We have at last come up with a name of our association - "Ujan". It is a Bengali word; which means something close to "against the current" or "against conventional thoughts". It may correctly depict our aspiration to do something positive to the society beyond our daily mundane life. And we are really overwhelmed to see that so many have joined hands with us for this cause. We are sure however trifle the start may be, we will surely make it big and wide-spread.

The first project which we have so far shortlisted is "Making of garlands from wood apple upper crust material". "Wood Apple" can be termed in Bengali as "Bel Mala". In my last post, I mentioned that we have already visited a couple of villages and saw the significant artwork involved in it. We checked a couple of markets and have realised that there are immense pssibility to expand their area of expertise and thereby maximize the benefits to them.

But we are seriously pondering over a couple of interlinked activities with this project which can ensure overall upliftment of the group's social and economical status.

We are planning to integrate the provision of medical insurance coverage, good external tuition to the children of that group etc as part of the project. All these operations would be started gradually with progress of the project. The intent is not only to provide additional financial benefit to the villagers, but also to guide them utilize the same for their short-term and long-term benefits.

Making of garlands :-

Finished Garland (Most basic form):

Our Project Site: