Citizens for Justice and Peace
When you buy earthen lamps, you light up a craftsperson’s home Though the demand has fallen, yet potters carry on
03-Nov-2021
Durga Puja is the biggest festival celebrated by Bengalis across the globe. It also marks the start of more festivals to come. However, this year, news reports indicate that there has been a rise in Corona infections recorded in West Bengal since Durga Puja. That puts a bit of a dampener on the next big…
Carving flowers on wood, and praying for a better future Lockdown has robbed Birbhum’s furniture industry of its sheen, the artists are slowly turning into migrant labourers
25-Oct-2021
The highly skilled carpenters of Paikar and Murarrai areas of Birbhum were once much sought out for the durable, and beautiful wood furniture they made. Now, along with thousands of daily-wage labourers, they find themselves in a precarious situation. They still make beautiful wooden furniture, but there are no buyers. Most of the adults of…
Meet Subhangi Chavan: Tough security guard, single mother… and poet “Reading and writing give me strength,” says the inspirational young woman from Pune
25-Oct-2021
30-year-old Subhangi Chavan is often spotted reading a book, or writing in a diary in her free time. She seldom has free time though and her work is tough, requiring her to be tougher. Shubhangi works as a security guard and is stationed at the gates of Rashtra Seva Dal-Pune. She is sporty and fit, and…
A serene scenic tourist spot awaits visitors Mukutmanipur in West Bengal's Bankura district lies desolate, its economy is in tatters
16-Oct-2021
The beauty of the countryside fascinates everyone, especially those who live in the city. Many crave to refresh their mind and bodies with a visit to the village, even if for a day or two. Even the drive to the countryside is refreshing, as you pass through unpolluted areas where the green flora comes in…
Ever seen rice that floats on water? Officials say the rice is fortified; locals fear the grains may be made of plastic
15-Oct-2021
Adivasi families of Maharashtra’s Wada taluka are shocked. “This is the first time we have seen such rice in our life,” say villagers from Gaurapur, referring to the uncooked rice distributed under the government’s nutrition scheme. The rice is distributed from the Anganwadi centre, and locals alleged it is “made of plastic”. According to Raju Vitthal,…
Silence of the Bauls Traditional folk musicians of Birbhum facing financial crisis even after end of lockdown
13-Oct-2021
Bauls or traditional folk singers from West Bengal’s Birbhum region have had an especially harrowing time during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly during the Lockdown period. And now, even though the Lockdown has been lifted gradually, they are still struggling to put their lives back on track. Who are the Bauls? Sung by wandering minstrels Baul…
Prayers for stability during the festive season With Durga Puja around the corner, small traders pray that business picks up
25-Sep-2021
It has been well documented that job opportunities have shrunk due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown and its aftermath. However expenses have continued to swell, especially for medical treatment. And now as Durga Pujo, the biggest festival of Bengalis approaches, the money crunch is being felt the most. Many middle income and low income families have…
Koli Bhaji: A feast fit for Gods! Unique rain invoking ceremonies involve offering local vegetables, and performing the Kamadi folk dance
15-Sep-2021
“पाण्या देवा येशी कवा ? नारायणा देवा नवस केला” sing a group of Adivasis, praying to the rain gods to bless them. Their song roughly translated into English goes something like this: “Oh rain gods please shower your blessing on us. Don’t be upset we have prayed to Lord Narayan.” For generations tribal communities have…
Grassroot Fellowship ft. Ripon Sheikh, Migrant Labourer Episode 10 of CJP's podcast series Rightscast
09-Sep-2021
CJP’s Grassroot Fellowship Programme is a one of a kind endeavour which gives voices to the underrepresented. With the power of storytelling also comes empowerment. CJP provides these young fellows from underrepresented communities to take charge of the narrative by providing them with knowledge and tools. In the last episode of this three-part series, we…
Jute farmers, and their fields of gold Farmers of Murshidabad, Nadia and South Dinajpur districts of West Bengal continue cultivating jute hoping to make a small profit one day
07-Sep-2021
Jute, once known as the ‘golden fiber’ of the country, seems to have lost its sheen long ago. Now it’s at best a link to the past, as newer packing materials and fabrics have taken over. However, many jute farmers of Bengal want to continue to preserve the tradition, even though it is a struggle…