FLO day trip to Shantiniketan, Studio pottery, Organic farming, Batik printing, Spanish lunch and cooking session

The idea germinated from the fact of nurturing an interest in rural Bengal industries amongst the city bred. And got an overwhelming response from the FLO & YFLO Kolkata Chapter members, they were eager to participate in the FLO Shantiniketan trip! We received around 200 phone calls, 50 pre-registrations, but could take a group of 25, due to logistical constraints.

FLO, Kolkata in association with Applecart was delighted to organise a day trip to the beautiful abode and dream town of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan, on 4th December 2009.

The word Shantiniketan means, an abode of peace. A small university town, near Bolpur in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, approximately180 kms north from Kolkata is set as the dream nest of art, crafts, culture and education. It draws scholars from all over the world and exposes them to gurukul education and rural lifestyle with variety of choices.

Applecart is India’s first chef marketing company, dedicated to learning the art of perfection in food. Set up by friends Salmoli Mukerji and Abhilasha Sethia, it organizes food tours as well to bring people passionate about art and food together.

This trip included an interesting perspective to the artistic hub by introducing FLO members to various facets of art and industry, which have developed and thrive in this dream town. The winter weather was very pleasant, just suitable for a fabulous day outing. The group reached Shantiniketan by 9 am on Ganadevta Express with a sumptuous breakfast on board and local entertainment by baul folk singers.

On arrival, drove down to Lipi’s Pottery Studio, look around her beautiful mud house cum studio, went through the process of ceramic pottery with her from scratch and members merrily shopped her lovely creations to their heart’s content.

The FLO delegation then visited Biruda’s Organic farm, where he packages some of his organic products and sells them from the farm. Highly recommended are the mustard, haldi and the rice. Then headed towards Bio-Orchard of Rolf Schoembs Vidyashram. It was a unique opportunity to pluck, collect and choose our own vegetables at this farm. These fruits and vegetables were later used for our Spanish lunch! Met with over 100 tribal Santhal school children in this farm, who come here from surrounding villages and study in Santhal medium. It was an amazing experience.

Went on to drive through Vishwabharti University. Saw Kala Bhavan, Tagore’s home and museum, Chatim Tala, Upasana Griha, and the classrooms en route to Suchi’s Batik printing unit. Her husband, Pepe a self taught chef runs a Spanish restaurant and was the chef of the afternoon who served an elaborate Spanish meal and taught the ladies some fabulous authentic Spanish recipes rustled up with local fresh grows. Suchi showcased the unique art form of Batik printing and her skills. Her designs are unusual, unique on fabrics like silk and cotton. The ladies got busy shopping post lunch.

This was an unusual and exciting travel opportunity. A “special experience” that only a FLO delegation can provide, as you laugh, share and bond with your peers along with a valuable insight into indigenous industries and meeting first generation entrepreneurs.