Exploring Creativity: Students’ Exposure Visit to Kumartulli

Jan Seva relaunched its Adult Literacy Program in September 2024, welcoming 13 students after a five-year hiatus. This program is tailored for women who have dropped out of school or are middle-aged, providing essential skills in financial literacy, CV writing, job applications, government identification, savings, pregnancy care, immunization, hygiene, and disease awareness. Many of these women face neglect due to their lack of education, and this six-month course aims to empower them with knowledge and a more informed approach to life.

As part of the curriculum, six exposure visits are planned to offer practical learning experiences. In September 2024, students visited Kumartulli to witness the intricate art of idol making, especially during the bustling preparations for Navratri and Durga Puja. Despite being lifelong residents of Kolkata, this was their first visit to Kumartulli. Accompanied by their trainer Sonali Mondal and Sabita Das, the eight students observed the last-minute finishing touches on idols, even amidst the heavy monsoon rains.

The visit included a picturesque view of the Ganga River, known locally as Kashi Mitra Ghat. The day concluded with a delightful snack session, leaving the students inspired and eager to apply what they learned.