About Us
About Us
Creative Ek Tara Foundation is a registered social enterprise that is committed to transforming the lives of adolescent girls and women from low socio economic backgrounds by providing them with skill development and livelihood training aimed at empowerment and sustainability.
Ek Tara Creates offers sustainable, handmade products, empowering women and supporting children’s education through skill development and income generation.
Our Story
Founded in 2011, Ek Tara’s vocational training program began as an Income Generation Program designed to empower mothers and young women in one of the largest slum communities in Kolkata. Our mission is to provide these women with the skills and opportunities needed to achieve self-reliance, financial independence, and a strong sense of community. Many of these women are mothers of children enrolled in Ek Tara and also those who have been inspired by our outreach efforts.
In the initial years, our team focused on creating handmade products such as rakhis, potlis, wedding gift items, and cushion covers, along with taking on small tailoring jobs. With an increase in demand we focused on reaching out to more women, thereby scaling our production and this led to establishing a social enterprise.
Today, approximately 35 women work with Ek Tara Creates, producing a diverse range of lifestyle and homeware products. Each woman experiences the empowerment of independence and the warmth of belonging through her work. Our journey has been remarkable, and as we continue to grow, we remain committed to empowering the real changemakers in our community.
Our Team
Vinita Saraf
Ms. Vinita Saraf is one of the driving forces behind Ek Tara Creates. With a strong belief in the potential of women from marginalised backgrounds, she actively works to facilitate their journey toward independence. Her dedication goes beyond mere support; Ms. Saraf strives to bring in partnerships and collaborations through her networking leading to opportunities that empower these women to thrive both personally and professionally. Under her guidance, Ek Tara Creates continues to aspire towards greater goals, embodying a commitment to social change and sustainable practices in the community.
Namrata Sureka
Ms. Namrata Sureka is the other pivotal force behind this creative endeavour. Her unwavering passion for empowering women from vulnerable communities reflects her deep commitment to fostering independence in all aspects of life. Through her leadership and vision, Ms. Sureka has been instrumental in guiding the initiatives of Ek Tara Creates, ensuring that each project not only supports sustainable craftsmanship but also uplifts the lives of those involved. Her dedication serves as a testament to the accomplishments of Ek Tara Creates and its future aspirations, making a meaningful impact on society.
Sonam Bajoria
Ms. Sonam Bajoria mentors and leads the project, ensuring design aesthetics and innovation. With a strong commitment to social responsibility and the empowerment of marginalised communities, Ms. Bajoria works closely with the team to recognize each woman's hard work, while applying her leadership qualities to inspire creativity across the diverse range of products made at Ek Tara Creates.
Shailja Bhalotia
Ms. Shailja Bhalotia is a valued recent addition to the Ek Tara Creates team, where she is dedicated to the curation of handmade home decor products and supporting their execution. Ms. Bhalotia's commitment to fostering creativity and self-reliance reflects her passion for giving back to society while promoting sustainable craftsmanship.