STAR PROJECTS

Launch of Jute Story Beyond Bars

Jute Story Beyond Bars, Products being launched at ICCR by Former IG & DGP Sri Arun Gupta, Padma Shree Smt. Usha Uthup, Managing Trustee of Rakshak Foundation, Smt. Chaitali Das, Bishop Raju and Artist Sri Chitto Dey

Jute Story Beyond Bars (JSBB) is the flagship project of Rakshak Foundation, initiated by Social Entrepreneur, Chaitali Das. It is a unique effort to revive eco-friendly jute through popularizing its use in daily life. It is an effort to reform prison inmates through skilling them in making diversified jute products and encouraging responsible livelihood development for their economic betterment.

Jute Story Beyond Bars is operational since 2016 at Dumdum Correctional Home and Presidency Correctional Home, Alipore. It is an umbrella project under which various other allied projects are undertaken. Chaitali’s relentless work of promoting and reviving jute has led her to be known as a ‘Jute Revivalist’.

JSBB endeavours to contribute to the revival of Jute as an eco-friendly, bio-degradable, affordable and strong fabric which can be used in diversified forms and in diverse sectors. Jute can be high class and fashionable, she believes that much remains to be done, to exploit the full potential of this important natural resource.

It also aims to change the prejudice against prison inmates, a human capital that lies languishing behind the tall walls of confinement. She advocates that given an opportunity, positive direction and right skills, every human life is capable of contributing positively to the society.

The little girls of Rakshak’s New Horizon Holistic Development Centre were the the special guests at the inauguration of Jute Story Beyond Bars, Production Unit at Dumdum Central Correctional Home, Kolkata.

Inauguration of Jute Story Beyond Bars, Products was attended our Fashion Designer, Raj Lakshmi Syam, Principal Commercial Officer of US Consulate General, Mr. Jonathan Ward, JP Agarwal, Board Member Brigadier Balbir Singh and Anita Singh, RJ Roy et al

An audio visual documentary on Chaitali’s Dubai visit to receive the ‘International Green Ambassador Award’ at ‘Confluence’, Bharat Mahotsav and also the launch of the Limited Edition, Premium Jute Bag, made from the reclaimed jute of the Guinness World Record holding, largest Jute Bag in the World.

Guinness World Record

Chaitali Das, at the Announcement Day Event of creating the Guinness World Record for the Largest Jute Bag in the World

Chaitali Das had a spectacular dream of catapulting jute to a startling height. She and her Foundation created the Guinness World Record for the largest jute bag in the world, on the 7th day of January 2021.

The main objective behind this project was to draw global attention towards Indian Jute and underprivileged Indian Artisans. This historical feat created a huge world-wide visibility, and conveyed a strong message of a ‘Greener, Healthier & Inclusive World”.

She had engaged released prison inmates, women and youth from the urban slums and vulnerable sections of the society, survivors of domestic violence to make this bag, aided by supervisors & artisans. Taking part in this prestigious world-class event helped to boost their self-confidence and pride.

Chaitali, her son, Rishavraj, Jaydip Das, CEO, Rakshak Subidha Pvt. Ltd., Surveyor, Biplab Dey, Witnesses, Neel Kankani and Anand Sureka and the artisans at the record breaking moment

Chaitali, with Sponsors, Chairman SPMP, Vinit Kumar, Jute Commissioner, Moloy Chandan Chakraborty, Vinod Lahoti, Director, Goldex Pens, JP Agarwal, Jaydip Das, CEO, Rakshak Subidha Pvt. Ltd., Surveyor, Biplab Dey, Witnesses, Neel Kankani and Anand Sureka and Master of Ceremony, Former Wing Commander Deejay Kler

The jubilant artisans of the Guinness World Record Holding, Largest Jute Bag in the World at the end of the Announcement Day Ceremony, at the St. Thomas School grounds, Khidderpore.

Chaitali, being congratulated by Rakshak Team members on her stunning achievement.

An audio visual documentary on Chaitali’s stunning achievement of the Guinness World Record for the Largest Jute Bag in the World.

The largest jute bag measures 30.68 m (100 ft 8 in) wide and 24.87 m (81 ft 7 in) high and was achieved by Chaitali Das and Rakshak Foundation (both India) in Kolkata, West Bengal, India on 7 January 2021.

PAAT RANI (Queen of Jute) – Heritage Tram

Heritage Tram- PAAT RANI, a unique store-on-wheels

The makeover to the Heritage tram’, ‘PAAT RANI’, was to create a larger-than-life mobile showcase of diversified Jute products. It was a unique concept mooted by Chaitali Das as a tribute to the city of Kolkata.

This special tram, displayed and promoted diversified jute products in a never-before-witnessed extravaganza and established jute as a fashionable material for diversified uses. It was Chaitali’s idea of a gift to the citizens of Kolkata, who took a special heritage tram journey through the city, enjoying the best of the city’s street food, onboard.

