Calcutta Foundation, 4/1 Alipore Park Road, KOLKATA (2026)

14/03/2026

At Calcutta Foundation, empowerment grows in everyday moments—when women learn a new skill, celebrate festivals together, and find the confidence to dream bigger.

From classrooms to celebrations like Holi, Saraswati Puja, Republic Day, and International Women’s Day, our centres are spaces where women support one another and grow stronger together.

(Women Empowerment | Skill Development | Community Building | Women’s Leadership | Livelihood Opportunities)

💞

08/03/2026

When One Woman Rises, She Opens Doors for Many — Happy International Women’s Day 🌟

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Rajbala, a woman in her mid-30s from Apni Kutir Malsisar, whose journey reflects courage and determination. A mother of two who had never received formal training before, Rajbala joined Apni Kutir with a simple but powerful dream—to open her own beauty parlour. With encouragement from her husband and the skills she gained through the program, that dream became reality.
Today, Rajbala proudly runs her own parlour, becoming the first woman in her in-laws’ family to step out and build her own livelihood.

Apni Kutir Malsisar, Calcutta Foundation’s first centre in Rajasthan, has already trained over 200 women, empowering them to shape independent and dignified futures.

Happy International Women’s Day to every woman daring to dream and rise.💜

WomenEntrepreneurship

28/02/2026

Grateful to be part of this collective effort creating real pathways to dignified livelihoods for women across Kolkata and beyond.

At Calcutta Foundation, witnessing the women step into skills like food and beverage, textiles, and digital literacy is a reminder that opportunity, when made accessible, translates directly into confidence, agency, and economic independence.

Here’s to partnerships that move beyond intent and into impact. 🌼

17/11/2025

Yug’s effort joined financial literacy with community support at Apni Kutirs—reaching women preparing to launch microbusinesses. He ran a virtual session with 20+ women skilled in mehendi, sewing, and beauty services—women ready to turn talent into income.

He further started a fundraiser and secured ₹25,000 to spark their ventures. Team Calcutta Foundation appreciates and encourages such changemakers to join forces in extending our mission of empowering women and the communities, strengthening our impact with such meaningful contributions acts as catalyst for our on-ground operations.

26/08/2025

Celebrating Creativity on World Photography Day 🤳

On World Photography Day, Calcutta Foundation hosted a Photography Workshop at Apni Kutir Chetla, a FLO Skilling Center, with 63 students exploring the art of visual storytelling. Facilitated by Communications Manager Sufia Shaikh, the session covered the details of Photography skills, including framing, lighting, composition, and mobile photography.

The day concluded with the much-awaited Contest, where they clicked pictures applying the newly acquired skills and ideated captions to build their stories showcasing their creativity under two inspiring themes:
✨ “My Everyday Strength” – moments of resilience in daily life
✨ “Hands that Create” – highlighting the power of hands at work, judged by our Directors and Senior Management Team through voting. We are proud to announce the winners:

Image 1 | Hands that Create
Captured by Piyali Mondal | Model: Papiya Bose
Caption: Empowered hands, creating a brighter future.

Image 2 | Hands that Create
Captured by Saniya Khatun | Models: Razina Khatoon & Razia Khatun
Caption: সৌন্দর্য ফুটিয়ে তলাই বিউটিশিয়ান এর লক্ষ্য আর মডেল সেই সৌন্দর্যের প্রতিচ্ছবি.

Image 3 | Hands that Create
Captured by Debanjali Dutta | Model: Achal Das
Caption: In every stroke of mehendi, patience turns into art.

Image 4 | My Everyday Strength
Captured by Puja Bhowmik | Model: Shova Shaw
Caption: Confidence and simplicity create timeless elegance.

Image 5 | Hands that Create
Captured by Shama Khan | Model: Manisha Singh
Caption: Step by step, line by line – Turning practice into perfection.

Special Mention
Captured by Ms. Debalina Dhar (Center Coordinator) | Models: Laxmi Devi & Disha Hela
Caption: Framing smiles, stitching their stories.

