CHANGING LIVES ONE KNOT AT A TIME
Kirori Mal College students are empowering underprivileged communities by training them in the art of tie and dye
Everything that is done in this world is done by hope,” said Martin Luther. And so, with the hope of giving a better life to the underprivileged section of society, the students of Kirori Mal College (KMC) conceived Project Dor. An initiative of Enactus KMC, the project engages the women living in Dwarka’s JJ colony — which has migrants from Jharkhand and Bihar, and other less privileged families — to make cushion covers, scarves, and dupattas.
“Pehle hum ghar se nahin nikalte the, aur ab roz pure confidence ke saath jeete hain... Kisi pe depend nahi hain paison ke lie,” says Beena, a resident of the colony. Sunita, another resident, says, “Sabse achi baat iss project ki ye hai ki humne technique seekh li hai aur hum khud bhi ise aage lekar jaa sakte hain.”
The initiatives don’t just
give wings to the target group but also empower the ones associated with the project. Danika Kumar, project head, feels proud that at the age of 19, she has impacted lives. “I love every aspect of this project. The ladies are the love of my life. I went for a community visit during my first year, and found a home with them.”
The products are made using traditional art forms. Kumar explains, “Tie and dye stood out to us... It is closely linked to our culture. We use a combination of techniques such as shibori, lehariya, bandhani along with it to save more dying art forms...”
The student group started this project in collaboration with an NGO located in the area. The team visits the centre, imparts training and helps create a suitable product for the market.
“We also conduct community development programmes and health awareness workshops to ensure a higher standard of living for the community,” says Ritika Jajoo, president, Enactus KMC.