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Project Aranaya kala (tribal art)
Through Shirin Sajmila mobile Indigenous center, Project Aranay Kala in partnership with KMKS serves as a flagship initiative to address the socio-economic challenges faced by indigenous communities in the hilly regions of Bangladesh. Focusing on the Tripura and Chakma peoples, this project bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, empowering artisans to preserve their cultural heritage while building pathways to economic sustainability.
Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Economic Empowerment
The Tripura and Chakma communities have a rich tradition of loom-based weaving, a skill passed down through generations. However, geographic isolation, systemic discrimination, and economic pressures threaten to erode this vital cultural art form. Through Project Aranay Kala, SSIF equips indigenous artisans with the tools and knowledge to protect their heritage while accessing new economic opportunities.
Our team conducts door-to-door campaigns, offering individualized financial, digital, and entrepreneurial literacy training to artisans. By introducing modern business practices, including bookkeeping, e-commerce, and marketing strategies, we enable artisans to adapt their skills to contemporary markets. To date, we have reached over 50 artisans and their families, helping them envision broader possibilities for their craft.
Reaching Remote Communities: Challenges and Trust-Building
Reaching the Tripura community in Barapara, Khagrachari—located 150 kilometers from Chittagong and 50 kilometers from the nearest proper road—requires logistical creativity and cultural sensitivity. SSIF has built trust through its longstanding partnership with KMKS, a local organization with over 35 years of experience working with indigenous groups. Many KMKS team members come from the indigenous communities themselves, ensuring that our programs are both relevant and respectful.
By involving indigenous leaders and translators in every step of the process, we create an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. This trust has been instrumental in the program’s success, fostering high participation rates and positive feedback from the community.
Creating Global Reach Through E-Commerce
A central component of the project will be the development of an e-commerce platform designed to showcase and sell indigenous products to both national and international audiences. In the next stage, this will be built in partnership with Kharagpur Mohila Kalyan Sangstha (KMKS), this platform would provide artisans with direct access to buyers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair compensation for their work.
To ensure sustainability and trust, the platform will be co-managed by SSIF and KMKS—both non-profits dedicated to social causes. Payments would be directly transferred to artisans, preserving their agency and financial independence. Our team, which includes experts in marketing, website development, and search engine optimization, is committed to maximizing the platform’s visibility and driving organic growth.
Aligning Economic Growth with Social Justice
One of the core principles of Project Aranay Kala is ensuring that artisans receive fair compensation for their work while resisting exploitation by multinational corporations. The Bangladeshi clothing industry has a history of marginalizing indigenous craftspeople, often underpaying them and misappropriating their designs. Our model of ethical production and transparent financial management safeguards against these practices, allowing artisans to focus on their craft with dignity and security.
Scalability and Future Vision
While our initial efforts focus on the Tripura and Chakma communities, our long-term vision includes expanding this model to other indigenous groups across South Asia. By setting high standards for product quality, community engagement, and fair trade, we aim to position the platform as a global leader in sustainable indigenous fashion.