18/07/2025

The week that was! 🌺
Our model was built to scale and here’s a glimpse of what that looks like!

On July 12th, we officially inaugurated Apni Kutir Chetla in association with & facilitated by . A beautiful celebration of women coming together to uplift women, celebrate their spirit and fuel their journeys to financial independence. What started as a partnership has transformed into a movement- a shared vision and a fire to create impact. We are grateful for the trust and support!

Following this, yesterday we inaugurated Apni Kutir Bardhaman - a perfect example of how CSR can be transformative when intentional, and with the right partnerships. In this case we found a perfect match with foundation. As we opened our doors to Burdawan town, twelve members of the Panseeds team came forward to cheer them on. Women celebrated a space dedicated to them- their dreams and their futures.

As always has been our launching pad- our pillars, champions and greatest strengths. Facilitating the right connections, building up our network and being our advocates to promote our work!

14/07/2025

An unforgettable leadership retreat hosted by .vivanta and facilitated by Nupur from . A specially curated light hearted evening full of fun games and teambuilring activities for the Calcutta Foundation’s management team to get to know each other like never before.
From team games to surprise moments, we returned recharged, reconnected, and ready to empower with renewed energy!

01/07/2025

Apni Kutir Kharagpur is a place of hope, where every day brings growth, and learning. Together, the women rise — supporting one another, embracing new skills, and creating a future filled with purpose and pride. 🌟

Picture 1: Celebrating Mother Language Day with the women of Apni Kutir — a tribute to the power of language, where every word echoes diversity, dignity, and the right to be heard.

Picture 2: On Women’s Day at Apni Kutir, posters became voices. Through creativity, our women painted pieces of their idea of women empowerment — bold, beautiful, and deeply their own.

Picture 3: At Apni Kutirs, walls don’t divide — they embrace. A safe space where differences dissolve, stories unite, and culture is celebrated in the language of togetherness.

Picture 4: At Apni Kutir, women relive their classroom days — with laughter, learning, and the joy of structured freedom. Discipline meets delight in this journey of rediscovery.

Picture 5: we believe true growth begins with well-being. Regular health checkups ensure our women stay informed, empowered, and cared for — because a healthy body nurtures a stronger, thriving spirit.

Picture 6: Haldi jewellery to home décor, our women craft beauty with their hands and hearts — expressing their vibrant spirit.

Thank you, dear donor, for believing in our mission and empowering every step we take. Together, we’re making difference! 💜

19/06/2025

Today, we celebrate a leader who leads with heart. 🎊

It’s the birthday of Mahima, Director of Calcutta Foundation—someone whose journey has always been rooted in purpose, passion, and the belief that every woman deserves a chance to thrive.

From a very young age, Mahima has worked tirelessly to make women’s empowerment not just an idea—but a reality. Her ability to blend vision with compassion, and creativity with strategy, makes her one of a kind. Whether it’s conducting interviews, shaping designs, or brainstorming ideas, she brings a rare spark of innovation and emotional intelligence to everything she does.

What truly sets her apart is her collaborative spirit. She doesn’t just lead—she builds, listens, and co-creates. Her youthful energy, empathetic nature, and involvement with the team make every interaction meaningful and every goal more achievable.

Mahima is more than a Director—she’s a friend, a mentor, and a tireless force behind every milestone Calcutta Foundation achieves.

Here’s to her vision, her warmth, and her unstoppable drive to make the world better, one woman at a time.

Happy Birthday, Mahima! 💛

— From all of us at Calcutta Foundation

19/05/2025

Happy Birthday to Our Founder and Inspiration – Shamlu Dudeja!

On May 18th, we celebrated the birthday of a woman whose vision, compassion, and tireless dedication have touched countless lives – Shamlu Dudeja, Founder and Chairperson of the Calcutta Foundation.

A mathematician, philanthropist, and Kantha revivalist, Shamlu Dudeja has spent her life fighting injustice and uplifting communities. When she founded the Calcutta Foundation, it was the first of its kind—driven by a woman with a fire to make change. In 2020 alone, the Foundation provided direct relief to over 100,000 people in rural Bengal.

