A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in April 2023 between the Genius Foundation and the Ascensive Edu Skill Foundation to provide market linkage and entrepreneurial development for the Chhau Mask Artisan in Charida, Purulia.  The project’s main goal is to create both domestic and international market links so that artisans may train future business owners and instill the notion of operating as a team.  Ascensive Edu Skill Foundation received funding from the Genius Foundation to carry out the initiative.

The Ascensive Edu Skill Foundation has trained over 200 Chhau Mask Artisans in market linking and entrepreneurship development over the past year. One of the courses given by Ascensive Edu Skill Foundation was titled Modern Packaging Technique and On-Boarding in the E-commerce Platform, like Flipkart. A group of knowledgeable instructors delivered the entire program. In front of the BDO, Baghmundi, each Artisan received a certificate upon completion of the course.

A press meeting was organized to commemorate the program’s accomplishment after a year of work to instill the concept of the artisans’ holistic growth.

The event saw the presence of Goutam Sutradhar, the son of Late Nepal Chandra Sutradhar, Padma Sri Award 2024 Winner, a renowned Chhau Dancer and Master Craftsman. Other Chhau Masks Artisans also were present at the event.

The event was also attended by Koushik Majumdar, CEO of Genius Consultants Limited, Rashmi Yadav k, Chairman & Managing Director, of Genius Consultants Limited, Mrs. Shaon Sen, Aditional Secretary Department of Labour Government of West Bengal, Abhijit Chatterjee, Chairman, Ascensive Educare Limited Limited and Sayani Chatterjee, CMD, Ascensive Educare Limited.

Everyone expressed great gratitude for the work that the Ascensive Edu Skill Foundation did, with substantial assistance from the Genius Foundation. Additionally, they asked for more of these kinds of events, which will undoubtedly improve the craftsmen’s standard of living and also promote this art form.

Priyanka Dutta