Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 18, 2025, Kolkata : A two-day handicraft exhibition held on the premises of the historic Scottish Church College in Kolkata marked a significant milestone in the empowerment of self-reliant women across West Bengal. The event, which concluded on Friday, was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Santiniketan-based organization ‘Amar Kutir’ and Scottish Church College, aiming to promote entrepreneurship and digital marketing skills among women artisans.
The exhibition featured an impressive array of handcrafted products, including Nakshi Kantha, Tie and Dye, and Batik—each bearing the rich cultural imprint of the state’s diverse districts. The event showcased the success stories of women who have embraced self-reliance through training provided jointly by Amar Kutir and the college, under a broader entrepreneurship development initiative.
Dr. Madhumanjuri Mandal, Principal of Scottish Church College, emphasized the institution’s broader vision: “We are committed to providing hands-on, work-oriented education. This training is not just for students but is open to all interested individuals. Many have already launched their own ventures after receiving guidance here.” She highlighted that the college’s partnership with Amar Kutir focuses on practical, skill-based education aligned with national educational objectives.
To institutionalize these efforts, the college had established an ‘Entrepreneur Cell’ in 2024, led by Professor Lalita Roy of the Bengali Department. Under her leadership, a certificate course in handicrafts was launched on May 11 of the same year. According to Professor Roy, the initiative has trained four batches so far, with 63 women from the latest cohort now actively engaged in professional work. She reiterated that this program is in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s directive to integrate vocational and livelihood-oriented training into mainstream academia.
Instructor Bonya Roy of Amar Kutir shared insights into the organization’s role, stating that their core mission is to modernize and commercialize the handicraft sector for the younger generation. By equipping artisans with digital marketing skills and practical business knowledge, Amar Kutir has opened new avenues for traditional craftsmanship in the contemporary market.
The exhibition not only offered a platform for sales but also stood as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive education, women-led entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. As Amar Kutir and Scottish Church College continue to nurture these collaborative efforts, they are charting a path toward sustainable self-reliance for artisans across Bengal, firmly rooted in tradition yet future-ready through digital empowerment.