This project joins many relevant dots with immense beauty and positive purpose.

Heritage Tram- PAAT RANI, a unique store-on-wheels

Chaitali Das, with Chairman of WBTC, IPS, Rachhpal Singh, Dy. Chairperson, Swarnakamal Saha and others at the launch

Fashion Shows

Chaitali Das, at the ICC Textile and Fashion Show, 2019 alongside Sanjay Jain, ICC, National Textile Committee, Sanjay Jain, fashion designers, Late Sharbari Dutta, Shamlu Dudeja, Agnimitra Paul, Abhishek Dutta et al.

Chaitali took diversified jute products made by prison inmates to the hi fashion ramp alongside the works of renowned fashion designers like late Sharbari Dutta, Shamlu Dudeja, Agnimitra Paul, Abhishek Dutta, et al.

Through her initiative, Jute Story Beyond Bars participated in various fashion shows like ICC Textile and Fashion Show 2019, Allure Fashion Tour 2019, Angavastra, Summer Fashion Show, Ordinance Club 2018, Winter Carnival, Lake Club, 2018, Angavastra, Winter Fashion Show, Ordinance Club 2018 to promote the jute of Bengal and diversified Jute products as fashion statements and lifestyle.

Models displaying Jute apparels and accessories at the finale of the ICC Textile & Fashion Show

Showstopper Chaitali with models, at the Allure Fashion Tour, 2019

Finale at the Allure Fashion Tour Show at the Shisha

Models displaying Jute Story products at the ICC Textile and Fashion Show

Zee Bangla covered the ICC Textile and Fashion Show 2019 at Kolkata and highlighted the Jute Story section as it targeted to project the Jute of Bengal and the underprivileged artisans working under the project, ‘Jute Story Beyond Bars’.

It also features the speech of the former Governor of West Bengal, Honourable Sri Kesari Nath Tripathi, where he congratulates Chaitali and her work with the jute and with the inmate artisans from the Correctional Homes of Kolkata.

Patuli Floating Market- Boat Store

Finale at the Allure Fashion Tour Show at the Shisha

The one-of-its kind floating store was a dream that Chaitali wanted to realize. Rakshak Foundation set up a Jute Story Beyond Bars Store in the Patuli Floating Market, in 2018, which was allotted to the foundation by KMDA, Govt. of West Bengal, for promoting a plastic free market.

Eco-friendly shopping bags were available at our Jute Story Boat Store. The shoppers were encouraged to use eco-friendly bags and plastic was banned in the market.

Inauguration of the Jute Story Boat Store, by the Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata, Janab Firhad Hakim and the Hon’ble Minister for Correctional Administration, Sri Ujjwal Biswas

The Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata, Janab Firhad Hakim and Hon’ble Minister for Correctional Administration, Sri Ujjwal Biswas, Hon’ble Consul General of China to Kolkata, H.E. Ma Zhan Wu, Former IG and DGP of Correctional Services, Govt. of West Bengal, Sri Arun Gupta

Jute products made by inmate artisans, in the Jute Story Boat Store at the Patuli Floating Market

Chaitali Das with Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata, Janab Firhad Hakim and Hon’ble Consul General of China to Kolkata, H.E. Ma Zhan Wu

Sanmarg, covered the inauguration of the Jute Story Boat store at the floating market, in Patuli, Kolkata.

It covers the speeches of Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata, Janab Firhad Hakim and the Hon’ble Minister for Correctional Administration, Sri Ujjwal Biswas on the occasion.

Women Inspiring Women- Adversity to Empowerment

Chaitali Das with Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Dr. Shashi Panja and Former, IG and DGP of Correctional Services, Sri Arun Gupta at the Women Inspiring Women event at ICCR, Kolkata

Speakers, Ivy Woolf Turk, Lovely Adhikary, Prerona Roy and Carlyta Mouhini at the event

This unique and path-breaking initiative, ‘Women Inspiring Women- Adversity to Empowerment’, was conceptualized by Chaitali Das, as an effort to disseminate progressive thought within society and to promote global sisterhood supporting women in distress. It was organized by Rakshak Foundation on 26th March 2018 at ICCR, Kolkata.

The event, was inaugurated by Honourable Minister, Dr. Shashi Panja. Panelist Ms. Ivy Woolf Turk, formerly prison inmate and Founder of Project Liberation and a Motivational Speaker from the USA, Lovely Adhikary, former prison inmate of Alipore Correctional Home, India supervising ‘Jute Story Beyond Bars’ project of Rakshak Foundation and Ms. Prerona Roy, Leadership Coach, a burn survivor shared their heart wrenching experiences and how they dealt with these adverse circumstances through their individual dint of purpose, strong determination, inner inspiration. They were successful in not only overcoming their individual challenges but also made a meaningful comeback to the mainstream society with dignity.

