Coal India Organizes Kantha Fair to Empower Women Artisans from West Bengal

Kolkata: Coal India Limited (CIL), under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal, organized a day-long Kantha Fair today at its Atrium, Coal Bhawan, New Town, to showcase the intricate embroidery work of 200-250 women artisans from West Bengal. These artisans are beneficiaries of the Kantha Skill Centre, which was established under CIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The fair aimed to celebrate and empower women, recognizing their achievements not only within CIL’s offices but also across the various areas in which the company operates. As part of the event, the subsidiaries of CIL, including Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL), BCCL, CMPDIL, ECL, NCL, SECL, MCL, and WCL, organized programs centered around the theme of women empowerment. CCL, in particular, organized a mega program highlighting tribal art, women-led businesses, and technical skills, fostering the spirit of self-reliance and showcasing the talents of women artisans and entrepreneurs.

The event was graced virtually by Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, and Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (P&IR), CIL, Headquarters. In her address, Smt. Brar emphasized that this initiative aligns with CIL’s commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods. “CIL and its subsidiaries are dedicated to implementing impactful programs that positively transform lives, ensuring that women are empowered through skill development, entrepreneurship, and social initiatives under CSR,” she stated.

Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Director (P&IR), CIL, expressed pride in promoting self-reliance among women. “CIL and its subsidiaries remain committed to uplifting marginalized communities and providing opportunities for women to excel in economic and social spheres. Through such initiatives, we continue to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress, while preserving our rich artistic legacy,” he said.

The Kantha Fair was inaugurated by Dr. Vinay Ranjan, Mukesh Agrawal (Director, Finance, CIL), and Brajesh Kumar Tripathy (Chief Vigilance Officer, CIL). During the event, three exceptional women artisans were felicitated for their outstanding contributions. OP Mishra (Executive Director, CD), Renu Chaturvedi (GM, CSR, CIL), and other senior officials from CIL were also present at the function held at CIL Headquarters in Kolkata.

The Kantha Skill Centre has provided these women artisans with a platform to hone their craft, enabling them to gain economic independence while preserving the cultural heritage of Kantha embroidery. This initiative is part of CIL’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities for women and marginalized communities, empowering them to thrive in both the economic and social spheres.