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Karukriti is a women empowerment and livelihood generation initiative of AIM Foundation designed to create sustainable economic opportunities for women from economically vulnerable communities. Building on the success of AIM Foundation’s SuiDhaga program, which provides tailoring and embroidery training to women from underserved backgrounds, Karukriti aims to introduce advanced textile craft skills that can significantly enhance earning potential and create pathways to self-employment.

The project will be implemented in Natunhat, Boral, a peri-urban community in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, where many families depend on irregular and low-income occupations. Women in the area often have limited access to vocational training, formal employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Despite possessing creativity and a strong willingness to contribute to family income, many lack the technical skills, resources, and market access required to convert their abilities into sustainable livelihoods.

Karukriti seeks to address this gap through structured training in three traditional and market-relevant textile art forms: Block Printing, Batik Art, and Silk Screen Printing. These crafts offer excellent opportunities for home-based and group-based enterprises while preserving India’s rich artistic traditions.

The training program will provide intensive hands-on learning covering design concepts, fabric preparation, printing techniques, colour application, finishing methods, quality control, product development, packaging, and basic entrepreneurship. Participants will learn to create a range of marketable products such as printed sarees, dupattas, stoles, kurtis, bags, cushion covers, table linen, gift items, and lifestyle accessories.

To support effective learning and production, the project will establish the necessary infrastructure, including printing tables, blocks, screens, dyes, tools, drying facilities, and raw materials. Experienced trainers will guide participants throughout the program, ensuring quality skill transfer and confidence building.

A distinguishing feature of Karukriti is its focus on livelihood sustainability. Upon completion of training, beneficiaries will be connected to AIM Foundation’s Krishti initiative, which supports women artisans through product development, branding, production opportunities, exhibitions, and market linkages. This integrated approach ensures that women move beyond skill acquisition to actual income generation and entrepreneurship.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with livelihood development, Karukriti aims to create a vibrant community of women artisans capable of producing high-quality handcrafted products and building a better future for themselves and their families.

Project Objective

1. To provide skill-based training in Block Printing, Batik Art, and Silk Screen Printing to women from underserved communities in Natunhat, Boral.
2. To create sustainable livelihood opportunities through traditional textile crafts and value-added product development.
3. To empower women with entrepreneurial and production skills that can generate regular income.
4. To strengthen women’s financial independence and decision-making capacity within their households.
5. To preserve and promote India’s rich textile heritage through contemporary craft applications.
6. To establish women-led production groups linked to AIM Foundation’s Krishti livelihood initiative for long-term market access and sustainability.

Project Outcome

• 1000–1200 women trained in Block Printing, Batik Art, and Silk Screen Printing for a period of 3 years.
• Enhanced employability and self-employment opportunities for women beneficiaries.
• Formation of 5–7 women-led artisan and production groups.
• Creation of market-ready handcrafted textile products under the Krishti brand.
• Increased household income and financial independence for participating women.
• Strengthened economic resilience of vulnerable families in Natunhat, Boral.
• Preservation and promotion of traditional Indian textile crafts.
• Sustainable market linkage and production opportunities through Krishti.

Target Beneficiaries

• 1000–1200 women from economically disadvantaged households in and around Boral and nearby communities.
• Existing and prospective beneficiaries of AIM Foundation’s SuiDhaga program.
• Women seeking self-employment and supplementary household income.
• Widows, homemakers, and women from vulnerable backgrounds with limited livelihood opportunities.

 Project Location

Natunhat, Boral, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

Your support can help transform the lives of women in Natunhat, Boral by providing them with skills, confidence, and opportunities to become financially independent. Through Karukriti, traditional craftsmanship becomes a pathway to dignity, empowerment, and sustainable livelihood. Together, we can preserve India’s rich craft heritage while creating brighter futures for women and their families.

Contact Details

SAIBAL GANGULY

• Phone: 9830052952
• Email: trustee@aimindia.org.in

Website Details

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