Nibha Mondal | Age 53 | Embroidery
When you meet Nibha, you meet the heart of Dakshini Prayash. She heads the embroidery and fabric detailing department, working on intricate tray covers, jamdani accents, and potlis. Her daughter, Brishti, is a student here and Nibha has been part of the Dakshini family for over a decade.
“This place is my home,” she says. “When I’m here, I don’t feel any sadness.” Her eyes light up when talking about her work, her team, and the little joys of being part of something bigger than herself. Every product Nibha touches carries a quiet strength much like the woman herself.
Nilima Sardar | Age 33 | Stitching
Nilima’s journey began 15 years ago with a single stitching lesson at Dakshini Prayash. That thread led to confidence, joy, and an income that sustains her family.
Now part of our fabric and cloth-based
product team, she stitches everything from table mats and runners to festive Rakhis and pouches. With a teenage daughter watching her every move, Nilima takes pride in showing what self-reliance looks like.
Putul Mondal | Age 44 | Paper Products
Putul joined Dakshini Prayash in 2010.
Watching others create beautiful handmade paper products using block printing, she knew she wanted in. Today, she’s one of our most skilled artisans,
designing and producing elegant paper bags, envelopes, and boxes.
Even after the lockdown paused her work, she returned stronger. “I feel proud of what I do,” she says. Her income provides stability for her family and gives her a sense of purpose. With two children to support, Putul’s hands don’t just craft paper they shape
possibility.
Jharna Sardar | Age 38 | Paper Products
Jharna’s connection to Dakshini Prayash
runs deep. Both her daughters studied here, and the NGO supported her every step of the way including arranging her pick-up and drop so she could focus on work and her family.
Despite the long commute, she shows up every day with determination. Her daughter is now pursuing English Honours from a respected college, proof that education and opportunity can transform generations.
Keya Haldar | Age 33 | Paper Products & Stitching
Keya works just next to her son’s school,
a beautiful convenience that allows her to be both a mother and an artisan. Her son attends Dakshini Prayash and loves it; so does she.
“We eat together, work together, laugh
together,” she shares. “I help him with his homework, and after school, he runs around while I finish up at work.” Her handcrafted paper products reflect the joy and balance she’s found through the support of the community.
Tukai Mondal | Age 32 | Paper Products
With two young children and no time to rest, Tukai's day begins before sunrise and ends long after sunset. She cooks, cleans, helps her children study, and works tirelessly at Dakshini Prayash’s handmade paper products unit, creating eco-friendly paper bags and envelopes.
Even when unwell, she pushes through. “There’s no one else,” she says simply. Her husband drives a car, and to supplement their income, Tukai even stitches when needed.
Her greatest wish? “For my son to grow up confident and independent. He loves school and the way he jokes around makes me laugh even on the toughest days.”
Anil Biswas | 54 years | Screen Printing
For Anil, life took an unexpected turn when financial challenges forced him to shut down his own factory. But in every ending lies a new beginning. For the past 14 years, Anil has been a key part of Dakshini Prayash’s screen printing department. Every print you see on our handmade paper bags, jute table mats, runners, and envelopes is his handiwork. “Sometimes I complain about the workload when big orders come in," he smiles, "but deep down, I’m grateful that my work is valued and appreciated."
Anil’s skill, dedication, and craftsmanship are woven into every bulk order we send out, making him an irreplaceable part of our sustainable craft journey.
Pratima Munda | Age 28 years | Paper Products
At 28, Pratima Munda is balancing motherhood and meaningful work beautifully. Her young son studies at the Dakshini Prayash School, and she cherishes the simple joy of dropping him off and picking him up every day. While she works alongside other women in our unit, her son plays happily with the children of fellow artisans, sometimes enjoying games on her phone during lunch breaks. "I feel happy knowing I can work, earn, and still be there for my son every day," Pratima shares. Her journey shows how women’s empowerment and flexible work opportunities can help mothers thrive without sacrificing time with their children.
Gandhari Sardar | Age 38 years | Embroidery
Gandhari Sardar, is a mother of two, before joining Dakshini Prayash, she mainly did sewing work at home. Two years ago, she stepped into our workshop, and life took a brighter turn.
Here, Gandhari discovered the joy of
creating beautiful handmade products that reach homes across India. She says, "I have fun here. I enjoy my time far more than being at home. I love making these products and want to keep creating more so I can support my family."
With every stitch and every craft, Gandhari isn’t just making products, she's building a sustainable livelihood and setting an inspiring example for her children.