Kolonkojoyini: Maa Durga Installation Fights Stigma for Trafficking Survivors
Sanlaap and Tribes unveil Kolonkojoyini, a Maa Durga installation made of survivors' clothes to champion dignity for sex trafficking survivors.
In the heart of Kolkata, where the city transforms into a canvas of devotion and art during Durga Puja, a powerful new initiative is turning cultural celebration into a call for social justice. Kolonkojoyini, a monumental artistic installation of Maa Durga, has been unveiled to champion the dignity and acceptance of women and girls who have survived sex trafficking.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Kolkata-based NGO Sanlaap and the creative agency Tribes. Drawing inspiration from the emotional homecoming of Maa Durga—a symbol of the enduring bond between a daughter and her family—the initiative asks society to extend that same love and compassion to survivors who are often shunned by their own communities.
The Art of Resilience: 'She Who Conquers Stigma'
The name Kolonkojoyini translates to "She Who Conquers Stigma," a title that reflects the core mission of the installation. What makes this artwork truly extraordinary is its composition: the image of Maa Durga is crafted using hundreds of garments contributed by survivors of sex trafficking.
Each piece of clothing is more than just fabric; it represents an individual story of pain, survival, and hope. By weaving these garments together into a collective expression of strength, the installation creates a visual narrative of resilience, urging viewers to see the humanity and dignity of the women behind the clothes.
"Kolonkojoyini brings together the cultural resonance of Maa Durga and a deeply human message of dignity and acceptance," said Gour Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Tribes. "We believe creativity can help make difficult subjects more accessible, fostering empathy and encouraging people to turn their intentions into positive action."
Breaking the Cycle of Discrimination
For many survivors, the trauma of exploitation is compounded by the social stigma they face upon returning to society. Whether in their families, educational institutions, or local communities, the road to reintegration is often blocked by prejudice.
Pinaki Sinha, Executive Director of Sanlaap, emphasized that rebuilding a life requires more than just recovery from trauma—it requires a society willing to accept them. He noted that every woman and girl deserves the chance to be recognized for her strength and to live as an equal member of society, regardless of her past.
An Interactive Journey Toward Acceptance
Kolonkojoyini is designed not just to be viewed, but to be experienced. To move the conversation from observation to action, the installation includes several interactive elements:
- The Wall of Acceptance: A space where visitors can write and display their personal commitments to treating survivors with respect and dignity.
- Digital Pledge Podium: An interactive platform for visitors to formally pledge their support for the cause.
- Information Hub: A dedicated section featuring details about Sanlaap's work, including a QR code that allows the public to explore the NGO's initiatives and find ways to contribute.
By blending culturally relevant storytelling with experiential engagement, Sanlaap and Tribes aim to transform the public space into a forum for empathy. As Kolkata celebrates the spirit of belonging this festive season, Kolonkojoyini serves as a poignant reminder that true celebration lies in ensuring every daughter is welcomed home with dignity and hope.