Bongaigaon: NTPC Bongaigaon has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Zankla Foundation, the CSR arm of Zankla Studio, to implement a unique Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative titled Project SRIJAN.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable artisan livelihoods, preserve indigenous cultural heritage, and create income opportunities through eco-friendly toy making and embroidery art.
The project focuses on empowering local communities by providing skill development, training, and continuous support to help beneficiaries build sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Project SRIJAN to Benefit 15 People from Project-Affected Villages
Under Project SRIJAN, 15 selected beneficiaries from two project-affected villages of NTPC Bongaigaon will receive structured training in:
- Eco-friendly toy making
- Embroidery art
- Sustainable craft development
- Skill-based livelihood activities
The project is designed not only to provide training but also to support beneficiaries through continuous mentoring, documentation, progress monitoring, and implementation assistance.
After completing the training, beneficiaries will receive handholding support to improve their craft skills and move towards sustainable income generation.
NTPC Bongaigaon and Zankla Foundation Join Hands for Grassroots Development
The MoA was signed in the presence of senior officials, including:
- Mr. Arnab Maitra, Executive Director and Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon
- Mr. V. Jayanarayanan, Chief General Manager (HR, CSR, LA & R&R), NTPC Limited
- Mr. P. K. Sahu, AGM (CSR), NTPC Limited
- Mr. Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon
- Mr. Kirat Brahma, Founder, Zankla Foundation
Officials from NTPC Bongaigaon’s HR Department and representatives of Zankla Foundation were also present during the signing ceremony.
Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club to Support Women Beneficiaries
A special feature of Project SRIJAN is the involvement of the Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, NTPC Bongaigaon.
The club will work closely with women beneficiaries by providing:
- Regular interaction and encouragement
- Continued guidance after training
- Support in converting skills into livelihood opportunities
The initiative aims to build confidence among beneficiaries and help them establish sustainable craft-based income sources.
Zankla Studio Brings Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Craftsmanship
Project SRIJAN will utilise the expertise of Zankla Studio, an Assam-based creative and social enterprise founded by Kirat Brahma.
The organisation works towards combining traditional cultural elements with modern design while supporting artisans and preserving indigenous skills.
Zankla Studio focuses on:
- Handcrafted sustainable products
- Heritage-inspired soft toys
- Cultural storytelling through design
- Artisan empowerment
The studio has supported more than 70 artisans across communities and directly impacted over 30 livelihoods through its initiatives.
Promoting Bodo Culture Through Handmade Creations
Zankla Studio is particularly known for its heritage-inspired soft toys and character dolls based on Bodo culture, folklore, and local stories.
The handcrafted creations highlight historical and cultural figures while introducing indigenous traditions to wider audiences.
Founder Kirat Brahma, an alumnus of the National Institute of Design, established the studio with the vision of using design as a tool for cultural preservation and creating employment opportunities for local artisans.
NTPC Approves ₹15 Lakh Support for 12-Month Project
Under the MoA, NTPC Bongaigaon has approved financial support of up to ₹15 lakh plus applicable GST for the implementation of Project SRIJAN over a period of 12 months.
The project will focus on creating a sustainable ecosystem where:
- Traditional skills are preserved
- Local creativity receives market opportunities
- Artisans gain livelihood support
- Indigenous heritage is promoted
NTPC Bongaigaon Highlights Importance of Sustainable CSR
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arnab Maitra highlighted the importance of CSR initiatives that create long-term opportunities at the grassroots level.
He said that the region’s rich indigenous traditions and artistic skills have significant potential to generate livelihoods when supported through structured training, creativity, mentoring, and market linkages.
Mr. Kirat Brahma, Founder of Zankla Foundation, appreciated NTPC Bongaigaon’s support and said that Project SRIJAN would help nurture local talent while creating eco-friendly products inspired by regional culture and heritage.
About NTPC Bongaigaon
NTPC Bongaigaon is a power generation station of NTPC Limited located in Kokrajhar district of Assam. The station contributes to India’s energy security while undertaking various CSR initiatives focused on community development, education, healthcare, skill development, and sustainable livelihood creation in surrounding areas.
