Women in Tripura are finding different ways of becoming financially independent and, doll making, has caught their fancy. They are now able to earn a livelihood through this creative medium.
Shukla Chakraborty, a resident of Joynagar near Agartala, has made a name for herself as an entrepreneur through her special skills in making cloth dolls.
She currently runs a unit of doll and artificial flower making and training centre called Creative Art.
Selected by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFI) as a master trainer, Shukla has trained over 500 women in the state till now and has also spread the art in neighboring states of Assam, Sikkim and Manipur.
Most of her students are unemployed housewives who are now able to supplement their family income by utilizing their leisure time.
Shukla and her group recently organized an exhibition of their handmade dolls and artificial flowers at the Agartala City Centre.
" For the first time I am doing an exhibition with help of my students. I am exhibiting to encourage the students, and sell their products. Moreover, it will also encourage more girls to take up this trade after seeing the exhibition here," said Chakraborty.
" I have taken one month's training and enjoyed learning it. This will help me in earning an extra income in my spare time. We have learned how to make various types of dolls, and it was nice," said Palasi Debbarma, a trainee.
The group has participated in various fairs across the country, including the International Trade Fair in New Delhi.
These cloth dolls are in high demand not only in the state but also outside.
They depict different tribes, art and culture of northeast India, classical and folk dances, gods and costumes from India as well as other nations.
" From Creative Arts we have learned how to make various types of dolls and artificial flowers. I have taken 20 days training and this has made me self-employed, as along with my husband's income I shall be able to earn something through this handiwork," added Krishna Mazumder, doll maker.
A number of women in the northeastern states are taking interest in such crafts and are making use of their creativity to earn a livelihood.
