~ Supported by Tata Steel Foundation, Women-Led Tribal Enterprises Take Centre Stage
Kalinganagar, January 6, 2026: Women entrepreneurs from Navjeevan Cooperative Limited, Kalinganagar, supported by Tata Steel Foundation (TSF), made a strong impression at the 35th Annual Flower Show held at Gopal Maidan, Jamshedpur.The event provided a vibrant platform for showcasing women-led tribal enterprises rooted in heritage, skill, and sustainable livelihoods.
Navjeevan’s stall drew a steady stream of visitors with its array of handcrafted products, reflecting growing consumer appreciation for authentic tribal art and ethically produced textiles.
Established in 2012 following the resettlement of over 1,200 families, largely from the Ho tribal community, Navjeevan has evolved from a self-help group into a women-led cooperative, and in 2025 transitioned into a Trust-led organisation. Today, it has 85 active members across Gobarghati, Trijanga, and Sansailo, engaged in apparel manufacturing, tribal art and crafts, printing and stationery, and Tassar silk reeling.
A major highlight is the revival of Saura tribal painting, an ancient art form of Odisha. “We started with stitching and small orders. From our earnings, we saved to train in Saura painting. Today, our paintings are in high demand,” said Kousalya Patra, President of Navjeevan, Trijanga. “Earlier, we depended on our families for money. Now, we earn independently and support our households.”
Navjeevan’s ‘Farm to Fashion’ initiative integrates local farmers and artisans into a sustainable value chain built around GI-tagged Sukinda Ecorace Tassar silk. Working with over 500 farmers from Jajpur and Keonjhar districts, the cooperative processes cocoons into yarn, which is woven, naturally dyed, and crafted into premium apparel and home décor. “After three months of training in Tassar reeling, our sarees now sell for ₹10,000 to ₹20,000,” shared Sarita Rani Patra, a Navjeevan member. “As women, we feel proud to earn and become changemakers in our families.”
Navjeevan achieved a turnover of ₹24 lakh in FY 2024–25 and launched new units in Tassar reeling and photo framing, engaging more women members. Two artisans have been empanelled as trainers by the District Industries Centre, Jajpur, while two Master Craft Persons have been shortlisted for the State Crafts Award. The cooperative supplies products to corporates and collaborates with the State Institute for Development of Arts and Crafts (SIDAC), Government of Odisha, for artisan certification and recognition.
As demand for indigenous, sustainable products grows, Navjeevan aims to expand its artisan base, strengthen market linkages, and continue preserving Odisha’s rich tribal heritage while securing dignified livelihoods for women across Kalinganagar.
