Give them a New Ray of
hope today
No one has ever become
Poor By Giving
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Program Context & Background
At no point in history have more people been enslaved than women currently are in forced prostitution and sex trafficking. Urmi Basu, Founder-Director of New Light, Kolkata, India (http://www.newlightindia.org/) and Zuleikha, Founder-Director of The Storydancer Project (https://storydancer.com/) have collaborated to create a restorative program for women trafficked in the sex trade. The purpose of the initiative is to create safe spaces to explore creativity, joy and empowerment and thereby foster resilience.
'Kalpataru' is the Sanskrit word for the divine, wish-fulfilling tree of Indian mythology that imparts energy for changing one's destiny.
The idea of Kalpataru began in 2013 when The Storydancer Project began working with the mothers of children who are protected and cared for by New Light. These are women who have been trafficked into prostitution.
A more comprehensive program with the mothers was undertaken in 2014 and received such a positive response from the participants that the decision was made to bring Kalpataru to other red-light districts in India.
Elements of Kalpataru
Kalpataru, a restorative and healing program involving various aspects of self-care and introspection has shown remarkable results in impacting the lives of vulnerable women. Through Kalpataru program it is possible to initiate and reinforce positive behaviour and violence reduction among women in stressful situation. Kalpataru serves as path breaker in establishing restorative and correctional programs for marginalized and vlnerable women. The Workshop is a three day event with 30 participants (minimum) preferably.
Kalpataru Programme includes -
1. Meditation including Asanas and Pranayam
Take a Minute Core Wellness Exercises created by Zuleikha are easy-to-learn, rejuvenating exercises for body and mind, adaptable for all levels of ability. They improve mood, increase energy, and relieve the nervous system after trauma or chronic stress
2. Music, dance and movement sessions
Body Listening Movement Arts created by Zuleikha is a body-friendly way to creatively explore free movement. Body Listening can allow new pathways to open inspiring joy, a sense of wellbeing, improved awareness of thoughts, feelings and needs and a more fulfilling connection with others
3. Clay modelling/clay painting through self expression and Grooming and general beauty practice
Expressive Arts Exploration includes work with clay, movement, story, dance and music
4. Sharing and story dancing
The Council Circle is a form of group communication that has its roots in tribal traditions. The Council Circle provides a life-affirming environment of respect, trust and complete confidentiality where participants can safely share their most intimate stories without fear of ridicule or reprisal. Practical, vital resources about legal issues such as documentation, protection and human rights are shared
In keeping with the basic principle of health and wellness the diet is advised to be ayurvedic in nature (vegetarian) the cost of which is borne by New Light. As an expression of appreciation New Light offers gifts and certificates to the participants at the end of the three day program.
Program objectives/Projected outcomes
Connection to the body and a sense of self-worth tend to diminish in the face of traumatic experiences and stressful life circumstances. Based on qualitative feedback from 2014 Kalpataru, the program strengthens women's relationship with their physical/emotional selves and provides tools for maintaining health, joy and connection while facing significant life challenges.
Kalpataru aims to: