Literacy India coordinator in Purulia, the description would reach the Raghunathpur centre and Voila ! the vivid, colourful needlework would be the product of the day. This became a natural pattern for us, and the number of women multiplied started working on a variety of embroidery. These Designs, in turn, become a part of many Table Runners, Cushion Covers, Bags, etc., we created a market with these designs and these talented hands. This Tribal Woman could be heard singing happily while going back home with the money at her remote village sent to her from all the way from Posh Gurgaon. Most of these Tribal Women have never gone beyond a few communities in her life while the work travelled the world. We feel proud of taking their work to Everyone. |
Captain Indraani Singh,
Founder – Indha & AirIndia Commander