Genius Foundation, an initiative by Genius Consultant Limited, collaborated with Ascensive Edu Skill Foundation to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2023. The partnership aimed at fostering Market Linkage and Entrepreneurship Development for Chhau Mask Artisans in Charida, Purulia. The primary focus of the project was to establish market connections, both nationally and internationally, empowering artisans to evolve into grassroots entrepreneurs and fostering a sense of collaborative business effort. Ascensive Edu Skill Foundation received funding from Genius Foundation to execute the program.
Training and Certification
Over the past year, nearly 200 Chhau Mask Artisans have been successfully trained under the program in Market Linkage and Entrepreneurship Development. Workshops, including one on “Modern Packaging Technique and On-Boarding in E-commerce Platforms like Flipkart,” were organized. Expert trainers conducted comprehensive training sessions, and upon completion, artisans were presented with certificates in the presence of the Block Development Officer (BDO), Baghmundi.
Gala Celebration of Skills and Culture
To commemorate the program’s success and the artisans’ overall development, after a year of dedicated efforts, a gala celebration of the skills and culture of Bengal was held in the Press Club of Kolkata. Goutam Sutradhar, son of Padma Sri Award 2024 Winner, the late Nepal Chandra Sutradhar, a renowned Chhau Dancer, and Master Craftsman, graced the event. Other Chhau Masks Artisans also attended, expressing sincere appreciation for Genius Foundation and Ascensive’s efforts. They urged the continuation of such initiatives, confident that they would significantly enhance the livelihoods of artisans.
Distinguished Guests and Personalities
The event also witnessed the presence of honourable personalities like R P Yadav, Chairman & Managing Director of Genius Consultants Limited, Ms. Rashmi Yadav K, Executive Director of Genius Consultants Limited, Abhijit Chatterjee, Chairman of Ascensive Group of Companies, Smt. Shaon Sen, Additional Secretary, Department of Labour, Govt. of West Bengal, Shri. Sudharshan Das, Asst. Director (H), Office of DC Handicraft, Ministry of Textile, Govt. of India, Kaushik Majumdar, CEO of Genius Consultants Limited, along with other eminent personalities and representatives from the press.
All delegates and special guests emphasized the need for innovative programs like these to uplift artisans and promote local heritage globally.
Vision and Commitment
Commenting on the same, R P Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director, Genius Consultants Limited said, This initiative is more than just an event, it’s a celebration of cultural richness, skill development, and the transformative power of collaboration. Through this program, we aspire to not only provide Chhau artisans with the tools they need for global recognition but also to contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. This event represents a milestone in our commitment to social responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of cultural heritage. We look forward to sharing the success stories that will undoubtedly emerge from this endeavour and to creating a positive impact that resonates far beyond the boundaries of Purulia.”
CSR Initiative for Sustainable Future
The CSR initiative exemplifies the commitment of Genius Foundation and Ascensive Eduskills to creating a sustainable future by promoting entrepreneurship, skill development, and social responsibility. The Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Training program for Chhau artisans is one of many initiatives undertaken by Genius Foundation to create a positive impact on society.