Prof. Shabina N. Omar, beautifully sums up the importance and relevance of the event and emphasizes the need for more such initiatives as it makes space for action and support of women who really need it. She also emphasizes the need to break out of prejudices and embrace the various perspectives, international, national and local and applauds Chaitali’s thoughtful and pertinent action to bring important voices to the fore.

Aitijhya- The Heritage of Kolkata

Chaitali Das delivering her welcome address at the Indian Museum, Kolkata

Chaitali always believed that mental and emotional expression plays a huge role in reforming a human being from within. She has always endeavoured to bring out the inner most thoughts and talents of underprivileged people through promoting their participation in art and culture.

Her foundation promoted around 33 prison inmates to participate in a one-year long training and mentoring workshop under the guidance of eminent artists, Wasim Kapoor and Shuvaprasanna prior to an exhibition, held at the prestigious Indian Museum, Kolkata, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in The World Heritage Week on the theme ‘Aitijhya- The Heritage of Kolkata’, to celebrate the spirit of Kolkata.

With the Hon’ble Dy. High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Janab Toufiq Hasan and Director General of Indian Museum, Sri.

Chaitali Das and the honourable guests with the paintings done by the inmate artists

Nabadisha Smart Class

Inauguration of the NabaDisha, Tollygunj, Smart Class, by Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge. Department of School Education, Govt. of West Bengal, Sri Partha Chatterjee, Hon’ble Consul General of China to Kolkata, HE Ma Zhanwu, Joint Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, Sri Sujay Chanda, Chaitali Das and other dignitaries.

Chaitali conceptualized the first-ever ‘SMART Class’ for the under privileged children at NABADISHA, who live on the streets, school drop-outs, aged between 4-15 years.

This initiative of her foundation supported by Kolkata Police, H. E. Consul General, Peoples Republic of China of Kolkata, was inaugurated by the Honourable Education Minister, Sri Partha Chatterjee and H.E. Consul General of the People’s Republic of China to Kolkata, Mr. Ma Zhan Wu.

The Smart Class was set up with the aim of holistic development of underprivileged children, inculcating values and good habits, engaging them with educational games, folk tales, painting, music and dance through interactive and fun learning through smart educational tools.

Global Mentoring Walk

Chaitali Das, as an Alumna of Fortune US State Department’s Global Women Mentoring Partnership Programme, organized The Vital Voices, ‘Global Mentoring Walk’ in Kolkata as a mentor and flag bearer of the event.

It was organized to observe International Women’s Day, in solidarity with women around the world in 174 walks across the 62 countries . The event was inaugurated by the Jute Commissioner, Sri Moloy Chandan Chakraborty and attended by dignitaries from the US Consulate, Vital Voices, educationists and academicians as mentors.

Flag Bearer, Chaitali Das, leading the Vital Voices, Global Mentoring Walk 2019 with

Global Mentoring Walk

A young woman from the self-help group speaking at the inaugural event of Project Shakti

Members of Rakshak Foundation with the members of the self-help group who worked under Project Shakti

Chaitali Das actively promoted a cluster-development project to make eco-friendly jute products as a fashionable lifestyle commodity. It employed around 20 underprivileged women from urban slums of Chetla. The bags were made from recycled fabrics reclaimed from used furnishings, upholstery etc. to be donated for the Single-use Plastic prevention drive organized by the Honourable Mayor of Kolkata.

Distribution Drives

Chaitali Das distributing eco-friendly cloth bags at the Gangasagar Mela

Chaitali Das, with the young women volunteers at the Gangasagar Mela

Chaitali Das has distributed over 1.5 lakh jute and cotton bags, through various distribution drives in mega events like the Holy Gangasagar Pilgrimage, Mayor’s Cloth Bag Distribution Drive, Nabadisha Annual Sports Day and many such events. Premium bags are often been contributed as gift items in prestigious fora like Rotary club events, American Centre events, book launches, Earth day etc. She has undertaken such huge distribution drives as a mission to promote and encourage the use of eco-friendly jute and cotton bags as alternatives to single-use plastic bags.

COVID Initiatives

Relief materials for Yaas Cyclone Relief ready for despatch to Kultali, Sundarbans

Chaitali Das, at the Belur Math, donating an oxygen concentrator to the infirmary at the Math for treatment of COVID patients

Chaitali has been awarded by several Human Rights and Civil Society organizations for her exemplary service to humanity during the first and second waves of the COVID pandemic as well as for people devastated by the Amphan and Yaas Cyclone Relief initiatives in the midst of the pandemic lockdown.

Over 1.5 lakh meals were served and 1 lakh COVID kits and masks were distributed under these initiatives. She has donated an oxygen concentrator to Belur Math, Ramkrishna Mission.