NTPC Bongaigaon Signs MoA for Project SRIJAN to Create Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities
Bongaigaon: NTPC Bongaigaon has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Zankla Foundation, the CSR arm of Zankla Studio, for the implementation of a unique Corporate Social Responsibility initiative named Project SRIJAN. The project aims to promote sustainable artisan livelihoods and preserve indigenous cultural heritage through eco-friendly toy making and embroidery art.
The MoA was signed in the presence of Shri Arnab Maitra, Executive Director and Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon; Shri V. Jayanarayanan, Chief General Manager (HR, CSR, LA & R&R), NTPC Limited; and Shri P. K. Sahu, AGM (CSR), NTPC Limited. Shri Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon; Shri Kirat Brahma, Founder, Zankla Foundation; officials of the HR Department, NTPC Bongaigaon; and representatives of Zankla Foundation were also present on the occasion.
Project SRIJAN will benefit 15 selected beneficiaries from two project-affected villages of NTPC Bongaigaon. The beneficiaries will undergo structured training and capacity building in eco-friendly toy making and embroidery art, focusing on equipping them with skills that can translate into meaningful and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The project is conceptualised as a livelihood-oriented CSR intervention that goes beyond imparting skills. Once trained, the beneficiaries will receive continued handholding and support to help them develop their craft and move toward sustained income generation. The project framework also provides for systematic beneficiary identification, on-ground implementation planning, documentation of activities and regular monitoring of progress.
A distinctive feature of Project SRIJAN will be the involvement of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, NTPC Bongaigaon. The Ladies Club will coordinate with the women beneficiaries and provide continued handholding, encouragement and interaction. The effort will be to remain connected with the beneficiaries after their training and support them in transforming their newly acquired skills into meaningful livelihood opportunities.
The project will draw upon the experience of Zankla Studio, an Assam-based creative and social enterprise led by Kirat Brahma. Rooted in the traditions of Northeast India, Zankla Studio brings together designers, artisans, weavers and storytellers to create handcrafted products that blend contemporary design with cultural storytelling. Its work includes sustainable woven soft toys, heritage-inspired products and other handcrafted creations, with an emphasis on artisan empowerment and preservation of traditional skills. Through its personal endeavours, the studio has nurtured more than 70 artisans across communities and directly impacted over 30 livelihoods.
Known particularly for its heritage-inspired soft toys, Zankla Studio has developed handmade creations rooted in Bodo culture, folklore and local narratives. Its toys and character dolls draw inspiration from historical and cultural figures as well as stories of the Bodo community, using design and storytelling to introduce indigenous heritage to wider audiences. Founder Kirat Brahma, an alumnus of the National Institute of Design, established the studio after returning to Assam, with the idea of using design to preserve culture and create work opportunities for local artisans.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Arnab Maitra highlighted the importance of CSR projects that create long-term opportunities at the grassroots. He said that the region’s rich indigenous traditions and artistic skills have immense potential to generate livelihoods when supported through structured training, creativity, sustained mentoring and appropriate market linkages.
Shri Kirat Brahma, Founder, Zankla Foundation, expressed his appreciation for NTPC Bongaigaon’s support and highlighted the potential of indigenous art and sustainable craftsmanship to create dignified livelihoods. He said that Project SRIJAN would seek to nurture local talent and develop eco-friendly creations inspired by the region’s cultural stories, motifs and heritage. The project brings together livelihood generation, sustainable craftsmanship and preservation of indigenous heritage.
Under the MoA, NTPC has approved financial support of up to ₹15 lakh plus applicable GST for the 12-month project.
Through Project SRIJAN, NTPC Bongaigaon seeks to create a sustainable pathway where skill development is followed by continued handholding, local creativity is connected with livelihood opportunities, and the region’s rich indigenous heritage becomes a source of both cultural pride and economic empowerment.
