Kolkata: Handmade products crafted by women and workers from Chandrapura are drawing attention at the Design Festival underway at the headquarters of Damodar Valley Corporation in Kolkata.
Official sources said women associated with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the DVC Chandrapura Thermal Power Station are showcasing and selling a wide range of handmade items at the festival. The exhibits include agricultural produce, food items, bamboo products, and traditional handicrafts prepared by self-help groups (SHGs) from Chandrapura with support from DVC’s CSR wing.
The event, titled Design Fest 2026, marks the first art, craft, and design-based festival organised by DVC. It was inaugurated by DVC Chairman S. Suresh Kumar, IAS, in the presence of renowned architect and Guest of Honour Abin Chowdhury.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Member (Technical) Swapnendu Kumar Panda, Chief Vigilance Officer Sudipta Acharya, Additional Secretary Rakesh Ranjan, and other senior officials.
Conceived as a platform to promote creativity, traditional skills, and CSR-driven community engagement, Design Fest 2026 celebrates India’s rich craft and design heritage. Artisans from across West Bengal and Jharkhand have set up vibrant stalls, offering visitors a blend of tradition and innovation.
The festival features an eclectic mix of traditional arts, paintings, sketches, and handicrafts, alongside modern attractions such as 3D printing demonstrations, interactive games, and CSR-focused exhibitions highlighting DVC’s grassroots development work.
Design Fest 2026 is a three-day event and will conclude on January 17. Open to the public with no entry fee, the festival underlines DVC’s commitment to inclusive development, cultural enrichment, and creative innovation.
Under the guidance of CSR officials, two women SHG members from Chandrapura are representing the region at the festival—Rinki Kumari from Maa Saraswati Mahila Mandal, Paplo Gram Panchayat, and Geeta Kumari from Lakshmi Mahila Mandal, Taranari Gram Panchayat—bringing local craftsmanship to a wider audience.
