Jute creations by prison artisans to enliven Patuli floating market

Kolkata: Eastern India's first floating market in Patuli, Kolkata, will witness stories of hope and reform, as KMDA has allotted a boat to Chaitali Das, Social Entrepreneur & Founder, Rakshak Foundation, to showcase the creativity from behind the walls of captivity.

Firhad Hakim, state minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, inaugurated the facility in presence of Ujjwal Biswas, state minister for Correctional Administration and Arun Kumar Gupta, DG & IG of Correctional Services.

Chaitali said: "The mission is to promote jute as a fashion statement at par with khadi and linen. Prison artisans weave their story with each product of jute, taking inspiration from and following the footsteps of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee."

"I believe that the floating mart has a very good potential to be a tourism destination. I share the dream of 50 prison artisans who are my boys and girls, working relentlessly day and night behind bars," added Chaitali.

At the occasion, the guests was greeted with Uttariya and a specially crafted Rakhi made of jute by the inmates, to reinforce the bond of amicability as the journey of the eco-friendly golden thread of Bengal begins.

The boat will be manned by two visually impaired persons. Of the two, a woman who is blind and a young man who is partially-sighted, are both well-educated. The event will be inaugurated by songs, deliberations, remarks by dignitaries, Rakhi exchange, and jute bags distribution by the dignitaries.