Behind the success of Aranya are a group of physically challenged young adults from the families of tea plantation workers. These young people are educated and rehabilitated at a vocational training centre managed by Tata Tea Ltd. The young artisans have shown exemplary determination in their endeavor to achieve economic self-sufficiency through projects like Aranya.
The entire process is environmentally friendly. Tea waste provides a primary source of tannins, browns and earth-tones. madder root imparts a variety of reds, indigo gives blues, lac, cochineal, marigold and other dyes round out the pallette. The waste water is used for irrigation in the adjacent garden project. Aranya have developed their own patterns through techniques such as batik, blockprinting and shibori. The results speak for themselves. Exquisite shawls and scarves made from silk and cotton masterfully dyed.