Today, with 15 Apni Kutirs and counting, Calcutta Foundation is transforming the lives of women across Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan—empowering them through education, skill development, and community building.

Alongside the Foundation, Shamlu also launched SHE (Self-Help Enterprise) to revive the art of Kantha and provide sustainable livelihoods for women artisans.

Her legacy is one of empathy, courage, and relentless hope. On her special day, we honor her remarkable journey and thank her for lighting the path toward a more just and empowered world.

Happy Birthday, Ma’am—your work continues to inspire us every single day.

19/04/2025

Team Calcutta Foundation had an insightful and engaging weekend!🌟

In Pictures 1-2:
At the NGO Mitra Roundtable on 19th April at CESC Taratala Office, we joined current and alumni NGOs from SVP India – Kolkata for a day filled with collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Our Director, Mahima Varma, shared our journey, team-building practices, and on-ground experiences, highlighting how SVP’s continued support has fueled our growth.

The day included impactful sessions:

- Donor Reporting & Management by Atma Network facilitators, with key takeaways for us on reporting, social media strategies, storytelling, and color theory.

- An engaging discussion with SVP mentors Karan Kishorepuria and Pauline Laravoire was an eye opener on how to better engage with partners.

- A calming Stress Management session with Sheetal Jhunjhunwala that left us feeling grounded and recharged.

- Peer learning with 11 NGOs, both current and alumni, sharing their experiences and best practices.

A heartfelt thank you to India Kolkata Chapter for this enriching experience – we look forward to many more!

In Pictures 3-4:

On 18th April, our Senior Operations Manager Roosha Gupta represented Calcutta Foundation at EZ VPCON 2025 during the session on “No to Violence Against Women.” Drawing from over a decade of field experience, Roosha shared powerful insights on-ground realities and community impact. The panel included experts from law, law enforcement, medicine, and the arts, and delved into legal provisions and proactive measures for prevention.

Thank you to BOGs for this meaningful opportunity to be part of such an important conversation!

18/04/2025

Empowering Hands Across Our Kutirs 💪

Our beautician classes have reached the halfway mark this cohort, with skill-building sessions in full swing across our Kutirs. Beauty services remain a steady income source in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas—demanded year-round and driven by skilled women transforming their passion into power.

1️⃣ Video: Apni Kutir Kishanganj – Demonstration of modern hair cutting styles like feather cut, U-cut, and layered cut, empowering women to cater to evolving market trends.

2️⃣ Photos: Apni Kutir Khardah – Students master the art of hair massage, a therapeutic skill known to reduce stress, boost blood circulation, and enhance hair health—delighting clients and deepening customer loyalty.

3️⃣ Photos: Apni Kutir Khardah – Teachers demonstrate Kolka art for bridal makeup—an intricate traditional design essential for Bengali brides and a sought-after skill during the wedding season.

4️⃣ Photos: Apni Kutir Noorpur – Students practice facial techniques, a core skill in beautician training that forms the foundation for skin care services.

5️⃣ Photos: Apni Kutir Atabagan – A student gracefully poses as a bride. Bridal makeup is among the most in-demand services—professional training across centers ensures our students are ready for the spotlight.

6️⃣ Video: Apni Kutir Khardah – Women practice threading, one of the first skills taught in the course—precision, hygiene, and technique make this a client favorite.

7️⃣ Photos: Apni Kutir Chetla – Teacher demonstrates hair dressing, a skill crucial for client satisfaction, styling versatility, and professional excellence in the beauty industry.

8️⃣ Photos: Apni Kutir Kishanganj – A student poses elegantly in a saree. Diverse cultures bring diverse bridal looks—saree draping and regional bridal styling are integral parts of training.

9️⃣ Photos: Apni Kutir Baruipur – Beautician teacher demonstrates waxing—a skill that demands precision in temperature control and technique for safe, seamless results.

🔟Video: Apni Kutir Rajarhat – Students display eye makeup skills for everyday looks before graduating to bold bridal styles—because beauty is built, one brushstroke at a time.

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